Dub Electric- High Grade Glam

We Moved!!!

2009-07-24T05:22:00.008-04:00

I stopped posting on this blog looooog ago because it was too much to maintain and not really formatted to contain my burgeoning interests. Soooo, I now have a new blog home(it's still a work in progress) come check us out and subscribe all over again. CLICK HERE

xoxoxoxo Jene'

Glam Picks

2008-06-19T14:04:00.016-04:00

The Chanel Bicycle

Chanel presents the $1200 limited edition leather and aluminum bike for SS2008 season. What better way to get in shape than in style? The 36 lb bike is designed with Chanel's trademark quilted leather complete with eight speeds, a leather seat, a fashionable saddlebag with the famous Chanel logo, and comes with jeweled pant clips. Less than 50 have been manufactured worldwide and only 19 were shipped to the US. The bike is sold at Neiman's but is at auction at Pamela Z Luxury online.

Chihuly Chandeliers
Chandeliers have been household showpieces for the rich and glamorous for ages. Amazing glass artist Dale Chihuly has taken this trend and popularized it with a fabulous new twist. His amazing installations are fast becoming the new must have in modern home decor. Here are a few of his designs.

I was able to travel to Tacoma, Washington (Chihuly's home town) to view an exhibit of his spectacular work. If you're unable to see an actual exhibit, check out his website for pictures and more information.

The Golden Opulence Sundae

The world famous Golden Opulence Sundae cost roughly $1000 and is available exclusively at celeb hot spot Serendipity on 60th St. in New York City. This high ticket desert comes complete with five scoops of premium vanilla ice cream made from Tahitian Vanilla beans and Madagascar Vanilla covered in 23k edible gold leaf. It is then drizzled with the world's most expensive chocolate, Amedei Porceleana and chunks of rare Chuao Chocolate. Then suffused with Parisian candied fruit, gold dragets, truffles and Marzipan Cherries. A petite bowl of Grand Passion Caviar is placed on top and served in a baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet with an 18k gold spoon (which some patrons keep). Lastly the delicious work of art is topped with a gilded sugar flower by famous cake maker Ron Ben-Israel.

Check out Serendipity's website for more info.

Vouge Italia: The Black Issue

2008-06-19T13:46:00.007-04:00

Next month, African Model Liya Kebede will grace the cover of Vouge Italia with a fold out including models Sesilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell with photography by Steven Meisel in celebration of it's much talked about 'Black Issue'.

The fashion industry has been criticized for ages due to the lack of black models featured on the runways and magazine editorials. Italian Vogue Editor, Franca Sozzani, stated “mine is not a magazine that can be accused of not using black girls”, pointing out that she has featured Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede and Alek Wek on her covers over the years.

Naomi Campbell by Steven Meisel

“Franca doesn’t realize what she’s done for people of color,” Campbell said who is featured in 20 pictures. “It reminds me of Yves (Saint laurent) using all the black models.”

Yves St. Laurent with Mounia

Tyra Banks by Steven Meisel

In a reverse of the general pattern of fashion magazines, all the faces in the July issue of Italian Vogue, and all the feature topics are related to black women in the arts and entertainment.
Other black models who were photographed for Vogue Italia include Alek Wek, Alva Chin, Arlenis Sosa Pena, Chanel Iman, Gail O’Neil, Iman, Karen Alexander, Tyra Banks, Veronica Webb, and Yasmin Warsame.

Sessilee Lopez

Chanel Iman

Liya Kebede

Read the full NYTimes article here.
Source.

Sexiness of the Day

2008-06-19T13:17:00.007-04:00

Model/Actor/Playgirl pin-up Marcus Patrick was born in Bath, England to a English, Irish, and French father and Jamaican, Cuban, and Cherokee mother.

Best known for his work on soaps such as All My Children and Days of Our Lives, Patrick recently starred alongside Rosario Dawson in The Descent and will be in the upcoming romantic comedy Love and Other Four-Letter Words.

Check out his website here.

Trend Alert: Shoes, Bags, and Hats

2008-06-02T10:44:00.015-04:00

Available at Marni-International.

Linea Paolo 'Brayden' T-Strap Sandal $109.95 available at Nordstrom.

CHLOÉ Perspex panel sandals $890 available at Net-a-Porter,
Michael Antonio Pow Black and Tan Sexy Ankle Strap Heel $37 available at LuLu's.com.

Looks from Versace Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear

Large Crocodile Tote by Nancy Gonzalez $4,100.00, Small Croc Tote by Nancy Gonzalez $1,750.00, Pleated Ostrich Clutch by Sang A $2,215.00, and Jade Python Pleat Clutch by Sang A $1,675.00 all available at Vivre.

Lelya Patchwork Snakeskin Clutch $525 available at InterMix

Pink hat by Chris Benz, Lime sombrero by Dior

Ophelie : Large Brim Beach Hat $70 available at Hatagories.com.
Fortissimo Hollywood by Kokin $295.00 available at Vivre.

Yves Saint-Laurent 1936-2008

2008-06-02T10:10:00.002-04:00

Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent, one of the famed great designers of the 20th Century and Legendary couturier, passed yesterday afternoon in Paris France at the age of 71 due to a long battle with brain cancer. Born in Oran, Algeria during the time the African country was still French territory, Saint Laurent is known as the spectacular designer who revolutionized ready-to-wear and haute couture as well as the first designer to use black models on the runway. At the tender age of 17 he moved to Paris with a solid collection of sketches in tow. The following year he won three of the four categories in a design competition in Paris (the fourth went to his contemporary Karl Lagerfeld, now at Chanel). At the behest of Vogue editor Michel de Brunoff, Yves was hired at the house of Christian Dior and at the age of 21, he was charged with saving the Dior house from financial ruin following Christian Dior’s death in 1957.
In 1960, soon after Yves took control of the Dior house, he was drafted into the in the French army during the Algerian War of Independence. According to reports, after 2 1/2 weeks of being hazed and tortured by other solders, he was sent to a French mental institution and treated with electroshock therapy. Yves already had a history of mental illness after being taunted in his childhood for his homosexuality. After being released from the French army due to his health, Yves returned to Paris and Dior to find he had already been replaced by Marc Bohan, and in 1962, Yves created the YSL label with business partner Pierre Bergé. His name and the familiar YSL logo became synonymous with all the latest trends, highlighted by the creation of the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear label and perfume, as well as astute licensing deals for accessories and perfumes. In 1983, Saint Laurent was the first designer to be honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and will always be remembered for his iconic black trouser suits and safari jackets that dressed the woman’s revolution of the 1960's. Funeral services for Yves Saint Laurent are scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Paris, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy expected to attend. Service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Eglise Saint-Roch at 296 Rue Saint Honore. Afterward, Saint Laurent will be incinerated, and his ashes will rest at his famous Majorelle Garden in Marrakech. Rest in Peace.

Source, Source, & Source.

Picture Source

Music Minute

2008-05-16T10:50:00.002-04:00

Santogold has been on everyone's artist to watch list over the past few years. Her sound, which is a creative blend of punk, dub, thrash, dance and a host of other genres surprises most, but for many is the perfect blend. For her true fans she is their best kept secret, not yet tainted by the media or big dollar record labels. Like most indie artists, she gets more love overseas, but has a growing fan base in America, and her song Creator is featured in an American beer commercial. Check out her Myspace page here to learn more.

Check out her backstage pass interview with MTVu here.

After Five

2008-05-16T10:11:00.003-04:00

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009

Oscar de la Renta has been one of my favorite all time fashion designers (along with Yves St. Laurent) for as long as I can remember. He is a phenomenal dress maker and can add a taste of royalty and high class to any trend. This collection, in full, is what resort season is all about. Complete with equestrian-esque caps and shantung day suits, the collection reminds one of a time when haute couture was still haute couture. See the full collection here.

Sexiness of the Day

2008-05-16T10:05:00.003-04:00

Model Brandon Parker

Summer Slim

2008-05-16T09:28:00.008-04:00

Summer is here but most of us are still scrambling around trying to shed that extra 10, 15, or even 20lbs. While exercise is big fun and all sometimes a quick fix is better. Although there is no instant remedy for fat other than scary lipo, I've found a few products that claim to tighten those saggy areas we're too lazy to work on.

Rodial Tummy Tuck claims to tighten your waistline, help you shed 2cm in 8 weeks and is made with fig extract and neuropeptides that break down fatty cells and boost cell metabolism. All that for just $150 a bottle. Rodial also offers a Boob Job in a bottle that claims to gradually increase your bust line in about 60 days. Check it out here.

Fat Girl slim is a coveted product offered by Bliss NYC that claims to visibly diminish skin dimpless. According to Bliss, this product is the skin-slimming stuff of choice of supermodels, spokespeople and other celebs. They offer a wide range of 'Fat Girl' Products, check them out here.

A new favorite company of mine is Borba where their motto is to promote healthy skin from within. This skin firming set is equipped with a Firming Body Cleansing Serum, Firming Micro-Diamond Body Polish, Firming Diamond Shimmer Contour, Firming Neck & Decollete Cream, Firming Skin Balance Water, and Firming Aqua-less Crystalline packettes.

Their enhanced waters come in four varieties that seek to clarify, firm, replenish and age defy. I've tried the Clarifying pomergranete and liked it despite the fact each drink is $5 a bottle. But its low in calories and packed with nutrients. Check all the drinks out here.

Fabric Live Tonight!

2008-05-16T09:20:00.002-04:00

Got this invite but can't make it across the pond anytime soon, if you're in Londontown this eve, check it out.

Check out f a b r i c l o n d o n.com for more details

Dior RESORT 2009

2008-05-13T23:32:00.017-04:00

The 2009 resort season kicked off Monday with the showing of John Galliano's collection for Christian Dior at the famed Guastavino’s in New York City. Galliano presented a 60's inspired collection that oozed with sophisticated glamour. The cuts, fabrics and styles are all familiar, but the lively colors and unlikely sombrero adds modern appeal. Resort collections are usually sought after by the rich and famous or stuffy upper class types, but designers seeking to reach the today's fashion consumer have revamped the look of Resort season for 2009.

As with any other Galliano production, plenty of celebs were in tow.

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior

Genevieve Jones and André Leon Talley.

Hamish Bowles

Lou Doillon and John Galliano

Jennifer Lopez

Ana Wintour and Candy Pratts Price

Ziyi Zhang in Dior

Music Minute: The Rapture

2008-04-15T11:53:00.003-04:00

The Rapture's sound has been dubbed indie but is rather undefinable. For the hardcore hip-hop fan they may sound a bit rock and roll, but these guys are mix of everything. Funk, disco, and alternative blends make The Rapture a perfect band for the urban hipster who listens to more than just top 40 BS. Check out their video for the hit "Whoo Alright Yeah Uh Huh" below. Can't see the vid? Click here.

Check them out on their Myspace or on the band Website.

Trend Alert: Warrior Sandals

2008-04-15T11:48:00.006-04:00

Christina Ricci for Blackbook Mag in an Emporio Armani shirt , underwear by Noir, and warrior sandals by Givenchy.

The Olsens

This trend has been around for the past three years or so and has recently has become extremely popular in the UK and among the fashion forward in the US. Warrior or gladiator sandals come in a variety of styles this season that fit almost any budget.

Balenciaga

Want the look but on a tight budget? Try these Nine West Heech for $93 at Zappos available in Black and Gold and Silver Reptile.

Want something a little more casual? Try these Sam Edelman Ginger Gladiators available at Urban Outfitters for $98

Urban Outfitters has an awesome collection of gladiators available for purchase online. See them all here.

Looking for something a bit sexier? Try these Chain Gladiator Sandal by Sergio Rossi now on sale for $478 from $1,195.00 available at Vivre.

TOPSHOP Flagship Launch in Soho

2008-04-15T11:14:00.001-04:00

Work for T O P S H O P!! Click here to for more details or to apply.

New York Flagship Launch
478 Broadway, Soho
Opens Fall 2008

Source: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Seen on the Scene

2008-04-10T10:57:00.006-04:00

La Lagerfeld was spotted on the streets of NY with his "diet coke butler" in tow. Apparently Lagerfeld lost 90lbs in 2001 drinking diet coke and eating steamed veggies only. He has definitely lost a few over the years.

Then: a heavier Lagerfeld

Now: a more svelte Lagerfeld

Model of the Week

2008-04-10T01:05:00.006-04:00

Yasmin Warsame

Warsame for L.A.M.B.

Warsame for Ellie Saab

Warsame for L.A.M.B.

Somali-born Canadian supermodel Yasmin Warsame named Most Alluring Canadian by fashion magazine is one of my all-time fav models, she can pull of any look and can transform herself simply by changing her hair. Never in need of much make-up Warsame is the epitome of natural African beauty.

New Boutique for Varvatos

2008-04-10T00:05:00.000-04:00

Music lover and fashion designer John Varvatos is opening a new boutique at the famed CBGB club in NY. The club was forced to close its doors in 2006 due to a dispute over the rent.

Vavatos with Alice Cooper

Varvatos is commited to maintaining the integrity and tradition of the club and states "We're not trying to reinvent CBGB's, we're just trying to respect the past and let people have an opportunity to enjoy what was there."

Iggy Pop for Varvatos

Know for fusing his deep love of music with his spectacular menswear line, Varvatos is brining the NY underground scene of the 70's and 80's to the contemporary elite and hipster crowds alike with this latest venture.

Varvatos

Read More here.

Days of Wrath

2008-04-10T00:00:00.001-04:00

Wilmer Valderama and Melyssa Ford

A new film titled "Days of Wrath" starring Wilmer Valderama is getting a lot of buz around the net due to a sex scene with between Valderama and vixen Melyssa Ford. That's great and all and I like Melyssa, BUT what folks really should be buzzing about is not only the star-studded cast but the fact that Celia Fox the producer and director of the flick is making Hollywood history as the first female to direct a film of this content. The huge ensemble cast consist of may-jah stars like Laurence Fishburne, Taye Diggs, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jesse Garcia and Wilmer Valderrama, in what will soon be known as his breakthrough movie role, playing psychotic gangster, Danny Boy. It also has rap stars Kurupt, Rick Ross, David Banner, and Slim Thug. I will be going to see this for Mr. Banner Alone.

Watch the Trailer here

Laurence Fishburne

David Banner and Slim Thug

Tonite...

2008-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

He'll be here. I love Madlib.

click here if you can't see the video.

Get the Look

2008-03-31T10:43:00.003-04:00

Promotional pictures for Michelle Williams rocking an edgier look have surfaced via her website. The former gospel singer is still signed to Mathew Knowles label Music World Entertainment and her new album titled Unexpected is expected to drop this Summer. Listen to a snipet on her Myspace page.

Get the Look:

JBrand 941 Jett Wash Skinny Jean available at InterMix.

Fairtrade Frill Sleeve Top available at T O P S H O P

Christian Louboutin Fontanete Platform Pumps available at Saks, they also come in Taupe.

Aminaka Wilmont Pleated Leather Jacket available at Net-a-Porter.

Across the Pond

2008-03-13T10:21:00.001-04:00

My favorite dj's and friend Grizzly will be playing at LIFE tonite in London from 8-2am, click here for Open Sauce's myspace page.

Diplo sent this over this morning:

I'm gonna be on the Myspace Music Tour with Justice starting March 19th in Detroit through the end of the tour in LA. Ticket links below, get on that.
Also, anyone down in Austin for SXSW, make sure to come by the Mad Decent vs iheartcomix blowout at a warehouse downtown on Friday. Diplo and most of the Mad Decent crew will be there - Blaqstarr, Rye Rye, Boy 8 Bit. RSVP at www.austinblowout.com

Mar 16 - Montreal, QC @ Cepsum
Mar 18 - Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy
Mar 19 - Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall
Mar 20 - Chicago, IL - SOLD OUT
Mar 22 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
Mar 24 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
Mar 25 - Vancouver, BC - SOLD OUT
Mar 26 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Mar 27 - San Francisco, CA @ Concourse Design Center
Mar 29 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Roots Magic Club
Mar 30 - Las Vegas, NV @ The House of Blues*
Mar 31 - Los Angeles, CA - SOLD OUT

* Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (18+) with a valid I.D. to gain entry to the venue.

Chromeo at SXSW

TWO STEPPIN' IN CANADA TOUR!

March 20: Montreal - Le National. Buy tix here.
March 21: Ottawa - Capital Music Hall. Buy tix here.
March 23: Toronto - Opera House. Buy tix here.
April 3: Vancouver - Commodore Ballroom. Buy tix here.

FANCY FOOTWORK UK TOUR 2008

April 10: Manchester - Academy. Buy tickets here.
April 11: London - KOKO. Buy tickets here.
April 12: Sheffield - Plug. Buy tickets here.

Check it out!!!

New Video from Raheem DeVaughn

2008-03-13T10:04:00.003-04:00

Track: Customer

New Vintage

2008-03-11T10:14:00.008-04:00

Phenomenal singer/sonqwriter Choklate's approach is not powerful or pop-polished, but rich, mature, and effortless. Of her first record Sound Sessions Vol. 1, produced and engineered by her brother Mike D, Choklate recalls, "During the recording of that album, I was introduced to punctuality, professionalism, and the politics of the game. Mike D made sure, musically, that I had a canvas to discover and work on my voice." She later met J Moore and Erica White of Jasiri Management in Seattle, Washington after leaving Southern California. Soon Choklate's potential as an artist became evident, and those within her circle became involved in taking powerful roles in developing her career by introducing her to the three of the hottest hiphop producers in Seattle, Vitamin D, BeanOne and JakeOne.

adapted, read Choklates full Bio here.

Be sure to check out Choklate on the road:

Motolov Lounge-8p
SXSW
Austin TX
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

972/Vue-9p
5100 Belt Lane Road Suite 410
Dallas TX 75254
Monday, March 17th, 2008

Joseph Caleb Auditorium
Mocha Soul presents: - 8p
5400NW 22nd Ave
Miami FL
Price: $20
Thursday, March 20th, 2008

Choklate-In stores now!!! Buy the album here.

Check out Choklate's Myspace Page and her website here.
Editors Pick: Incredible, Never Change

Choklate Live: Never Change

Click here here if you can't see the video

Want More: Read Choklate's Vibe.com article here.

On Tour

2008-03-10T11:46:00.001-04:00

Mos Def will be performing at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square March 30th with super MC Jay-Electronica. If you haven't heard of him he is the man Erykah Badu swears by and is rumored to be her latest male conquest. Check out the two together in the vid below.

Jay and E are also on the Cover of this months URB mag.
Click here if you cant see the vid.