Happy Day Before Fashion Week!
Last night, I was honored to spend an evening with Iman, beginning with a talk at the 92nd Street Y, and ending with dinner on the Upper East side.
I learned more about her illustrious career, and marveled at how she morphed from super model into a bomb business woman. We all could learn a lot from her! During her talk, she said that one day she met a guy who encouraged her to stop socializing as much and focus on building her brand. Her Iman Cosmetics line is now a $25 million empire!
During dinner, I was at the same table as celebrity stylist June Ambrose and makeup artist to the stars Jay Manuel.
Along with W Magazine Fashion and Style Editor Edward Enninful and model Alexis Primous.
On the eve of Fashion Week, I had to ask Edward for a few words of advice. I asked, “Have you ever felt like you wanted to give up?” He revealed that yes, he had those feelings in the 90’s, when he felt a lot of his colleagues were doing well in America, but he sensed he was ‘stuck’ in London. “What advice would you offer to young hopefuls?,” I asked. He said to keep going. Keep pushing and you’ll get there eventually. Last night was proof of his theory!
Perhaps it’s the perfectionist in me, but I can be pretty hard on myself! There are days when I feel noone’s reading Fashion Bomb Daily; days I question whether the site is serving its purpose and mission; moments when I wonder if what I’m doing is making any impact at all!
And especially during Fashion Week, I really start to question myself. 9 years into creating one of the world’s most influential style sites, and I still don’t get carte blanche to every fashion event or show in the city. It’s humbling for sure, and you start to wonder: will I ever get to the point when the industry I love will acknowledge my contributions?
BUT 9 years ago, I would’ve NEVER thought I’d be breathing the same air as a supermodel (or trying on her jacket, HELLO?) or breaking bread with some of the world’s most recognized and celebrated artists and stylists. I surely never thought I’d be living full time from something I created! So even though it’s easy to fret about what I don’t have, I’ve got to admit, I’m pretty dern blessed. I’ve come very far, and I’m sure if I keep at it, I WILL have all I want, one day.
With that said, I’m going to get my beauty rest and prepare for my day full of shows and events tomorrow. It’s about to be an amazing Fashion Week!
See more pix from the event below:
*Duh I wore a Balenciaga tee, Michael Kors sequined jogging pants, and Prada Wavy Sandals.
**I want that Balmain blazer!! Now!!
Images: Karl Pierre
