Today in Photoshop: Rihanna's Curves Go Missing on Cover of ELLE Magazine

In case you weren't aware, Rihanna loves her curves. The envelope-pushing fashionista was thrilled to see models flaunt their voluptuous figures on Paris runways (namely, Jean Paul Gaultier) according to her interview for the cover of Elle Magazine. 

“I went to a Jean Paul Gaultier show, and I saw girls who are thicker than me, beautiful and voluptuous and different ethnicities. That made me so excited. I thought, Okay, I can work that, for sure,” Rihanna said.

Ironically, Rih's own curves seem to be missing from her Elle Magazine cover (waist? hips? boobs?). Critics are accusing Elle of being heavy-handed with airbrushing. Do you agree?

I love Rih's shape, in all it's curvy glory, and prefer to see it genuinely represented in editorial...especially, since Rihanna is vocal within the article about diversity in Fashion.

But...I'm still going crazy over that gorgeous purple and gold Balmain dress from the Fall 2010 runway in addition to the other glamazing Elle Magazine-worthy get-ups she rocks in the cover story. Check the shots, photographed by Tom Munro, below:

Love that leopard Lanvin trench! It seems the shoot is all leopard print (my favorite pattern, LOL). Hotness! Also, here's the runway shot and cover...I NEED that dress.

Whether she's draped in Balmain, Lanvin or one of her favorite designers, Alexandre Vauthier, Rihanna's curves bring all the boys to the yard. And one boy, in particular, Matt Kemp gets a sweet shoutout in the Elle Magazine article. 

As for ex Chris Brown, Rih tells Elle that she either wanted to "be with him again or get over it." Uh...there were options? I'll leave that for you guys to discuss...

What do you think of the cover? Does it look airbrushed? How much do you love Rih's fashion? And umm...someone explain that Chris Brown comment.

Kisses,

Coutura

Runway Review: Alexander Wang Resort 2011

Has Alexander Wang lost his edge for the 2011 Resort season? Don't bet on it.

But do expect a more reserved, polished cruise collection this time around. The Alexander Wang girl has left the gritty downtown streets for a country house or a posh suburban neighborhood complete with freshly-cut grass, butterflies and squirrels.

Turtleneck sweaters, pleated skirts, cropped tops and crisp pants defined the collection. The aesthetic was overwhelmingly simple and classic in a departure from his previous collections, which were more trendy than timeless.

Though I'm hesitant to yell that he's abandoning his target, fashion-crazed, young demographic altogether (the patent-leather jacket, mesh tights/gloves and socks with sandals are anything but conservative), he is obviously on a mission to expand his market and appeal to conservative shoppers by mixing in wardrobe basics.

Understandable, sure, but basic and Alexander Wang should never be in the same sentence...except this sentence saying they shouldn't.

What do you think of Alexander Wang's new reserved collection?

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Style.com.

Leave Willow Smith Alone: The 9-year old Faces Criticism for Funky Outfits and Budding Music Career

While many critics are claiming Willow Smith shouldn't be allowed to flaunt her funky fashion sense, I am all for it.

Why do you ask? Well, growing up I was always weird (read: highly-creative, unique sense of style) and my mother's decision to nurture my artistic spirit and love for fashion is why I have the job I do now. (Anyone who saw my preschool picture in my favorite white and purple striped jumpsuit, white ballet flats, purple headband and fierce hand-on-the-hip pose can attest to this).

I think it's great to embrace and even encourage your child to be unique, free and comfortable in their own skin; it goes a long way in building their self-esteem and teaching them it's okay to be different.

So my take: bring on the half-shaved mohawk, the Converse shoe-pants, the leopard print ensemble if that's how she'd love to dress.

The full-blown entertainment career at the age of nine, however, may be another story. Just yesterday, Mother Jada Pinkett announced that Willow is gearing up for her debut album. See her quote below:

"I have always had a love for music, always, always, and always. I probably started to pursue it a little late in life. But it was always a passion of mine. I had always been too afraid to venture into music, but I decided when I was about 30 to just go for it. I started a metal band called Wicked Wisdom. I toured and I loved it...But soon after, my kids' careers started taking off, so I sacrificed it. I am pleased to say my daughter, Willow, will be putting out an album soon and I look forward to enjoying music through her creations. So I am excited about that, and she's pretty awesome," Jada said.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100143617&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=music&cp

To be fair, Willow is not the first kid star---and she has her Mom guiding her every step of the way. But when I think of how the music industry operates, from its debauchery to the leeches that lurk at every star-studded corner, I can't help but wonder if it's the right place for a developing child. (We all saw what happened to Michael Jackson...RIP).

What do you think? Is Willow's funky fashion and budding music career to much for a 9 year-old child? Is she just having fun with fashion? Should critics leave her be? Should she wait to pursue a music career? Discuss.

And check out her head-turning looks below.

Kisses,

Coutura

Backstage Beauty: Chris Benz Resort 2011 Collection

The only thing that I would wake up at 7 a.m. for at this point in my life would be to see some great fashion, hear about an awesome new beauty product, get my hair styled by a phenomenal celebrity hairstylist or well, ahem, YOU know.

So when I received the e-mail asking if I wanted to come and check out the hair and makeup looks + view Chris Benz's 2011 Resort Collection, I immediately said yes. (Even if I did have to be there at 8 a.m.)

But, oh what glorious pieces Mr. Benz has created! (Don't you just die over these shoes?!) They're so gorge and make me want to take a vaca immediately (which, as you know from a previous post I'm in such dire need for haha).

Inspired by the women of the 1950's, the hair was pulled back into a retro faux bob.

Head hairstylist John Ruidant (for Redken) used lots of Redken Body Full Amplifier along with Redken Forceful 23 Aersol Hair Spray. And that gorge magenta lip? Why, that's a shade from Lancome called Tender Kiss. Love! What do you think of the hair and makeup look, Glamazons?

Magazine GLAM or SHAM?: Jada Pinkett-Smith Goes Naked on the Cover of ESSENCE

Joining the recent trend of nude celebs (Kim Kardashian, Joy Bryant, Catherine Zeta Jones, Christina Aguilera, Claudia Schiffer...shall I go on?) Jada Pinkett-Smith bares all for the June cover of ESSENCE magazine. On the second cover, she wears a minidress and rocks glorious, voluminous curls.

While the gorgeous actress and mother of two can do no wrong in my eyes, I have to question why celebrities are baring it all with a renewed sense of vigor and frequency in these past couple of months. Is it to make a statement (Jada's statement is apparently for her daughter, pint-size fashionista Willow, to embrace her body)? Or to show something new on your (sixth) cover of the same magazine?

We explored the need for magazine covers to feature new subjects and I'm starting to think their answer is run the same celebrity, but naked this time to show readers something they haven't seen.

Is it working? Are we willing to buy the same star on the same mag if they're in the nude? I'm not completely sold...though Jada Pinkett-Smith's skin is flawlessly smooth (what beauty products does she use? I need that glow in my life).

What are your thoughts, Glamazons? Do you love the cover? Do you think it's a "statement" or a transparent sales tactic?

Kisses,

Coutura

Magazine Glam: Sessilee Lopez and Wendell Lissimore in a Sexy Spread for Contributing Editor

What happens when a gorgeous supermodel, handsome eye candy and a phenomenal stylist come together? Pure and utter perfection.

Friend of the Glamazons, Memsor Kamarake, showed off his glamazing styling chops in a to-die-for spread for Contributing Editor. Featuring my favorite model, Sessilee Lopez, and the always suave model, Wendell Lissimore (you've seen him on Centric's Model City), the spread is brimming with humor, sex appeal, creativity...and of course, must-have fashions.

Check it out below and tell me which spread is your favorite. Don't you just love it?

Kisses,

Coutura

Time Out From The World

The lazy days of summer have set in and I feel like everyone is experiencing the laziness but me. I'm exhausted, Glamazons. All around me, friends are heading out of the country on vacations; others may be planning them and I can't even think about it. Well, I do...for about two seconds before I dismiss it from my mind. How I'd love to be lounging halfway around the world on a beach somewhere. With no service so no one can reach me. (That's me above floating in a pool at a resort in Mexico.) Alas, these are just fleeting thoughts before it's back to the grind...and don't get me wrong...I love life. Sometimes it's just really hard. Especially life in New York. But, it's the life that I've chosen and I wouldn't have it any other way...except for a little vacation right now...oh and more money in my bank account...and maybe a new pair of Louboutins. Ok, I'll stop.

What type of R&R activities do you do Glamazons when you need to take some time away from the world?

xo

Ferocia

Sally Hansen Offering Free Manicures Today in L.A.!!!

Who knew that bone marrow donation could equate to beautiful nails?!

Alright, so you don't have to necessarily donate your bone marrow, but you do have to get "swabbed" to help DKMS find potential bone marrow donors (because there are tons of leukemia and cancer patients out there that are in desperate need of the stuff!) and then Sally Hansen will give you a FREE manicure. (Something that I could totally use right about now because my nails are looking a hot sham of a mess....sigh). Where is all this greatness happening? Why, in Los Angeles of course! (Where I wouldn't mind being right about now. I always have so much fun when I go there.)

The event will take place today from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. in the Central Courtyard at the Hollywood & Highland Center, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. (So you should totally go over on your lunch break...or just take a half day and tell your boss that you're helping out charity.)

Manicurists from Sally Hansen will be dolling up your nails using shades from their Complete Salon Manicure (which I've already raved about here on The Glamazons! The stuff is pretty amazing.) I also must mention that Sally Hansen is doing all these free manicures as part of their "Color That Cares" campaign and because they're trying to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most manicures done in a day, so why not help them out? This is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

If you go, tweet us a TwitPic of your finished mani!

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: Fergie's Ad Campaign Shots For Her New Avon Fragrance, Outspoken

Avon has leaked some shots from Fergie Ferg's upcoming advertisement campaign for her first fragrance, Outspoken. As previously reported here on The Glamazons, the starlet is set to release the "bold, floral fruity" scented juice in September 2010 and it will retail for $28.

What do you think of the pictures from the ads? GLAM or SHAM?

xo

Ferocia

VIDEO GLAM: Lady Gaga's "Alejandro"

It's here! It's here! Stop what you're doing right now and watch Lady Gaga's newest music video, "Alejandro"

Come Celebrate the Launch of Hairstylist Ric Pipino's Revolution in Cut

Hey Glamazons! Today (June 8) and June 10th, hairstylist Ric Pipino and his team of hairstylists from Pipino Downtown and Spa Chakra will be on hand at Henri Bendel's (712 Fifth Avenue at 56th St) giving free blow outs, light styling and hair consultations. Yes, get your hair did for FREE. And (just in case you can't make today or the 10th), the rest of his team will be on hand June 8-14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Revolution in Cut is Ric's acclaimed new hair care line and I'll be on hand this evening as well to check it out. So come by!

xo

Ferocia

GLAM or SHAM?: Willow Smith's Printed Punk Rocker Red Carpet Look

We're all about mixing and matching and keeping it funky, but don't know quite what to say about nine-year-old Willow Smith's red carpet look from Monday night's Los Angeles premiere of "The Karate Kid." She does look like quite the little fashionista and doesn't seem to be afraid to play with patterns...and I do like those boots. (Remember those funky Converse sneaker pants that she rocked at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in March?!) I think we've got ourselves a fashion designer in the making here.

What do you think, Glamazons? GLAM or SHAM?

xo

Ferocia