"Fashion means breaking all the rules!" -Genovia Elle

Just thought I would feature some of my work on my own blog, so that all of my followers and viewers can get to know me a little better. My name is Genovia Elle, and I have always been sparked by the creative freedom and indispensable funk of fashion. I like to believe it all originated when I was a little girl and my parents allowed me to dress myself- no matter how mismatched my clothes were. Although I have some horrific pictures from back then (lol), it was my parents who not only instilled this creativity and freedom of style that I have, but also a good sense of self-esteem in knowing that I can feel and look good in anything that I wear. Ironically, I love to play around with and mismatch different colors, textures, and patterns. When people ask me what does fashion mean to me, I reply "Fashion means breaking all the rules!" This is why I love fashion, because I don't feel constrained to follow any fashion rules (though they do exist). I just do me, and I do it from the very core of my being. My twin sister would read this and say that I was getting deep, as she always says lol, but it just gets that deep with me. If you cannot feel good about yourself and what you wear because of some "rules," then don't follow them. I do what makes me feel good, and it works for me.

Upon viewing my pics from this photo shoot, I challenge you to ask yourself what works for you? And is it really working? You gotta let your clothes work for you; you don't work for your clothes!

So check me out ;-)

Photography by A.P. Photography
Hair by Caress Sahura
Earrings made by So N'Tu You (my jewelry line)
Vintage accessories and handbag
Styling and makeup by yours truly!

If you have any inquiries about any of the following listed above, please leave a comment or email me at gholmes1913@yahoo.com. I can also be reached via Facebook.com/GenoviaElle and Twitter.com @ElleOhElle19

Also, please be on the look out for my jewelry line, So N'Tu You Jewelry...along with Extensions of You Hair Weave! Coming soon to a theater near you (not literally but...) LOL.

Lastly, I want to know what does fashion mean for you, and what works for you. Leave comments please.

Makeup Artistry at its BEST: Julia Jovone Makeup by Julia "JSoul"

Julia "JSoul" Davis

"Beauty is SOUL Deep." -Me

Welcome back! Let me first take the time out to thank everyone that has been following and supporting my blog. You all really do not know how much that truly means to me. I am always amazed by the smallest treasures, and I treasure each and every last one of you :-).

Speaking of treasures, I am elated to write this piece on a special individual that I know on a personal level. This young lady is very talented, vivacious, ambitious, and my cousin/role model. Her name is Julia Jovone Davis. If you are not familiar with the name, you shall become acquainted after reading this blog post. This will probably be my favorite feature that I will ever post because this is the person that inspires me the most...and she may not even know it lol. Every since I was a little girl, I have always looked up to my big cuz (I won't disclose her nickname lol). Her success story motivates me daily, and she has yet to reach the peak of her success! There is so much more to come from her, so please be on the look out for even greater things! Trust me. Well I will not hold up much more time/space, so please continue to read on and leave plenty of comments at the end :-).

Julia "JSoul"

Me: Tell me a little about yourself.

Julia: Well a lady never discusses her age :) j/k. I'm 34 years beautiful. I'm an Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist here in NYC, and loving every bit of life, motherhood, & being the only child.

Me: Where are you from, and where do you currently reside? 

Julia: I'm From Chicago, but I am currently living my dreams in New York City- in my loving HARLEM Neighborhood.

Me: What is your educational/occupational background? 

Julia: Life has been very educational for me lol. I've done basically everything I've ever wanted to do, from Retail to Executive Administrative Assistant at the finest hotels in Chicago.

Me: What are your non-professional interests? 

Julia: Hmmm...where do I start. I was always a Dancer since I was 3. It was my major in high school. I still love to dance, when I have time :). I also love to read inspirational books to keep my mind positive.

Me: When did you realize that you wanted to become a makeup artist? And how did you get into makeup artistry?

Julia: Playing in my mother's Avon makeup back in the 80's lol. She always had a great sense of style and sophistication. I started taking it serious back in 2000. I realized that I wanted to become a makeup artist when my friends always wanted me to get them ready for parties. I figured I would start charging everyone $10, but then I was not aware of what to charge people for my services. I really enjoyed making people feel even more confident about themselves. Their entire attitude would change when they would get up from having their makeup done by me.

Me: Where does the name, Julia Jovone, come from?

Julia: My Mom named me.  I am named after my great great grandmother & Grandmother Julia, whom I was very close to all of my growing up. Julia also means "youthful." I hope I can maintain that "youthful feeling" forever :). My mom got Jovone from that famous 70's perfume. (Shaking my head) I didn't start using my middle name until recently.

Me: What inspires you most as a makeup artist?

Julia: I love ALL things beauty...from fashion, old classical movies, magazines, etc.

Me: What sets you apart from other makeup artists?

Julia: I'm very original and take pride in my art and in my clients' needs. I am one on one with my clients. I want to be sure to deliver my clients' wants without overpowering their beauty. I specialize in enhancing their natural beauty that doesn't overpower their individual style.

Me: What are some of your accomplishments as a makeup artist?

Julia: As of October 2011, I've worked for ABC daytime Soap Opera "One Life to Live" for 6 years and won an Emmy Award in 2009 for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup Artistry for a Drama Series. I was also Nominated again this Summer 2011.  Some of my other accomplishments to name are: Good Morning America, World News, Lee Daniels Film " Precious" (including a small role), and Extra Man starring Katie Holmes & Kevin Kline. For the Past 3 years I've had the opportunity to work & ring in the New Year with  Dick Clark & Ryan Seacrest's "Rockin Eve" working with Lionel Ritchie,  Melissa Rycroft, and the famous Jennifer Lopez dancers. My work has graced the pages of Vibe Magazine, Ok Magazine, InStyle Makeover Magazine, and a few music videos.

Me: Who has been some of your favorite client(s) to work with, and why?

Julia: I absolute loved working on the film, Precious. Being able to work with such a wonderful Director, Lee Daniels, on set was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I also enjoy working with my friend & client Tika Sumpter. With our busy lives, we barely have time to catch up, so when it's time to prep her for her Red Carpet appearances we play catch up. I adore those moments.

Actress, Tika Sumpter

I also enjoy working with my client, Nafessa Williams (or Deanna), of One Life to Live. I love her spirit and her lashes. Her features are amazing. Sometimes, on set, I have to tone her makeup down so that I don't overpower her character's look.

Actress, Nafessa Williams

 

 

Actress, Nafessa Williams again

Me: What matters to you most as a makeup artist?

Julia: Making sure my clients are welcomed & comfortable. A positive atmosphere helps as well.

Me: If you could describe your makeup line in one word, what would it be and why?

Julia: Wow...I have so many because this is a great achievement. I would have to say "epic!" I dedicated my makeup line to my beloved grandmother. She was always there for me through all the achievements and great events it took to get this far. Her memory has helped me to elevate Julia Jovone, the makeup line, with style & poise so that I can share with women of all nationalities all over the world.

Me: How would you define your personal style?

Julia: My personal style is "freedom" to just be yourself. I am a bit edgy yet Bohemian Chic.

Me: What advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists?

Julia: Trial and Error. You will not learn unless you try. And always ask questions. Your face is your canvas to practice on daily. You always have great friends to practice on as well.

Me: What is next for you, and your makeup line?

Julia: As of now, Julia Jovone Creme Sheen Lipstick  in "Kiss N Tell" $14 is featured in InStyle Makeover Magazine's Fall Issue. The online beauty boutique will be ready to launch in September 2011, just in time for Fall. 

I am also working with Poize Magazine as the new Beauty Editor. My first article will be available in October 2011. Be sure to check out ww.Poizemagazine.com and subscribe TODAY!

I am still on someone's Tv/Film set or photo shoot :)

Me: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 

Julia: You can check out Facebook.com/juilajovone, www.JSOULMAKEUP.com or visit the online boutique that is set to launch this September 2011 www.JULIAJOVONE.com

 Love Jones Girlz

Actress & Singer, Margot Bingham

PAINT + FASHION = PASHION

My new found passion for what I like to call, Pashion (where Paint and Fashion unite), is not a new trend on the fashion scene. You may be familiar with body paint, which is a type of Pashion expression. If you are into the arts and love fashion just as much as I do, then you will find this blog feature very interesting. The way art and fashion converge and create a synergistic expression of creativity and beauty is something that I have always found amazing. Some would argue that art is fashion. What are your thoughts?

 A golden flux

 A gust of green

 Bloody Red

 Go Green!

If you can't find that perfect dress to wear out on the town, then just paint one! Lol

Lowkey, I would love to do a Pashion photoshoot one day (lol)! Stay tuned ;-)  

Deleay Lashay Jewelry: Bossy, Essence, or Conversation...which collection represents you???

Marissa Kendrick of Deleay Lashay Jewelry

Me: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Marissa: I am 21 years old, and I live in Chicago. I am a junior at Columbia College. I attended The Illinois Institute of Art for Fashion Management, but then transferred to Columbia for Art and Design after my first year.

Me: What are your general (non)professional interests?

Marissa: My general profession is oil painting, creating and building my Deleay Lashay business, and learning as much as I can in school. I love oil painting, performance art, mentoring young women, helping charities of my interests, styling (hair, makeup, and wardrobe), and I am developing interests in film and designing signature dresses.

Me: What does fashion mean to you?

Marissa: Fashion, for me, has the ability to make you feel good depending on what you wear. Overall, when I think of fashion, I think of wearing a physical art piece.

Me: What does style mean to you?

Marissa: To me, style is placing items together that gear toward your personality. Not everyone looks good in what you look good in. Style is knowing how to put things together that not only makes you feel comfortable, but makes you feel good.

Me: How would you define the fashion in Chicago?

Marissa: Chicago has a different type of fashion. I feel that trends are really big in Chicago, which is not a bad thing. However, I also feel that people are too scared to wear what they really want to out of fear of being judged.

Me: How would you define your personal style?

Marissa: My style is always based on how I feel. For example, there was a few times when I fell in love with a color from my paintings that I had been working on, and all I wanted to wear was that color based on how it made me feel at that point of time lol. I wore green everything, but I felt happy all day :).

Me: How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

Marissa: My line is divided into three collections. I feel every woman holds either one out of three of these styles:

BOSSY

ESSENCE

CONVERSATION

Me: What inspires you as a jewelry designer?

Marissa: Many things inspire me. However, most of my inspiration comes from my own oil paintings, and my desire to want women to understand their own true beauty.

Me: When did you realize that you wanted to become a jewelry designer? And how did you get into designing jewelry?

Marissa: I started making jewelry for myself in high school when I realized that most jewelry was manufactured and made to break. I got so tired of cheap jewelry that broke within two weeks after purchasing them that I would just make my own. I realized that I wanted to become a jewelry designer when I started getting so many compliments on my jewelry designs. I knew I loved the jewelry that I made, but I had no clue that others would love and appreciate it as well. That is also when I realized that I loved making women feel beautiful.

For some odd reason, designing jewelry just came natural for me. I realized one day that I love putting pieces together and creating with my own hands. I have never taken a jewelry class. I was self-educated, and if there was something that I did not know how to do, I was sure to find the answer.

Me: Where does the name, Deleay Lashay, come from?

Marissa: Deleay Lashay is my middle name. It is a combination of my mother, father, and grandmother's name. It stands for "Determine Lady."

Me: What are some of your accomplishments as a jewelry designer?

Marissa: I have had the opportunity to travel to places throughout Chicago, and outside of Chicago to showcase my jewelry designs. I was a guest on an awesome talk show a few months ago, called The Sherhara Show. I have hosted three of my own jewelry parties this year in 2011. I was honored to be Columbia's Campus Celebrity of the Week. I have had the chance to meet amazing people like Keri Hilson, Austin and Santino from Project Runway, John Legend, and a few others.

Me: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Marissa: I honestly can say I do not really have any.

Me: What matters most to you as a jewelry designer?

Marissa: What matters most is getting my message across from my Bossy, Essence, and Conversation pieces, because there is meaning behind them all. The messages that come with the earrings are most important.

Me: What advice do you have for aspiring jewelry designers?

Marissa: I would say, never give up and never try to please everyone. Stay true to yourself, and take every fallback as a stepping stone for your next blessing.

Me: What is next for Deleay Lashay?

Marissa: Deleay Lashay is putting together a way to reach out to teen girls this summer.

Me: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

Marissa: Readers can follow me on Twitter at Deleay Lashay, become a fan at Deleay Lashay Jewelry, and visit our website at www.deleaylashay.com.





YOUNG, BLACK, AND FASHIONABLY TALENTED

Fashion Designer: LaQuan Smith

"Women have always inspired me to create. When it comes to women I understand their essence and my designs allow her to make history".-LaQuan Smith



Tyra Banks in LaQuan Smith

LaQuan's work not only inspired this blog, but his success story really touched my very core!

I would describe LaQuan Smith and his work as FLAIR, FIERCE, & FABULOUS...Check out his story, along with some of his pieces from various collections now!

Born on August 30th, 1988 in Queens, NY

LaQuan has always had a love for fashion and design, but at the age of 13, his grandmother passed on her old Singer sewing machine for LaQuan to practice on. LaQuan began with simple patterns and then reached out and developed his own techniques on creating garments. After a tramautic and difficult battle with a cancer, LaQuan was able to regroup and refocus on his passion- fashion design. In 2007, after graduating from high school LaQuan began working as an intern at a prominent magazine in New York City, Blackbook. Yet, realizing his fashion thirst was not quenched LaQuan soon began exploring his design talents and in 2008, he created his self titled designer brand.

Multiple fashion experiences and pure ambition have opened doors for LaQuan allowing him to work with some of the industry’s top models and photographers. He started off designing custom pieces for an array of celebrities, pop culture icons and artists including: Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce’, Alicia Keys, Julissa Bermudez, Aubrey O’day, Amerie, Cassie Ventura, Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons, top models Tyra Banks, Sessilee Lopez, Amber Rose, and fashion personality Andre J.
On February 15, 2010, LaQuan Smith made his New York Fashion Week debut at the Society of Illustrators in the Upper East Side. The audience for the LaQuan Smith "Water Goddess" Fashion Show was 75 exclusive attendees including top fashion press, buyers, and celebrities. Notable attendees included Vogue Editor-at-Large, Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Style Director, Alexandra Kotur, Janice Combs, Misa Hylton, Semi-Precious Weapons, Prince and the late Michael Jackson's Lawyer, Londell McMillan.

On September 15, 2010, LaQuan Smith's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection entitled "A Storybook Path" allowed guests to enter a fashionable fusion of fantasy, romanticism and fun. This season the LaQuan Smith woman channels the style of Marie Antoinette, who is the courageous muse that enforces the spirit of the art and culture. The "Modern Marie" lives in Manhattan and is inspired by the New York City lifestyle. Never coy, she dons only Haute Couture luxury in the day and mixes warm-hearted gaudiness, accented by jewelry for effect, shimmer and shine. By night, she enriches her lifelike fantasy by arching her brows and connecting with her inner strength, power, and elegance; inspired by tough characters like Cruella D’Ville and Queen Elizabeth. In this new expression, LaQuan Smith's reinterpretation of Marie Antoinette provides the perfect path to modern living in- style. Notable Guests included: Andre Leon Talley, Fashion Designer and CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg, Comedian Sandra Bernhard, Rapper & Actor Common, Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur Marcus Samuelson, and guest models included 13-Time WTA Singles Champion Serena Williams, Singer Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura and Grammy Winner & Broadway Star Deborah Cox.

LaQuan has received a tremendous amount of press for his work from Vogue, Vogue Hellas, the New York Times, NY Daily News, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Essence, Ebony, Huffington Post, Elle Korea, TV 5 Monde, Prosieben Television, Tatler, Tyra.com, AOL Black Voices, Flaunt, Daily Candy, YRB Magazine, Jones Magazine, Glossy Mag, Iconography, Ghubar, Iconique, JET, and many more.

LaQuan’s success has allowed him to showcase his collection both domestically and internationally with fashion shows in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Athens Xclusive Designer Week (Athens, Greece), Cayman Fashion Solstice (Cayman Islands), Africa Fashion Week (Johannesburg, South Africa), Black World Festival (Dakar, Senegal), Semana Internacional de la moda de Bogota (Bogota, Colombia), and Summer Sizzle BVI (Tortola, British Virgin Islands). While in Atlanta supporting Foundation F.O.C.U.S, LaQuan received the F.O.C.U.S. for Life Service Award for surviving cancer and not letting the trauma of such an experience hold him back from his passion.

Through his travels, LaQuan was inspired to create a diffusion line for the everyday women he encountered at each city. LaQuan Smith's diffusion line entitled "LQS" was first introduced at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa. "LQS" is an affordable line that is currently inspired by athletic apparel and LaQuan's muses for the collection are the Women's Tennis Singles and Double's Champions, Venus and Serena Williams.

The LaQuan Smith woman, who is the personification of modernity, sensuality, and liberation in femininity continues to rise in the fashion industry. The bold prints, unique silhouettes and unique inspiration will surely set LaQuan’s work this upcoming Autumn/Winter 2011 Season apart from the rest.

This Monday, March 21st tune into BET's Rip the Runway! Showcasing LQS by LaQuan Smith Spring 11 Diffusion.

Cassie in LaQuan Smith

Rhianna in LaQuan Smith

http://www.laquansmith.com/

http://twitter.com/LaQuanSmith

Don't knock da boots this winter season...look what's in store!

If you're from Chicago like me, or any other city/town where it gets below 30 degrees on a regular with plentiful snow, then boots become a fashionable necessity! This year, women are wearing more masculine items (like boots & jackets) but pairing them with softer pieces (like blouses & skirts) that complete a very chic look. Here are some boots that I have fallen in love with. Ladies, have fun with your boots this season and try pairing them with colorful socks (long/short), pattern stockings, sheer/opaque colored stockings, leggings, etc. 

Haute construction boot

  

Rubber bootie by Open Ceremony



Two-tone boot by Alexander Wang

Sneaker boot by Chloe



Burberry boot



Rock & Republic studded platform bootie



Christian Louboutin fishnet boot