The Future of Fashion Media

Have you ever experienced the frustration of seeing something stunningly beautiful in an online or print magazine but you hadn't the slightest clue if it was accessible for us normal folks that didn't have super sized hook-ups with designers or inside industry access? Well it seems like Net-a-Porter, one of the world's premier online fashion luxury retailer, has come up with a brilliant solution to your problem. They've created a hybrid site where they're combining fashion commerce and content to create the ultimate fashion fiend experience.

Thanks to the innovation of Net-a-Porter's editor-in-chief, LucyYeomans, the face of fashion media has dynamically changed. Readers will not only be able to scroll through the website similar to an editorial layout but the site will also provide readers with a one-stop shop of purchasing their favorite items. It seems that the future of fashion media is accessibility. Not only are readers obsessed with wanting to look like their favorite celebrities and models, but they want the ease and access of these wardrobes right at their fingertips. Readers want the convenience of a one-stop shop. They say: Tell me about the latest fashion news and trends AND let me peruse the virtual clothing racks, if you can do that, you've won my heart! After reading the article by Vikram Kansara covering Net-a-Porters' new direction in combining commercial and editorial models to the company, I started wondering about the implications this would have for other fashion and media powerhouses.

In terms of other publications positioning themselves for the future, I hope that they take notice of this winning combination for their readers. I don't think that this business model makes sense for every single publication out there, but I can certainly think of a few who would benefit from it. I can't even begin to wonder how this would change the face of a publication like Essence and maximize their readership and profitability if Essence.com featured commerce and highlighted major designers as well as those that are up and coming. I'm not sure about you, but I'm excited about the future of fashion media.

Beyonce's Beatitudes: Life is But a Dream

Beyonce's Documentary "Life Is But A Dream" is a very intimate reveal and a behind the scenes look at her life, often through the lens of her very own computer that served as her video diary when she felt she had no one else to talk to. Her documentary is inspiring to women everywhere as it proves that, despite what Oprah says, yes, you can have it all. And you can have it all at once. The journey for women who aspire to "have it all" isn't an easy one, as evidenced by Beyonce's documentary. She's certainly had her fair share of triumphs and struggles. Beyonce is a world renowned icon and Grammy-award winning artist who manages her own empire and is married to the love of her life, rapper and mogul Jay-Z, and has a beautiful baby daughter, Blue Ivy. Conversely, she struggled to find her own voice and fight for excellence in her career and most notably she is a strong survivor of a miscarriage. In review of "Life is But A Dream" let's review some key takeaways of what we've learned.

Blessed is the Woman Who Has Her Own
One of the most inspiring things about Beyonce is that she is a strong, successful and independent woman. She thrives in her career and wears many hats as both an artist and a woman who manages her own career in the music industry which is no small feat. Beyonce exhibits a strong work ethic that has placed her career on a stellar trajectory. Do you see your career as a reflection of your work ethic? Your professional reputation is key in having a successful career.

Blessed is the Woman Who Follows Her Dreams
Beyonce's story is an exemplary showcase of all the possibilities that can happen when you follow your dreams. Her passion is to sing and perform and best of all is that she gets to live her dreams out daily and entertain fans from all over the world. She has relentlessly pursued her dream since childhood and hasn't looked back since. What passions are you pursuing? Don't lose hope!

Blessed is the Woman Who Has a Homie Lover Friend
Say what you want to say about her relationship, but from the looks of things Beyonce is still dangerously in love with her husband Jay-Z. What's best is that judging from her description of their relationship and the couple's on-camera moments they seem to be best friends as well as lovers. What's also great is that they share the same interests and can challenge each other in their artistry. Do you think friendship is important in a romantic relationship? Make sure your friends first with your lover so that you too can enjoy long lasting love.

Blessed is the Woman Who Believes She Can Have it All
In today's society, we read about so many women who are ridiculously successful but also endlessly single. What's beautiful about Beyonce's story is that she's not only married to the love of her life but she has a beautiful baby daughter as well. Though she struggles to balance it all, in the end all the pieces of the puzzle seamlessly fit together. Are you thinking that you have to give up one dream to pursue another? Go for it all!

Show Review: Venexiana Fall 2013

Venexiana incorporates the signature motif of rock-n-roll haute couture of the designer Kati Stern for her Fall 2013 collection. With the models channeling the elegance and vintage glamour of the 1930's incorporated with edgy and funky looks, the audiences senses were excited as models glided down the runway to the beat of rock.

Her exquisite evening wear fall gowns were the perfect antidote to the frigid temperatures in NYC on Saturday, February 9th.

The show opener wore an show stopping floor length, burgundy velvet gown with a silver embellishment strap that tied completed the look. This dress set the stage for the theme of the show.

There were a variety of evening wear dresses that featured embellished halter tops, backless pieces and diamond hooked straps. Most looks were floor-length, but there were some dresses that were playfully cut at the knee with sexy high slits in the back.

Venexiana also featured ravishing furs that ranged in color from deep purple to a mesmerizing blue green combination. There were fur jackets abounding, and even a unique fur wrap-around with diamond-studded cuffs paired with a floor-length gown.

Kati Stern didn't fail to bring edgy couture to the runway, especially with the burst of metallic gowns that was featured towards the end of the show.

Overall, the show was a smashing success that excited the senses from the tailored evening wear looks. Maybe a snazzy diamond strap that snaked around the model's neck or the long elegant trains that whizzed down the runway caught your eye, or it could have been the pinned up-do's of the '30s that captured your heart, maybe even the scintillating furs. Whatever it was, the show had many looks to satisfy your sweet spot and the show stopping gowns catapulted Kati Stern into a successful up and coming season.

See the full show here: