Never Judge a Book by it's Cover

A few months ago the folks from Glamour Magazine approached me about participating in a nationwide internship contest they were conducting in association with Correlle, Inc. Originally I was a bit skeptical as I thought to myself, “Why would anyone in their right mind want to schlep all the way to New York City to intern for a relatively unknown designer.” Listen, this isn’t me doing the humble routine - it’s that I pretty much get my deal and my place in the fashion food chain. Unless you are a diehard fashionista and/or an avid reader of the gossip pages, the name Mal Sirrah isn’t really ringing any bells and/or whistles in your world. And for “now” that is completely fine with me. Not to mention, nothing against Glamour Magazine, but I don't believe until this contest entered my life that I had ever made it past the cover of a single issue since my early 20's. Glamour in those days was like what Lifetime TV is to today's gay man. Anyway, after a bit of encouraging from both the folks at Glamour and one of my staff members, I agreed to participate in their little intern contest “thingy”.

Well to my surprise and disbelief, in less than a one month period Glamour.com had received thousands of emails and contest applications for the internship at lil’ol Mal Sirrah. It was at this point that I realized maybe the whole Mal Sirrah "thingy” was starting to catch on. However I was even more thankful that all I needed to do was to take a look at the narrowed down list of potential interns and not the entire batch. Glamour Magazine actually made the final decision on their own based on the contestant’s submitted application and essay. They finally chose a winner at the beginning of December and forwarded me the selected intern’s bio and winning essay. Her name was Vi and she was from Houston, Texas. Not to mention, as cute as a button.

Glamour Magazine Contest Winner - Vi

Through Vi’s essay, bio and application, I could feel this young woman’s enthusiasm and excitement for wanting to be in the wonderful world of fashion. Therefore, I immediately began to panic. I panicked mainly because we had already decided that Mal Sirrah would not be showing during fashion week (one week before Glamour Magazine's internship winner was to arrive in NYC), nor were we going to be hosting a big “blowout” to mark the one year anniversary of Designers For Darfur. Instead we had chosen to host a very low key event strictly for supporters of DFD and for those looking to “truly” become involved in our efforts. But imagine trying to explain this to an intern that was coming all the way to New York City from Texas to work for a “real-live New York City designer”. I kept thinking to myself, “I will never be able to live up to these expectations.”

As luck would have it, the winner’s one week internship would also take place during the same exact time that we were scheduled to pack-up our Harlem showroom in order to move downtown. The showroom was a disaster area and this poor girl from Texas was truly doomed.

At this point, I will not provide you with the details of her trip. I will however allow an excerpt forwarded to me from an editor at Glamour Magazine taken from Vi’s own personal blog “le petite coquette”. This entire experience truly proved to me that sometimes all we have to do is simply show up – 100% ourselves.

Excerpt from Vi's "Le Petitie Coquette"

Pre-arrival, I actually am ashamed to say that I had not heard of my chosen designer, Malcom Harris (a.k.a Mal Sirrah). After looking him up online, not only was I excited, but of course nervous at the same time. I was actually worried I'd end up running to get cigarettes for an insane and egocentrical "designer" (ahem, Kim). I'd rather not name drop, but there are tons of talentless or "designers" I'd steer clear of. I fell in love with his Spring 07 line, from a link my fiance found and sent to me:

Malcolm Harris [Mal Sirrah]

Not only were the clothes beautifully designed and made, but the message that Malcolm sent out made it even more meaningful. He is actually a philantropist, devoted to helping spread the message about saving Darfur [ http://www.savedarfur.org/ ]--Please take the time to learn about the serious crisis currently occuring in Darfur.

Buy Me!

Everyday of my trip from around 11:00-3:00pm, I was "interning"; although I'd like to say simply soaking up valuable information from Malcolm. Not only was his advice beneficial to my decision, but I had the opportunity to see New York in a differently "non-tourist" manner. I am just extremely gratful to have had such an amazing experience with a real designer. For the most part, I was at his office in Harlem, which is not as bad a train ride as I originally was prepared for.

Mal Sirrah's Office

Malcolm took me to the garment district of New York on the second day we were there. It was actually pretty amazing to see so much fabric selection. It was definitely an experience, and not even comparable to what we have here in Houston.

Another trip outside of the office was at The Met. It was "inspiration day", and we took a brief trip to the museum to see The Costume Institute of New York's exhibit called Blog: Mode. I'm not sure whether most of the exhibit was related to technology, but it was inspiring nonetheless. To see the garments displayed as art rather than fashion, up close as opposed to in the pages of VOGUE and Style.com, was breathtaking to say the least.

The Met

To say I enjoyed my mentorship with Malcolm is a true understatement. I couldn't think of a more perfect fit for my personality and view of the fashion industry. He is a truly humble and a true talent, which is so extremely rare these days. He truly has seen and done it all, is successful, and will continue to make a positive mark in the world of fashion. For more information, just google Mal Sirrah, and you'll find a slew of articles on his successes [his first line, Katsumi & Malcolm, was actually backed by Madonna!]. He also has a blog called 'Cut, Sew, and Blog', which is also an interesting read: http://www.cutsewandblog.com/

Pro-bono vs. "Free-Stuff"

During a recent conversation with a certain well-known stylist the subject of me not willing to dress celebrities came up yet again. I feel as if I am always defending my position on this subject over and over again. Therefore, I am going to use today’s post to set the record straight once and for all… And then, can we move on???


Click photo to read full article - I can't believe it has been almost two years and people are still talking about this article...

I am NOT opposed to dressing celebrities. I am not even opposed to dressing “certain” celebrity clients’ pro-bono (I believe someone should also explain to celebrities the difference between pro-bono and “free-stuff”). This particular celebrity client however would have to be someone that I respect and admire as well as someone that fits the Mal Sirrah’s design aesthetic and philosophy. I personally believe that when a designer dresses a high profile “customer” it symbolizes and says to the world this individual embodies and embraces our brand. These days however this sort of synergy is very rarely the case with the exception of stars like Renee Zellweger, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and a few others. I truly do believe that this is also why these women are “true” style icons.

Renee Zellweger - Faithful to Carolina Herrera

Listen, I would be a fool if I said I didn't understand what celebrity attention can do for a designer just starting out in this business. Hell, my very own career was launched by one of the biggest stars on the planet - MADONNA. The one lesson we have all universally learned is "Never bite the hand that feeds you." And I guess that's just it - I am not looking to celebrities to feed me. I am looking to create a loyal and satisfied client base of "real" women leading "real" lives.

Madonna launched the career of Malcolm Harris - However " real women" will sustain the dream of Mal Sirrah

That being said, what I am NOT WILLING to do is to dress every fly-by-night starlet and/or reality television star that believes she is entitled to “free-stuff”. There is absolutely nothing that excites me as an artist or designer about dressing one of these nymphets as she strolls down the red carpet towards the end of her 15 minutes of pseudo-fame. Lucky for these PYT’s there are a host of other designers waiting in the wings to plop one of their ill-fitted samples on them in exchange for hopefully hitting the mother-load of free publicity - Us Magazine’s “Who WHORE It Best”. Just kidding… Lighten up…

Nymphet vs Starlet

To be quite honest, there are some celebrities that I absolutely adore and admire. Just to name a few: Alicia Keys, Ashley Judd, Reese Witherspoon, Kerri Washington, Angelina Jolie, Scarlette Johansen, Chloe Sevingy, and Angie Harmon. I guess I simply like women who are more than just a pretty face.

Tilda Swinton - She truly does follow her own drum - Hit or Miss it's always 100% Tilda

Speaking of celebrity women I absolutely adore, I would really like to congratulate Tilda Swinton on her Oscar win on Sunday evening. Tilda and I share a really dear friend in common and I have for several seasons been intending on designing a dress for Ms. Swinton. That being said and after witnessing her questionable choice of Oscar gown, I wished I would have pushed to design an evening gown for Tilda sooner. However, immediately after Tilda’s Oscar win on Sunday, my team and I began designing a version of the dress below for Ms. Swinton - - - Pro-bono!!!

Mal Sirrah original recently featured in Thirteen Magazine

Like Water for Nina

Upon awakening yesterday morning I immediately felt an unknown sadness and/or melancholy. I just couldn't figure these emotions out. But even stranger, I kept thinking to myself, "Nina, Nina, Nina." I therefore thought perhaps my dear friend and soul mate Nina Clemente was in need of my assistance. So I reached over and grabbed my mobile from the nightstand to send her a text message to check on her status. Never mind the three hour time difference, my dear friend could really need my help. But within seconds I received one of her humorous and upbeat messages proclaiming all was well and magnificent with her in LaLaLand and she was going back to sleep. I still can't for the life of me understand why any sane person would ever want to live in a place like Los Angeles. But I guess different strokes for different folks.

Malcolm and Nina C.

Then all of sudden as I lay in bed pondering my life’s work, as one does when deciding whether to stay in bed an extra 30 minutes or to spring out of it to face yet another New York City day, the answer to my query hit me like a ton of bricks. Today is Nina Simone's Birthday.

Happy Birthday Ms. Nina Simone

Now this might seem like a random bit of trivial information to have at one’s finger tips, but you must understand that Nina Simone has shaped a great deal of the human being that I am today. Especially the bits that scream REVOLUTION!!!

Above are photos from my September 2006 show's finale wherein I protested the lack of black models and designers during New York Fashion Week. At the time, I was declared a trouble maker and instigator by many in the business. Almost a year and a half later mainstream media and the fashion industry are finally starting to have a real discussion concerning this serious issue.

If you have been following CS&B you will note that great women have played a major role in forming Malcolm Harris as well as Mal Sirrah. Let’s face it, at the end of the day we are all simply bits and pieces of those that inspire us as well as those we despise (sad but true as they show us whom we don't want to become). For me, Nina Simone has been a major inspiration. The name Nina alone has been bestowed upon three of my greatest loves and influencers: Nina Simone, Nina Clemente and Nina Hirschfeld. I have never actually met the latter and my love for her has been lived vicariously via her father’s work, the famed caricature artist Al Hirschfeld.

Al Hirschfeld and his work - "note the Nina highlighted in red"

Historically Mr. Hirschfeld used to create these elaborate illustrations for the New York Times and would cleverly incorporate Nina’s name throughout his artwork. His caricatures (now created by his son after his passing) always remind me of being a little kid at the kitchen table watching my mother read The New York Times while I colored the Al Hirschfeld illustrations. I later grew up to own several of Mr. Hirschfeld’s illustrations purchased exclusively at the Margo Feiden Gallery here in New York City. But I digress…

Nina Simone - The High Priestess of Soul

Now back to Nina - Nina Simone that is… So last night, after a long hard day’s work, my boyfriend and I decided we would prepare a wonderful Spanish style dinner. It must have taken us at least two hours to complete all the grocery shopping and preparation for this anticipated festive feast. Then out of the blue I received a text message from a dear friend that had been given a last minute assignment to produce a segment for BET’s Black Carpet. The message read, “Meet me at the Canal Room – I have someone that is dying to meet you. Her name is Simone and she is performing tracks from her new album. She is Nina Simone’s daughter.”

Nina Simone and daughter (Simone)

I swear on all I love that at this very moment - time stopped. Now I don’t flatter myself by believing that Ms. Simone had any idea who I was before last night. However, I can assure you that my dear friend and supporter had built me up to Simone and her husband/manager as if I were the second coming of Christ in the world of fashion. That being said, I still allowed myself to be swept into one of those time freezing and surreal moments. It truly was like a scene from one of my favorite movies and novels, “Like Water for Chocolate”. All of the ingredients from the Spanish feast began to magically float around the kitchen while I frantically text messaged my friend the following, “That would be a dream come true. Leaving now. Be there in five minutes.” Luckily, I have just moved to downtown Manhattan and the Canal Room is literally a 10 minute walk away. However I knew with the right motivation I could do it in FIVE. I made it to the Canal Room in 7 minutes flat.

Recording Artist: SIMONE

You should have seen my frantic entrance. I was a complete mess (now this is your cue to send tons of comments about how I didn’t look so bad). However, I am sure I looked like Lucille Ball from one her famous kitchen scenes on reruns of “I Love Lucy”. There I was with flour all over my face, reeking of Adobo and Sofrito, wearing a ratty old American Apparel t-shirt and completely camouflaged in my favorite Yves Saint Laurent leather trench coat (circa Tom Ford). Yes, I was a fabulous mess, but a mess none the less.

Here I am posing in front of one my all time favorite Nina Simone photos which provided the ambiance for the evening.

By the time we made it inside of the venue (I say "we" as of course I dragged my poor boyfriend along) the show was just about to start. Actually the band was doing that cool warm-up thingy that bands do just before the artist hits the stage. I immediately caught the attention of my friend that had invited me and as repayment she forced me to do an impromptu red carpet interview (Oh how I dread signing that release). But before I could beat myself up for appearing on camera in such as state, I was overwhelmed by an amazing presence in the form of the lovely Simone.

SIMONE

I was speechless. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t think, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't do anything... Just the notion of knowing that this amazing woman held within her the torch and legacy of Nina Simone left me paralyzed. I immediately went back into my starring role in “Like Water for Chocolate” – spinning room, floating cocktails, visions of Nina. Luckily before my friend could make a formal introduction, Simone heard her cue from the band and made her elegant yet slightly dramatic way to the stage. Her movements were very un-Nina and much more Josephine Baker (avec Cheetah). In this weird synchronicity, Simone actually looks like the actress Lynn Whitfield who portrayed Josephine Baker some years ago. Remind me to one day tell you all about Lynn Whitfield’s amazing 16 year old daughter Grace Gibson (her late father, Brian Gibson, actually directed Lynn in her Golden Globe winning potrayal of Josephine Baker). Grace and I have become quite friendly over the past year and I am always encouraging this bright young torch bearer to follow her “own” path. But once again, I digress (I may have just segued into rambling)…

One of my favorite books and movies

Okay, where were we??? Oh yeah, me standing in the middle of a crowded room, “Like Water for Chocolate” and Simone. Got it. Good. I must tell you, Simone has the voice of an angel. Her voice is nothing at all like her mother’s voice - technically it is much better. But this is like comparing apples and oranges. It's sad to say, but I truly do believe that this great talent is not as celebrated due to the enormous legacy of her mother. It is perhaps a bit of the double edged sword that comes along with being the offspring of someone as famous and beloved as Nina Simone. That being said, Simone had no problem packing the Canal Room. Her eclectic crowd proved that she has a strong and loyal following. A crowd which oddly enough included Stephen Baldwin and Michael Lohan (Lindsay Lohan's father). According to her publicist they are both huge Simone fans. Let's simply file that one under "weird but true."

Stephen Baldwin and Simone

Michael Lohan and random chick (secretly he gives me the creeps)

Now here's the punch line. After all of the above, I never actually got to meet Simone. Part of the reason was that we were starving and wanted to get home to enjoy our Spanish feast (all evening I had a nagging feeling that I had left the stove on in my mad dash out - luckily I hadn't). Another reason for our premature departure being I was afraid that during my introduction I would turn into one of those gushing, slightly stalking, fans that scare celebrities into reclusion. However, I did have a chance to meet and chat with Simone's enthusiastic husband/manager (my friend must have really sold him a bill of goods) who said that both he and his wife would love to meet with me in the near future regarding some sort of fashion collaboration. Something about a limited edition Nina Simone inspired fashion collection… I immediately went back into a “Like Water for Chocolate” state and floated all the way home whilst the song "To be Young Gifted and Black" played in my head..

Nina Simone performs “Aint got no… I got my life” Harlem 1969 – This is truly the song that has moved me through the toughest times of my life… Thank you Nina…

Bonus Track - Nina performs for the first time "To be Young, Gifted and Black"

Please sign DFD's Petition - China must do more to end the crisis In Darfur

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

DESIGNERS FOR DARFUR

"TURNING AWARENESS INTO ACTION"

Consulate General o f China
520 West 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10036-1003

Dear Ambassador Peng Kiyu,

We are writing to express to you our deep concern regarding the ongoing atrocities taking place in Darfur, Sudan. We are writing as members of the fashion and apparel industry (Designers for Darfur) which utilizes Chinese contractors for an extremely high percentage of our overall international manufacturing. As valuable businesses contributing greatly to the Chinese economy, we call on China to take the following steps to protect the millions of people who have fled their homes in Darfur and face the threat of starvation, disease and rape, as well as the hundreds of thousands still in their homes who are at risk of displacement, torture and death:

1) Immediately provide half of the transport helicopters that UNAMID requires, with support from Europe and the United States for maintenance and contracting arrangements.

2) Support punitive measures, such as UN Security Council targeted sanctions, against Khartoum officials, until peace and security for Darfur is achieved. UN targeted sanctions should be imposed immediately against government, rebel, or militia officials who are responsible for undermining UNAMID’s deployment, the North-South peace deal, or regional stability, such as attempting to overthrow the government in neighboring Chad.

3) Verifiably suspend all military cooperation with the Khartoum regime, including weapons transfers, until peace and security for Darfur is achieved.

4) Work with the United States, France, and the United Kingdom in a quartet supporting UN and African Union initiatives in Darfur, Southern Sudan, and Chad. This cooperative work on the peace process needs to be comprehensive. The problems of Darfur, Southern Sudan, and Chad are intertwined, so unless peace is advanced on all of these fronts it will be unlikely to be achieved on any of these fronts.

The actions outlined above will allow the Chinese government to convince the world that it is truly committed to a peacekeeping role in Darfur and, more importantly, contribute to the end of the suffering of millions of Darfurians.

Sincerely,


(Click here to sign Petition)

*** This petition is not only for members of Designers For Darfur and/or the fashion community. This petition is for anyone that has ever purchased a garment that read - "Made in China".***

More Information about China's relationship with Sudan and the crisis in Dafur:

All countries have a responsibility to stand up for the people of Darfur. China’s economic, political, and military ties to the Sudanese government, however, give it considerable influence over Sudan’s decisions. Sudan’s relationship with China has allowed part of the country to prosper even as the Sudanese government commits horrific atrocities on its people.

We must pressure China to do more to help end the genocide. Following are some reasons why:

Sudan’s economy rests on China :

• Sudan’s economy is heavily dependent on foreign direct investment, and China is its biggest investor.
• China purchases nearly three quarters of Sudan’s global exports, and provides nearly a quarter of its imports.
• Sino-Sudanese ties have continued to grow closer even as Sudan’s atrocities continue. Just recently, the Chinese National Petroleum Company decided to co-develop a large Sudanese offshore oil block.
• China provides Sudan with significant economic assistance. In February 2007, as the killings continued, China offered Sudan unconditional loans for infrastructure, including a new presidential palace, and wrote off $80 million in Sudanese debt.
• While China does provide modest humanitarian aid for Darfur, the amount is negligible compared to the economic crutch it gives the government in Khartoum.
  

China is allowing Sudan’s military to wreak havoc in Darfur

• Chinese funds are bolstering the Sudanese military, which is responsible for many of the atrocities in Darfur.
• China has helped Sudan construct weapons manufacturing facilities and has sold Sudan large amounts of military equipment, much of which has ended up in Darfur.
• China buys much of Sudan’s oil, and according to an ex-finance minister of Sudan, 70% of Sudan’s oil profits are dedicated to military expenditures.
• China’s Minister of Defense, while meeting with a Sudanese counterpart in April 2007, said that
• China was “willing to further develop cooperation between the two militaries in every sphere.”
  

China has given Sudan diplomatic cover in the UN

• China has blocked several international efforts to hold Sudan’s genocidal regime accountable for its actions.
• On several occasions, China prevented the United Nations from taking strong action against Sudan, using the threat of its veto in the UN Security Council to weaken or obstruct passage of punitive measures such as sanctions.
• China helped the Khartoum government thwart deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission to Darfur, even though the mission was authorized by the UN Security Council in August 2006. This is the first time the UN has failed to deploy such an operation once approved by the Security Council
• Even though China did play a constructive role in July 2007 to enable the authorization of a hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur, many reports suggest that it also helped weaken the resolution before it passed.
  
  CHINA MUST BE COMPELLED TO DO MORE!

Designers For Darfur & PayPal Unite

Designers for Darfur & PayPal Unite
Donate to Help

Designers for Darfur have partnered with PayPal in order to effectively assist in our fund raising efforts and goals for 2008. Your kind donation will help to fund our crucial awareness and advocacy initiatives that continue to play a critical role in building the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur.

Please click on the “Designers For Darfur / PayPal Donation” logo below to make your secure, tax-deductible donation now.

If you would prefer to donate via postal mail, please make your check payable to

"Designers for Darfur" and mail to:

Designers For Darfur

244 Fifth Avenue

Suite #H265

New York, NY 10001

Also, please include your email address and phone number on any checks or money orders that you send us so that we may keep in touch.

We take your privacy seriously and will not sell, rent, loan, give or share your personal information with anyone else.

Thank you for helping us end the suffering in Darfur. If you have any questions,

please call us at 1-212-252-3909 or via email at donate@designersfordarfur.com

Contributions to the Designers for Darfur is tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.

Location, Location, Location!!!

For the past few weeks, we at Mal Sirrah have been keeping a little secret…

Mal Sirrah, Inc. have relocated our showroom/studio from Harlem to downtown Manhattan. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Manhattan and/or the role Harlem has played in the development of New York City as well as its contribution to the world, please allow me to give you just a wee bit of insight.

Without going into the long illustrious history of Harlem USA, it is important that you know that during the early to mid 1900’s Harlem was considered to be the most affluent and influential Negro community in the western world. Harlem has been the home to artists such as Morgan and Marvin Smith, writers James Baldwin, Langston Hughes and Claude McKay, musicians Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith and a countless list of other African-American luminaries. I must admit, when I originally moved to Harlem I had fantasies of becoming the Langston Hughes of the fashion industry. This fantasy is now becoming a reality as I will carry the flame and legacy of Harlem inside of me forever.

Portrait of Langston Hughes

I envisioned continuing the fight started by fellow fashion Harlemnites such as Stephen Burrows, Montgomery, as well as my contemporaries that continue to show their brilliant collections without mainstream recognition. Oh how I had visions of The New Harlem Renaissance!!! Unfortunately when I now think of the New Harlem Renaissance, my gut feeling tells me that there will be very few faces that resemble mine. This is a discussion that is way too long for this post, especially in light of a recent comment left here on Cut, Sew and Blog where the commenter wrote, “Mr. Malcolm stop whining – fashion is change.”(I will be addressing this particular anonymous commenter in a separate post.)

Harlem based designer - Montgomery

Moving forward… Mal Sirrah, Inc. will now be housed in a temporary location in the Meat-Packing District until we acquire our new showroom and studio space in the same area. Of course, our current space is half the size of our old studio in Harlem and costs three times the rent. Therefore, as you can imagine this was not an easy decision. This was purely a strategic business move - location, location, location…

A little known fact is that Mal Sirrah’s core business currently comes from our made-to-order clientele. I have chosen to strategically build our business out in this slow-paced and effective manner as this customer base will remain loyal long after the press buzz and celebrity clientele has moved on to the next new thing. However, in the past two years we have found it very difficult to persuade our private clients, editors, buyers, etc. to regularly cross the perceived class line which takes place at Manhattan's 96th Street.

Video of the Mal Sirrah Harlem Vision

Originally I was under the impression New Yorkers in particular were much too sophisticated and/or savvy to feed into such an antiquated way of thinking, but I guess I was wrong. I know this sounds way too West Side Story – “The Jets vs. The Sharks” … but I happen to know for a fact that many city dwellers are simply comfortable in their belief that Harlem is still no more than the crime ridden and drug infested anecdote of the 80s and late 90’s. Solely based on the recent record breaking property sales currently taking place in Harlem alone, this is truly not the case. On the landmark block (Convent Avenue) that housed the Mal Sirrah showroom properties were selling at $2.5M to $3.8M on a regular basis. Unfortunately, as an emerging brand, Mal Sirrah simply doesn’t have enough time or the resources to change the minds of its entire client roster or to wait out the shift in perception. Therefore The Sharks will now be moving its entire operation into the land of The Jets. However, this particular Shark will have a name – MAL SIRRAH!!!

Finally, I must also admit that I am very excited about our new adventure as it will allow our brand a much higher level of recognition as well as place us directly in the thick of things. I will keep you all posted of developments as they happen... Wish us luck!!!

In the meantime, please take a look at this video trailer from West Side Story made in 1961. While aesthetically Manhattan has changed tremendously, I am sad to report that the mindset of a great number of its inhabitants still hasn’t “changed” all that much… And that’s not “whining” this is simply a proven fact!!!

Forgive me for not posting lately...

Please forgive me for not posting for the past week, but we have been in the middle of a major move. Therefore I have been without "real" internet service for several days. For me this is like denying a heroine addict his daily fix. I have been reduced to checking my emails on my Sprint Treo (not as fancy as the Crackberry but equally as addictive) and must admit it is not as satisfying as sitting comfortably in front of the big screen typing my little life away.

Hopefully, I will find a few quiet moments today to give you all an update on where Mal Sirrah has landed. Things are finally starting to look up!!!

The Passing of a Fashion Legend - KATOUCHA

Today I received a telephone call informing me that the legendary model Katoucha Naine had passed away in Paris, France. Unfortunately, I am sure that many of you have never heard of this modeling icon before. Therefore, please allow me to introduce to you the Guinean beauty simply known as - KATOUCHA.

Katoucha was a house model and muse for fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent for many years and paved the way for models such as Iman, Naomi, Tyra and many others. Katoucha also played a major role in my deciding to enter the fashion world and especially moving forward as an apprentice at the venerable house of YSL. Katoucha symbolized for me the real life version of Diana Ross in the movie "Mahogany" (she even at one point became a fashion designer with her own collection photographed below).

The last time I actually saw Katoucha was on the set of a photo shoot for Iman’s self entitled book - IMAN (remind me to post photos from this amazing shoot at a later date). It was truly a hysterical moment and the memories of this day will forever be imprinted in my heart and soul.

The sadness of her passing will not allow me to continue with today's post. However, I will leave you with this amazing video of Katoucha from French television (France 2) in which she speaks of her controversal biography Dans Ma Chair (In My Skin)... Even if you don't speak or understand French, Katoucha's elegance, poise and passion translates like an Italian performance of La Boheme.

Ladies and gentleman, I give to you - KATOUCHA

Katoucha Niane témoignage sur l'excision
Uploaded by Hugues2

Designers For Darfur - Turning Awareness Into Action - One Year Anniversary

Event : Designers for Darfur - One Year Anniversary - Turning Awareness into Action
Venue :Dex New York Studios, 224 West 30th Street (betw 7th & 8th Aves.)
Benefiting Charities : Prayers For Darfur / Designers For Darfur / Save Darfur
Date : Saturday, February 9th, 2008
Time : 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

RSVP@designersfordarfur.com
Donation: $20.00
Open Bar Sponsored by SVEDKA

Hor d'oeuvres sponsored by Bouchon

Event Overview : Designers for Darfur commemorate their one year anniversary as they continue their efforts of keeping the spotlight on the crisis in Darfur. DFD was launched via an unprecedented charity fashion show held on February 9th, 2007 and has held periodic events and launched several initiatives over the past year.

DFD represents hundreds of international designers and the wider fashion community collectively banding together to show their commitment and solidarity towards ending the atrocity of genocide currently taking place in Darfur.

Event Highlights : There will be key members of the Save Darfur Coalition in attendance to inform and empower attendees on what individual actions each can take in order to assist in ending the genocide. Attendees may also participate in the video documentary “Prayers for Darfur”. There will be a designated filming area where attendees will have an opportunity to contribute video prayers addressed to the people of Darfur and/or messages to the United Nations/U.S. government. We will also be inviting attendees to sign DFD’s petition to the Chinese Consulate requesting they cease funding the Sudanese government which has allowed these atrocities to continue in Darfur.

Click photo below to visit www.YouTube.com/designersfordarfur

Sneak Peak - Mal Sirrah Collection - "Ready-to-Wear"

Here is a sneak peak of my upcoming collection entitled "Ready-To-Wear". The cycle and shift of fashion has begun... Stay tuned...