I had an opportunity to view the showing of Valentino, The Last Emperor. A documentary/movie all about his career as a fashion designer/icon.

As we were leaving the theater, my first thought was, where are the Black Icons of Fashion & Beauty? It’s not as though we don’t exist, it’s just that we are rarely shown in the limelight. Seven hours of film were condensed into 96 minutes. I saw three black people in the entire footage, Andre Leon Talley (Editor at large for Vogue Magazine), Jennifer Hudson and Alek Wek.

I would love to have seen more of Valentino’s collection.  I wish that people still made clothing with such detail.  The care and sincerity that was put into the construction of each piece was obvious, as you saw his staff working . It would have been nice to see how his business was built and marketed in order for him to have such a presence for 50 years.

Great Black designers, where are you?  I’d love to see what you’re creating. Who’s selling your masterpieces?   Where are your cosmetic lines, your evening gowns, your jewelry lines?  Get in touch with me,  tell me where I can find your creations.

To Your Style & Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician/President-NYRAJU Skin Care

www.blackskincareguide.com