Say It Ain't So

As the economy continues to spiral out of control, Domino Magazine has announced the production of this publication will be discontinued after the March issue.

Conde Nast, the publishing powerhouse, is one of the many companies that has fallen victim to these turbulent times. Goodness, what next...

My favorite issue featured Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil as the August 2008 cover girl. Here are a few shots of the television producer's lovely Los Angeles abode .

A Programming Note

When we started this blog we did not anticipate having a political focus. This was not intended to be a place for us to exercise an agenda, but rather a forum to share the people and things that inspire us. As of late, it’s looking like we fancy all things Obama. The Obama’s have become some of the driving forces of Cocoture. They are public figures that not only motivate us, but also inspire the masses. This does not mean that we have forfeited our commitment to fashion and the arts, but rather have incorporated these interests into our coverage of the First Family and company. It’s a new day, and I could not be more pleased. We know its been said time and time again, but Barack, we salute you. As dismal as the economy may be, in our minds, 2009 is our best year yet. Why? Because OUR President is not only Black, but accomplished, brilliant and compassionate. Folks, things can only go up from here.



These photos are taken from the Boston Globe. For more check out:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html?s_campaign=8315

Priceless

The Los Angeles Art Show

If you are in the Los Angeles area be sure to stop by the Los Angeles Art Show. This four-day cultural affair began January 21st and concludes the 25th.

In addition to the art, there are a number of events that speak to the contemporary art connoisseur, collector, as well as those that would simply like to learn more about the arts. Although all of the events appear to be fascinating, I am particularly interested in Art As An Alternative Asset: Issues & Solutions. This panel discussion will address the current state of the art market and provide valuable advice to individuals that would like to begin collecting art. Needless to say, the spiraling economy has taken a toll on pretty much every industry, including the arts. In recent news, MOCA (The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles) has been in dire need of funding, and had to be bailed out by Los Angeles art collector Eli Broad. I am curious to see if the panel will discuss the state of cultural institutions and speculate the fate of the art market.

Most of the Los Angeles Art Show events are free of charge, but admission to The Art of Fashion at the Los Angeles Art Show, one of the premier events, will require you to RSVP with rsvpla@modernluxury.com. In the past, the show was held in Santa Monica at Barker Hanger, but the recent relocation to the Los Angles Convention Center, located in Downtown L.A. is sure to draw a sizable crowd. I suggest you attend the show with friends, and hey while your Downtown why not make it a night and check out The Edison…

For more information check out the LA Art Show website:
http://www.laartshow.com/

The Social Butterfly

Vogue February 2009

NYT


Vogue is on a winning streak. The February issue features Desiree Rogers, the chic new White House Social Secretary. This is not the first time Vogue has featured this powerful style maven, the magazine also highlighted her in a 2004 issue. To add to my utter delight, the photograph for this recent article was taken in front of a Henry Monroe sculpture at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. "The Life of the Party" discusses her stellar resume, which includes stints as the director of the Chicago Lottery as well as president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Rogers consistently manages to look fly, constantly clad in timeless well-tailored clothing. But let’s be real, with Michelle Obama in your inner circle I wouldn’t expect anything less.




Vogue, 2004

Check out the article at Style.com
http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/2009_Feb_Desiree_Rogers/

Congratulations President Barack Obama!!

CoCoture would like to formally congratulate President Barack Obama for becoming the 44th president of the United States of America. President Barack Obama is the first African American to hold this elite position and we salute him for carrying out the vision of our predecessors who fought tirelessly to get to this point. President Barack Obama is a history maker and we at CoCoture feel proud to have been apart of the political process by casting a vote to make this possible.

As President Obama and First Lady occupy the White House with their beautiful daughters, Sasha and Malia, we look to them as American royalty. Black American royalty. YES WE CAN!!

January Magazine Issues Do Not Disappoint

Inside this month's Vogue:

My perfect day includes a sipping smooth cappuccino, listening to jazz (I suggest creating a Coltrane playlist on Pandora…it’s splendid) and flipping through the latest issues of Essence and Vogue. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the January issues of these magazines I suggest you snap them up before they vanish from newsstands. Vogue and Essence are chalked with touching Obama tributes.

The staff at Essence decided to dedicate the entire issue to the Obama’s, and include a number of essays written by prominent black figures. This sentimental issue is simply incredible. It is thought provoking, touching and monumental. In addition to written accounts, the magazine also includes photos that trace the First Family on the campaign trail. This is truly a keepsake, and one of those issues that you will want to pull out years down the line to show your children.

The January issue of Vogue did not disappoint. In addition to including Laura Jarrett (Valerie Jarrett’s daughter) as one of the best-dressed women of 2008, the editors drafted a touching letter addressing the president-elect and his wonderful family. The eloquent piece expresses the magazines support for Barack and a fervent desire for change. To top it all off, one of Vogue’s fashion spread includes Jordan Dunn, one of the hottest girls on the catwalk.

Grab these magazines before it's too late!

Need I Say More...

You must check out this article in The New Yorker...It's precious.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_cook

A Recession Proof Evening

A couple of weeks ago, a friend introduced me to The Edison, a swanky lounge in Downtown Los Angeles. Located inside of the former Edison power plant building, this glamorous space has a vibe that channels the opulence of the1920’s. When guests enter the building, hosts in chic flapper dresses greet them.

In addition to the ambiance, I am convinced The Edison has the best happy hour in town. Rescission and all, Fridays at the Edison are not to be missed. For a mere 35 cents, I indulged in a fabulous cocktail appropriately named the “Bailout”, a petite cup of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. In addition, happy hour proceeds are donated to a local soup kitchen. Need I say more… If you are in the Los Angeles area make your way down to the Edison, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

For more information visit The Edison's website:
http://www.edisondowntown.com/

COCO Quote of the Week:

Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress. -Coco Chanel

Pink Shows Black Love

Vicotria's Secret's Pink Collection has recently included HBCU's into its collegiate inspired line. The June debut of the collegiate line featured 33 universities, none of which included HBCU's until a Howard student sent an email to VS expressing her disappointment in the lack of Black college representation. After being dismissed in response to her correspondence, she decided to created a Facebook page entitled “HBCU Ladies wear Victoria’s Secret Pink Too”. Over 400 friends were added within a few weeks who strongly advocated HBCU representation. Howard, FAMU, North Carolina A&T and Southern University are now part of the action!
FAMU bling zip hoodie$78FAMU flip-flop$22.50

North Carolina A&T State University bling tee$39.50

North Carolina A&T State University bling classic pant$58.50

Southern University bling zip hoodie$78

Southern University yoga pant$34.50

Howard University pullover hoodie$52.50Howard University drawstring fleece boardshort$34.50

Behold First Lady Michelle Obama

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are the beholder." -You

Behold...Michelle Obama, a beautiful woman who epitomizes dignity, poise, grace, class, intellect, compassion, wit and elegance. Yes She Is!

The First Lady of the United States of America is one of the most beautiful and amazing women that this country has ever known. She is fabulously flyy and yes...she's over forty and couldn't be more stunning if she were a day younger.
Though we value youthfulness in western culture, we must be reminded of the fact that Black women are like wine; we get better with time. As we mature, our unique essence marinates and endows us with enviable flavor. We look to women like Michelle Obama with such awe and admiration not only because of her grandiose accomplishments, but because of her impeccable style. As The First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama has single handedly set a new standard of what beauty in America looks like.

Our First Lady represents the new face of the America woman and is the sparkling jewel of the black community. She truly exemplifies what fabulous in the 40+ age range encompasses and that is important for all women to take note of. She dresses for triumph and success. She dresses to win without spending exorbidant amounts of money, a true mark of über style.

Whether she’s casually rocking a head band with a t-shirt and khaki's or "dressed to the nines"; all eyes are on her. So far we have witnessed Mrs. Obama do wonders for J.Crew by revealing an impeccable ensemble on the Jay Leno Show during the campaign trail. After doing so shopping online for the featured "Michelle Obama Look". Even in the midst of this bad economy she can sure boost sales! Lest we forget the purple dress and oversized pearls that consequentially titillated the news media and blogoshpere on a global scale! I could go on forever, but the one thing that can certainly be appreciated about Michelle is her humility and her ease about herself. Self assurance is one of the most integral components of her personal style.
On the night President Barack Obama was elected, we all remember she wore the infamous black dress with a red splash on the front by NarcisoRodriguez. Powerful and bold. Not so much good press for that number…but hey, she now sets the bar so deal with it. Designers and hair stylists will all be vying for her attention from now on because everyone wants to be apart of one of the most significant style fixture’s of all time (CoCoture told you so!). Michelle Obama is officially an icon. Over time we look forward to seeing how her style evolves.

As a true renaissance woman, Mrs. Obama seamlessly juggles her career, family, President and the American people with flawless finesse. She truly inspires much love and hope among women everywhere. CoCoture applauds Michelle Obama and her husband, President Barack Obama for attaining the most preeminent position in the world and becoming the African American family to occupy the White House. Yes we DID!

"Mrs. O" fist bumping her hubby, while wearing a purple dress by her favorite hometown designer Maria Pinto. Michelle Obama in Vogue Magazine