Justin Bieber I'm not a gimmick...

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"I'm not a gimmick," he proclaimed during his acceptance speech. Okay, Justin Bieber, you're not a gimmick, but you're also NOT a badass... Well, actually, you are Bad and an Ass... Stop trying to be so cool. Seriously, his handlers (and his mother) need to reel this kid in and have a come meet Jesus meeting. While they're doing that... I'd love to schedule a Devil Wears Prada intervention with the spoiled brat about his fashion nonsense. The black leather tops and harem pants don't work. I repeat, they don't work! Justin looks like some futuristic, avant garde fashion character out of an anime movie. He fights so hard to reject his all American boy next door looks. Embrace it instead. J-Biebs can be super edgy and fashion forward with the appropriate styling. I can help Biebs. Just sayin'...

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Ralph Rucci NYFW Fall 2013

He gave us futuristic with hints of mod and even 1920s. Sounds kind of crazy and all over the place, but Ralph Rucci is a master, and the collection was incredible, strong and very cohesive. The show opened with a blonde model wearing a black leather dress, like a fabulous character from a couturesque sci-fi movie. Then, amazing pops of color, teal, purple, chartreuse and the first of many ovations. I loved Rucci's use of texture. So much, leather, fur, feathers, embossed leathers and laser cut. Much of this in vibrant color. Lots of structure gave way to strong fashion softened by the luxurious textures. No surprise that Ralph Rucci got a standing ovation. Well earned, well deserved.

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Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes

Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, and Ben Whishaw

007 is celebrating his 50th anniversary this year, and I can not think of a better way to mark the occasion than by releasing one of the best Bond films ever.  This is Daniel Craig's third time out as the blonde Bond.  

Casino Royale

was a reboot of the entire franchise moving away from the campy nature of the previous films and scoring high marks from critics and fans.  

Quantum of Solace

was the not so spectacular follow up.

Oscar winning director

Sam Mendes (American Beauty)

brings his amazing talent to this franchise.  The result is the most intimate look at the character of James Bond since

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

.  Mendes shines light on Bond's past,  humanizing him in a way audiences have never seen.  Mendes has also assembled the strongest and most talented cast of any Bond film.

A highlight of Skyfall is the return of a Bond favorite who was noticeably absent from the previous two films.  

Ben Whishaw (Cloud Atlas)

brings nerdy chic  and a smashing head of hair to MI6 as the new quartermaster, providing 007 with quips and gadgets.  Oscar winner

Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love)

reprises her role as the head of  MI6.  Dench has played M since 1995's

Goldeneye,

and Skyfall is by far her best story arc.  Oscar winner

Javier Bardhem (No Country for Old Men)

is the wonderfully twisted villan, Silva, who has a personal score to settle with M.  

Naomi Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean)

is stunningly beautiful, and this Bond girl is in the middle of the action.  There is a wonderful twist regarding Harris' character that I will not spoil but all Bond fans will love it.  Oscar nominee

Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient and Harry Potter)

plays a small role with a set up that should see him featured prominently in any future Bond movies.  Bond films are most often known for exotic locations, action, and beautiful women.  It is a testament to this cast that Skyfall will be remembered as a character driven story and not the typical Bond fare

I could not write about this film without mentioning

Adele's

fabulous and Oscar deserving song Skyfall.  The best Bond theme since 

Diamonds are Forever

sets the tone for the entire film.  Daniel Craig even said that it made him cry the first time he heard it.  The film will not make you cry and by the time the credits role you will be eagerly waiting for Britain's top spy to return.

fashionado

film

score 8 out of 10

fashionado

film

Jamie Clemons

GA Grammy Nominees Honored at Red Carpet Party

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I was bumped, pushed, yelled at and hit over the head. No I wasn't mugged. I got caught up in the red carpet media frenzy at the Grammy party last week at the W Downtown. 

It was fabulous, by the way!

Big Boi

,

B.o.B

., members of the

Zac Brown Band

,

Kelly Price

and

Janelle Monae

were just a number of major hitters being celebrated and honored for their Grammy noms.

Endless smiles, bling for days and tons of flash photography culminated into an insanely fierce hour of red carpet arrivals and interviews.

Soon after I got to the W, I experienced a little drama myself. I started taking photos only to discover my camera's battery was low, very low! My savior,

Erin Ashford

, came to the rescue and graciously provided all the photos I needed. I've been a fan of Erin's photography and I am just so grateful to her! I was calm again.

The time had come for the ceremony to begin but everyone was still on the red carpet or socializing near the bar. So,

Jamie Annarino

, with as much finesse as possible, encouraged folks to work their way into the banquet room. When Jamie speaks - people listen, because one by one, everyone went in and took their seats.

I stood in the back, next to

Jennifer Brett

in a fabulous fur stole and

Jenn Hobby

in a sexy black dress. We listened as Senior Executive Director

Michele Rhea Caplinger

greeted the audience followed by President

Tammy Hurt

who sang (pardon the pun) the praises of the nominees. Hurt proudly pointed out that Georgia has become force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

 "MUSIQ SOULCHILD. Giving an interview to V103's Rashan Ali."

 BIG BOI. I loved his Gucci fur scarf. Not picutred, 3 huge David Yurman bangle bracelets. I wanted those too!"]

 Nominated for four Grammys, ZAC BROWN members, Coy Boyles and John Driscall.  

 Excited about her Grammy nomination, but remaining cool was JANELLE MONAE. Cool and looking flawless!"]

 JENNIFER BRETT & MICHELE RHEA CAPLINGER"]

The AJC Buzz herself,

Jennifer Brett

caught in a rare picture sharing the love with

Michele Rhea Caplinger

moments before the red carpet got crazy busy.

At the end of the night, I had a couple of questions for Michele, who, by the way, was looking radiant in a sophisticated tuxedo dress from

Tootsies

where she's been outfitted for Grammy's week as well. [Michele will be high styling in LA!] I wanted to know what the evening meant to her and why it was so important.

Michele replied:

"That party in particular is our way to tell the Georgia nominees how much we value them and to wish them luck GRAMMY day.... It's a great opportunity to help shine the light on them - which is why the red carpet and media hour is so important."

What is Michele's favorite part of the event?

"Bringing the artists up on stage and gifting them - it's such a rare treat - always!!!"

The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards is on February 13 and will air live from the Staple Center on CBS.

fashionado

it REIGNED All Night... Georgia Music Awards

It reigned all night in Atlanta, Saturday September 19, as music royalty packed the Georgia World Congress for the 31st Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards. The limousines lined up as some of the biggest stars in rock, hip hop and country music graced the red carpet. The excitement reverberated from the gleaming smiles of the inductees to the large number of die hard fans gathered along the red carpet to snap a picture and shake a hand and if lucky enough, score a hug. The awards banquet was co-hosted by two of my favorite ladies, Atlanta news and radio icons, Leslie Fram and Monica Pearson, whom may I add, were beautiful in their glamorous gowns. I asked Leslie, who has emceed this event many times before, how she felt about it: "This is one of my favorite events of the year!  I will also support the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame organization.  They do an amazing job of keeping Georgia's vast musical heritage alive by recognizing the people who have made the biggest and best contributions in all genres."

I was thrilled to speak with Hall of Fame inductees,

Peter Conlon

,

Third Day

and

Collective Soul.

They were genuinely honored, equally excited and very gracious.

R

ED CARPET INTERVIEWS:

fashionado

: Its fair to say that you've really earned this honor tonight when you consider Music Midtown, Live Nation and that you've brought Paul McCartney in concert, twice.

 Peter Conlon

: Although, the category is "non-performer" which is interesting because it sounds like I didn't do anything! (

he says jokingly

)

I've been doing shows since the '70's, '80's and currently. Oh, this is great!  It's great because  in the Hall of Fame, a lot of my heroes are in this thing and its great to be put into a level with them.

**********************************************

fashionado

: You guys look so happy right now! From the second you walked on the red carpet, your smiles are ear to ear. Will you describe how you feel?

Third Day

: It's such an encouragement for us to be here. We've listen to so many great Georgia artists through the years who were around making great music when we started and are even around now. Bands like REM, Black Crowes, and Collective Soul, of course, that we feel in a way that we belong.  Just to be invited to be a part of this, is huge.

fashionado

: How does this award differ from other major awards?

Third Day

: When we do award shows and we're doing the red carpet, normally, there's this real nervousness about whether we are going to win or not.

I think we've already won

. The invitation came, we're going to get inducted, so for us, we feel like we can really enjoy the evening. And its so cool for us to be inducted with Collective Soul! I remember we were still in high school and here's this band just breaking onto the scene, from Stockbridge, Georgia, it was so encouraging, we felt like we could do anything. So its a huge honor for us.

*************************************************

fashionado

: You guys are Atlanta's own rock royalty. How do you feel right now, tonight's a pretty big deal.

Collective Soul

: It is a very big deal. We are very honored. This is our home and we've always been proud of the Atlanta music scene, it has such a rich history.

fashionado

:Hey guys, you know Atlanta

really

loves you.

Collective Soul

: (Dean and Ed give a big, but modest smile) To be a part of it -the Atlanta music scene- and to be acknowledged is fantastic.

We love Atlanta.

Michele Rhea Caplinger

, Senior Executive Director of the Recording Academy-Atlanta, inducted Collective Soul and had these lovely words to share:

I was both shocked and overjoyed when Ed (Roland) asked me to induct the band into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame at the Awards show. My first thought was – ‘What, isn’t Elton available?’ LOL (knowing that they are friends, et al) Ed said it was unanimous -the band wanted ‘ME’ to present to them – imagine? I was EXTREMELY flattered. He said I had been there from the very beginning and with them every step of way.  Besides being a wonderfully gifted talent, Ed Roland is a very, very special human being.  

What’s the connection? Ed and I have been friends for a very long time, we were actually in a band for ‘years’ leading up to Collective Soul, I worked with the band when they were first signed to Atlantic Records, and have just ‘always’ been a big supporter personally and professionally. We have a 25 year history with so many incredible memories that I will cherish for life.

*

The other inductees Saturday night were: 

Bryan-Michael Cox, 

John L (Johnny) Carson, Roy Hamilton,  Shakir Stewart

and

Berry Oakley.

fashionado

the super amazing BRYAN-MICHAEL COX

Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Usher

+

Be Without You

,

Don't Forget About Us

,

Confessions,Pt. 2

and 

You Got it Bad

=

Bryan-Michael Cox

=

a very talented, Grammy award winning, songwriter and producer. Toni Braxton, Tamia, Ron Isley, Monica, Keyshia Cole, Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, Faith Evans, Kelly Rowland, Danity Kane, Destiny's Child, Brian McKnight, Brandy, Bow Wow, and Aaliyah are just some of the amazing performers Bryan has written for. It was with great pleasure that I had the privilege of speaking with Bryan this week as he prepares to be inducted into the

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

on September 19.

fashionado

: You've worked with some of the biggest musical artists today. I won't ask the unfair question as to who's been your favorite, however, would you share a moment, memory or experience that has stuck with you?

BMC

: Every artist is different and unique but meeting Mariah Carey in 1999 left me a little star-struck. I knew that I'd be meeting major artists in my line of work but Mariah had such a super star presence as she walked into Jermaine Dupri's home with her bodyguard. I didn't know what to say. I just melted. Once we got to the recording studio, she turned out to be so down to earth and humble - a really sweet person. I learned never to judge a book by its cover.

fashionado

: Tell me about Mary J. Blige!

BMC

: Let me just say, Mary J. and Monica are like my big and little sisters.  Every woman I date must meet their approval!

fashionado

: Congratulations on being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (GMHOF). How does this award differ from winning a Grammy, which you have one or two or four.

BMC

: When I got the call, I was very surprised because I'm only 31 -- I was floored. Beyond thrilled! This is one of the biggest honors for me. When I was starting out in this business, sure I wanted to win a Grammy, but being inducted into GMHOF goes beyond any dream I can imagine.

fashionado

: Lets talk about fashion. Will you share some insight on the evolvement of Hip Hop's style?

BMC

: It is a testament  of how Hip Hop has grown up. It's really a global thing.

fashionado

: What do you think of music artists producing their own fashion labels?

BMC

: It's great! Music has always had a connection with fashion.  Sean John's label, for example, is so dope! Its good when you  get your vision out there and branch out. Back then, everyone embraced designers like Polo but

now

we are getting into Tom Ford and it's a great look.  We can influence young people and (dressing up) can give a kid from the hood something to look up to.

On Saturday, September 19,  join in the excitement and celebrate with 

Bryan-Michael Cox

as he gets inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The 31st Annual Awards show, hosted by

Monica Pearson

and

Leslie Fram

begins at 6:30 pm at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling 770-491-9494 ext. 15.

Honorees,

Third Day

and

Collective Soul

who are also being inducted, will be rockin' live on stage! Get your tickets today and sparkle with the glitteratti in what promises to be an exciting evening of dinner, music and stars.

Now that's a hot ticket!

fashionado

will see

YOU

there!