Fashiona

Ok so Fashiona was introduced to Harlem Heights back in January when she went to the final taping of the show but no worries she won’t reveal the ending.

She also interviewed one of the co-producers, Randolph Sturrup last week. Did you catch her non subtle insertion of FAMU’s colors of green and orange?  He asked her opinion of the fashion but she deferred since she was the one that supposed to be asking the questions.  

Now fresh after watching show number 5 thanks to DVR…Miss Fashiona is ready to bring it. 

Summary Fashiona style:

Jason spends quality time with his cutie pie daughter at Dave’s.  Fashiona marvels at how he talks to her like she is a little “G”  and his daughter actually understands what he is saying. 

Pierre goes home to Trenton to visit with his family.  The more Fashiona learns about him the more she is mystified by his fascination with self serving Brooke. 

Christian with his chocolately  self, makes out with Brooke at Ashlie’s job. Fashiona does concede that Christian is fine…a playa player still; Morehouse educated and charming but still on the prowl.

Ashlie,who is clearly not Fashiona’s fav character won some major bonus points by putting “Sexual Chocolate” in his place.

Fashionwise…Fashiona gets where they are coming from.  Ally is young and it shows in her playful choices…but sidebar to Ashlie…even she saw the drama with Christian coming.  Fashiona digs the guys’ fashion choices for the most part.  But Ashlie…honey just PLEASE ease up on the make-up …blue eyeshadow and the blush…not a good look.

Fashiona’s best friend,Topaz, always says “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.”

Truer words have never been spoken and is one of the premises behind the hit show Harlem Heights which follows the lives of 8 black professionals and their friends who are all post college 20 somethings in their pursuit of  love, life and happiness.

Four episodes into a 10 part series, Alicia “aka” Fashiona interviewed Randolph Sturrup,co-creator of the show.  She and he went to college together at Florida A & M and  have a shared love of business and the creative world. 

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: What is the average age of the cast? They seem young…or are we getting older?

Randolph: They are between 25-30 and remind me of us when we first came to New  York…full of dreams and boundless energy.

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: You are right…it is like a flashback but these days I prefer stomping around Brooklyn.  I see that June Ambrose, a well known stylist,  is attached to the project.  How involved is she?

Randolph: For most part the cast, “dressed” themselves and June came in as needed. How do you like their style?

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: I have plenty of comments on that but I will save them for a post next week. But for the most part, they are true to their own style and that counts for a lot.  What was the casting process and is any part of the show scripted?

Randolph: All the cast members knew each other directly or indirectly and so there was a certain chemistry built it.  I call it a docudrama-because it is a documentary with all the drama.

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: Drama yes…4 episodes in and I can sense a bougie showdown coming between Ashlie and Brooke.  All that pettiness is the no 1 reason I never pledged.  I knew that New York City  would be more than enough of a hazing process for me.  I  worked briefly with Briana and I appreciate her realness then and now.

So  far, we are getting a taste of what the cast is doing these days. Will we get to know more about their various backgrounds and what really led them to Harlem?

Randolph: Yes, in later episodes, the cast of characters reveal more of themselves. One of my goals was to really start a conversation on what really happens after college.  You and I have been in situations like in episode 4 where  the  offensive question comes up “Why didn’t you go to regular college?”(referring to choosing a HBCU). We all have our stories and reasons for the choices we make… Harlem Heights shares that experience of these 8 and their friends.

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: Again I applaud you for  spearheading such a quality production.  What is next for you?

Randolph: My plate is full right now with pending projects and when I get the green light, you will be one of the first to know.

Alicia “aka”Fashiona: One last question: The girls on the cast  are very attractive.  Do you have your eye on anyone?

Randolph:(Laughing) I am like Papa Smurf to them.

Alicia “aka”Fashiona does not  buy it and drills him off the record…

See the remaining 6 episodes of Harlem Heights Monday nights on BET 10 pm eastern/9 central.

Alicia “aka”

Fashiona, like many around the world, are anxiously waiting for Inauguration Day.  She watched this morning as the Obamas and the Bidens  emerged from the Obama Express and  bravely faced  frigid temperatures to address the adoring crowd in Delaware.  The colors of the day black and purple and chances are under her lovely coat, Michelle is  wearing a brooch .

Photo Credit:  JACK GRUBER/USA TODAY

Yesterday, Fashiona emerged from her hibernation to get her nails and brows done at the Polish Bar.  The ladies were buzzing about how many of the day’s customers were going to the inauguration festivities. Fashiona stifled a bit of envy to speak  to one actress from Lipstick Jungle who was also on her way and wished her a lovely time.   Fashiona fondly remembers going to Bill Clinton’s swearing in on an equally cold day in 1993 with mrs. koko who was then miss koko.

In addition  to the Inauguration day activities, the  Obamas are going to 10 balls and the  Obama camp has kept an airtight lid on what Michelle is going to wear for any of them.  Alas  Fashiona has her theories  but  will end this post with a look back at previous gowns that First Ladies have worn.

Laura Bush’s 2001 gown, by Dallas designer Michael Faircloth

In 1981,  Nancy Reagan wore an embroidered lace inaugural gown by James Galanos.

In 1965 “Lady Bird”  accompanied husband Lyndon B. Johnson  to his inauguration in a bright yellow silk gown by John Moore.

 1961, Jacqueline  Kennedy   in a white gown and cape she designed herself, with the help of Bergdorf Goodman’s Ethan Frankau.

So fashion wise, Thursday’s Broadcast Critic Awards  was a warm up to last night’s Golden Globes: where the  “beautiful people”   fight for  attention from the “beautiful and talented” stars.

Salma Heyek:  Now here is a sexy latina…

She is also a  new mom and still has her “va va va boom”  wearing Bottega Venta  without trying too hard.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Drew Barrymore….you are forever banned from further use of Aquanet and must proceed directly to your hair stylist to fix that rat nest  those roots.

Photo Credit: AP

Lisa Rianna…clearly  you forgot to wear a bra and turn over in  your fake and bake session.

Photo Credit: AP

Mary Louise Parker: Fashiona  loves loves loves this dress designed by Carlos Miele.

 (Update)  Fashiona loved this one too…Eva Mendez  in Christian Dior