Essence Magazine X May Beauty X Erykah Badu X Ledisi X Solange Knowles

Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Solange Knowles grace the May Beauty issue of Essence magazine! These three dynamic beauties represent individual beauty, style and self expression.

Watch Ledisi's Behind the Cover video below

Watch Solange's Behind the Cover video below

Watch Erykah's Badu Behind the Cover video below

I love these three powerful and electric women who devine the essence of determination, style and uniqueness. What do you think of Essence's May Beauty issue? Comment below.

Givenchy X Erykah Badu X Spring 2014

Erykah Badu is one of my favorite artist, visually, vocally and physically. She embodies originality and never being afraid to push the limits of society and the music industry. She has teamed up with Givenchy for their Spring 2014 line. 

The shirt above I need to have in my life immediately! Between Erykah's' influence on fashion and her neo-soul music their is no surprise creative Director Riccardo Tisci wanted to embody her in their Africa-meets-Japan inspired collection. 

The French line has pushed the envelop featuring a transgender model, an albino model and chic mother-daughter duos. Tisci believes their needs to be more diversity and embracing of different cultures and ethnicities even on the runway.

Work, Ms. Badu (if ya nasty)!

View one of my favorite live performances and songs, "I Want You"

Spring X Style X 5 Pieces

Spring is on its way and with the change in weather so will our wardrobe. I gathered a list of 5 items to upgrade in your closest.

1.

7 Key Pieces for Spring 2014 by nikgold featuring leather handbags

Quilted purse
amazon.com

Jimmy Choo tote bag
jimmychoo.com

ZAC Zac Posen leather handbag
neimanmarcus.com

The tote bag for me is always a necessity. I love to have a bag that can fit everything I need and maybe some stuff I just want. Variating in colors, textures and pattern your bag can one up any outfit.

2.

The Cropped Pant by nikgold featuring black white pants

Rochas black white pants
modaoperandi.com

J Brand j-brand skinny jeans
stylebop.com

DKNY green pants
$160 - theoutnet.com

Roberto Cavalli cropped trousers
farfetch.com

What better way to spruce up a regular pant by adding a fashionable shorter hem. Paired with a strappy shoe your outfit is broken up into a more updated pant look!

3.

The Contrast Heel by nikgold featuring black sandals

Givenchy black sandals
net-a-porter.com

Dune leopard shoes
$130 - debenhams.com

Jane Norman black sandals
$58 - janenorman.co.uk

Making a comeback from last summer seen on runways from Paris, London to New York the contrast heel is here to stay for another season. Fashionably updating any ensemble. No outfit is complete without the right shoe!

Antonio Berardi X Fall 14

Antonio Berardi

Fell in love, thought I'd share some of his Fall 2014 collection. Enjoy.

Berardi is known for his "sensual, figure-hugging dresses" and a "striking, classical, dressed-up" style featuring "advanced fabrics and manufacturing techniques."[1] He has named music, independent film, post-modern art, Catholic symbolism, Italian art and culture, urban street style, lingerie, and the female form as his design influences.

Golden Fashion Goddesses

Girl Crush

The past two weeks have been Tika Sumpter on fire, ohh and Lupita... we will get to that. I love both of these beautiful brown skin goddesses.

Just finding out Tika is from my hometown of Queens and has been in the business forever! She has looks and personality. I love. Check out some fashionable looks of Tika Sumpter.

My other favorite is actress and Yale alumni Lupita Nyong'o. Budding, fresh and effortless style.

She was born in Mexico and is of Kenyan descent. The pictures say the rest...

Did you spot these similar fashion snapshots between Beyonce and Solange?

Here are the outfit details:

Beyoncé’s Instagram Bustier Top, Topshop Geo Knit Pencil Skirt, And Jil Sander Black Multi Colorblock Leather Sandals

Solange Knowles’s Instagram Clover Canyon Amazon Printed Dress

(Courtesy: FashionBombDaily)

I love both colorful on season looks! What do you think?

Style X S/S X Iconic

Headed into the fall my mind is already set on S/S 2014 trends. Since I've been working on my own Spring/ Summer line for #NikGoldDesigns it's rejuvenating to see how my collection fits into the future view of style as far as colors, patterns and the variation of textures.

My first feature is Iconic Inanity which is a explosive sighting of heavily influenced Ankara cloth pieces along with striking lines and feminine silhouettes. View some runway snap shots below.

Purrr-fect

Purrr-fect by nikgold featuring a faux leather coat

H M tshirt dress
$21 - hm.com

Faux leather coat
amazon.co.uk

Gladiator boots
shopjessicabuurman.com

2b black studded purse
2bstores.com

Yellow gold ring
$475 - jades24.com

Amrita Singh indian earrings
amritasingh.com

Warehouse cable knit hat
$26 - warehouse.co.uk

Chanel lipstick
beautyencounter.com

Fashion Week X Spring 2014

Spring fashion is the start of something new for the new year. Whether it's to upgrade your look or add some special pieces to your collection a revival of fashion comes inevitably with the change of season. 

Ciara in Emilio Pucci

Iggy Azalea in Viscose Jacquard
From celebrities trendsetting at fashion events to releases of premier lines from our favorite designers you are in for a great time enjoying the spring season of fashion which always gets me excited for the new year! From designers like Lanvin to A. Wang and Balmain I have fallen in love with the use of materials like leather, chiffon and sequins.

One of my two favorites are fresh new Ivory Coast designer Loza Maleombo for her layered tie-dye looks and extensive use of structure. I appreciate the diversity of fashion and she brings a new look being a West African designer.

My second favorite is Givenchy for his beautiful workings of drapery and luxurious materials.

Nik_Gold 2014 Style Forecast

***S/S 2014 promises us lots of leather ( so don't put those leather skirts and shorts away yet) and metallic material, tribal, floral and plaid print and a diverse collection of avant garde structure, sporty chic looks and classic lined fits.

Whatever you decide to wear for the upcoming season personalize it and make it yours!