Born Too Blog: Rip The Runway

March 28, 2011

Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Wiz Khalifa, Haiti & More Rip BET's Runway

Selita Ebanks, best known as top Victoria's Secret model, along with Mechad Brooks (Eggs from HBO's True Blood) hosted BET's Annual Rip The Runway fashion show that combines music and fashion to create a live, fast-paced, creative expression showcasing eclectic clothing lines for the petite, thick and size "sexy" (plus-size) urban chic diva as well as for the fashionable urban male. This year BET featured popular Hip Hop and R&B acts like rapper Fabolous, newcomer Wiz Khalifa, New Boyz, Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Melanie Fiona & Miguel.

A fab outfit is the perfect pairing to a dope beat. This year's lines began at the home front featuring local designs by Rachel Roy, Swimwear by Lila Nikole, plus-size designs by Tenille White, male fashion via Man vs. Machine and ended with Haitian native Hassan Pierre's Eco-friendly WISB* (Way It Should Be) line for women.

I was presently surprised by this year's designs and was happy to see Rachel Roy, Dame Dash's ex-wife, and her ready-to-wear designs, which I absolutely l-o-v-e. Her unique style of draping and eye-catching hues are very flattering for many body styles and fashion flavors. Her line is quickly becoming my go-to for original, sleek, sexy and affordable flare wear.

I truly enjoyed the swimwear segment which featured designer Lila Nikole who has outfitted celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Trina. Her sexy and body conscious line featured colorful one-piece cutouts and barely there bikinis that will make you look like a million poolside.

LaQuan Smith, who debuted at New York Fashion Week last year, showed off some sexy and stylish pieces that were just as colorful as they were risque. His celebrity clientele boasts the likes of fashion trendsetters Lady Gaga, Tyra Banks, Cassie, Lala Vasquez, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj and has attracted the praise of the one and only, Andre Leon Talley (former American editor-at-large for Vogue magazine). Be on the lookout for this guy. *wink*
Even fashion icon Lady Gaga showed her face in order to garner support for Japan disaster relief through http://www.ladygaga.com/ where you can find her Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband. Proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.

As always, there will be some disappointments with any BET production (*side eye* at Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta doing makeovers when he is the one who is most in need of one). Either way, it was a successful production which showcased some cool and fun looks that can definitely inspire your wardrobe this Spring/Summer. Check out the official Rip The Runway Site RipTheRunway - The Rhythm of Fashion for more details and more coverage on the event.