Fashion Week is a Wrap! Time to Focus!

Now that fashion week is over, I can finally settle down and start focusing on building my blog more!

Sorry for keeping you all in limbo, it has been a crazy few weeks for me! Hope this finds you well!

So many shows these last few days have blown my mind. From Marc Jacobs to Jeremy Scott-- every show I have witnessed progressively got more and more intricate and made me want to own literally every piece.

Not to mention the models.. Each designer had the most handsome and beautiful models I've ever seen. I recently discovered that I have a slight crush on Miles McMillan (shh.. it's our little secret-- he's also pictured above wearing Jeremy Scott head to toe.)

As these next few months progress-- check here for everything fashion, to read my occasional rants, and blurbs about pop culture.

This is our year, Valentines! Your support means more to me than you'll ever know! Love you all!

We're totally revamping our blog!

Hey Valentines, I'm so excited to really get this blog started and running! It's been a little over a week since I've made this and already I've got over 10,000 views! CRAZY!

As my brand continues to grow and expand, I just want you all to know how much I appreciate you reading, supporting, and sharing my opinions. Without you and your help, I'd be no where and I'd have nothing.

Some of you may have noticed I say "we're" and "us" throughout my writing, it's a typical writing stance I take.. but for so many of you asking, this blog is run strictly by myself, Kydd Valentine, and these posts and opinions are mine and mine alone. Just thought I needed to clear that up!

As for the future.. be ready to see a lot more fashion and music incorporated into my posts as they are my biggest passions in life-- also look out for more celebrity interviews and style tips from me and the people I admire.

I'm looking forward to what 2013 can bring all of us! Until then, take care and know I'm sending you all much love! 

Our interview with celebrity photographer, Max Thompson!

Taking a first glance at Celebrity Photographer, Max Thompson, you see his boyish good looks and his love of art displayed all over his body. (We are such suckers for tattoos! Ha!) We recently were able to talk with him and really get to know the amazing, creative genius that he is!

Tell us some background info.. Age, home town, what you were like as a kid.

I'm 28 years old and I'm from the north SF Bay Area. I was a little trouble maker when I was a kid.

Was photography always a love for you and how did you get into it?

I've always appreciated photography as a craft but getting into it hadn't crossed my mind originally. It was my friends who suggested I buy a camera after they saw some Instagram photos I was goofing around with. I bought my first camera and couldn't put it down.

Did you think you could make a career out of it?

It hadn't occurred to me in the first month or so of owning a camera. I was shooting long exposures of San Francisco and Los Angeles for fun and posting them on Facebook. More and more friends quickly took notice and started asking me to shoot photos of them modeling. It was around that time when I realized where I could go with this.

Who are some of your inspirations? 

Michel Gondry, Andy Warhol, Terry Richardson, to name a few. I get inspired by artists that change the way I look at something.

What was your first big break? What did you learn from it?

It was more like a lot of opportunities growing and leading to bigger ones through networking.  I've learned to keep shooting things when I have ideas, keeping a consistent workflow.

We see you've worked with some pretty big people.. What was it like to work with Jeffree Star? Who was your favorite person to work with?

Jeffree was great to work with. I just recently shot for his clothing line and plan to work with him again soon. As far as favorites go, it's hard to choose. I've met so many rad people.

What is it about photography that captivates your attention so much?

Initially it was how different of an outlet it was from music. I used to play acoustic guitar,  singing at dive bars and coffee shops. In comparison to music, I loved the idea that a camera allowed me to move the spotlight from myself and place it on someone else, but still express my ideas and visions.

Walk us through your creative process.. How do you create such a strong message with such a simple image?

Usually I'll have a vision pop in my head, and I'll call someone up to see if they'd be interested in modeling for it. Ill buy whatever props or clothes needed to bring it to life. If it's a shoot that's more on the fashion end, Ill bounce ideas back and forth with the model on what would look edgy and simple.

Any advice for aspiring artists and photographers out there? 

Shoot what you think looks good. I've learned technique along the way, but it's always instinct that has given me results.
 

We absolutely appreciate Max taking the time out for this interview.. Kydd's prediction is that you'll be hearing a lot of Max Thompson soon!

We wish you continued success, Max! We're HUGE fans! 

JT's "Suit & Tie" is Number One in 31 countries!

Timberlake fans do not fear.. Justin has made a comeback, and an amazing one at that!

After releasing his first single in six years, “Suit & Tie” featuring Jay-Z, last Monday at midnight, the song has soared to the top spot on iTunes charts in 31 different countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, France, and Brazil. In another 54, it is sitting pretty in the Top 10. That’s beyond mind-blowing considering that JT only told the world he was “ready” to release new music just three days before he dropped the single!

“Suit & Tie,” which first earned him mixed reviews from fans, also went on to break U.S. radio airplay records: biggest song debut, airplay increase, and the biggest audience increase for a solo artist ever.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the track also gave the singer/songwriter/actor his best first week sales of his career, beating out “SexyBack” with 310,078 digital downloads.

We are so happy to have him back.. he was a huge part to the soundtrack of our childhood! 

Our hottie of the day is Tyler Carter!

The former Woe, Is Me frontman, Tyler Carter is more than just a pretty face..

With his overwhelming R&B vocals (he has vocal qualities that Michael Jackson had) and his amazing creativity.. he had us falling head over heels!

The hottie is about to embark on a country-wide tour with his band Issues (who just happens to be one our favorites as well.)

Perhaps the biggest reason we love him is his balls to the wall attitude, and how he tells it like it is. Regarding an issue that happened at a venue in Nashville over a worker being fired for wearing an "I Support Gay Rights" shirt, Tyler took to Twitter to address it.

The openly bisexual singer/songwriter had this to say..

Tyler, we absolutely love you and what you stand for! Keep making amazing music, you inspire us and so many alike!

Much love and continued success!

The Jonas Brothers-- Not so fan friendly anymore?

We were just like every other teenage girl a few years ago when The Jonas Brothers were the top selling, and most gorgeous boy band around. We absolutely were in love with them! Although lately there's been a couple reports that the boys aren't that fan friendly anymore and Joe, the middle brother, even was reported as being beyond rude!

College student and super Jonas fan, Andy Hertfeld, was with a group of friends late one night in the city when they saw Joe Jonas and some of his close friends. 

Andy claims, "As we were walking closer we saw that he was smoking a cigarette with Blanda, and the minute he saw us walking closer he threw it down. After we approached him, he shook his head no. It was late, which we understood, but my friend asked for a picture anyway. That’s when Joe flipped out on us he said, 'We do so much for you. We do everything and you want a picture? Get out of here.'"

Also Andy's friend took the incident to heart..

"My friend was in tears. One of his friends, a tall girl with short brown hair, started making fun of us. She was going on and on about my friend saying, 'Is he going to cry now?' and Joe just laughed right in our faces." 

Aww.. as upsetting as this whole story is.. Joe needs to wake up and realize it's people like Andy who put him where he is. We understand celebs need space-- but there's a difference between space and being ungrateful. Where is The Biebs when we need him?

Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce hanging out at the Inauguration!

After the two incredible performances these divas put on during Obama's inauguration, it was so cool to see a picture of them hanging out after, congratulating each other on a job well done!

In all the ceremonies we've seen, the music this year was the best. Kelly made Obama tear up and even had the speaker saying "Wow."

Queen Bey had 800,000 people on their feet singing during her rendition of "The National Anthem." Which was soo inspiring!

We want to wish Obama an amazing next 4 years! You've done an incredible job so far, we're looking forward to seeing what you do in this term!

Jay-Z & Beyonce are in the building!

Powerhouse couple Jay-Z and Beyonce just arrived at the President's Inauguration.

The entertainment moguls have been a key power player in the President's reelection!

They look so dapper and sophisticated!

Thome Browne.. A day to remember in fashion and presidential history!

Thom Browne landed a spot in fashion history this morning as the designer of Michelle Obama’s inaugural morning outfit, a beautiful navy silk jacquard coat and dress in a checked pattern that he said was based on a men’s necktie fabric.

Mr. Browne found out that Mrs. Obama had selected his outfit about a half-hour after television viewers, who first saw the Obama family shortly before 9 a.m. He was in Paris, on his way to a sales meeting the day after his men’s wear fashion show, when he began seeing messages. “It’s overwhelming,” he said in a telephone interview. “It is one of those rare moments in someone’s career that you will always remember. There¹s not a word that can really describe it. It’s just amazing.”

Mr. Browne is most famous for his 12-year-old men’s wear business, specializing in tightly tailored suits. His signature design is an ankle-baring gray suit. He also designs collections for Brooks Brothers and Moncler, and his women’s collection, introduced in 2010, is slowly expanding. Mrs. Obama wore one of his dresses at the Democratic National Convention and again during one of the presidential debates last year.

The designer was introduced to Mrs. Obama at a White House event when he received a National Design Award for fashion design in 2012. "She has been so supportive ever since then," Mr. Browne said. Mr. Browne designed the outfit specifically for Mrs. Obama after her office invited him to submit an idea several months ago, but he was not told in advance whether she would wear it. The coat and dress each have a fitted bodice and a slight flare below the waist. “She’s such a strong woman,” Mr. Browne said. “I wanted her to feel good in it and to feel comfortable, strong, feminine and beautiful.” The outfit represents something of a departure from the lemongrass yellow coat and dress designed by Isabel Toledo that Mrs. Obama wore at the first inauguration, both for its form-fitting tailoring and a notable absence of bright color. The fabric, taken from men’s neckwear, suggests a first lady who may be comfortable in designer fashion, but is also ready to get down to serious business. There has been enormous interest inside the fashion industry in dressing Mrs. Obama and, increasingly, her daughters, who appeared this morning wearing bright purplish blue coats of similar shapes. Malia Obama’s coat was from J.Crew, and Sasha Obama wore a coat and a dress from Kate Spade. According to a White House pool report, the first lady is also wearing earrings by Cathy Waterman and J.Crew pumps.

[SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES]

We're in love with Diamond Rings!

We're absolutely in love with this 27 year old Canadian singer, Diamond Rings.

The singer, who started in 2009, released his latest album "Free Dimensional" in October and even appeared on the David Letterman Show to promote it!

Check out the single "Runaway Love" above! It's our favorite song of his and we promise it will make you dance!

We love, love, love him and his style!

Photo of the Day!

The ever sexy Adam Levine was seen running around dressed up as a homeless man in downtown Los Angeles.

Now Adam is known for pulling on the street stunts-- he's done it in the past for both gay rights and for animals..

Only time will tell what activism Adam is performing currently! No matter what it is, we love his bravery and courage to do what a celebrity has never done before!

Quote of the Day!

"I'm the type who’d be happy not going anywhere as long as I was sure I knew exactly what was happening at the places I wasn’t going to. I'm the type who’d like to sit home and watch every party that I’m invited to on a monitor in my bedroom." -Andy Warhol

Warhol is one of our icons here at Kydd Valentine.. his art changed the face of pop culture, and we hope one day our blog can do the same.

As for this quote.. we can relate.. being a homebody is nice sometimes! We love to unplug!

Alexander McQueen kills it at Paris Fashion Week!

The menswear collection from McQueen for the 2013 fall/winter seasons is absolutely insane.

The late designer's collections have launched us into creative freedom for years.. and even left us fangirling over his dark use of textures and story telling mended into materials.

One of the reasons we're absolutely obsessed with everything Alexander McQueen is the use of color and cuts.

McQueen's suits this season have such a rich texture with the color blocking of different shades. The geometrical color placement is genius and gives that "pop out" look.  The trench coats with button detailing and colored sleeves absolutely make this collection wearable for the everyday fashion forward male.

Blacks, silvers, and reds are so in style this year. We're in love with this trend!

The use of coral for the look on the left above is so effortless and versatile. The choice of color is very rich and romantic, absolutely love the collared shirt underneath.. adds a professional/sexy edge.

One of our favorite looks from the entire collection is the maroon color chic pajama look.. It's very Hugh Hefner and is totally something we'd love to rock. The colors are deep and look absolutely stunning on this model.

Overall, McQueen delivered a solid Menswear presentation.. we can't wait to see what's in-store for the spring!

Selena Gomez sings "Cry Me a River..."

Selena Gomez killed it last night at her charity concert in New York City.

She was seen singing some of her original songs and some covers.

Her rendition of "Cry Me a River" (made famous by Justin Timberlake)left us reeling our heads in confusion wondering if she's trying to giver her ex, Justin Bieber, a message?

Whether that song was aimed at The Biebs or not, Sel looked flawless and sounded so beautiful!

Barbara Walters-- Hospitalized after fall!

Barbara Walters was taken to a hospital Saturday night after cutting her head after she had a fall, but is alert and doing well according to sources!

Walters was visiting the British Ambassador’s residence when she fell on a stair and cut her forehead.

Jeffrey W. Schneider, senior vice president of ABC News, tells POLITICO, "Out of an abundance of caution, she went to the hospital to have her cut tended to, have a full examination and remains there for observation. Barbara is alert (and telling everyone what to do), which we all take as a very positive sign."

Aww.. we hope the TV legend makes a full recovery! We love Barbara to pieces!

Daniel Radcliffe finds new love in Co-star?

Those chilly temperatures at Sundance must be making Daniel Radcliffe look for a cuddle buddy!

Daniel is in town for his Sundance Film Festival premiere of "Kill Your Darlings."

Erin Darke (pictured about looking gorgeous) was reportedly seen "arm in arm" and kissing Radcliffe according to People Magazine.

A source confirms they were being affectionate but "not too crazy," and that Daniel was in a very happy mood.

The source also said "He was the last to leave, and so happy."

Aww.. we're so happy Daniel is finding love! After dedicating most of his life and childhood in front of the cameras for the whole world to see, it thrills us to see him find some personal happiness!!

We wish you continued success and love for 2013, Daniel!

Our Fall/Winter 2013 Valentino Runway review coming soon!

Until we post our review of the Valentino Fall/Winter 2013 Runway Collection.. here are some our favorite looks from the show! Let's just say, we're obsessed with these men's clutches and trenches.. You always impress us, Valentino!

Lumberjack plaid... so.. excited.. ahh!

These clutches.. so chic.. especially in camo!

Look forward for our review to drop later this week for Valentino! It will be a fabulous read!

We can't stop playing Chelsea Wolfe..

The "Grime and Glow" singer known as Chelsea Wolfe has captivated us with her dark, indie sound.

Signed to Sargent House Records her latest album "Unknown Rooms: A Collection Of Acoustic Songs" was released on October 16th, 2012.

We are absolutely blown away with her ghostly vocals and insane lyrics..

Check out one of our favorite Chelsea Wolfe songs above titled "Halfsleeper."

We can't take our eyes off of Dave Franco!

You might recognize the last name.. but Dave Franco is so much more than just James Franco's little brother.

The 27 year old actor has appeared on television shows such as Scrubs and in movies such as 21 Jump Street, Fright Night and the new movie out February 1st, Warm Bodies!

Not only is he beyond easy on the eyes, he's also an advocate for gay rights! He tells The Huffington Post, "I know a huge audience is going to think that I am gay. I'm just trying to blur the lines, I guess. I'm not consciously trying to do that, but it's not something I think about. Like with my friends who are gay, it's not like that's the first thing I associate with them. They're just another friend, and they just happen to like guys."

Aww.. nothing makes us happier than to see an actor in the spotlight support and treat gays just like they would everyone else. It's so refreshing!

We love you, Dave!! We wish you continued success and happiness!

Justin Biber-- Our Photo of the Day!

We love us some Justin Bieber here at Kydd Valentine and we laughed out loud when we saw this photo of the most famous ass in America posted on Instagram last night!

With the hashtag "#moon" underneath the picture, it showed us a clear humorous side to the Biebs we already knew he had! 

Shortly after uploading then deleting the photo, the singer/songwriter took to his Twitter page and posted...

Probably the best description you can come up with! We love you, Justin! Congrats on the new acoustic album out January 29th! And thanks for that #halfmoon.