Vintage Photo of the Week

"Graduation"

(Photo: Roy DeCarava/LATimes.com)

This photo, entitled "Graduation", was taken by famed African American photographer Roy DeCaravas who passed away on Tuesday. He was 89.

Feeling that the imagery of Black people lacked the beauty and dignity we deserved, Mr. DeCaravas sought to show the everyday lives of Black people in Harlem during the '40s, 50s and 60s'. "Graduation", which appears in DeCaravas' collection of works, "The Sweet Flypaper of Life"(1955), was considered one of his most famous photographs. The LA Times describes it as:

"...a young woman in a long white gown and a corsage who stands in rubble outside a tenement house. She is in sunlight, facing shadows. The image raises obvious questions about her future".

Read More About Roy DeCarava Here

Enjoy!.

Michelle Obama: A Vision in Red Glamour!

 (Photo: Glamour.com)

What a holiday treat! Our beloved First Lady, Michelle Obama, graces the cover of Glamour magazine's December issue. This is the first time in the magazine's 70 year history that a First Lady has appeared on its cover!

It should be noted that this Glamour's annual Women of the Year issue, and the magazine is honoring Mrs. Obama with a Special Recognition Award for her dedication to mentoring young women. In her interview with Glamour (conducted by Katie Couric), Mrs. Obama gives advice on mentoring, style and dating. You can read excerpts of her interview here.

Now, on to the fashion. According to the good folks at Mrs.O.org, the First Lady is wearing her own red cocktail dress by one of her favorite designers, Jason Wu. Exactly who designed that fabulous necklace is still a mystery, but I'm sure their name will eventually surface. Taking a guess, I say the necklace is one-of-a-kind design by Fenton, whose jewelry the First Lady has worn before.

Vintage Photo of the Week

This is South African jazz singer, Letta Mbulu. You might not recognize her name or face, but you've definitely heard her voice. She is the young lady that sings on Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl". Ms. Mbulu has also worked with Quincy Jones on The Roots and The Color Purple soundtracks.

For more info on Letta Mbulu, check out her bio here.

Vintage Photo of the Week

Pat Cleveland

(Photo: Irving Penn)

This is a 1972 photo of runway diva, Pat Cleveland taken by the famed fashion photographer, Irving Penn, who passed away this week at the age of 92. RIP Mr. Penn.

Vintage Photo of the Week

Etta Moten, Singer/Actress
(1901-2004)

This is singer/actress Etta Moten showing serious swagger in a cloche hat. She was the first Black star to perform at the White House, and the muse for "Bess" in George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess".

Enjoy!