LBS Backstage Beauty: Rip The Runway 2013

Tonight at 10PM EST, BET will premiere its annual Rip The Runway showcase featuring trendy designer collections from African-American designers, and celebrating the style & beauty of people of color. Hosted by Kelly Rowland and Boris Kodjoe, I must say the 2013 show is by far one of the best. I attended the taping and you guys are in for a treat. Aside from fashion-forward collections, there are guest performances by some of the hottest hip-hop & R&B artists out now including Rick Ross, Omarion, Jaden Smith, Sevyn Streeter, and more.

I remember watching Rip The Runway back in my high school days so I was honored when BET invited me backstage to chat with the glam squad that makes the magic happen. Check out what they told me:

Inspiration: The Hair

Backstage the hair looks were sophisticated and understated. Lead hairstylist for the show, Tracy Balan explained "...everything was about elevating the fashion and taking it to a whole other level. It's more high-end. Think Bryant Park, think Italian Vogue. That's what you're getting for 2013. This year, the hair is really simple. It's all about simplicity and accessorizing your hair to match the clothes."

About achieving the hair look, Tracy notes "One of the looks tonight is the classic low chignon to the back of the head or the low ponytail. You can easily achieve this with some mousse or a bit of dry shampoo in the roots to lay the hair down but the ends will have more of a wild effect. We also have alot of 60's mod buns as well, especially in the Size Sexy section. The models are wearing Vivica Fox's remy extensions line, as one of our biggest sponsors this season."

Inspiration: Fashion Freedom Segment

Beagy Zielinski, stylist for the Fashion Freedom segment noted "My inspiration for the style looks tonight was Alexander McQueen. I really wanted it to be sexy and edgy with a bit of a dark side. The looks we pulled are everywhere from London to Hong Kong to Lebanon. They're literally from around the world. So it's alot of really fun detail."

Inspiration: Size Sexy Segment

Lead stylist for the "Size Sexy" segment, Lindsay Driscoll told us that this year's theme was Vogue meet Rip The Runway. "My goal was to have these girls who are plus size (12-20), wearing the same types of outfits as your typical runway model or celebrity. You don't have to belt everything, you can still wear luxurious furs, and luxe fabrics like leather and lace. It's about finding the right designers that really tailor their pieces well and finding the right fit and fabrics. So this year we really focused on quality materials and great tailoring to make sure everything looked couture."

Get The Look: Size Sexy

When I asked about fashion tips for curvy girls like myself, Lindsay mentioned, "...make sure you accentuate the best part of you. For example, if you have really big thighs, wearing a pencil skirt so you can show off your smaller waist while still covering up problem areas is best. Pick your favorite body part and accentuate it. Also, don't be scared to wear prints or to do color-blocking. If you do it the right way, it works. Not every big girl should have to wear black to look trim. And not every outfit needs a belt."

Fashion producers of the show Carline Balan & Michou St. Jules says the creative direction of the show was bringing NYFW to BET. "With the element of our stylists and high-end segments like Lux Mode, Jaden Smith's clothing line MSFTS, Fashion Freedom and Size Sexy. It's about giving segments for everyone. If you put the entire show together, you could walk through anyone's life at a particular time."

"There are so many amazing African-American designers that don't really get the recognition that they should. So we love mentoring new talent, taking them on and showcasing that. We allow everyone on stage to be their unique selves. That's why this show isn't driven by the designers but by the stylists. The designers don't even know which pieces we chose! They don't get to see it all together until they come see the show," said Carline Balan.

Quite interesting! Well I can tell you for sure that they did an amazing job with the show. I ahd a great time at the taping. Make sure to check it out on BET tonight at 10PM EST. Head to the website for more information.

 Will you guys be tuning in?

LBS in LA (Part 2): Essence Black Women in Music Red Carpet

7:30PM We arrive on the purple carpet at the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln. Like I mentioned in my Prepping post, I went with the Tadashi Shoji lace peplum dress in Sand. I'm really happy with my choice, I feel comfortable and confident.

I'm wearing gold-studded stilettos from Steve Madden.

8:00PM The celebrities start to arrive. First beauty I spot on the red carpet is Sharon Leal who looks amazing with her short cropped cut and flowing cream gown.

I loved her eye makeup!

Goapele was there, looking stunning in a bright red lip and side-swept bangs.

Jennifer Williams of Basketball Wives was in attendance. She gave me the scoop on her outfit, and it was mostly Zara! Gotta love celebs who shop at the same stores we do.

Estelle looked beautiful with her cascading curls, deep berry lip and bold lashes. She wore a suit by Eugene Lim suit.

Denise Vasi of VH1's Single Ladies was in attendance. She's so gorgeous! Her red pout and green jewels were the perfect compliment to her Peter Hidalgo outfit.

My twin Jill Scott was there! She's so beautiful, even more so in person.

Jurnee Smollet rocking a Trina Turk dress, with her date. Can't wait for the newest Tyler Perry film featuring her and Kim Kardashian. Should be quite interesting!

Lisa Rae, also of VH1's Single Ladies, was in attendance. She was a joy to talk to. She rocked a white Tadashi Shoji dress, and we gushed over wearing the same designer to the event. She has good taste! 

Keke Palmer was there sporting new, luxurious locks. Love her curls! She was "big hair don't care" like me that night. I just had a styling session with her hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez recently. She does a fab job.

Yes y'all, I ran into the one and only Nene Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame! I told her she's my favorite. She chatted me up about some of her favorite designers, who include Christian Louboutin and Dolce & Gabbana.

Naturi Naughton posing in front of the 2013 Lincoln MKX. She wore a blue lace dress from an independent designer called Mignon.

I met new R&B artist Sevyn Streeter. I LOVE her single "I Like It" so I couldn't wait to chat with her. She's penned songs for top songstresses like Alicia Keys, Brandy, Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige and more. She's so pretty! And her outfit was on point.

9:30PM Right before I head in for the event, I spy Ford Motors' Shawn Lollie, honoree of the evening Solange, and President of Essence Communications, Michelle Eubanks.

Once inside, it's time to enjoy the performances. First up is the lovely Lianne La Havas who woos the crowd with songs off of her album "Is Your Love Big Enough".

I spied Lianne chatting it up with Jill Scott after her performance. Two of my favorites!

Next up was Solange! She sung my favorite "Losing You" and I went wild. Love that song!

Jill and Solange posing for the cameras right after her performance. I felt so blessed to be in presence of women like them. Real musicians.

11:00PM The event is nearly over but I CAN'T leave before grabbing a picture with my favorite Amber Riley! One of my style stars, she always looks flawless. Loving her new short hair.

And that's the perfect end to my evening with the stars courtesy Lincoln Motors. I had a fantastic time out in LA for the Essence Black Women in Music event! Special thanks to Lincoln for sending me, to Essence for having me, and to Tadashi Shoji for helping me look my best!