SAFE SEX PROMOTED THRU FASHION...CHINA DONE DID IT AGAIN!!!

AMAZING!!! Mom dukes forwarded this to me and what a great find it was – I had to share!! Models parade in outfits made of condoms during a fashion show at the 4th China Reproductive Health New Technologies & Products Expo in Beijing... Condoms of all shapes and sizes were used to make dresses, hats and even lollipops! Models fought through extravagant soap bubble special effects to show off tight-fitting wedding gowns, scaly-looking evening dresses, outrageous bikinis and other garments made entirely of condoms. The show was held at the Fourth China Reproductive Health New Technologies and Products Expo and organized by China’s largest condom manufacturer, Guilin Latex Factory, to promote the use of condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also marked World Population Day, organized annually by the U.N. Population Fund…Please enjoy this innovative experience with me!!!

BUTCH DIVA: ROUGH RYDER!!!

TOP: BUTCH DIVA laced tank
BOTTOM: BUTCH DIVA paint splattered printed spandex skirt
HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLING: Ashleigh Cucci
STYLING: Me a.k.a Tiffany Rhodes a.k.a "Boss Lady"
THE LOOK: "Black Kate Moss"

PASSION PROJECT: THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS CONTINUED...

Developing a collection ain't always easy...but it sho' can be fun when you love what you do! The consulting process continues with buddies and designer peers over @ THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS...

BUTCH DIVA'S GANGSTA' BOOGIE!

TOP: Basic cotton tee deconstructed BUTCH DIVA style
BOTTOM: BUTCH DIVA comic strip printed spandex skirt
HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLING: Ashleigh Cucci
ACCESSORY STYLING: Me a.k.a Tiffany Rhodes a.k.a "Boss Lady"
THE LOOK: "I gots' this under control!"

A COLORFUL JOURNEY TO THE TOP!!!

TOP: Basic Cotton Tee deconstructed BUTCH DIVA style
BOTTOM: BUTCH DIVA Tye-Dye cargos w/ purple grosgrain trim
HAIR AND MAKE-UP STYLING: Ashleigh Cucci
ACCESSORY STYLING: Me a.k.a. Tiffany Rhodes a.k.a “Boss Lady”
THE LOOK: Go- Getter

MOMMY TO THE RESCUE...AGAIN!!!

I don't even know where to start when it comes to what my mother means to me. For starters, she just left my apt... she showed up with her magical mommy cape on her back and a halo over her head- bringing me a lil dough to get through the week-as supporting myself and supporting BUTCH DIVA outta pocket leaves me scrambling for some loose change every now and then, she bought groceries, a heater to keep me warm cuz my complaining about the cold is in full effect, and a scanner for my computer so I can start scanning images and inspirations for the blog....NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL SUPER-MOM!!!

Mama and I are definitely closer now then we have ever been before due to a chain of events concluding in us bonding and looking out for each other over the past few years. Either way, you better believe when I need her - she's there!! It's because of her I'm even struttin this planet, not to mention I'm following in her footsteps with this fashion biz, so making big things happen is not only my dream but hers! We're in it together...

Mother Dearest - (as tears fall) thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you x a million, for being there for me, planting these values of independence in my soul, and for never ever once doubting my capabilities. You've embraced my mistakes and allowed me to learn from them. I love you more than any Mahogany card can every explain and I look forward to continuing to make you proud of me. You better keep your head up where I can see it and continue to be inspired by your strength, courage, and will to proceed!

Your baby girl-always and 4eva!
Tiffany Lastar

KICKSCLUSIVE MAG FINDS BUTCH DIVA...

Director of Sales and Marketing and dear BUTCH DIVA supporter and friend, Mr. Ralph Ortiz got a hold of me to contribute pieces to a KICKSCLUSIVE MAG photo shoot @ Chelsea Piers... I first met Ralph on Myspace over 2 years ago with intentions of networking since we seemed to know the same people, I must say the connection came in handy, as I met future BUTCH DIVA models thru this gig in addition I was able to gain a lot of feedback from the girls on what they thought of the line. In conclusion - It was a productive day!

THE POWER OF A NETWORK

Now stylist and long time friend Ricardo a.k.a. Mr. Style has developed quite a lil' reputation for himself within the industry these days. We both attended The High School of Fashion Industries together, graduating Class of 2000, and kept in touch the way some - but not all - industry folk do: randomly! Ricardo first reached out to me earlier this year with an emergency need for some stylish one of a kind pieces to style hip hop one hit wonder Lumidee for a photo shoot that was supposed to promote her comeback. Without a doubt I was happy to assist him and hopefully needless to say - he has been coming back for more ever since! I usually allow him to hold pieces for a few weeks so that he is able to make the most of them during the hectic times in which I'm not able to... See here how he has managed to mix and mingle BUTCH DIVA into his styling endeavors!

"PASSION PROJECT": THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS

...When you love what you do, you have no problem taking the time to help your peer designers. I recently accepted the opportunity to work as a consultant for "THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS", a brand in touch with universal style and thier roots, and like me doing it for the passion - and still doing big things! I'll be managing their Sourcing and Production, in addition I get to assist with the development process as they are currently trying to decide how to differentiate and market their two brands: THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS vs. BKc for the upcoming season. I've known these guys for what feels like eons...first met when I was 18 after I answered one of their ads to help them produce a fashion show...and now here I am 7 yrs. lata making vital contributions to their future success! Ya gotta love it! That rewarding experience is what I live for...


Photos courtesy of Ouigi aka "the bearded man" via thebrooklyncircus.blogspot.com

Be sure to tune in to THE BROOKLYN CIRCUS blog plus KISER's blog (links to the right under Friends of BUTCH DIVA) as they are collaborating on a "pop-up shop" @ Gallery Bar on the lower east side...launch party nxt Wednesday - peep it...