Amidst Fashion Week 2009 in New York City, I had an unexpected personal fashion experience of my own. I’ll say off the top, when it comes to style and fashion, I am challenged. Clothes shopping andTuesday in Cannes, France dressing for events are painful processes for me. I would much rather shop for cookware, blenders and sandwich griddles. Over the years, my best friends typically dress me for special occasions.

I was heading to the State Department in Washington DC, not having ever been there before I couldn’t decide if I should wear a dark colored suit/dress or a CK red dress that I fell in love with. Being the “crazy” that I am , I decided to poll those closest to me, close to DC or close to knowing proper fashion protocol. I was conflicted because after all, I don’t work at the State Dept. so why should I have to dress like them? Plus, this is an arts and culture event where people tend to be more expressive in their dress. My question was “what should I wear to this lunchtime event at the State Department?”

Here’s who I surveyed and where they currently live in my very unscientific experiment:

Male – Banker – New York

Male – Gov’t Contractor – Virginia

Male – Pharmaceutical Sales – Maryland

Female – Pharmaceutical Sales – New York

Female – Stay at home mom – New York

Female – Educator/Seamstress – New York

Female – Entertainment Executive – New York

Female – Flight Attendant – New York

Female – Sales Manager – Maryland

This was a fun process especially because the results came back in an interesting way. Surprisingly it wasn’t divided by gender, age or by profession. It was divided by the old Mason-Dixon Line! North against the South. LOL.  All of those residing in New York unequivocally said “go for the red” (although a few wanted to be sure the red dress was conservative). Yet, the three from the MD/VA/DC metropolis all said, unquestionably for me to wear a conservative dark color.

So what does this mean? Are New Yorkers more fashion savvy than those in the (albeit not-so-deep) South? I believe this definitely speaks to us being a product of our environment. Those closest to the political hub tend to think more conservatively then those of us in New York (even if they are NY transplants). Whereas, New Yorkers (even if transplants from the South) tend to be more “style” conscious. Yes--New York City, the place where you will see some wearing flip-flops and others wearing boots in the same day.

Naturally, I went with the red dress. It was not unfit for the event or the venue, but I did feel a little over-dressed. As a matter of fact, there seemed to be no real “dress code” at the State Department. The staff was dressed in some of everything and most of it wasn’t very stylish or interesting. Really.

So I guess everybody got it right. Had I wore something dark, I would not have stood out or felt over-dressed, but wearing red made me unique and stylish (and makes great photos   ). It’s not fair. Men get away with wearing a nice suit that will fit in just about any occasion. The way women dress is what really sets the tone, look, feel of an event. 

So now I know. I know that this fashion thing just really isn’t me. And now you know not to be surprised if you get a phone call from me one day asking what should I wear. Oh and I heard New York has been bumped as the fashion capital of the world.

Willem Dafoe I mentioned in my post About A Really Really Nice Person, that I’ve had limited experiences with nice people in the film industry. But, I do have one small experience that stood out.

We were on the set of Inside Man where Willem Dafoe played Captain John Darius. Once again, I was going against the grain. You’d think, from all of my stories I’m a real loafer when I’m supposed to be working, but really, I’m not! I work really hard and efficiently. It’s just that I like people. And when I’m around people I like, I want to take a picture with them (LOL). And not just celebrities. This pertains to all people… I like.

Okay, back to the story. So I decided to catch Willem Dafoe between scenes to take a photo. It wasn’t the usual intense atmosphere and people were feeling good and happy because we were celebrating Dafoe’s birthday with cake and song and so forth. I seized a moment when he was standing around and said “do you mind taking a photo?” He gestured with what would be no problem. I said to the person I handed the camera “we gotta hurry” (didn’t want to feel the wrath of any of the directors) but Dafoe responded with “Ah, don’t worry. We’ll tell’m it’s for continuity!” Needless to say, I thought this was hilarious seeing as though I wasn’t IN the movie and therefore there would be no reason for he and I to be photographed for “continuity.” (scroll down movie terminology list) What a nice guy he was… and funny.

This story reminds me of the book I read The Power of Small, Why Little Things Make All the Difference, written by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. They also wrote the Power of Nice. It’s not a long book and it’s a fun read. If you get a chance pick it up or sit in a major bookstore for a couple of hours and read it. These books deal with how the smallest of gestures (“little things”) can make a big difference in your life or in the life of someone else.

To me, it is so much more fun to be nice. But I don’t know that it is “easier” because people don't seem to do it as much. What do you think? Generally, does it take extra effort to be nice? Is it easier to be aloof?

Denzel Washington and Tuesday I’m sure you are thinking the exact same thing I thought when I saw this photo of me and Denzel (he told me I can call him that, hee, hee). WTH? We should win an award for the “Worst Picture Taken by a Celebrity and Fan.” We look like two crazy people delighted to be released from an asylum.

Let me tell you. I worked in production on the Universal Pictures film Inside Man starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owen and directed by Spike Lee. My job happened to have entailed daily encounters with Denzel Washington as they shot scenes of Det. Keith Frazier and his partner Det. Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) entering and exiting the mobile command center outside the bank. I literally spent weeks up close and in a quiet space with one of my biggest movie idols, and yet, had nothing to capture the memory and experience of watching a veteran actor transition in and out of character.

If you work in the business, you know it is quite inappropriate to act like a fan (atic), stargaze, click unexpected flicks, etc. while on movie set or location.  Well, it was down to the last day Denzel would shoot for the movie (big stars typically shoot all of their scenes together, so their schedule is not tied up unnecessarily) and we probably wouldn’t see him again until the wrap party. Not only that, there’s always a private security person with him. Goodness. So, what was I to do? I at least wanted a photo with Mr. Washington. The back of the back-story is my little secret (might need to use it again so I can’t reveal) but you can see where Denzel agreed to stand for a moment to take a picture with me. (You never want other cast and crew members to see it happening because it may begin a barrage of requests for photos and perhaps autographs.) So all involved in my little scheme were moving so quickly, and this is the picture we turned up with! And I think this was even a re-take!

I’m happy to have a photo for my archive. I just consider it the Worst Ever of the Best Ever :)

1st Harlem Mini Miss Pageant

I was never one for intentionally putting myself on “display” and still today, I don’t have a competitive bone in my body, yet, somehow I ended up registered for this pageant, based on talent, no less. Me, in a talent contest?!

During the weeks of preparation for the pageant, Ms Owens helped us choose songs, poems, etc. for our decided talent. She had a dancer teach us a dance routine and prepped us for poise and speaking with the emcee in front of the audience. Ms. Owens selected a monologue from the Two-Act play “In White America” by historian and playwright Martin Duberman for me to recite.

At age 11, I was crowned Harlem Mini Miss. And guess what. I’m still the reigning Harlem Mini Miss as there has not been another pageant at the YMCA (in 33 years)! You can stop laughing now.

I won wonderful prizes though: a scholarship to Ophelia DeVore School of Charm, US Savings Bond, jewelry, fabric, albums, and loads of other stuff from local Harlem merchants. We met Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee who were the guest performers and honorees of the event,  and I was an invited guest at the Sesame Beauty Pageant (shmancy) and best of all I got to sit atop a convertible Cadillac and wave to the crowd at the African-American Day Parade, September 12, 1976!

The moral of the story is --contrary to the criticisms of pageants and the issues I discussed in Banking on Beauty, it DID help my self-esteem, it taught me that I actually had talent and it was very fun at 11 years old. But now that I think about it, I don’t know how the young ladies who didn’t win felt after that experience. Hmmm.

Still feel like I should give this crown away to another young lady… then again, maybe I have already :). 

Tuesday as the Colonel of KFC Now that we see I was prideless in pursuing my commercial acting career :) …

This photo was taken while doing a street promotion (paid gig, no less) for Kentucky Fried Chicken. I forget what year this was but let’s say a looooong time ago. The marketing company dispatched a couple hundred Colonel Sanders out into the summer streets of New York City. It was a fun day but I don’t know how effective the campaign was or what we were actually promoting to be honest.

I thought of this photo after reading a blog by Dawn Yerger. Her post made reference to the impact and effectiveness of branding and celebrity endorsements in view of  Magic Johnson’s mention of KFC at Michael Jacksons memorial service.

Well, this caused me to get a bit more curious. I wondered if the sales DID spike during the days following the memorial service because of Magic's humorous story.  Hmmm. I found one blog site where the author dealt with this issue specifically but the sales results were not in yet.

But what was even more interesting in my research was the fact that some folks think that Magic Johnson’s story was STAGED. That, in fact, Yum! Brands and Magic were in cahoots and Johnson made mention of KFC as a promotional ploy. The conspiracy theory is thicker because Johnson has done business (a commercial) with KFC in the past (1991).

I don’t know if I believe this. Magic’s story seemed so sincere and impulsive almost. We know Magic is no actor and his use of the English language is often comical in the best of situations, I can’t imagine him, during this emotional time, being able to sell a story so naturally for the purpose of advertising.

Shameless plug? Ya think? naaaaah.

The unexpected demise of Michael Jackson and witness to the impact and reaction of millions of fans around the globe makes me reflect on who else I’m a fan of. Just off the top, some of my favorite people include Cornell West, Oprah, Denzel, Will Smith, Queen Latifah and Whoopi Goldberg (… I can go on).

I say I’m a fan, but what makes a real fan? Should a real fan know every minute Tuesday and SEAL detail about that figure? Seems like if you are a real fan, you would be interested in their public and private life and can answer if the person is married or single, number of children, where they live, likes, dislikes, how they got started, etc. If this is the case, I’m a terrible fan! I’m a fraud.

My friend Anthony hipped me to the singer SEAL about 15 years ago. SEAL is one of my absolute favorite singers in all the world. And what’s more, I met him in person. What are the chances of meeting a person you idolize?! Unlikely and slim at best. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet him, but he gave me a hug, rubbed the back of my head ( I was sporting the low, low haircut then) and autographed his photo to me “To Tuesday, great, great hair today, my ‘love’(image of a heart)”  Aaaaaahh, I’m elated just thinking about that moment in time (imagine little hearts dancing around my head). But wait a minute, am I really a fan?

I couldn’t tell you anything about this man. I don’t know if SEAL is from Africa or Europe or both, don’t know the story behind his scars, don’t know the name of his (also famous) wife, number of kids, nothing! All I can do is sing the words to ALL of his songs and tell him “I love you” with probably as much sincerity as his wife!

So, what’s up? Am I a fraud? Can we be fans without all the detail? Are the folks who know George Clooney’s favorite color fanatics or fans? Are Oprah fans fraudulent if they can’t remember the name of her new dog? Somebody make me feel better! What’s a fan?

Actor, Dawnn Lewis at City Center performance of The Wiz 2009

Despite the top notch stage design, music and choreography, the show has not received good reviews, namely because of the star name playing Dorothy, R & B singer, Ashanti. On my way to the theater, I was pulling for her though. I was HOPEFUL that the media was being overly critical and that what she lacked in acting ability would be made up with her vocals. Nope and nope. She was actually worse than imaginable. In 95% of the scenes, she stood like a deer in headlights while others acted around her. Yes, that bad. She was a fish out of water. We stayed for a talkback session after the show and she answered a question or two briefly. Her demeanor presented as unenthused and very insecure. She admitted “theater is different… on film you can yell ‘cut’ and start again… in theater all there is [is] raw talent.” BUT, in Ashanti’s defense, as a newcomer to theater, they only had 3 and a half weeks of rehearsal including tech. This is half the standard time in theater. Seasoned professionals and natural talents can pull this off, novice's can not.

Bravo to Encores! for supporting this production. If it’s going to make it two blocks west, from 56th & 6th to Broadway, which I hope it does, Ashanti will have to play the “WAZ” (as in was re-casted for a real powerhouse actor). Where’s Stephanie Mills?

from embarrassment that is. Embarrassing moments are often hilarious in Fashion Show at Columbia Unv. , 1980something retrospect, but in the moment, OMG. I’ve had a few moments when I wish I could turn back the clock. The one that is most prominent in my mind is years ago when I was with a boyfriend visiting a group of his friends. I don’t remember all of the details but I believe these were his classmates from law school. They were in their last year or had just graduated and decided to all get together at someone’s house.

I was sitting comfortably on the floor next to my beau and a group of folks who were having a lively conversation and joking around. Any one who knows me, knows I love to laugh. I laugh until I cry, I laugh uncontrollably and I laugh loudly. Well, someone said something funny and I leaned over in one of my moments of hysteria and off my wig flew! (as a model, it wasn’t uncommon to wear wigs on and off the court). I had to sit up, adjust the darn thing back on my head and act as if what just happened was “okay.” yikes! I don’t remember much of what happened after that because needless to say, I was in shock. I don’t even remember if my boyfriend said anything. I think he was in more denial than I was!

What’s the best way to handle embarrassment? Acknowledge it, ignore it, laugh? Can you think of an embarrassing moment that you can laugh at now? How did you handle it? 

Harlem Week Fashion Show at City Hall in the 1900s

Yet, last week (June 16 '09) PETA put President Obama on blast for swatting a fly.

While I agree NO animal should be intentionally tortured... c'mon, no animals in the circus? Is torture inherent in animal circus acts? I think not. What will our children do for live entertainment? Puppet shows, only? What would the circus animals do otherwise? At least they are being productive animal-zens and providing for their families. What human on tour is not tortured by long hours, lack of sleep and poor diet. In order to tour around the country the way circus animals do, they have to be fed, cleaned, exercised, given a place to rest, etc. Imagine if all animals just hung out, no cages, no shows, nothing to do. I guess they would all be relegated to the zoo. PETA should fight for no zoos too because these animals are being held captive. That's torture. Every fish tank in US homes and schools should be banned. These animals are definitely being tortured in those 10 gallon tanks with plastic trees and rocks year after year. (I don't know what I'm going to tell my son, Rawm, happened to our two turtles Speedy and Flip-flop).

And anyway, are ALL 2 million PETA members vegan, cotton wearing activists? Because if any one of them so much as eats a marshmallow or Gummi bear (animal organs are in the gelatin) or wears a pair of leather shoes or takes life-saving medication... what a hypocrite?! You can not convince me the animal used for a leather coat withstood any less torture than the animal used for a real fur coat. Oh yes, but the furry animals are risking extinction right? Okay then, let's farm them like we do the chicken, cow and lamb for the exceeding 200 billion meat eaters in the US. Then we won't run out. That solves that. (That had to be so very politically incorrect.)

Does anybody know the trend in Hollywood? Are celebrities still wearing real furs and sneaking through back doors or are fashion houses designing ultra, real looking furs so that no eggs will be (legitimately) thrown but celebs can still look fabulous? Which way shall I go... faux pas or faux fur?

Bubbling Brown Sugar Costumrecent post

I was the live mannequin in several of the photos. Here I am in a costume used during the Broadway production of Bubbling Brown Sugar. The story was created by Loften Mitchell and Rosetta Lenoire. I had the opportunity to study playwrighting under the great author Loften Mitchell while attending Binghamton University. Lenoire became popular on the TV Series Family Matters. And I, well... anybody hiring a mannequin?