If you don’t know her name, you’ve surely heard of her magazine, Ghubar. One of fashion’s youngest editor in chief’s, Sarah Diouf has taken the industry by storm. The 20 something editor created Ghubar Magazine in 2008, after noticing a lack of diversity on the runways. Wanting to change the concept and with a penchant for striking imagery, Sarah embarked on Ghubar. Flash forward to today and it’s no wonder that magazine is a sought after international digital glossy.

We were treated to interview Sarah as she readies the documentary for The Ghubar Project, chronicling the mag’s behind the scenes three year journey.  Read more as Sarah talks her career in fashion, her inspiration behind Ghubar and what she has to say for industry hopefuls.

When, where and how did you begin your career in fashion?

My fashion journey began with between high school and college when I saw a photograph shot by Helmut Newton in 2006. I was struck by the strong black and white imagery of a topless woman with arm length leather gloves. I thought it was so fascinating. At that moment, I knew I would do something in an image-based industry. That is what led me to study advertising and communication, to learn how to translate the longest speech into one single image.

Why a career in fashion? What prompted you to get into the industry? 

I never really decided to lead a career in fashion, ironically, it just happened. I’ve always loved designs and accessories. I credit my mother, who is a very stylish woman, for giving me an appreciation for fashion. Yet, I see myself as a business enthusiast. Fashion is a field I operate in. I have always been attracted by strong imagery. I’m constantly taking pictures and doing collages.

Ghubar’s June/July issue with DJ Rashida on the cover

What made you start Ghubar Magazine? What influenced you to do so?

I started Ghubar Magazine in 2008, wanting to showcase girls of all ethnic backgrounds. At the time blogs were booming and the debate about the lack of black girls on runways were a hot topic. I couldn’t understand why it was a big deal. What was wrong with showing color on runways? I wanted to change that. By creating a platform, different from a blog but as attractive and visually more daring than a news website, I wanted to create a magazine for all women with no frustration of being left aside.

Have you experienced any breakthrough moments as editor –in – chief of Ghubar?

Oh my plenty! Good and bad moments, but I think what only matter is to have a strong heart. You never know what’s going to happen next when you throw yourself in such adventure.

How do you create the fashion direction for Ghubar? What inspires you to create them?

This might sound cliché, but mostly everything. I’m inspired from an old picture to a piece of jewelry. It helps me pulling and build concepts I will work around. But the most beautiful inspiration I can have is a travel.

Ghubar is widely known in the international fashion sector? Any plans for a US takeover?

I can’t really realize the impact, and I must confess I am always impressed – even shocked – when someone stops me in the street to say how much he or she love the magazine and the work my team and I put in.

Today, Ghubar is read on 153 countries over the world and I am aware it is quite something, but there is still a lot of work to do.

By this October we will be releasing The Ghubar Project, a documentary we’ve been working on for a year now, retracing our three year journey from an inside and backstage perspective, addressing to the US market. It was about time we take over America, and it has finally arrived.

Any tips for fashion industry hopefuls?

Achieving a dream or reaching success is a lot of work, filled with failures and disillusions, so one must always remember that when he or she sleeps, his or her life sleeps. Time goes by too fast to end up asking “what if’, so do not think too much. Just do it, and do not ever let anybody doubt your talent.

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You can follow Ghubar Magazine via Twitter and Facebook.

After the wins and the glory of the past 16 days, the Olympics have concluded. In a star-studded closing ceremony, just magnificent as the opening, the event featured tons of performances, lots of theatrics, a special tribute to London’s art, music and fashion scene as well as so ridiculously loud outfits.  And you know there’s nothing better than a major event show than having critics pick it apart lol. Just kidding, but not! Check out our highlights of the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony below!

Best Entrance and Somewhat Surprise: The Spice Girls

This was pretty much the Spice Girls’ night. Rumors swirled last week that the second best fab 5, behind the Beatles of course, would reunite. Yet we had no idea they would show up and out like this. We especially loved Mel B’s glittery Zuhair Murad cat suit. Cure for the Monday blues: singing “Spice Up Your Life” atop a custom beetle while blowing glitter.

Coneheads Born in the UK?

As trippy as The Pet Shop Boys’ entrance was, you have to admit that their coneheads and maybe Margiela(?) furry jackets were so on point! We want.

Russell Brand for Willy Wonka

Although we loved Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s redo of Willy Wonka, how amazing would it be if Russell Brand actually was the Wonka?

Jessie J’s Come-Up

We’re happy that Jessie J is finally getting worldwide recognition. But what better ways to say come up then a Cher wig and a body suit? Beyonce, watch yo’ back!

The Real ‘Midas Touch’

Where would fashion be without Great Britain? From Kate Moss to Alexander McQueen, the Queen’s country has brought us many fashion exports and as tribute supermodels such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Stella Tennant, Jourdan Dunn and others wore GB designs from Alexander McQueen and Jonathan Saunders in a gold themed presentation paying tribute to the famous Nick Knight show “Midas Touch” for Vogue.

Confuzzled by Emeli Sande

When UK artist Emeli Sande came out during the ceremony, we were amazed by her vocals. And although we didn’t know who she was at first (we Googled her), we found out that she’s pretty much the next coming of Adele. But instead of Adele belting “Someone Like You” we were left with Sande’s performance in this terrible outfit. She looks like she’s about to go to war with Urban Outfitters. Maybe the next time we see her, she’ll have a style upgrade.

Ready for Rio?

What better way to get ready for the next Olympic Games in Rio than having Brazilian export and Vicky Secret’s model, Alessandra Ambrosio come out? Yeah, we like for every mention of the Rio Olympic Games to have Ambrosio come out.

Images via Getty

News broke in the wee hours of Tuesday, August 7^th morning that legendary style influencer and writer Anna Piaggi passed away at age 81. Stefano Gabbanna of Dolce & Gabbana tweeted, “RIP Anna Piaggi… (((( ciao grande Anna!!!” and since then Twitter has seen an outpour of support and love for Ms. Piaggi.

According to her Wiki page, Piaggi worked as a translator for Italian publishing company Mondadori, and then began writing for the Vogue IT and other pubs. She became known for her double page spreads in the Italian edition of Vogue. She also penned a book, Fashion Algebra.  Although she’s been touted at one of the industry’s leading fashion writers, Piaggi was equally known for her unique style as for her journalism. She was sketched by Karl Lagerfeld, served as muse to countless designers, including British milliner Stephen Jones and Vivienne Westwood, and was the subject of an exhibit, Fashion-ology, at the Victoria and Albert museum in 2006. Photographer, Bill Cunningham described her in his 2010 documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, a “fine poet with clothes.”

Piaggi was an incredible purveyor of style and she will be missed in the world of fashion.

Image via Vogue It

A wing tip with a bright hue? Sign us up! Cole Haan has just released their fall 2012 LunarGrand Wingtips. As in their previous LunarGrand shoe, each pair has a premium suede upper adorned with exaggerated brogue details, resting atop a lightweight and brightly hued welted sole. You can also choose from Gull Grey Suede/Volt, Navy Suede/Topaz, Dark Brown Suede/Orange and Black Suede/Pink.

You can pick up a pair now at select retailers and Cole Haan’s online store for $248.

Image via Freshness Mag.

As we’re in knee deep of Olympics fever, Louis Vuitton pays tribute to one of the greatest athletes that have ever lived, Muhammad Ali. Focused around his Ali’s quotes, “The Greatest Words” spoken by spoken word artist Yasiin Bey (also known as Mos Def in the hip hop world) and calligrapher Niels Shoe Meulman collaborate on Louis Vuitton’s “Core Values” campaign via digital campaign. Bey takes on the role of storyteller, offering some powerful sound bites by Ali over these two videos directed by Stuart McIntyre.

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Hope you enjoy!

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Not to gush, but like you we’re going ape shit over US Olympic Swimmer Ryan Lochte. After defeating fellow US swimmer Michael Phelps in the 400-meter individual medley, Lochte debut his new custom American flag grills after he was told he wasn’t able to wear them until he received his gold medal. Fortunately, he popped them in for the cameras after, smiling wide to show them off. It’s safe to say that his swag is on a hundred trillion.

As we lust over Lochte, we wanted to find out more about the man and his custom grills. Behold we’ve dugged up some research on the man. Yes, ladies (and a few of you men), here’s the list you’ve been waiting for about America’s new heartthrob.

1. He’s already an eight-time Olympic medalist (four gold, two silver, two bronze). He also holds the world record in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay (long course).
2. Originally from Rochester, New York, went to the University of Florida and graduated in 2007.
3. Lochte first debut his custom grills after winning a championship in 2007.
4. Lochte loves his sport cars. He currently owns the Audi R8 v10 which retails for $146,000.
5. To keep in shape, Lochte does a Strongman (weightlifting/ powerlifting with heavy chains) routine.
6. He owns 130 sneakers and is a budding fashion designer, having designed his own winged star spangled sneakers for the Olympics.
7. As for his custom grills, not too much is known, but sources say he works with a custom jeweler from Los Angeles for the gaudy mouthpieces.

Image via Getty

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we’ve all have been indulging in the Summer 2012 Olympics in London. Friday night’s inaugural Opening Ceremony was truly a spectacle. Yet while most watched to see what UK film director Danny Boyle had up his sleeves as the creative director for the event, fashionistas/os had their eyes glued to which country wore the best Opening Ceremony outfit. Here are our picks below!

Great Britain – Many critics have gave the Great Britain team slack for their gold metallic and white jacket/ pant combo, but we love it! The look is very Mark Ronson meets Abba and anything Stella McCartney design is pretty much gold in our eyes.

Netherlands – Orange is a tricky color to pull off, but the Netherlands made it look effortless, especially as a chino.

Romania: This man aka (Ryan Lochte, eat your heart out).

Jamaica: The Jamaica team definitely takes the cake for best tailoring. Their blazers fit the team perfectly!

Belgium: Color-blocking done well!

USA – With the backlash of the Ralph Lauren designed/ China outsourced uniforms, we must say that the US did look chic as they marched in. Primarily for the berets.

Canada – Although a track jacket and khaki trousers are the farthest reach for anything chic in today’s modern high style world, Canada definitely made a last impression strutting in this Friday night. And we can’t help but mention they looked stylish while doing so. Sue us!

Images via Getty

Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium $1,695.00

Tory Burch 797 Large Satchel $625.00

Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch $295.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo- Classic Hiller $428.00

Michael Kors Satchel- Gia Embossed $895.00

Alexander Wang Darcy $850.00

RACHEL Rachel Roy Fringe Tote $89.00

This year’s live performances included a few local talent as well as top acts including rapper Kendrick Lamar, singers Elle Varner and Luke James and even 90’s R&B performer Brandy plus many more.

Luke James

The vibe at the festival was completely welcoming, with many Brandy fans singing and humming to her every word as she performed hit such as “Almost Doesn’t Count”, “I Wanna Be Down” and her new song with Chris Brown “Put It Down”. In the press room she remarked about her upcoming album, 2-11, “I’m truly excited and it’s a new sound for me and it’s much more modern”.

Elle Varner

The festival, which annually brings big name acts to the city of Philadelphia, is currently on its 6^th year. Randomness, at the festival we also spotted Lil Mama and Affion Crockett. Yes, you read right.

Kendrick Lamar

See video of Brandy performing her latest single, “Put It Down” below:

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Sometimes it’s not about you, even if you your “name” may be a trending topic.

One of the biggest trending topics on Twitter for Friday, July 20^th was the tragic shooting at a multiplex in Aurora, Colorado at the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. Many tweeters sent heartfelt tweets of the victims and their family of the shooting. Unfortunately, UK online retailer, Celeb Boutique, didn’t get the memo.

They tweeted:

“#Aurora is trending, clearly about our Kim K inspired #Aurora dress Shop: celebboutique.com/aurora-white-pleated-v-neck-strong-shoulder-dress-en.html …”

Awkward? For some strange reason they thought #Aurora was trending because obviously everyone loves their Aurora dress that was inspired by Kim Kardashian.  Which leaves us to think, how does one confuse a Kardashian inspired dress with a national tragedy? Seriously, research much.

Celeb Boutique has since deleted the tweet and gave an apology. “We apologise for our misunderstanding about Aurora. – CB.” Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, CB.