Looking Back & Counting Down

Funny thing about New Years, everyone feels the need to do a countdown of some sorts. It's the symbolic way of looking back, reflecting for a moment, and deciding what really made the past twelve months memorable and most importantly major.

While 2008 will probably go down as one of the most monumental years in American history (elections, recessions, gas prices etc.) it should also be remembered for the elements of style that were born out of such a chaotic period in time.

Trying to narrow it down was a bit overwhelming. Then as I thought back to our Fall Five Fashion countdown earlier this year, I decided to stick to what works best. If it ain't broke ... you know the rest :-)

5. An Essentially Major Launch

Hello? I know you didn't think we weren't going to make this list? :-) What started off as something very small has grown into a multifaceted endeavor that has reached thousands across the globe since our launch in August. Stay tuned for 2009 ... new site coming ... new contributing columnists ... new special events ... new ... well you get the point, right?

4. The Vogue Italia All Black Issue

While men weren't highlighted in the issue, this was a moment in fashion that should mean a lot to every person of color in the industry. Never before has the black female image been put on such a pedestal in Vogue or any other mainstream fashion magazine. Everyone was on board for this one ... Naomi, Tyra, Chanel, Jourdan, Iman, and plus size model Toccara took the top spot with the largest layout of them all (no pun or shade intended).

3. A Year Full of Yeezey

Love him or hate him, you can't deny the man has creativity and style that will go down in the history books. Kanye has given a face to a different type of man in the fashion world. He's urban, edgy, opinionated, flamboyant, and as fly as the day is long. Whether you love the music or wish he'd cut back on all his extracurricular commentary, every man of color in the industry has benefited from Kanye's mass appeal ... period.

2. Any and Everything Associated with Tom Ford

The man with the fashion forward golden touch reigned supreme in 2008. His flagship thrived, his ad campaigns continued to push the sexually suggestive envelope, and as for the clothes? Anyone with any common sense would kill for. Not to mention that after dressing James Bond for the Quantum of Solace, he's probably the only man in the world with Daniel Craig's intimate measurements and personal cell phone number to match.

1. Barack & Michelle Break the Mold

In style, in politics, in America, and across the globe, together these two shattered every image and misconception about the capacity for African-Americans to achieve their highest aspirations. And the beauty of it all lies in the fact that their story can't be contained to just the Black Community. It's about hope, change, and the ability of any oppressed individual to overcome anything that seeks to keep their dreams from becoming a reality. Michelle's Maria Pinto sheath with the studded black belt and gobstopper pearls weren't half bad either :-)

Big thank you to everyone who has and continues to support this blog and all of its efforts!!! Please believe me when I say that every kind word has meant the world to us and has only made us work harder at bringing our readers the most collaborative, diverse, and trendsetting information to online.

Happy New Year!!! The best is yet to come for us all!!

MAJoR