“Dress as if No One is Watching: Style Tips from Canada Sings Stars”

 

Written For Assignment Fashion

By: Shauna Ireland

Photos by: Miz Monday

www.mizmonday.com

 
 

Returning to the “Canada Sings” panel of judges for the second season is Rob Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, and joining him this season is the shows creative director and choreographer to the stars, Laurieann Gibson. Together these two iconic talents, and fashion superstars took me on an eloquent strut down the catwalk to discuss the art of dressing, their must have personal items, and the revival of drop crotch pants!

 

 

The Canadian born dancer and Emmy-nominated director and choreographer Laurieann Gibson is best known for her work with Lady Gaga and Niki Manaj. The once “Fly girl” on In Living Color, with extensive background in classical training, blends hip hop into her signature style. Gibson is not afraid to take risks. She is a creative spirit, expressive and passionate! Wearing perfectly tailored black slacks and a button down color-blocked blouse her ensemble sings classic while her hair and accessories scream “dance as if no one is watching”. Gibson is wildly creative and always pushing the envelope while working intimately with fashions hottest movers and shakers – naturally I was curious to learn her fashion secrets. With a director’s authority, Gibson is warm and genuine; she speaks from heart and soul. Decidedly feminine with a slight edge she is known for fusing quintessential with costume when she graces the red carpet, continually increasing her fashion currency with new shoes!

 
 

 

 

A true modern day Renaissance man – you can’t stop ice from crackling! Best known for his debut album (as Vanilla Ice) To the Extreme featuring the iconic hit, “Ice Ice Baby”, Rob Van Winkle favored by the masses has won American Music Awards and Peoples Choice Awards. Exuding confidence, and loads of charisma he has attained incredible success as a performer, real estate entrepreneur, and remodeling expert. He doesn’t take fashion too seriously, but is a man who knows what he likes, which is apparent in the craftsmanship of his refined and highly memorable identity. A man who prefers to march to the beat of his own drum, the tattooed singer has refined his taste and has an unassuming style. James Bond with an artistic expressive edge, his style is unique and daring. His abundant career has presented him the opportunity to reinvent him self many times. This trendsetter played a crucial role popularizing rap music with pop audiences around the world. His then flashy clothes and signature mile high flat top may have portrayed him as gangster to some, but they are wrong. I was able to really get to know this iconic chameleon blessed with good looks and a personality to match.
 
 

 

 

Hanging out with these two is a little bit like attending a concert on the beach on the end of the earth. Blending spirit with substance I felt energized and inspired as the both confidently brought a fresh new attitude toward fashion, electrically filling the room as they playfully bounced answers off of each other, laughing with ease.

 

 

Honestly and bravely providing the A to my Q Laurieanne and Van Winkle ponder fashion(aka Vanilla Ice), share their personal style secrets and offer personal advice to men and women. Changing up the style game one step and at a time.

 

 

What best describes your style?

 
 

LAG: Freedom

 

RVW: I never know what I’m wearing as far as designers or labels but I have expensive taste. I never look at the price tag but It always ends up being the most expensive item.

 
 
 

Who is your style Icon?

 
 

LAG: It’s not about icon. It’s about inspiration for me; I’m inspired by Jimmy Hendricks and Bob Marley.

 

RVW: Elvis Presley anything bling – over the top and expressive

 

LAG: YES… he has that vava-voom.

 
 

What is your dream era?

 
 

LAG: I’m obsessed with the 40’s era. Although I am a child of the hip-hop generation I appreciate the time of classic Hollywood when clothing was high quality and well made with structure. I like to mix the freedom of hip-hop fashion with a structured classic look.

 

 

What is your closet full of?

 

 

RVW: I have a glass closet rotisserie of shoes that have never been worn.

 

 

 

What is your favorite trend that you would like to see return?

 

 

RVW: I know what she likes…. (laughter)

 

LAG: Drop crotch. Hammer pants. It’s all back! Neon jellies. I’m excited about fashion right now.

 

RVW: The big collar like Elvis! Pop your collar and hollar…. and pink for men. It was hot in the 80’s and fun. Bright colors. Anything bling. Bring back the spats! Tails on suits and make those suits pin striped

 

 

What is your most desired fashion item?

 

 

RVW: $150,000 pair of Air Jordan’s never wore in the box The Holy grail of sneakers. They are so rare and you can’t get them!

 

 

 

What is your most guilty shopping pleasure?

 

 

LAG: Shoes and purses. My favorite shoes are Giuseppe sneakers or my Louboutins. I was a Louboutin girl before they were mentioned in the rap songs. The four-inch heels don’t stop me from dancing. I break it down in my heels.

 

RVW: This girl can cut the rug in shoes! Like you have never seen!

 

 

 

What is your best advise to women about style?

 

 

RVW: Wear your shoes in the bedroom.

 

LAG: Don’t dress for a man. Dress for yourself. DIVA and…yes….leave your shoes on.

 

 

 

Best advice to men about fashion?

 

 

RVW: Get in where you fit in. If it looks right, it’s right. It doesn’t matter what the label is – forget the name, forget the brand.

 

 

 

What is your signature scent?

 

 

RVW: Vanilla…

 

LAG: It depends on the occasion, but my girl Niki Manaj just came out with Pink Friday and its incredible!

 

RVW: There is a different scent for a different occasion. Romantic, classy, sport. Depends on the situation. Right now I’m into Chanel Blue but today I’m wearing Dolce and Gabbana.

 

 

Gibson had the last word “I don’t define myself by labels – I wear the labels, they don’t wear me” We all concur and the jury is adjourned. I left with a better understanding of style. As described by these two creative geniuses it is ultimately about YOU and your RELATIONSHIP with yourself. A unique distinctive way of putting all the layers of you together. This requires a certain level of inventiveness. We all wear many hats…. Fashion is always changing yet style never dies. Style evolves…flows like a harpoon daily and nightly…

 

 

My heart was won by Laurieann and Rob. I have no doubt they will win the hearts of the nation on the second series of “Canada Sings” on Global.

 

 
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