Now that I live and breathe blogging, I am obsessed with the chic blogeratti and count Bryanboy, Tavi and The Selby amont my real/cyber pals. Added to this list is the king of Arizona fashion, Corbin Brett Chamberlin, who pens a column called Fabulousity and at over 6 feet rocks fur, custom capes and heaps of Hermes jewelry. CBC is planning to ditch the desert of Arizona and conquer New York soon. Andre Leon Talley better watch his back (and his capes). I recently asked CBC a few fashionable questions.
How did you get started in fashion writing?
It all started when I was 10 years old. I would see the collections in the fashion magazines (Vogue, Elle, Harpers) and would write my very own review. Blogs were not so popular at the time so my criticism's only got as far as my personal journal. I then started working at a local Arizona publication which then blossomed into other national magazines.
What's the fashion scene like in Arizona? What do you love about Arizona?
Arizona certainly has a fashion scene. For those who do not worship at the church of Ed Hardy or take style notes from Snooki, there are those who have fantastic taste. I am so impressed with the new young designers in Phoenix. What I love most about Arizona is that it is so easy getting shock value out of the natives. Nothing gets them talking like wearing a linen caftan or parading a waterfall of brooches on your lapel.
What are your top five fall style trends?
The trends for fall 2010 seem to be perfectly tailored for me, or I would like to think so. I am going to be wearing even more fur, muted hues, anything with gold metallic embroidery that mimics McQueen. To keep it simple, I want everything from the Burberry Prorsum collection. I also would like everything from Iraj Moini, who is a marvelous jewelry designer.
Tell me about your personal style? Are people in Arizona ever double-take/shocked by your fabulously over-the-top outfits?
My personal style is simply eccentric. Think Queen Elizabeth II meets Tom Ford for drinks in Morocco. If that makes any sense at all. Arizona is not known for it's fashionable eccentrics. I have been titled the Andre Leon Talley of Arizona for wearing capes, caftans, furs and a glut of gaudy jewelry. Some locals are not so dazzled by the look and others find it refreshing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I want to be a Birkin wielding fashion editor at Vogue who collects fine china, vintage Vuitton luggage and the souls of interns.
Who are your favorite designers?
I love Hermes for its refined luxury, witty charm and listening to AZ natives stumble and butcher the pronunciation of Hermes. There is no better way to fill my day with bliss then to wear a pumpkin orange Hermes scarf.
Tell me about the charity work you do.
There are charities that I donate to, but at the moment I am compelled to help the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum is a cultural hub in the community and I feel that the younger generation does not have enough art education while in public school. I find it crucial that museums like SMoCA have the funding to continue educating and showing people the importance of art.
