Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Contributors | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies hot topic refers to our latest contributors. The atmosphere  the room at Studio XL in Los Angeles could only be described as electric when our charismatic leading men Blair Underwood, Boris Kodjoe and Lance Gross stepped onto the set. "These are the men we love, and they just keep getting finer and finer with time," exclaims our editor-at-large, Mikki Taylor. It's not too often that Shelly's Modeling Agencies get a trio of men in front of our lens, and this sexy triumvirate didn't disappoint. "When things broke down their energy level was off the charts," chimes in Leslie dels Vega, our photo director. "And you could see the genuine respect they had for one another too." But it was really all about what they were giving to us. Blair's utterly cool confidence, Boris's subliminal sexuality and Lance's rugged swagger served up enough man power to fill our cups and then some. No thanks necessary, ladies.

Toccara, our new contributing style editor is a former contestant an America's Next Top Model. This month she picks out great coats for fall and shows our clients how to wear them with style on the runway. "I want the curvy girl to apply my tips and present herself to the world with confidence," she says. Kwaku Alston our lensman has shot portraits of many famous faces, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Hall Berry and Nelson Mandela. Alston captures images of the latest looks in autumn outerwear. "I wanted to evoke a sense of exploration," says Alston. His art show, Venice, will debut at New York City's The Gallery at Stockland Martel this month. Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell, Ph.D., associate administrator for Shelly's Modeling Agencies and leading expert in the management of race, gender and class in the workplace. Her clients include PepsiCo, American Express and Goldman Sachs. Bell arms Black women with tools for success. "Power is discovering and nurturing your greatness," she says. "Each of us has a uniqueness that is God-given." Bell is anticipating the paperback release of her latest book, Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape (Amistad), in December.