Coffee Shop:

With Misa Hylton
By Chie Davis

If you know anything about hip-hop fashion – the name Misa Hylton should roll off your tongue as easily as Manolo Blahnik. The innovative image-creator got her start at 17 working in the publicity department of Def Jam Records. After discovering her passion for design she began work at Bad Boy Entertainment - styling top artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Lil’ Kim and Sean “Puffy” Combs. Known for “glamming up,” what had before been viewed as a gritty genre, Hylton placed an indelible stamp on urban style. “Ten years ago, you could never get your hand on a Gucci gown, a lot of the times I designed something myself that was just as spectacular, " she recalls.

Forging out on her own, the savvy businesswoman founded Chyna Doll Enterprises, a design and style consultancy business. “Chyna Doll,” was a childhood nickname coined after her mixed heritage of Japanese, African-American & Jamaican. The highly sought after fashion maven (whose diverse roster included everyone from Serena Williams and Kimora Lee Simmons to Chris Rock) eventually transitioned into the noteworthy role of being a mother.

She co-parents her eldest teenage son, Justin, with his father Diddy, her former longtime boyfriend. Hylton’s two other children - Madison Star and Niko are with ex-husband Jojo Brim (former Def Jam A & R). Unlike some women linked to successful men, it is simply not her style to sit back and cool her heels. “Now that my children are getting older I have been refocusing on my passions and desires. Inspiration is a function of passion and I am passionate about what I create. I am starting to work on a signature line.“

Hylton’s line will be geared towards the modern woman. She says, “…the modern woman is a mother. She is an executive. She is a girlfriend, a wife, and a club goer and wants to live her life to the fullest without limitations. I am excited about this as I am that woman!”

Between juggling the demands of motherhood and design, Misa Hylton graciously made time for Ocean Splash! by stepping into our Coffee Shop...

Who is your favorite new designer? Favorite classic designer?

My favorite new designer is Amrita Singh Jewelry. My favorite classic designer is Christian Lacroix with classic, avant-garde and inspirational pieces.

Your favorite place in the world to relax?

Jamaica! I unwind by relaxing on the beach.

Do you have any morning habits that you MUST do no matter where you are in the world?

I am a very spiritual person, so I must meditate and pray. I am reminded of what a friend told me, about the “happiest person” he’d met. It was a homeless man on the street of India. He would promise himself that if he awoke the next morning, he would celebrate all day. I too thank God for another day and another opportunity to experience life.

Favorite new trend, worst new trend?

Sometimes, something new is just an updated version of something amazing and old. I love leggings! The prints and textures are amazing. Plus they are so sexy! I haven't warmed up to the super chunky platforms! Some remind me of Frankenstein!

One item that you always purchase at the grocery store?

I always look for 2 guys, Ben and Jerry and their Chunky Monkey ice cream!

Do you have any superstitions or phobias?

I think because of my faith in god and spirituality, I tend to be believe in destiny, so no I really don’t practice any superstitions or exercise phobia.

Favorite new beauty product?

Un-refined extra virgin coconut oil! It’s great for your skin and even better if you digest 2 teaspoons a day. It keeps your skin in optimum condition, your internal system healthy and your body trim (smiles)

Most recent splurge?

How can I say no to “Barbara Bui” boots?!!

Top 3 things that make you feel sexy?

J’Adore by Christian Dior, Cosabella lingerie, and a tan - although I am cheating since I was born with a tan, thanks to Dad!

Who would you most enjoy inviting to dinner?

The Sultan…We’d dine at the palace of course!

Your biggest celebrity crush?

Besides my man (laughs) I wouldn’t want them to know...!

Best place to eat for $20 US dollars or less?

Philly Cheese-steak Factory in Mt. Vernon, NY .

Do you play any instruments? What’s your favorite song to play?

I play the piano, I'm a novice. I would play Beethoven's 5th symphony!

Favorite appetizer?

My favorite appetizer is a salad with anchovies and miso soup... Yummy!

One thing that gets you through Monday mornings?

The opportunity to start my week off productively. I set the tone of my week the night before as God created Sundays to do. I make a strategic plan every Sunday!

Your favorite hotel?

Ritz Carlton, they are the same world wide, bringing luxury and especially their ability to pamper their guest!

If your life had a theme song what would it be?

“Survivor” by, Destiny's Child

If you only had 7 hours in your most favorite city in the world what would you do?

I would be in Tokyo, Japan. It’s electrifying! I would eat and shop!

Do you have a fashion alter ego?

It’s the reverse for me. When I'm in the fashion mode that’s the real me; my alter ego is a conservative soccer mom. Her name is Mommy Dearest (laughs)...

If you had 10 children, what would they be named?

Well that’s an easy one. And since I already have practice with three beautiful children, the names would be -Justin, Niko, Madison Star, Misa, Nina, Ariana, Kazuko, Anastasia, Toi, and Samira. As you can see I would have 8 daughters (smiles)…all to dress up!

If you could eat one food in excess-without gaining a pound, what would it be?

Chili cheese fries from Johnny rockets!

3 things that you often dream about at night?

The ocean, my teeth, and people I love.

One luxury item that you could do without if giving it back would help to boost the economy?

My Mercedes Benz, but I will miss it, I've always enjoyed mine.









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