A few days ago I was watching the Wendy Williams show and Naomi Campbell was one of her guest. I noticed that Naomi was wearing a choker. Recently I’ve been seeing these necklaces popping up on people’s neck more and more. The last time I wore a choker was back in the 90s during my preteen years, when Clueless was my style guide. (I've probably seen that movie over a million times, literally.) I think I still have my old chokers from the 90s, I had two lace ones and one faux tattoo[...]
Mildred Blount's interest in designing hats came about when she worked as an errand girl in a New York City hat shop. Her love of millinery [hat designer] led her and her sister Clara to open a dress and hat shop. During the World Fair in 1939, a collection of hats she designed was exhibited, giving her the opportunity to design hats for the movie "Gone with the Wind". Mildred was the first black Milliner to design hats for Hollywood films, such as Gone With The Wind and the Easter Para[...]
// // ]]> Before there was a Naomi Campbell, Iman and Tyra Banks, there was Donyale Luna. Donyale Luna was the first notable African American fashion model and the first black cover girl. Born Peggy Anne Freeman in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Peggy and Nathaniel Freeman. Her father, who was reportedly abusive, was murdered when she was 18.Donyale's mother wanted her to become a nurse, but her path was destined for fashion. Donyale created her own dream. She made up stories to h[...]
Arthur L. McGee was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1933. At the age of 18, he entered a contest to win a scholarship to attend Traphagen School of Design in New York and won after submitting the winning design. His inspiration came from his mother, who created her own fashions. Arthur went on to study millinery and apparel design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). While attending FIT he began working for the American couturier Charles James. He later produced his own designs while pur[...]
Arthur Smith was labeled as the first African American Jewelry Designer during the mid-20th century. Showing artistic talent at a young age, Arthur received a scholarship to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. After graduating in 1940, he enrolled in a jewelry-making class at NYU where he learned the basic technique of jewelry making. It wasn't until he met Winifred Mason, that he began to focus and truly develop his true artistic skills. He begin applying the techniques he lea[...]
Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first black fashion designer and costumer to open up her own shop in 1948. Her shop was the first black-owned business on Broadway in NYC. She dressed some of the most famous people in history such as Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Mae West and many more. Zelda got her start in fashion as a child by creating clothing for her dolls, she began cutting out patterns from newspapers. Zelda studied her grandmother's work as a seamstress a[...]
// // ]]> Corianna and Brianna, also known as Coco and Breezy founded the cutting edge sunglass brand, that aims to reach new fashion heights and introduce fashion lovers all over the world to their unique sense of style and original accessories. "Your eyewear is always your outfit and your clothing outfit is always your accessory”. During a visit to NYC in 2009, Coco and Breezy’s edgy eyewear was an instant hit with people looking to buy. The two moved to NYC without a place to live[...]
“I have always wanted to be a designer. But I thought it would be when I turn 30. I didn’t think I would start at 17.” What started as a fashion blog turned into a career for Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah. At the young age of 17, Dumebi launched Andrea Iyamah, a line inspired by color and ethnic cultures, catering to women looking to wear fabulous pieces and edgy swimwear. The brand also offers ready-to-wear and custom-made special event dresses, which are influenced b[...]
Eleanor Anukam offers a line of luxury shoes ranging from sizes 9-13. After spending years searching for quality shoes in her size, she never quite found what she was looking for. Realizing that there weren’t many selections for women who wear sizes larger than a 10, she decided to create a luxury line of women’s footwear catering to those women. “I’m designing for a fashion forward lady with broadened global influences with a thirst to disrupt fashion.” Eleanor describes[...]
// // ]]> From the runways to street style, fur is one look that everyone can rock, adding a flare to anyone’s personal style. Fur outerwear, accents, and accessories can make a great statement piece. There are a lot of options to chose from, you can find everything from high-end fur to faux furs. I recommend choosing pieces that help accentuate your look. Have fun and experiment with different colors, textures, and lengths. There are many ways you can incorporate this trend into your everyd[...]