KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH →
#BlackBrandsMatter
THE MODERN HOTTIE'S CAPSULE WARDROBE: STAPLE PIECES TO HELP YOU CREATE ENDLESS FALL OUTFITS
CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE
When’s the last time you updated your capsule wardrobe?? A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing items that allow one to create several different outfits by mixing and matching the same pieces. Check out the key pieces tat can take the modern day fashionista a long way for the cooler weather…
THE CROPPED JACKET
I have plentyyyy in different flavors, and as much as bae makes fun of me for wearing half a jacket when it’s chilly out, cropped jackets are the perfect lightweight layer when you don’t need an entire coat and you want to edge up a casual look.
How to Style It: Pair it with your fave sweater dresses, or with a crop top and sweatpants or jeans. Complete the look with combat boots or your fave sneakers.
Where to Find It: Lionne Clothing, Mistress Rocks
THE THIGH HIGH BOOT
If you know me, you know how I feel about my OTK’s!! When it gets cold out, they go everywhere that I go! (I have a whole blog post dedicated to them here! ) Every modern stylista needs a sexy pair of boots that contour and flatter their legs. I always keep at least one flat pair and one heeled pair in a classic color in my closet!
How to Style It: Go for an iconic Nanny Fran inspired look with a bodycon mini dress or a skirt & turtleneck combo, or keep it casual with body-hugging denim jeans and a statement jacket
Wear to Find It: Twelve AM, Simmi
THE LITTLE BROWN DRESS
In case you haven’t heard, when it comes to classic colors, brown is the new black. You can catch every brand from major design houses to your everyday fast fashion boutique showcasing their line of staple pieces in shades of nude. When you’re after a sleek look that switches it up from the all-black-ensemble, opt for an earth toned brown dress in a classy silhouette that can take you from the desk to a date.
How to Style It: Pair it with a pair of metallic statement hoop earrings, an envelope clutch, nude or chocolate heels, and a smoky eye for maximum effect
Where to Find It: House of Chic LA, Naked Wardrobe
THE DENIM MINI SKIRT
…because they’re back and they’re here to stay! A sexy denim mini is the epitome of “I’m trying, but not too hard.” It’s an easy piece to dress up or down with a simple shoe change, and it allows you to incorporate feminine and chic elements into your casual looks.
How to Style It: Pair it with your favorite crop top or bodysuit & a pair of boots. Simple yet effective
Where to Find It: Broken Land, Shop Nichole Lynel
THE ANKLE BOOT
Can’t forget about a shorter length boot for the early Fall vibes! It’s always good to have boots in different lengths, heel heights, and materials to bring some variety into your wardrobe and enhance your options when the weather varies. What I love about the ankle boot is that you can wear it from early Fall, all throughout Winter, and even into early Spring. They’re a worthwhile investment.
How to Style It: Pair it with cargo pants or a hoodie dress when you’re after an edgy streetwear vibe. They can also go with denim shorts, your favorite jeans, or a sexy pair of leather pants
Where to Find It: Simmi, Twelve AM
THE LAIDBACK JOGGERS
Another essential part of your “effortless” collection, a pair of joggers with a relaxed fit will get you through those says where you couldn’t care less what you’re wearing, but you have to care because you have great impressions to make and goals to reach.
How to Style It: Take a page out of T. Ray’s book and dress it up with platform heels and a statement bag, or let your sneakerhead side show with an athletic shoe and a cropped jacket (See how the capsule wardrobe works together??) Follow T. Ray while you’re at it and check out my interview with her here!
Where to Find It: Fifth Sole Boutique, Meow and Barks Boutique
Which fall essentials do you have already and which ones do you need to stock up on?? Let me know in the comments!
Need help curating the perfect Fall/Winter wardrobe?? I can curate it for you. Contact me here to inquire about my personal and virtual styling services so we can execute amazing Autumn vibes together! New style content making its way to the blog very soon! Stay tuned!
-Sharra
“Empowering her evolution through her style.”
KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED
CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE
As promised, I’ve updated my black luxury directory after an inspiring time at New York Fashion week, witnessing the raw talent that’s evident in the black luxury marketplace. Read more to see who’s been added!
I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!
As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not. Read up and enjoy!
ANDREA IYAMAH
I originally learned of Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah back in 2016, and have since fallen in love with her brand’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Originally known for making amazing swimwear, the Andrea Iyamah brand now covers even more ground in the resort wear space, creating gorgeous collections full of effortlessly sultry silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and stand out prints that often pay homage to African culture, all ideal for the ultimate stylista’s vaycay. Shop andreaiyamah.com. | @andreaiyamah
ROMEO HUNTE
Image source: @romeohunte
When you think Romeo Hunte, think minimalist streetwear, turned up a notch… or two. The Brooklyn born and raised designer specializes in taking the most practical articles of clothing and making them more refined, more sophisticated, and then adding in some edge. Perhaps most known for his unique take on outerwear, the designer’s luxurious fur jackets, tailored blazers, and voluminous coats can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, James Harden, Queen Bey, and so many more. Shop romeohunte.com | @romeohunte
SERGIO HUDSON
And now for my current ABSOLUTE FAVORITE designer in the industry right now, the iconic Sergio Hudson. You may have just gotten hip to Sergio’s work when our former and forever reigning first lady Michelle Obama shut down the inaugural in a head to toe burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble. I truly believe that prior to that major moment, Sergio Hudson had been one of the most slept on designers of our time, but IYKYK.
Sergio’s ability to cater to the female form while creating cohesive collections that are timeless and distinctive, yet reminiscent of some of our culture’s most memorable style icons ,reminds me that glamour and femininity within today’s fashion scene are still very much alive and well. In fact, his latest SS22 collection, a “Return to Glamour” has inspired many influential fashion figures to start celebrating life by getting dressed again, after a long life of leisure wear due to the worldwide quarantine. Shop sergiohudson.com | @sergiohudson
LAQUAN SMITH
And of course, I couldn’t leave out another one of my top 3 in black luxury designers. I’ve been following LaQuan Smith since way back… before many major media outlets refused to acknowledge his genius and I had to look high and low on the internet just for a simple collection review. Now one of the brands of choice for celebs and tastemakers alike, you can catch your fav public figures like Cardi B and Lizzo stepping out in a sexy bodysuit, motor pants, or a sexy sheer gown by the beloved LaQuan.
His avid eye for statement making details and just knowing how the modern woman likes to showcase her curves has brought him to the forefront of fashion. He’s another one of the few luxury designers responsible for keeping glamour and feminine sensuality alive through style. Laquan Smith’s latest SS22 offering at NYFW revealed a new partnership with sportswear brand Puma, shifting the looks to a more simplified approach that’s still sexy with a hint of streetwear influence. Shop laquansmith.com | @laquan_smith
MAH - JING WONG
Image source: @mahjingwong
As I mentioned in my Fashion Week recap, Mah-Jing is one of my favorite Project Runway veterans. I had the pleasure of viewing his latest collection in person at the Fashion Bomb Daily show a few weeks back, and through witnessing his precision of cuts and his use of quality fabrics, I had to add him to this list. MJW mixes the colorful, cheery playfulness of the Japanese fashion scene with sexy, bold silhouettes, resulting in a well-balanced, modern and luxurious look for the bold and confident woman. Shop mahjingwong.com | @mahjingwong
& SO MANY MORE…
Scroll through the rest of the images below to discover more of today’s black designer labels.
Let me know in the comments which designers you plan on supporting this season!
More posts making their way to you very soon! Make sure you’re subscribed here so you’ll never miss one!
Sharra,
“The definition of walking art.”
SHARRA'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2021 RECAP: WITNESSING THE INNOVATIVE SHOWCASING OF MINORITY VOICES WITHIN FASHION
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE
September is the January in fashion. It brings new trends, new concepts, and most importantly, change on every level.
Whenever I attend New York Fashion week, particularly in September, I’m always looking to see what new change is being represented on the runway, cutting through the noise and helping to transform what we wear and how we live. With Fashion Bomb Daily’s first official runway show on the September Fashion Week calendar, this change was not hard to find.
Fashion Bomb Daily has been my favorite fashion site since I was 12 years old. I remember abandoning my homework to scroll through endless content on my laptop, and always being inspired by how trailblazer and FBD founder & CEO Claire Sulmers created a hub specifically for the minority voices in fashion. When they announced their first annual #NYFW show, I had to be there because I knew I’d be witnessing a new platform being born that would catapult the black and minority voices to the forefront of the conversation, right where we belong. I was not at all disappointed.
WHAT I WORE
The show’s dress code was “Bet on Black”, so naturally I wanted my outfit to focus on black brands. My top is from House of Chic LA, my skirt is by Broken Land, and my bag is a Brandon Blackwood. (My shoes are from Public Desire). My soft glam makeup look is by @carmensartistry. Hit her up if you’re in the Manhattan area!
After getting some shots of my look with my photographer Monica Krystel Rose, I headed down the block to the The Sixth Floor Loft on Broadway in NYC for the show.
THE SHOW
The event brought out countless fashion figures & celebs from Rome Flynn to Sevyn Streeter, Jayda Cheaves, Dreamdoll, Ty Hunter, and so many more to witness a runway show that primarily highlighted the work of Black and Asian designer brands, an underrepresented group that often starts the trends that trickle up into the world of high fashion, and then gets excluded from the topic as if their influence never existed.
This is why I had to be apart of this. I always say, the more adversity, the more hungry and creative you tend to be. Just as I thought, I witnessed unique looks that explored innovative design techniques from 3D printing, to genius draping and mixing of textures, high level couture work, and so much more.
Image source: @taylar.chanell
After an amazing introduction by the lovely Bevy Smith, the show opened with Oyemwen giving us structured, tulle adorned pieces that were juxtaposed with blazer dresses and sharp cutouts, in their “back to business” collection that celebrated the return to getting dressed after a long pandemic of sweats.
Designer London Couture followed up with showstopping luxury gowns, adorned in feathers and luxurious fabrics, and designer Bree Billiter gave us an oceanic, ethereal showcase. (Check out my recap reel here for videos of my fave looks)
Image Source: Fashion Bomb Daily
Following the first show, Claire gave us a #convoswithclaire moment, featuring mini interviews with model & RHWOA star Cynthia Bailey, designer Shane Justin, & more.
I passed time in between shows by talking and taking selfies with the queen herself, Claire Sulmers, chopping it up with new friends, (I met a bomb style posse from ATL that I hung out with for the majority of the show, and making connections with showroom owners and other professionals.
My new boo, brand owner and Sheen Magazine contributor Taylar Chanell. Follow her @taylar.chanell!
Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily
The shows picked back up with designer Khang Le serving us the most eye catching 3D printed patterns and rich textures on luxe gowns and suit sets. I was OBSESSED. He was probably my fave show of the day.
Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily
Shane Justin gave us a true couture moment with his new line of sultry, sheer and embellished handcrafted gowns that he completed in 3 days! I was definitely impressed.
Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily
Mah Jing Wong, one of my fave Project Runway veterans, closed the show with an epic 80’s inspired moment. Co designer & influencer Stacie Wo gave us a commanding runway moment in a matching MJW set & bomber jacket, that garnered praise from the entire audience!
The show ended with a performance from music group JNA. I left the show feeling inspired, and most importantly, seen and acknowledged as a fellow black creative in fashion. Claire and her Fashion Bomb Daily team are curating a movement that is so necessary and needed in order to cement our legacy as black professionals in fashion.
If you know me, you know how much I love Eunice Walker Johnson, the founder and curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, a trailblazing annual exhibition that took place for decades, highlighting black designers, models, and behind the scenes pros alike. While I wasn’t born when Ebony Fashion Fair was around, watching Claire navigate her first fashion week event, reminded me of that very same legacy and mission that Eunice Walker Johnson carried out, one of unapologetic repping for the creative genius that she saw in her people, and that she was determined to bring to the forefront.
I can’t wait for the next NYFW. While this particular time was a quick stop by, I plan on staying multiple days next time! Which looks are your fave? Let me know in the comments!
Sharra,