Meet Jerri Reid Of Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer Conversation
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.
Jerri Reid in Jerri Reid New York SS21
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.
****
Noah L : Male feminine energy is seen often through androgynous fashion and art, now heterosexual men are being praised for it, what are your thoughts ?
Jerri Reid: I think it is showing a level of bravery, to be acceptable in their peers' sight. If Quavo from the MIGOS decided to make a nod to Camron wearing all pink, then ALL men would wear it. It sucks that Queer Black Men are truly the tastemakers of fashion and not often credited, but that's a systemic issue of hate within the community. I went to the march in D.C. this past month and not one mention to trans lives happened. We (LGBTQIA+) STILL don't exist in black spaces.
Noah L: As a black designer - what does it mean for you to receive recognition for your efforts to create original and lasting pieces?
Jerri Reid: It means EVERYTHING to receive recognition for not just my craftsmanship, but my efforts to thrive. It's really about setting intentions with all you do. If you are only doing things simply because, then what is your purpose? My life and career as an artist is purpose-driven and is also a return to love. Love of self, love of culture, love of life, love of art, love of spirituality, love of family and friends, love of growth, love of opportunity, and love of the Most High. This is what propels me to use my gifts to teach the youth of our community the values of sewing for the past 4 years.
Noah L: Would you consider COVID an opportunity to have thrived ?
COVID-19 came about but it didn't stop my resilience to be innovative in a time like this. I didn't want to create a bunch of masks in an oversaturated peak-time market, but I did want to present fashion. The virtual presentation i did on instagram in July really opened the minds of people I wasn’t aware I could reach. People were messaging me with positivity to keep progressing. Most importantly, they were happy with the injection of culture and blackness. When i saw BLACK IS KING, I knew it was an opportunity for the world to see the star that I am, In more ways than one. Days before it dropped, a snippet of the ALREADY video was released. The wednesday prior to its official release (7/29) I RAN to the fabric store to get all I could to interpret the still shots. I shot and edited everything on my own that saturday (8/1) and released it sunday (8/2). I was shocked at myself because the push i gave myself validated that I can do whatever I want and meet deadlines for my growing brand. It was seen by Zerina Akers, Jerome Lamaar, Shatta Wale, and many more who took part in the marking of Black Is King.
Queen Bey has seen it also. This was validation for myself to keep going and know that validation is within always.
Noah L: Your recent collection felt like a praise to power and glamor for the black community and almost a push to be seen - would you consider your designs activism?
Jerri Reid: WOW - I didn't think this recent collection embodied a sense of activism. I can see where activism can come into play, it being being pro-black, pro-afro caribbean, pro-afrolatino, and pro-queer. Humbly, I just wanted to be unapologetically myself at all costs. Someone said to me that what I've done is the first of its existence. A designer has not done a virtual presentation of themself in their designed garments EVER. I did get a bit teary-eyed when hearing it. The thing is, we are nothing short of powerful, glamorous, and black. when I hear it, my reaction is "so what else is new?" (laughter)
Thank you so much for this opportunity for telling my truth. I appreciate this platform for providing spaces for black queers. continue to be amazing!
For more from Jerri Reid visit JerriReid.com or Instagram at @JerriReid
19 Women-Owned Small Businesses to Follow
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses.
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses. They help shape and support our communities, and put more focus on the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The Small Business Association states that independent businesses can help reduce unemployment rates, and estimates that “small business owners create two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S, [which could increase] if consumers shifted just 10 percent of their business to local organizations.” Next time you are about to buy something from a large corporation, take a moment to think how you could be supporting these 19 (women-owned!) small businesses instead.
Fashion
• @Digitalkenteshop (Fitness Wear)
• @shopmucho (Latin-Inspired Clothing, Accessories, & Décor)
Jewelry
Beauty
Report: Libby Ayers
How To Boost Your Productivity and Attitude With Clothing When Working At Home
We know it hasn't been easy working from home especially if you've worked full-time in an office. One way to stay productive with accomplishing work and motivating yourself for the day it to make an effort in getting dressed for the day. See how influential this simple practice is in our newest article.
What has been the norm for businesses and employees in the past has transitioned into full work-from-home chaos due to the coronavirus. None of us fully prepared for maintaining our work life at home for what could be more than two months. Many of you who worked in an office and wished to work from home are experiencing the pros and cons of working remotely, with the biggest struggle staying proactive and completing work. It’s easy to get lazy, become unmotivated, and decide to watch TV or take a “quick” nap.
For a quick solution to this problem, we offer you the advice of dressing for work at home. We can imagine your response: “Why should I waste clean clothes to sit in the living room and work?” It’s important to look past your wash load and realize how it can boost your personal morale. Getting dressed in the morning often motivates you to accomplish work. If you opt to wear sweats or stay in your pajamas, these casual clothing pieces can make your mood for the day lackadaisical and unmotivated. Taking the time to shower, put on your favorite top and pants, styling your hair, and applying makeup can boost your confidence, make you feel ready to take on the day, and embrace your inner boss.
After reading this article, start small by wearing jeans or pants instead of sweatpants. Taking inspiration from the runway, Max Mara is our favorite with simplistic, but statement workwear pieces. Wear a wide leg pant with a simple top. It gives semi-casual vibes combining professional and fashionable. The second day, plan your outfit the night before giving focus and emphasis on wearing something attractive to boost your mood. Because the weather changes, a camel tone is perfect for a dull or bright day. Day by day, add more focus to how you get dressed. Not only will it make a difference in your attitude, but, also, your productivity for the day. Photo Credit: Filippo Fior/ gorunway.com
Report: Necole Jackson
Retail Therapy - The Myth Has Become Reality
How Consumers Are Flocking to the Web During Quarantine.
As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, some of our favorite beauty brands and retailers are temporarily closing their stores to help prevent the virus from spreading. While in-store shopping is no longer available, many brands are still offering online services, as it is virtually impossible for the virus to survive throughout transit. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, experiencing higher levels during these challenging times is common. As it turns out, a little retail therapy is a proven way to help combat these issues.
According to Psychology Today, online shopping can provide a sense of relaxation and escape, as it is a mindless and calming activity. Another study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology notes that retail therapy can be beneficial in providing a sense of control and stability when you feel like you have no control over your environment. A handful of brands are even offering incentives to stay safe and socially distanced during these times such as free shipping. Many department stores, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, closed their stores and are continuing with online services, and are still providing their employees with benefits and regular pay. Also, many beauty brands such as Glossier, Kiehl’s, Benefit Cosmetics, and many others are implementing the same policies. When engaging in retail therapy, supporting companies that ensured the health, safety, and security of their employees can help them to lead by example of what it means to protect employees during the current unforeseen circumstances the world is facing, and also for the future.
Report: Libby Ayers
Virtual Fashion in a Pandemic
Mandatory social distancing naturally limits engagement with fashion products to online spaces, but the dilemma faced by retailers and consumers is more complex than it appears.
The coronavirus and the consequential quarantine measures have significantly impacted industries worldwide, and the fashion world is no exception. Mandatory social distancing naturally limits engagement with fashion products to online spaces, but the dilemma faced by retailers and consumers is more complex than it appears. Smaller fashion labels share the fear of their businesses not surviving the pandemic. While online shopping has not completely halted, established name-brands receive the bulk of profits while lesser-known companies struggle to retain financial stability.
Fashion businesses have attempted to combat the decline in revenue by offering discounts on their products. Online clothing stores’ coupons come in the form of codes, many of them aptly named such things as “STAYHEALTHY” and “STAYHOME15”. The imperativeness of supporting smaller fashion businesses cannot be overstated, especially those donating a percentage of their proceeds to various charities. For example, street fashion label John Elliott is donating $10,000 as well as 10% of their sales to the UCLA Health Fund to aid the medical personnel working endlessly during this pandemic. Footwear label Mia Becar takes the much more direct approach of donating all proceeds to the California Community Foundation COVID-19 L.A. Response Fund. The shopping habits of consumers seems even more uncertain, with the current suspension of wages and fashion tastes possibly changing due to a number of factors.
Mainstream fashion was already becoming more minimalistic, so working from home would only further encourage a daily casual manner of dress. As proof, online sales of tracksuits have skyrocketed in the US and UK since January. On the other hand, the overexposure of casual wear may leave some longing to dress formally once more. Fortunately, consumers have less costly options to remain connected with the fashion industry. Countless online magazines and blogs still update regularly, and there are fashion documentaries available on cable and streaming services. In fact, consumers can even learn how to craft their own fashions. Online tutorials are widely accessible, and companies sell fabric and crochet materials for affordable prices. Historical events have always influenced fashion trends, even spawning new generations of designers.
Report: Nia Hunt
Multiculturalism in the Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show
Multiculturalism in the Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show. The event was a vast showcase of diversity, not only in the types of gemstones used for the fashion jewelry but also in the cultural backgrounds of the vendors.
The Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show was held in the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center from March 6th to March 8th, 2020. The event was a vast showcase of diversity, not only in the types of gemstones used for the fashion jewelry but also in the cultural backgrounds of the vendors. Sellers incorporated elements and signifiers of their ethnicities into their products, thus having created truly remarkable works of art.
The most expansive and vibrant stand in the show was that of BJ Total Fashion, a jeweler that specializes in Indian and Buddhist creations. Amidst the gold bracelets and necklaces that encompassed various sections of the BJ Total Fashion vendor were Buddhist medallions and sculptures in the shape of the religious symbol kumkum bharani. Enhancing the aura of these golden treasures was the presence of bejeweled hair accessories, some of which were flowers built entirely out of gemstones. Several other merchants sold jewelry influenced by multiple regions across Asia. Like BJ Total Fashion, both Avaniee Jewels and Taj Mahal Gems’ jewelry is styled after that of India.
Orchid Pearl Inc’s necklaces and rings were made from fine cultured Japanese Akoya pearls, and at the Imagine Bliss, Inc. vendor there was just as much jewelry as there were silk Chinese-style jewelry bags. One last culturally diverse seller was J&J Gems, which was devoted to Native American art. This vendor was particularly unique in that it primarily sold raw crystals rather than fashion jewelry. Seeing such gemstones as rose quartzes and rainbow jaspers in their pure form dazzled audiences with their distinct beauty. To complete J&J Gems’ striking aesthetic, dream catchers and stone and wooden bear statues ornamented the scene. The Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry will return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on September 18, 2020, which undoubtedly will create more opportunities for the jewelers to further diversify culturally.
Words by Nia Hunt.
Look for BlackGirlSunscreen on Your Next Trip to Target!
BlackGirlSunscreen has now become the first black indie sun care brand to have full time placement in a major retailer, Target.
BlackGirlSunscreen was created in 2016 for the “need of melanin women to have a sunscreen brand that caters exclusively to them.” Many people falsely believe that people and women of color don’t need the extra protection from the sun that sunscreen provides, but there is still a major risk for burns, sun damage, and skin cancer for people of all skin types.
The creator, Shontay Lundy, wanted to be able to go into a major retail store and find a sunscreen product made specifically for her, as well as other black and brown women. After years of dedication and hard work, BlackGirlSunscreen has now become the first black indie sun care brand to have full time placement in a major retailer. You can pick it up at your local Target today! The formula is cruelty free, vegan, reef safe, and contains a high SPF of 30. It is also infused with natural ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sun flower oil that make it perfect for everyday use. BlackGirlSunscreen provides protection from the sun while simultaneously moisturizing, and doesn’t leave the aggravating white residue on the skin that is common with most sunscreens.
Shop today to not only protect and nourish your skin, but to also support a black-owned beauty brand!
Report: Libby Ayers
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.