The CFDA Awards Are Still On
The CFDA Awards Are Still On
The COVID-19 global pandemic took a massive hit to the fashion industry, with shows and events being cancelled, and brands forcing to permanently close stores and file for bankruptcy. But as things start to reopen, some events are back on. This week, the CFDA awards announced that they would hold a virtual ceremony on Monday, September 14. They also announced that they would be adding two new categories to the ceremony, both celebrating international achievements. They are, Global Women's Designer of The Year, and Global Men's Designer of The Year. This is replacing the International Designer Award. There is one other change to this year's ceremony. Since this is a virtual event, and there is no red carpet, no honorees will be names. Past honorees have been massive stars in the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Janelle Monae.
“In this time of unprecedented challenge and change for our industry, we feel very strongly that it is important to recognize the nominees representing the best of fashion creativity,” Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA, said in a press release. “We look forward to returning to an in-person celebration honoring the American fashion industry in 2021.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
The 2020 CFDA Awards
The 2020 CFDA Awards
The 2020 CFDA Awards were originally slated for June 8 and would have been the first of its kind to be spearheaded by council chairman Tom Ford, but the COVID-19 outbreak has, of course, disrupted much of the event’s plans. Gone is the trademark opening ceremony, and with it the anticipated announcement of celebrity honorees.
The award show will be still be taking place online, however, and Ford has proceeded with accommodative changes. Efforts typically expended towards maintaining a physical venue will instead be channeled into supporting the countless designers affected by mandatory quarantine measures. The most radical change is the new dedication to racial equity in the fashion industry moving forward. A lack of diversity persists even in this year’s CFDA Awards, in which only four designers of color were nominated in the top American categories. CFDA and Vogue have begun remedying this issue by donating $1 million from their A Common Thread fundraiser to Icon 360, an organization providing relief to designers of color. Additionally, the emerging designer category has become more diverse, most notably with Christopher John Rodgers winning last year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
The CFDA will announce this year’s winners on September 14 via their website and social channels. The council’s own Tom Ford has thus far been nominated for American Designer of the Year for both menswear and womenswear.
Photo credits:
https://www.vogue.com/article/2020-cfda-awards-nominees-announced
https://cfda.com
Report: Nia Hunt
Lovello Elizabeth Sits Down with ETalksOnline
Lovello Elizabeth stopped by Etalksonline Radio!
Lovello Elizabeth stopped by Etalksonline Radio to tell us how she got started, her vision, and how Hip-Hop artist Dej Loaf got a hold of her pieces
Browse & Shop Lovello Elizabeth's Pre-Fall Collection
Perade Captures the Beauty of Nigerian Culture
Inspired by her Nigerian culture, Performance Adejayan's clothing brand is nothing short of captivating.
Nigerian native, Performance Adejayan, is set to showcase her West African inspired brand, Perade, at Wildfire: The Series. The event taking place April 30th, is aimed at providing a platform for emerging creatives and artists to showcase their designs and talents.
Perade is a brand built on very solid ideology. The 19 year old became increasingly frustrated with the cultural appropriation of “tribal” clothing. A native of Nigeria, she found it necessary to share a part of her culture with everyone around her in the spirit of respect, love and sharing. Understanding that the society we live in today includes many cultures, her goal is to educate audiences on Nigerian culture.
“Never underestimate yourself. Do not be afraid to disrupt the American fashion industry.”
The idea of Perade came from Performance's personal experiences within her culture. "As a Nigerian, the only time we got traditional clothes was during special occasions." Wanting to show pride for her country and culture at all times, she felt starting a clothing line that reflected her personal identity would be the perfect solution. Unlike the appropriated "tribal print" in stores, the brand mixes "African prints with western silhouettes" to transport Nigerian culture into wearable pieces for all.
The Meaning Behind Perade: "I took the first three letters of my first and last name to create Perade. "Per" means for every and "Ade" means crown. Perade is for every head, for every, for everybody. No matter what nationally you are, you can rock Perade. Do not let anyone rain on your “Perade” and tell you what you can and cannot wear!"
The designer's creative process is very simple. "If I cannot wear it, I cannot sell it." Perade makes a point to create pieces that are just a functional as they are fashionable. The designer admits that she spends much time study people and their habits. This helps with creating price points for her pieces, as many of the pieces are imported from Africa.
Expect to see an expanding portfolio from the brand as they are set to introduce new designs.
Shop Perade at Wildfire: The Series and continue to follow their journey on Instagram. Customer can place orders using the following information: Africanperade@gmail.com or Performance.adejayan@gmail.com.
Quick Q & A with Performance Adejayan
Tell Us A Little About Yourself
I am from Nigeria. I came to the U.S. with my family at the age of 8. I love experiencing new cultures. I love watching Korean dramas! I am a sophomore at Temple University. I am majoring in international business.
What advice would you give to anybody who want to do your job (or at least start the process)?
You have to start from somewhere. Do not be discouraged by people around you. You need to choose yourself and be a doer. Never underestimate yourself. Do not be afraid to disrupt the American fashion industry.
Any recent events/accomplishments involving your brand?
I was part of Temple University’s OAS fashion show. It was an amazing experience.
Curated by Niani Patterson (nianipatterson@aol.com)
Sex Appeal x The J Element
What happens when you mix an Analytical Chemist with the fashion industry? The J Element talks creating confidence in all women and upcoming projects.
Lingerie and accessory designer of The J Element, shares her designs at The Wildfire Series. The event, taking place April 30th, is aimed at providing a platform for emerging creatives and artists to showcase their designs and talents.
Jazmyne's love for accessories began with her friends request to fix broken jewelry. Her love for using her hands made her perfect for the task and she grew fonder of accessories. The concept of her brand's name, The J Element is a mix between her love for Science and Chemistry. A former Analytical Chemist, Jazmyne is very familiar with the periodic table and it's elements. "My first name begins with the letter J and there is no element on the periodic table with the abbreviation 'J' so it just worked out in a nerdy type of way." So came The J Element.
Jazmyne's ease working with her hands didn't happen over night. Having studied and worked in the Chemistry field for almost 10 years, constantly mixing and making things with her hands became routine. Not to mention that being a seamstress might just be written in her DNA. With a family full of seamstresses and tailors, Jazmyne is no stranger to handmade items. She vividly remembers her cousins making their own clothes in high school. "I truly believe its apart of my DNA to be creative!" Inspiration for The J Element takes flight from here along with the help of women in her family. African and Asian culture also have a place in her inspiration, as well as history books. Like many other devoted fashion lovers, Jazmyne can always find inspiration in magazine and watching fashion shows online.
Jazmyne believes that her brand really took off when she realized that she was making beautiful jewelry to inspire confidence and sexiness in women. The J Element represents a "strong warrior type of woman." A woman who is equal parts confident, inquisitive and sexy. Focusing on pieces that are simple with chic detail and a hint of luxury is a must. The brand is always studying the female body and understanding what enhances sexiness for different body types.
“I believe that whatever you love to do and think about all the time, is your calling and its up to you to take it to the next level!”
For those looking to venture in the fashion industry, Jazmyne suggests you put your fears aside. She insists you can't be afraid to start with what you have. "When I first started my collection all I had was a couple of handmade pieces that I made by taking some my own jewelry apart and using the materials. You have to start from somewhere and build upon it!"
In the next year you can expect great things from The J Element as the brand hope to be based and working with a creative house in Los Angeles. Be on the look out for their new products in May! In addition, they will be collaborating with designers and creatives all over the world. The brand is planning to expand into the 'lifestyle' industry, introducing an all natural skin and hair care products. Shop The J Element at Wildfire: The Series or at the-j-element.com
Quick Q & A with Jazmyne
If there was one fashion house you could work with, who would it be and why?
I would definitely work for Missoni!!! I just love the tradition and legacy of the brand and not to mention their beautiful patterns and fabric! I could go on and on but Missoni would definitely be at the top of my list.
Are there any celebrities you would love to see wear your product? Why?
We love to cater to the every day woman, but if we had to choose a celebrity it would probably be Rihanna. She just represents the confident and driven woman that we love!!
When you're not sewing or creating new designs, what do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I usually like to read and watch movies for inspiration. I love photography and working on my lifestyle blog. Hanging out with my family and small circle of friends when I can. I also like staying active and I am currently studying to be a yoga instructor!
What's a little known fact about your brand or yourself?
A little known fact about me is that I am very camera shy. I prefer to take photos of others which does not help my brand in this day and age where people want to know more about you and see photos of you, but I am working on this very hard! lol
Shop The J Element at Wildfire: The Series or online at the-j-element.com
Curated by Niani Patterson (nianipatterson@aol.com)
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.