How to Forget Fashion and Find Comfort in Your Own Style
Developing your sense of style is an essential part of expressing yourself through your clothing.
How many times have you squeezed your feet into a pair of shoes or spent an evening feeling constricted by uncomfortable shapewear? Everyone likes to look good, but this is often at the expense of feeling comfortable. There are probably plenty of times when you have been out and not enjoyed yourself as much as you could, simply because your feet were sore from wearing high heels, or you didn’t dance because your dress felt too tight. So often, the pressure to look good comes before being comfortable and enjoying the moment. But, it doesn’t need to be this way; feeling comfortable and confident in your skin is a much better option than forcing yourself to dress in the same way as everyone else. No one stands out when they simply follow the crowd and dress the same as everyone else, so why not forget about what you think you should be wearing and start dressing in a way that makes you happy?
Developing your sense of style is an essential part of expressing yourself through your clothing. How you dress has a significant impact on how you feel and how you present yourself to others. So, why not embrace your uniqueness and feel comfortable at the same time?
Here are some tips to help you embrace your style and feel comfortable at all times:
Start with Your Feet
If you hate wearing heels and can’t wait to kick them off as soon as you get through the door, then why not skip having sore feet and choose footwear that helps you to enjoy yourself instead? Swap your killer heels for a pair of awesome flats and see how much more you can enjoy yourself when you go on a night out with your girlfriends.
Get the Basics Right
Your underwear acts as the foundation for every outfit you wear, so getting it right is essential. Underwear that feels tight and constrictive can get extremely uncomfortable very quickly, so comfort wins every time. It is possible to find underwear that is both comfortable and looks great, you just need to know where to look. Check out Undywear.com for reviews and recommendations to help you find the right undies for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
If you have gotten used to dressing in a certain way and have just put up with feeling uncomfortable, it may take a little while to develop your style. Experimenting with different looks and figuring out what you do like and don’t like is the best way to develop a look that helps you feel like yourself.
Bringing more of your personality into your fashion choices and dressing for yourself and not other people is a liberating experience. Feeling comfortable in your own skin and channeling your own style is a great way to feel more confident and true to yourself. Letting go of other people’s expectations of what you should be wearing and feeling comfortable dressing for yourself is always the best option.
Dressing With Purpose
Deep down, we all feel that the way we dress affects how the people perceive us. We want to think that our dress style brings us advantages, but does it?
Deep down, we all feel that the way we dress affects how the people perceive us. We want to think that our dress style brings us advantages, but does it?
Dressing with purpose is all about using the clothes you wear to project an image that helps you achieve your goals. In the workplace, the aim might be to rise through the ranks or take a senior leadership position. On the dating scene, it could be to attract a specific type of person.
Whatever it is, the idea has a lot of merits. When you start dressing with purpose, you view your clothes as a tool to transform you into the person you want to be, not merely a reflection of who you are right now.
But what does it mean to dress with purpose on a practical level? Let's take a look.
Stop Telling Yourself You Rock And Surrender To The Evidence
We live in an age of body positivity. No matter how dreadful we might think we look, we should embrace the idea that we're all beautiful and that nobody is ugly. There's no such thing as "looking bad."
If you dress with purpose, though, you need to take a completely different approach. What you look like is neither here nor there. It's how other people perceive you that counts in most cases. In a sense, you're trying to use your clothes to communicate ideas about how others should view. If you want to appear more authoritative, then wearing more black and smart garments can help. Getting rid of anything that looks flamboyant is beneficial in this regard too.
Ignore Your Existing Wardrobe
Many of us are beholden to our existing wardrobes. We believe that we can only buy clothes that complement our current outfits. So we ultimately wind up buying the same types of garments over and over again.
If you want to break out of this fashion rut, your only choice is to ignore what you already have in your closet and start again.
Remember, if your current clothes haven't been serving you well, it doesn't make sense to continue using them. As tools, they aren't fit for the job.
Find A Style That Communicates Your Value
When we focus on brands and fabrics, we tend to underestimate our style choices on the values we espouse. A person wearing Air Jordan sneakers gives off a radically different impression from somebody wearing a top hat.
You want to find a style that communicates your values, not some vague aspect of your personality. The aim shouldn't be quirky for the sake of it. Quirkiness isn't a value.
If you're struggling with this idea, try writing down your values on a piece of paper. Create a list of things that matter to you and how they might relate to the clothes you wear. If you like the idea of modesty, then that'll influence your choices. Similarly, if you want equality or freedom, those values will also filter into your wardrobe.
One of the NBA's greatest traditions is back on.
One of the NBA's greatest traditions is back on.
The current global pandemic might have put almost everything on hold. However, several things have started to open back up, the most recent one being different sports. Baseball and the WNBA started their seasons this week. Unfortunately, not all sports have good news. The NBA has been hit with one bad news story after another. But the worst story? Probably the canceling of the pre-game fashion show, where the players would walk down a tunnel, showing off their ensembles. A new policy has forced players to show up to the games in their team uniforms.
"Considering the unique environment on the NBA Disney campus and warmer weather conditions, a different policy was put in place for players' arrival and entry into the arenas," a league spokesperson said, according to ESPN.
Many are not happy. “That is crazy," Chris Tucker told ESPN in reaction to the news. "I think that takes away [from] originally what getting dressed was all about. It wasn't even about the tunnel walk, it was more about getting dressed up and going to work. To me, it's like a mindset, getting dressed and getting ready to go to my game. It puts me in the mindset that I'm ready to work and helps me find my focus."
However, the disappointment was short-lived. On Monday afternoon, ESPN reported that it was initially “misinformed by a league spokesperson" about a final ruling on the dress code. Players actually will be allowed to wear…clothing from their own wardrobe to games, which would be an astounding sentence to read under any other circumstances. The bottom line: NBA pregame fits, briefly taken from us, are back, albeit with a modified dress code. The rule was enacted with the requirement that players wear more relaxed clothing.
Report: Anna Bechtel
TikTok Has A Whole New Look.
Wisdom Kaye, has a bit of a different approach. Kaye has more than 2 million subscribers on TikTok, and has become known for his sense of style.
TikTok is mostly known for doing viral dance trends and making funny videos. But TikToker, Wisdom Kaye, has a bit of a different approach. Kaye has more than 2 million subscribers on TikTok, and has become known for his sense of style. Kaye is often seen wearing 1970's fashions, but with his own modern twist. “There is something I love about looking like I am from a different time period,” he tells Vogue. “I think it stems from my love for surrealism—the juxtaposition of the contemporary world against the classic ’70s aesthetic just sits right with me.” Kaye says his love of fashion began during the beginning of his high school days. "I wanted to change my appearance to fit in, so I thought the best way was through conformity." However, Kaye's mindset quickly changed. "As the years went by, I just stopped caring what everyone thought about me, and I started experimenting more."
Kaye names Saint Laurant, and designer Heidi Slimane as big influences. Kaye first joined TikTok at the beginning of the year, and began posting complications of his outfits. “I posted a couple on TikTok and Twitter, and they actually blew up on Twitter first," he says, "After a while, they racked up over a million views. At that point I saw potential and started making more creative content on TikTok that went beyond just a standard outfit compilation.” Today, Kaye posts at least once a day, and says that he is never short on ideas. Kaye is mostly known for his "style challenges." Every so often, he will find comments challenging him to come up with an almost impossible to create outfit, like a red and green outfit without making it look like Christmas. Then, Kaye will respond and make the outfit in a video. He also offers fashion tips for men.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Chloe x Halle Show Us How Stylish a Virtual Performance Can Be in Reflective Fabric
Chloe x Halle performed at the 2020 BET Awards in not one but two expertly crafted outfits constructed by their stylist Zerina Akers.
Chloe x Halle performed at the 2020 BET Awards in not one but two expertly crafted outfits constructed by their stylist Zerina Akers. Zerina tapped TLZ L'Femme for some white reflective fabric that seemed to be her favorite out of the two polar-opposite looks.
The girls started the performance singing "Forgive Me" in black latex and fishnet stockings (Chloe in a cutout minidress and Halle in high-waisted shorts, a bralette, and blazer), but "Do It" brought out the low-slung cargos and crop tops with sashes swinging every which way. The mood was very early 2000s for the latter ensemble. Even though these looks were different by design, Chloe x Halle accessorised with sparkling jewels in both scenarios — chunky silver hoops in scene one and crystal-encrusted combat boots in scene two.
"The Girls Next Door vs. The Girls Around The Way. I've been dying to use this 3M reflective fabric in a look," Akers wrote on Instagram, thanking Derek Milton for his expertise in directing the virtual snippet, which was rather flawless from an aesthetic perspective.
Report: Amanda T Lou
Black Fashion Editors To Follow Right Now
If you're interested in engaging with content to make you a more educated ally, consumer or citizen, you should definitely be following these fashion editors!
These fashion editors are currently creating some of the most educational and engaging content surrounding the current social climate. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can become an ally or a more educated and socially conscious member of society, you should definitely follow these editors.
Danielle Prescod
Danielle Prescod currently serves as the Style Director at BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc, and was formerly an Accessories Editor at InStyle. Recently, Prescod has been sharing a lot of information and personal stories that bring light to many issues that black people face today. As someone who grew up in a predominantly white and affluent area, she has been able to relate to many people who deal with microaggressions from their white friends and colleagues.
Chrissy Rutherford
Harper’s Bazaar’s former Special Projects Director, Chrissy Rutherford, is another black fashion writer and editor who has been bold in her activism on social media. She recently posted a video that gained over 5 million views, speaking on anti-racism and encouraging white people to go beyond just not being racist.
Shiona Turini
One freelance editor and costume designer who has been consistently highlighting the work of black artists is Shiona Turini. Moreover, far before the reemergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Turini was having the necessary conversations to ensure the upward mobility of her black counterparts in the fashion industry.
Photo Credits:
Shiona Turini: Meredith Andrews
Danielle Prescod: Darrell Hunter
Chrissy Rutherford: Chrissy Rutherford Instagram
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
How 13-Year-Old Kheris Rogers Turned Being Bullied Into a Celeb-Loved Fashion Line
How 13-Year-Old Kheris Rogers Turned Being Bullied Into a Celeb-Loved Fashion Line
At just 13, Kheris Rogers is already enjoying a thriving career. She's an actor, influencer, business owner, and newly signed artist to Columbia Records' new girl group, Run The World. A few years ago, after she was bullied at school for her complexion, Kheris's family encouraged her to begin daily affirmations to build up her confidence. She found the practice incredibly effective and rewarding. There was something empowering about being able to transform her negative experience into something positive and self-affirming. She wanted to share her growing sense of strength with the world and, in doing so, help others who might be dealing with similar situations.
At the age of 10, with the help of her big sister, Kheris founded Flexin' In My Complexion to help other kids feel beautiful and love themselves. In just three years, her business has already won high-profile fans like Alicia Keys, Lupita Nyong'o, Drake, and Lena Waithe. Kheris Rogers said, “The most exciting part of watching my brand take off is being able to travel the world, going to speaking engagements, and speaking to young girls and boys to encourage them to love themselves and chase their dreams. As an entrepreneur, she has learned to trust her instincts, have fun with it and to not be afraid to be different.
She said, “I hope my message teaches other kids who may be experiencing bullying that you are not alone. We are all unique, smart, and creative in our own way. Our differences [are] what makes us special, and that should be embraced, so it does not matter what other people think of you.” As a designer, she is excited to use her experiences to inspire new designs. She would love to collaborate with a Black-owned brand like Fenty or Ivy Park. She is currently inspired by Nike, Fenty Beauty, Old Navy and Justice
Report: Amanda T Lou
Grace Wales Bonner, the Trailblazing Menswear Designer
With focus on gentle representation and culture, Grace Wales Bonner has become a designer creating groundbreaking fashion and art in her own right.
In recent years, more women have started to become prominent menswear designers as gender norms are broken and a larger space has been introduced for many to take part in whatever design aspect they choose. A select few women have created a remarkable path in menswear that give it new meaning, with one woman in particular being Grace Wales Bonner.
Originally in womenswear at Central Saint Martins, Grace’s focus eventually directed towards menswear. Entitled AFRIQUE, her graduate collection consisted of embroidered velvet jackets and crystal skull caps, leading her to win the L’Oreal Professional Talent Award in 2014. Grace presented EBONICS in 2015, her first collection under the name Wales Bonner at Fashion East and earned the title Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards. 2016 saw her first solo collection, Ezekiel, and went on to receive the LVMH Young Designer Prize. Grace released her first womenswear collection in 2018, as well as received the the British Land London Emerging Medal. Her recent accomplishments include the winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and a Dior collaboration for their Resort 2020 collection.
Heavily influenced by the British Afro-Caribbean music scene, Wales Bonner can be found at such places as Net-A-Porter, Barney’s, and Galeries Lafayette. It has also built up a celebrity fan base that includes Meghan Markle, who chose to wear the brand for her first official portrait with Prince Harry and her son. Having an eye on representing gentle, black male figures, Grace sought to connect history and beauty through their identities. She wanted to create a space for the unrepresented, to show that they are as complex and beautiful as others portrayed in the media. History has always been interwoven into her collections with the presence of black poetry, music, culture, and films, and expanded into creating a space for black artists and creators alike to share their art as well. Artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye created poetry for a 2017 Wales Bonner show, and Solange Knowles was one of the performers at Grace’s event Devotional Sound.
A female gaze on men and their complexities have helped Grace Wales Bonner to define what has made her brand today. She credits the people around her and the culture she consumes as to what drives her inspiration; to create a platform for those not represented.
Photo Credit: GQ, Dazed, Celebrity Style Guide
Report: Charlene Piccio
Hidden Gems
One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.
The escalating tumult of a country rife with racial injustices further stresses the importance of patronizing black businesses. Supporting the community most vulnerable to these societal ills is imperative, and there is an endless well of black talent and innovation. One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.
Black jewelers are abound with creative, wondrous designs that are often inspired by the richness of black culture. Jam + Rico embodies founder Lisette Ffolkes’s celebration of her Jamaican and Puerto Rican heritage through a brilliant assortment of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Jameel Mohammed strives to defy Eurocentric luxury fashion norms by imbuing his Khiry products with his reverence for the African diaspora. Hleziphansi Zita’s South African heritage is intrinsic to her brand Nandi Naya, and Cocoacentric was named in part after owner LaToya McInnis’s black and indigenous roots.
Black jewelers are not required to overtly represent ethnic backgrounds in order to honor the black community. While Lelia+Mae’s all-gold jewelry appears bereft of any consistent cultural signifiers, the brand’s founder sources the inspiration for her creations from her profound love for her fellow black women. Statement by Nadia’s signature product is lettered earrings, with the most recent addition being those aptly labeled BLM, the profits of which will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Even the very practice of black celebrities adorning black-owned jewelry is an inherent show of unity. Lizzo modeled Yam earrings in her “Good as Hell” music video, and Jlani jewels have ornamented such entertainers as Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Taraji P. Henson.
Black fashion businesses are deserving of financial success and acclaim regardless of America’s racial politics, and the general public would be amazed by the treasures that await them if they expand their horizons.
Photo credits:
https://www.jlanijewels.com/collections/personalized-collection/products/14k-nameplate-necklace
https://www.jamandrico.com
https://leliamae.com/products/belle-hoops
Report: Nia Hunt
Fear of God and Barton Perreira's Friendly Collaboration
Fear of God and Barton Perreira's Friendly Collaboration
Fear of God’s groundbreaking collaboration with indie eyewear brand Barton Perreira was born of a particularly endearing mutual admiration for each other. Designer Jerry Lorenzo’s affinity for Barton Perreira glasses has earned him the opportunity to join his cherished optical brand in creating a limited-edition line of stylized eyewear.
Lorenzo’s adoration for Barton Perreira began in his late twenties, initially drawn to the glasses’ exceptional boldness and proceeding to incorporate them into his everyday style. Fear of God even featured pairs of these glasses in a previous collaborative shoot with Zegna. Lorenzo’s zeal for Barton Perreira shone through in an Instagram post in which he was flaunting their “Woody” and “Joe” frames, capturing the attention of brand co-founder Patty Perreira. Perreira was charmed by Lorenzo’s simultaneously classic and modern aesthetic and immediately requested his partnership, which he promptly accepted within 24 hours.
Lorenzo’s deep study of Barton Perreira’s vintage eyewear collection inspired him to brainstorm new ideas for color palettes and frame designs, resulting in an array of glasses with earthly hues and light gradient wash lenses. Fear of God’s optical design debut is now available for purchase on their website, as well the website and physical stores of Barton Perreira.
Photo credit:
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/fear-of-god-eyewear-launch-1203652632/
Report: Nia Hunt
Kristen Stewart is Set to Play Princess Diana in New Film
The beloved Princess Diana will be back on our screens as Kristen Stewart is casted to play her in the new film, Spencer.
The beloved Princess Diana will be back on our screens as Kristen Stewart is casted to play her in the new film, Spencer. The film is set to showcase the time in Diana’s life which led to her decision to leave the crown, as well as her husband. Spencer will begin production in early 2021, but many are not pleased with the casting of Stewart to play the worldwide known Royal. Even though the internet may not have reacted the best to the announcement, I still think we should give her a fair shot…you never know!
Princess Diana was known for more than just her title, she was the ideal woman that females of all ages looked up to. Her elegance was showcased at all times, her desire to be herself from the minute she was introduced to the Royals, the special type of mother she was to her two sons, and her love for every human are just some of the traits she carried.
Just as her overall demeanor was cherished by many, her style was always a statement the public loved to see. I’d say her most famous piece was the “revenge dress”. She wore an off the shoulder, fitted black dress the day her husband, Prince Charles, admitted to the press that he was unfaithful to his wife. What better way to say screw you to your husband then by making one of the most bold statements the fashion world has ever seen.
Of course, her wedding dress was a just as phenomenal as one might imagine. While her wedding was in 1981, and the dress isn’t completely in today’s style, any style connoisseur holds a special appreciation for this gown. It’s the dress little girls dream to be in.
In 1987 her baby blue gown that she wore at the Cannes Film Festival made her look like a real life Cinderella. Her casual sense of style may have shocked the Royal family, but she looked phenomenal in the simplest of outfits.
Princess Diana has been and always will be a fashion icon, as well as everybody’s favorite princess. Kristen Stewart definitely has big shoes to fill for this role, but the costume designers have an even bigger one!
Photo Credits:
https://theblast.com/103163/princess-dianas-revenge-dress-shocked-people-but-theres-a-story-
https://weddedwonderland.com/9-facts-you-didnt-know-about-princess-dianas-wedding-dress/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g4362/princess-diana-dresses/
https://www.insider.com/photos-of-princess-diana-best-most-shocking-outfits
https://people.com/royals/actresses-who-have-played-princess-diana/
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
In These Uncertain Times, Victor Glemaud is Still Hoping to Inspire People.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
Safe to say, 2020 has been an interesting year. From COVID-19, to the unjust murders of George Floyd and other black people, most people aren't feeling that great.
Fashion designer, Victor Glemaud, has been working from his home for the past three months. Glemaud looks back amazed that his business has been able to adapt so quickly. “At the beginning, it was challenging because it was all so uncertain,” he says of the early days of lockdown. “I’ve done fittings virtually before, I’ve done sketch handoffs and line reviews virtually before, so it wasn’t about it being difficult to adapt. It was more getting used to the idea of not knowing when we would work together again, and when we would see each other again.”
Glemaud's biggest challenges have been more on the personal end, than on the business end. With his business celebrating 15 years soon, Glemaud started his career working with Patrick Robinson in New York. Glemaud later went on to work in PR for the likes of Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Helmut Lang, before returning to consult with Robinson during his time at Paco Rabanne, then launching his own label in 2006. After rebranding with a more stripped-back approach in 2015, Glemaud began focusing primarily on the bold, brightly-colored knits that have been a resounding hit with his long-time customers. They’ve also earned him a place as a finalist for the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and resulted in his first runway show back in February of this year.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes the technical intricacies of producing knitwear are more difficult to test without seeing the garments in the flesh—he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
“Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see so “Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see something that sparks something that way. Since I can’t do that, I’ve been reading a lot more. It’s been more of a fluid process.”
When asked how the fashion industry can support black lead brands and businesses, Glemaud said, “I think it’s about having our industry truly support Black-owned businesses by paying us, by promoting us within their channels,” he continues. “Not just today or tomorrow, not just a tag here or there, but showcasing work in a meaningful way, really being true partners. Whether it’s a retailer, an editor, a stylist, a production partner. Things that are needed to actually grow a business. Things that a lot of young creatives that I’ve spoken to recently in the last two weeks have felt and have all told me they don't have access to.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
Music’s Influence on Fashion
Music and fashion are more intertwined than we realize. Music has influenced fashion for many ages and it will only continue from here. It's not only what artists promote, it’s what they wear, what they talk about in their music and what they represent as people.
The relationship between fashion is music is a quite remarkable one. Whether it is a memorable fit that is used in a music video or on stage or a fashion trend that an artist creates, music will always influence fashion.
70s Punk Glam
Rockers Brightly colored hair, large chains, black clothing, all became the new fashion trend when aggressive rock music was very popular. Vivienne Westwood, a British fashion designer was a big part of the punk movement. She was inspired by this idea of punk and so she combined clothing and music to create a new wave of fashion that really skyrocketed her career as a designer. Artists like David Bowie also brought out this idea of glam rock and changed the idea of fashion for many, wearing clothes that were androgynous. Bowie was one of the most notable influencers that inspired many, including Westwood.
80s Goth
Goth music turned into goth fashion with the dark traits of the goth music scene. With the dark black hair, black clothes from head to toe, black lips. Very uh dark? Well originally it started off like that, with very gloomy music. However as time went on, death rock evolved into something more. A love for the darker side of life, whether that was scary movies or loving to wear black. Fashion got spookier and more edgy.
90s Grunge
In the 90s, there was lots of anger toward the world, especially with teenagers. Kurt Cobain, leader of the very famous American rock band, Nirvana expressed that in his music and it definitely resonated with his fans. The 90s grunge look was a very popular fashion look we still see today. Pieces like flannel shirts, oversized tops and ripped jeans. Looks that represent individuality and not caring about what anyone thinks caught on rather quickly.
90s Hip-hop
Hip-hop began to get very popular around the late 80s into 90s, especially in places like New York and LA. Fans started to get into breakdancing and rap battles against one another. But they also began to mimic the way the rappers dressed. Tupac, one of the most significant and influential rappers helped bring out the style of jeans and bandanas.
90s Rave - 2010s EDM
Electronica was very big in the 90s and so were raves. Rave culture made a comeback in the 2000s. Individuals that enjoyed this scene would wear bright glowing colors, UFO pants and also dressed in a lot of skin tight clothing. The style was definitely fun and had all the “rave”.
Fashion is heavily involved with music. Today, rappers like Lil Baby, Future, Cardi B and countless others talk about the luxury brands they wear even in their songs. Popular musicians wear something and next week those same things can go up in sales. The overall style of the music you listen to resonates with one in a lot more ways than you think.
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Report: Melissa Adragna
The Newest Trend for This Year? Crochet Sneakers.
Fuggit, created by Rich Riley, is a brand of handmade sneaker-slippers that mimic your favorite types of shoes.
The newest trend for this summer? Crochet sneakers. Fuggit, created by Rich Riley, is a brand of handmade sneaker-slippers that mimic your favorite types of shoes, such as Air Jordan or Yeezy. All of their shoes are lined with Sherpa and soles similar to Birkenstock for maximum comfort.
The brand’s name idea was born out of a moment of loss, after a friend of Riley’s was killed in a drug-related incident in 2013. During this time, Riley was thinking that his friend lived his life with a lot of energy and his whole vibe was ‘fuck it’, hence the name Fuggit. Riley, along with a team of eight craftsmen, worked their crochet skills to create this unique sneaker concept.
The label addresses issues beyond fashion right from the beginning. “I always have been into researching consumerism and material violence and sneaker violence,” Riley says. “That was one thing that always bothered me, because being in that community of sneakerheads, and going to sneaker cons, it was never addressed.”
The label has attracted many high-profile and stylish fans, including Erykah Badu. “She definitely represents the way we want to go with the look and vibe, that intersection of hip hop and social issues. It’s a look that is not so opulent and shiny, which makes it more wholesome. It has quality, love, and texture,” says Riley.
His ultimate goal? To produce products that can promote arts and education and create peace in communities.
Report: Woo Jong Kim
Face Masks Are Our New Accessory
Will face masks become a fashion item? As we are required to wear face masks while out in public, will people decide to coordinate them with what they are wearing? Manufacturers have been creating amazing face masks with designs, sayings, and overall are very stylish.
As we know the CDC has recommended that we continue to wear face masks out in public for the past several months now. This most likely will be the case for quite some time to follow.
While face masks have been an important part of personal protective equipment in hospitals and warehouses, they are becoming a part of everyday life for everyone. Whether it’s a cloth face covering or a mask with a KN95 rating, the need to have face masks is now rapidly changing.
Face masks are going to be part of our everyday attire and it is something that we must be sure we never leave the house without. Anytime you go to grocery stores, for walks or to large gatherings you must be wearing a mask.
Since face masks are a huge part of our lives and what will help us stay the most protected, you might as well find a mask you like. Some shops, small businesses and designers have decided to change the style of these face masks to make them more “stylish”.
Places like Etsy, Fashion Nova, Revolve and several online shops created face masks that have designs such as lace, camo, plaid and countless others to make it more enjoyable to wear. These masks take up a very big part of our face when we wear them, so it’s important we feel comfortable in them.
Face masks may not be looked at as a fashion accessory, but with the CDC’s guidelines we must follow, our face masks should at least be appealing to the eye.
Would you match your face mask with your outfit?
Photo Credits: Vogue & Etsy
Report: Melissa Adragna (@melissa_adragna)
Bridal Fashion's Everlasting Life
Bridal fashion is one of fashion's biggest industries that will live on forever and these designers are very much aware of that. Designers Viktor & Rolf as well as Reem Acra did an amazing job capturing these looks and creating marvelous collections.
Wedding dresses are meant to capture the bride’s personality and are a major part of their special day. With this recent pandemic, many Bridal Spring 2021 presentations of their collections were cancelled or pushed back. However, some designers have hosted virtual shows or interviews to showcase their collections.
With most events being cancelled or postponed, we know that means brides all over the world had to cancel their big day as well. Luckily the bridal industry is one of the biggest industries in the fashion world and it is not something that will ever go away.
Viktor & Rolf had a beautiful collection full of soft silhouettes, collars and 3D flowers draping down on several of them. Each and every dress represented complete elegance. Whether it was this strapless A-line gown or a collar full of flowers with a sheer finish with pretty tulle incorporated.
Another bridal spring 2021 collection was Reem Acra, who outdid herself this season. She had a magnificent display with a backdrop of pink and purple flowers. This really helped the gowns stand out and made it all that much more beautiful. These designs of the two A-line gowns are flawless. One being more delicate and vintage with the long sleeves and lace throughout. The other a simple charmer, off the shoulder with charmeuse fabric. There were no embellishments on the gown, but it is still very full of life.
While many brides had their special day taken away from them, it is so important to remain hopeful and positive. Bridal fashion will stay and be around forever as will your love.
Photo Credits: Vogue
Report: Melissa Adragna (@melissa_adragna)
UNIQLO Billie Eilish x Takashi Murakumi
Billie Eilish and Takashi Murakumi collaborated with UNIQLO for a collection of oversized graphic tees. The 18 piece collection featured the singer's Blosch symbol and the artist's iconic smiley pop flower. This isn't the first time the duo worked together.
Billie Eilish signature baggy tees are the star of the UNIQLO Billie Eilish x Takashi Murakumi collaboration. The five time Grammy winner worked with UNIQLO to drop a 18 piece collection, the basics tees are oversized, colorful and graphic.
The tees come in multiple colors, such as blacks, greens, blues and oranges, as well as colorful graphics. Some tees features the Blosch symbol and the iconic smiley pop flower icon.
This isn’t the first time the singer worked with Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakumi. The duo worked together for the creepy crawly “you should see me in a crown” music video. The artist is known for the iconic colorful pop flower.
The collection consists of shirts for men, women, and kids. The brand recently restocked due to high demand. The tees retail for $14.90 each. There is a two shirt set limit and is available on the UNIQLO website.
Photos taken from UNIQLO
Report: Katie Mok
The Re-Opening of Thrift Stores
As many shops and restaurants begin the process of re-opening in light of COVID-19, one corner of the fashion industry facing unique concerns is resale shops. Thrift stores are facing overwhelming amounts of donations, and underwhelming amounts of customers.
As many shops and restaurants begin the process of re-opening in light of COVID-19, one corner of the fashion industry facing unique concerns is resale shops. A main anxiety is the overwhelming amount of donations being received as charity shops re-open. Not only have these stores been closed for the past 2-3 months, leading to a surplus in donations, but many people took their extra time being in quarantine as an opportunity to do some deep spring cleaning—leading to even more spring donations than usual.
The nature of donating to thrift shops is also a concern. How does one safely sort through the personal belongings of complete strangers amidst a pandemic? How do shoppers safely browse these selections? Some stores have taken to requesting that those wishing to make donations schedule appointments ahead of time, while others are suspending donations for the time being until merchandise can be cleared or sold from the sales floor.
One other remaining concern is the fact that while supply appears to be surging, demand isn’t necessarily doing the same. Although COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted slowly but surely, people are still hesitant to go out unless absolutely necessary. This leaves many thrift shops with significantly less customers, and therefore significantly less sales. So, while donations are pouring in, merchandise is being sold at a much slower pace.
The struggles of resale shops are important to note for the fashion industry. Thrift businesses bring in an estimated $18 billion in revenue each year and contribute in enormous ways to promoting sustainability in an otherwise largely unsustainable industry. The resale of items in thrift stores prevents them from entering landfills and prevents buyers from buying unnecessary new items. Additionally, thrift businesses provide employment to thousands. It’s important now more than ever to support resale businesses and make smart, thoughtful donations in order to help the environment and the economy.
Report: Grace Carlos
Meet the Designer Behind Vashtie's Wedding Veil
Like many people, Vashtie had plans for a big, extravagant wedding. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan was out the window.
Like many people, Vashtie had plans for a big, extravagant wedding. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan was out the window. She and her husband, Emil Boye, secretly married at City Hall. They didn't wear the traditional wedding attire, however. "To honor tradition I wore all white, but to be true to myself I donned an ensemble consisting of a white Supreme Hanes T-shirt, white Dickies, white Air Force 1 Lows, and a custom Durag Veil by Evita Loca," Vashtie told Complex. "My now-husband stayed true to his Danish style wearing a minimal look of all black and Retro Mid Jordan 1s." Vashtie has always been known for her streetwear and style. She has worn high end designer pieces of clothing with sneakers and graphic t-shirts. She was also the first woman to design a Jordan sneaker.
Evita Loca was excited to design the drag, but she had no idea it was for Vashtie's wedding. Loca was asked to design the piece for a photoshoot, and ended up finding out with the general public. Loca has been designing durags since 2017, after friends invited her to go to the Durag Festival. "The night before I kind of rummaged through my little stockpile of fabric and I wanted to make a piece that stood out, because by nature I’m a shy person. I wanted the piece to speak for me. I came across sequined fabric and thought, ‘What if this durag has like a Met Gala-esque vibe to it?' It was a black sequin and it came down to maybe the back of my ankles. I went to this festival and people were taking pictures and stuff like that. It had a good response," she says.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Michael Jordan: Trendsetter On & Off the Court
Micheal Jordan is known mostly for his talent on the Basketball court, being coined as the greatest to ever play the game. Let’s not forget his glowing baseball golf careers! And acting! Let face it, this man could do it all. It also known that Michael has had some questionable fashion choices. From vintage jeans and graphic tee Jordan can proudly say he was the first to
Micheal Jordan is known mostly for his talent on the Basketball court, being coined as the greatest to ever play the game. Let’s not forget his glowing baseball and golf careers! And acting! Let face it, this man could do it all. All of this being said it is fair to say that Jordan has his thumb in many pies, including fashion. And I’m not just talking about his Jays and sportswear. Since the premiere of The Last Dance, a 10 part docu-series, Jordan’s famous looks have been trending all over social media. Although many have been questioning his sense of style there is no denying that many of Michael's fashion choices in the ’90s can be found in fashion trends today. From graphic tees to baggy denim, Michael can proudly say he was one of the first to rock the look.
Micheal has been known for rocking oversized jeans. This “lived in” or vintage look of oversized distressed jeans have been seen a lot in this season’s fashion. These jeans could be dressed down with sneakers or dressed up with heels and a blouse.
Micheal has been known to add a trench coat to any outfit. Brightly colored and oversized trenches made a come back in 2020 fashion. These coats have taken the place of the classic beige and natural-colored coat like the one Michael is seen rocking above.
A graphic tee is a staple. I always have at least 10 in my closet at a time. Jordan is known for wearing a classic Bull graphic tee. This is far from a new trend but after the premiere of The Last Dance, there has also been an increase in sales of vintage Chicago Bulls gear, specifically championship tees. While not everyone can get their hands on a classic 1997 championship tee, we could at least appreciate a cozy oversized graphic tee with biker shorts or a pair of jeans.
Photo Creds: bleacherreport.com, prettylittlething.com, Esquire, and whowhatwear.com
Report: Lauren Tucker