The Top Trend Predictions for 2021

2021 will be a wild ride for fashion lovers and style enthusiasts everywhere. With us still being in the middle of a pandemic and changes are happening with the way consumers shop, it will definitely give way to how differently people dress and style themselves. Here are a few trend predictions that may give way in 2021.

Photo Credit: @mariama

First thing to know about fashion trends is that they are always on a cycle which means trends never really go out of style, permanently at least. Trends somehow never really leave our wardrobe. With that being said, some of the era’s I think will make a big comeback is the 70’s and the early 2000’s. With the rise of social justice and political consciousness within Gen Z and younger Millennials, I definitely think the trends of the 1970’s hippie movement will make a serious comeback. Think DIY denim, cottage dresses and crochet pieces. Also, just like the 70’s people will be way more conscious about what they wear and the materials that are used to make it which means sustainable brands will make a huge wave this year as well. 

Photo Credit: Glowsly.com

Of course, the rise of the Y2K has already made head way in 2020 but be prepared to relive the 2000’s even more with the reboot of many brands such as Baby Phat and Juicy Couture. You may see the return of baguette bags, fuzzy bucket hats, and even velour sweat suits. 

Another trend we will see is functionality and comfort over everything. No more are the days of fitting into a size 7 shoe when you are a 9 just to be stylish. After the events of 2020, people are slowly realizing that you can have comfort and style at the same time. People want longer lasting pieces that they’re able to mix and match while also being able to get work done then hang out with their friends afterwards. It’s all about versatility and functional wear. 

With just some of the trends I listed  it doesn’t mean you have to run out and add these items back into your wardrobe. Style is about your personal expression and how you want to represent yourself. But if you did want to add some of these looks to your wardrobe this can be used as a little guide to be ahead of the pack.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2021

Fashion lovers and style enthusiasts rejoice. The Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2021 is here and not only did they announce one color but two! The two colors selected will be Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-5104) and Illuminating (PANTONE 13-0647) as the shades for Pantone's Color of the Year 2021. According to Teen Vogue, the last time Pantone announced two colors for color of the year was back in 2016. Now, that you know what the colors of the year are I’m sure you’ll be rushing to your wardrobe and finding ways to match up your yellow and grey hues in your closet. Before you rush out to get that fancy looking yellow dress or some grey stylish joggers, let’s take a look on what these two colors actually represent.

Photo Credit: The Inquirer

After doing a little digging, I was able to do some color theory research to see what these colors actually represent and what message you will be sending with adding these colors to your signature style. My first color to do a little research on was yellow. Not just because it's one of my favorite colors but visually it's  appeasing and welcoming. Thanks to 99design, I was able to find that yellow is for happiness, hope and spontaneity. After the year we’ve had, wearing this color to uplift your spirits and give you some hope for the future of 2021 is not a bad idea. With your wardrobe you will let everyone know you are ready for positivity and good vibes which may invite new relationships and opportunities to come your way. 

For grey, the first thing I thought of was dull and boredom. But after doing some research my thoughts on the color changed. With my research I saw that grey can represent professionalism, formality and conventionality. With the color grey, you can give off the message of being grounded, trustworthy and even being ready for business. Adding this color to your wardrobe will definitely give your closet a more mature feel which can be a good thing. It sends the message you are ready for anything that comes your way and you are truly a boss. 

Photo Credit: Vogue

With the combination of these colors, your style can definitely elevate to new heights. Even if you want to add these colors as accents with accessories, jewelry or shoes. You definitely will be telling the world you are ready for whatever 2021 will throw at you with style and grace.

Holiday 2020 Lookbook - What to Wear this Holiday Season

The holiday season may look a little different this year. Instead of grand parties and dinners, we have to do smaller gatherings with a limited amount of people. We might not be able to go big for our events but we can definitely go big with what we wear.

Even if you are just visiting your aunt’s house for her famous mac and cheese, who says you still can’t show up in style. Whether you are going for cute and comfy or something totally glamorous, these designers will have you laced up looking absolutely your best (did I mention they were all black owned businesses?!). 

If you’re going for the cute and comfy vibe this holiday season, why not shop Lovello Elizabeth? This leisure wear brand is perfect for those days of hanging with your family during game night or hanging with friends for Friendsgiving. This is a unisex brand so anyone can look stylish in their hoodies, shorts, hats and sweats that come in a variety of colors. Plus, the price point is affordable enough to grab something yourself and even a loved one too. 

If you’re looking for something that is a little more luxurious I have just the brand in mind. Nuova by AVNU is an amazing collection by designer Nareasha Willis who is the creative mind behind “Ghetto Until Proven Fashionable” apparel that took storm in 2018 and 2019. She is now back with a sleek and sophisticated collection of blazers, button ups and even a sexy tracksuit to give leisure and fashion all at the same time.  This collection would be great for Christmas festivities no matter how small the occasion may be. 

Damari Savile is the perfect boutique to shop for both men and women. This unisex custome suting boutique is located in Washington Spuare Park in Philadelphia and was founded by NFL player Malcolm Jenkins. Not only do they have fabulous suiting for both men and women but they also offer services such as personal styling and tailoring. 

Another pick for the fellas is Xavi Row Bespoke, a bespoke boutique that creates the custom experience by creating a suit for you by scratch. Not only can you don their stunning suits but they also offer footwear, outerwear and accessories for any special occasion. 

Lastly, if you’re looking to stand out this holiday season, RM67 Raw Morie is the perfect brand to do so with. Book your consultation to get the perfect outfit for NYE (yes you should totally think ahead for this!!). This brand creates beautiful gowns and dresses for any occasion. If you want something a little more simple to lounge in, they also have cute sweatshirts, sweatpants and t-shirts too. 

Jackie Aina Urges Fashion Brands to Break Silence on Black Injustices

Jackie Aina took to Instagram this week to call out fashion companies that have remained "dead silent" about the struggles and issues facing the black community. The outspoken beauty and lifestyle YouTuber tagged three popular brands in her stories and accused them of failing to support the very culture from which they profit. Aina said, “There are a lot of brands who love capitalizing on black culture, black music, black aesthetic, but are dead silent when it comes to talking about black issues and black struggles in our communit. So just as much as y'all love hanging out with Ty Dolla Sign and Saweetie and Blac Chyna, can y'all at least say something when people are being brutally murdered by cops? Donate to the families affected by this stuff? Revolve, PrettyLittleThing, Fashion Nova. The memes that you guys are posting on your pages are not gonna cut it. Do more. Don't just be present when it's time to be lit on the 'gram."

Aina went on to say she was calling out these three specific brands because they push a distinct aesthetic that is clearly influenced by elements of black life and culture. Aina then urged the brands to not only acknowledge, but also help combat the problems plaguing the African-American community. She said, "I know that, like, black people dying isn't aesthetically pleasing for the feed. I understand that. But I do feel like it's the least that you can do. You can't just take, pick, and choose the parts of our culture and not embrace all of it ... Guys, I understand sometimes philanthropy does not have to be announced, but right now more than ever, considering how much influence these brands specifically have, it's very important that you say and do something. Like it's the least you can do." Following her comments, Aina took to Twitter to announce that some of the brands had viewed her stories, but not all of them had responded. She then told her followers she had a phone call with Fashion Nova's CEO on Friday to discuss "an extensive course of action.”

Aina's comments come amid nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed during an arrest. On Friday, an ex-Minneapolis officer was arrested and charged with third-degree murder in connection to Floyd's death.

Report: Amanda Lou

Things Aren't so Glamorous for Neiman Marcus

Things for high-end fashion brand Neiman Marcus aren't looking so pretty right now. Last Thursday, it was revealed that the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after previous reports were rumored in mid-April. Prior to this, the brand was already four million dollars in debt. CEO Geoffroy Van Raemdonck made a statement to CNBC saying, "Like most businesses today, we are facing unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed inexorable pressure on our business."

According to the Financial Post, the paperwork was filed in a Houston courthouse. Neiman Marcus and their creditors agreed to a $675 million dollar financial aid package to help the company restructure. In addition, they also agreed to a second package of $750 million dollars from creditors. This would not only help with their bankruptcy, but also supply extra liquidity for them, when they eventually recover from their struggles. Lastly, this deal completely puts the creditors in charge of the business, and will have them become the majority owners this fall, once the company is likely to recover.

Neiman Marcus is one of many major brands and companies struggling financially during 2020's COVID-19 pandemic. J-Crew also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy recently. However, Neiman Marcus was experiencing some struggles prior to the pandemic, which naturally increased once the pandemic hit. As per Bloomberg, Neiman Marcus had started closing outlet stores in March, and 500 jobs were cut within the operation.

Report: Corine Gauthier

Inside Look on Gucci’s “So Deer To Me” Campaign

Over the years, Alessandro Michele, Italian fashion designer and creative director for Gucci, has really shown us really creative campaigns for Gucci. With Gucci’s new Pre Fall 2020 Campaign “So Deer To Me” he has yet to disappoint us.

This Campaign shows us things that a lot of us haven't seen in a while; the outside and animals. Models are dressed in bright 70’s inspired coats, dresses and suits and they are laid in the grass and sit pretty on what seems to be a playground captured by photographer Alasdair McLellan.

All of the models are also pictured with an array of different animals. Deers, fawns, owls, blue birds, skunks, squirrels, frogs, hedgehogs, ducks and rabbits are featured across the images.

Animals and Childlike imagination was the inspiration for this particular campaign. On Gucci’s Instagram page, with each posted picture from the campaign was a small description of the inspiration. One photo has the caption “ #SoDeerToMe campaign inspired by childhood innocence, when as kids we rejoiced in nature.” Another photo is captioned “#SoDeerToMe campaign is ultimately an invitation to enjoy the simple things in life. Sometimes, it just takes very little, or a burst of imagination to find some balance.” Not only do we get an amazing new collection from Gucci but the amazing photos that remind us what it feels like to be a child and imagine freely.

Report: Alycia Williams

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Everlane: A Story About Unionization During a Pandemic

In a fashion revolution where ethics and sustainability have become a trend, consumers must be wary of which brands falsely claim these terms. But that wasn’t the case for Everlane—the clothing brand that proudly promises on their website “Radical Transparency” by working only with ethical factories. How did it manage, then, to get into a scandal of unethical labor practices?

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many clothing brands have had to make hard decisions, many of which involve the laying off of workers. But with Everlane this involved firing, on March 27th, a sector of part-time customer service employees that had just recently unionized. This has confounded the reason for these employees’ firings, with many media outlets attacking the brand for its false commitment to ethical fashion. I have witnessed the scandal’s impact on the brand’s image by reading the comments on an Everlane sponsored video that attacked the Youtube creator for collaborating with a brand that has used the pandemic to union-bust.

Claims that Everlane had engaged in mitigation of unionization efforts before the pandemic are true. As Fashionista reports, the brand sent an email in December in response to the forming of the Everlane Union. The email denoted unions as negative entities that reduce transparency. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that these CX employees attribute their layoffs to their March petition for recognition of the union, and not to the pandemic. Everlane has publicly denied this.

Business in times when demand for clothing is low is undoubtedly hard, and Everlane has felt immense losses because of this pandemic. But it is incredibly worrisome that the pandemic could also be taken advantage of by firing people to ultimately prevent unionization. The details from both sides remain murky. I just hope that a company that fights for fair working conditions does not contradict itself where the rest of its employees are concerned.

Photo credits: Everlane Union GoFundMe and Everlane

Report: Jonara Jiménez

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Designers Making A Splash In Sustainable Fashion

Sustainability is a slowly but surely a trend to stay in fashion. To be sustainable in fashion, brands and designers take a look in the human rights, supply chain, production, and how the aftermath affects the environment. Many brands look for ethically sourced fabrics, environmental benefits, and the regenerative properties of fibers and fabrics. Sustainable fashion takes a jab at fast fashion, promoting the longevity of clothes instead of cheaply making clothes for the current hot trends. Sustainability takes part in all aspects of the brand to the consumer.

Stella McCartney: Brand and designer, Stella McCartney is a pioneer in high end sustainable luxury fashion. Materials the label uses include organic cotton, ethically sourced wool, and recycled textiles/ fabrics. The brand’s 4 main pillar of sustainability includes: Respect for nature: ethically sourced materials and using as many sustainable materials as possible. Respect for people: ensures a positive impact on people involved in the production and supply chain. Respect for animals: promotes cruelty free methods and treats animals and their homes with respect. Circular solutions: using restorative production methods to create new products.

CHNGE: CHNGE is ethically produced, using sustainable fabrics, and produces carbon neutral clothing. The brand sells colorful t-shirts with impactful messages on current issues. On their website, they mention factories they work with and where they are located. Their tees are made with 100% organic cotton, and they listed the environmental benefits of their production.

Kotn: Kotn centers around essential clothes made from Egyptian cotton. Kotn provides all information regarding their ultra soft products on their website, including where it was sourced and made. After years of fast fashion and cheaper alternative to cotton, Egyptian cotton was on a decline. Grown only in the Nile Delta, the cotton is finer, softerm and more breathable than the alternatives. As Kotn came to be, they made it a point to work with the farmers and factory workers to create a respectable environment for all. Kotn also believes in traceability, where the customer can see the process of creation.

Reformation: Reformation clothes are effortlessly chic and modern, made for the on the go women. Reformation designs include silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure, using beautiful and sustainable fabrics. The brand had created their own standards of fibers and fabrics, taking in consideration of water input, energy input, land use, eco- toxicity, greenhouse gas emission, human rights, availability and price. Some of their products are made from recycled fabrics, such as cashmere and cotton, organic cotton, ECONYL regenerated nylon, linen, and such much more.

Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher is another pioneer introducing sustainable fashion way back when. Amy Hall, VP of Eileen Fisher introduced the idea of “Social Consciousness” as a department. It’s role was to raise awareness about 3 fundamental values: Practice business responsible with regards for human rights Guiding products and practice towards sustaining the environment Supporting women to be full participants in society. The Social Consciousness department was designed to target negative impacts and make positive change. To do so, they take into consideration material, chemistry, carbon, and water involved in the creation of the products.

Report: Katie Mok

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Netflix's Tiger King Unexpectedly Caused A Rise With Animal Print

This quarantine has been a great time to binge watch the new Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. The show gives a look of the personal feud between private zoo keepers Joe Exotic, the owner of G.W. Zoo, and Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue. The show is riddled with exotic cats, alleged murder, gun loving hillbillies, and a mix of colorful fashion. Animal print has already been in trend, but not like this. Animal print was the statement piece as we are used to. The show has so many fashion statements, from cat prints to sequins, or an overwhelming combination of both.

Carole Baskin is introduced dressed in a pink tie-dye shirt with hints of cheetah print all over. Her house is filled to the brim with cat prints: cups, vanity tables, rugs, curtains. Her entire closet has some sort of cat print. Wearing cat prints is what she calls her “uniform.” Even her luggage is cat print! One of the viewers first introductions to Joe Exotic is him laughing, showing his mullet. Almost all his shots were with him and a tiger. His western take on fashion is filled with animal print button downs, sequins, and neon eyeliner. This seven episode true crime docuseries was to address the loud drama surrounding Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Unexpectedly, the fashion was what stole the show. Animal print has been on rise yet again as if it already hasn’t been the hottest trend.

Photos via Netflix.

Report: Katie Mok

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CFDA Cancelled NYFW Resort 2021 In Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Based on the current developments on the pandemic, the CFDA made the decision to cancel the New York Fashion Week Resort 2021 collection. Currently, New York is heavily hit with COVID- 19 cases, leading the country positive- tested cases. The Resort 2021 collection was originally scheduled for the week of June 6th. The CFDA “strongly recommend and urge designers not to show their Resort Spring 2021 Collection.” Along with the cancellation of the NYFW Resort 2021 cancellation, the CFDA decided postpone the June Men’s show and are working with tradeshows to align future dates. “The CFDA remains respectful of everyone’s priorities during this time. First and foremost protecting the health and wellbeing of our teams and ourselves, and stabilizing business operations.” Lastly, the CFDA and Fashion calendar will not be publishing a resort schedule.

Report: Katie Mok

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The Iconic Looks of Transgender

With the growing media representation of trans people, International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event that only increases in societal relevance with each passing year. In just the past few years trans people have revolutionized the fashion industry by making runways more inclusive spaces. Trans visibility in fashion is epitomized through the rising careers of trans models, several of whom are trailblazers in their craft.

Male model Krow Kian’s blossoming career is deeply intertwined with his relationship with the trans community, as he regularly receives praise from inspired trans youth, and in turn he strives to remain a positive representation for them. Valentina Sampaio was the first openly transgender model to be on the cover of Vogue Paris, as well as the first transgender model for Victoria’s Secret—a company that previously refused to hire transgender models. Andreja Pejic, renowned for her androgynous look, was the first trans model to book a cosmetic campaign, and Chella Man is the first deaf, transgender man to be signed to a major modeling agency.

While trans representation in fashion and beauty has come a long way, there is still progress to be made. Dissatisfied with the white, cisnormative images of trans people, artist Texas Isaiah had his own unique way of celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility. Collaborating with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Texas Isaiah created “Every Image is a Blessing”, a stylized photographic collection of 11 black transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary artists, musicians, and activities.

The project served the purpose of showcasing black trans people in as they see themselves rather than how they are perceived by others. Texas Isaiah felt that mainstream images of trans people ignore their true struggles, so he sought to create images that were more truthful while still hopeful. The aforementioned models are important contributors to positive trans representation, but portrayals of trans people’s natural beauty are just as significant.

Report: Nia Hunt

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The Fashion Industry Responds To The COVID-19 Crisis

Due to the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, everyone has been advised to self-quarantine in their homes. Businesses have had to make several adjustments. Restaurants are only doing takeout, supermarkets can only let in a few people at a time, and people are having meetings on Zoom. The fashion industry has also had to make adjustments. Their hot new product? The surgical mask.

Since people have been advised to wear masks when they rarely go out in public, this has started to lead to a shortage. Designer Christian Siriano recently announced that he will be making masks to help with this issue, and several other brands and designers have followed. Siriano announced this with a tweet to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's statement that if anyone could make masks, Cuomo would fund it. Siriano said that his full team was in their homes and available to help. Siriano then received a pattern and then delivered a similar fabric to each of his employees. Siriano's studio was deemed an essential business, and was then turned into a mask assembly line, with each employee standing six feet apart.

Report: Anna Bechtel

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Sustainable fashion : Reuse - Recycle - Reimagine - What is sustainable fashion?

Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and will only continue to increase. When consumers online shop and add items to their cart, the only thought in their mind is the excitement for when the package will come in and tracking the order as soon as possible. When pressing confirm order, what some don’t understand is that workers will undergo awful conditions to make sure every customer receives their items. There is little knowledge that people know about how sustainable the production of our everyday clothes, accessories, and shoes are made.

Too many companies either overproduce and sell too much of the same product when trends come and go every season, which eventually reside in landfills. They don’t understand the impact that they are creating on supply chains. Some brands have started to make clothes more biodegradable but for those who don’t, these clothes that don’t break down as easily sit in piles of millions of other clothes. H&M is now sharing publicly the country in which production is taking place, the number of workers that are in the factory, the names of these factories and addresses, as well as where the garments from their company are made.

Rent the Runway is helping tackle this issue. This ‘Designer Rental Subscription’ sounds strange at first, but it is a rental store and site in which you can actually rent designer dresses, shoes, shirts, accessories and anything you can think of for 4-7 days. Patagonia, claimed as the “Gucci of outdoor wear” preaches an anti-fashion environmental message. Patagonia has taken over 90 million bottles from these landfills. From their one billion dollars in revenue each year, they use a percentage of these sales to donate towards the “earth tax.” There are companies that; don’t exploit children laborers in factories, increase their quality in clothing by not destroying the environment and have created products to last season after season. There is a higher price tag when you buy, but saving money towards this is not only worth it in the long run for you, but is a small step towards the environment.

(Photo Source: Businessoffashion.com, nytimes.com, Forbes.com)

Report: Pamela Valdez

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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. 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

• @obsiddian_handmade

• @togarrugs

• @ejimayarn

• @richgirlboutique

• @hamilobrand

• @baddiesona.budget

• @hausofbelleboutique

• @missdollares

• @Digitalkenteshop (Fitness Wear)

• @shopmucho (Latin-Inspired Clothing, Accessories, & Décor)

• @Noviannluxury

Jewelry

• @hiddeninbeads

• @alynascorner

• @crowned.arian.beads

Beauty

• @lash.fiend

• @melanatednails

• @prettyladiesworld_

• @adeysbeautysupply

• @kerrycosmetics

Report: Libby Ayers

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Virtual Fashion in a Pandemic

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

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Fast Fashion: The Trend That Has Overtaken The Retail World

Fast fashion is a term used to describe retailers who quickly produce inexpensive clothing to keep up with the runway’s latest trends. In theory, this process sounds flawless. You get to have the trendiest clothes as soon as styles come off the runway, without paying designer prices. Buying clothing from these stores is convenient, but it does come at a price. Fast fashion negatively impacts the environment in many ways, including carbon emissions, drying up water sources, and polluting rivers and streams. Also, according to business insider, “85% of all textiles go to the dump each year, and washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic into the ocean.” Trends also change so quickly that consumers are buying more clothing than ever before, but only keeping the items for half as long. These kind of stores have taken over the fashion industry, making it almost impossible to buy affordable clothing from anywhere else.

That being said, you can help make a difference by taking steps to make your clothing last longer. One step to keep your clothes in their best condition is to keep them away from dust, heat, moisture, and light. This means storing them in your closet, and not in an attic or basement. You can also prolong your clothing by maintaining your closet’s cleanliness and keeping it free of dust. Another helpful, and probably the hardest step to abide by is to hang your clothing up carefully after taking it off instead of just tossing it on the floor. The final step is to get a little more wear out of your clothing before tossing it in the washing machine, as they can be quite damaging to the textiles used in producing these clothes. Fast fashion is a trend that has overtaken the retail world, but taking these steps to lengthen the lifespan of your clothing can help make a difference.

Report: Libby Ayers

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Louis Vuitton Announced Its Next Collaboration With Nigo Named LV²

Since the last collaboration with streetwear brand Supreme, Louis Vuitton announced its next collaboration with Nigo named LV² and, most recently, shared its lookbook of the collection through Instagram. Virgil Abloh, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, and Nigo have been longtime friends spanning back to Nigo’s creation of A Bathing Ape and now most recent streetwear company, Human Made.

As both brands created by Nigo have been centered on streetwear consumers, the released collection with the fashion house is that but opposite than the brand’s basic aesthetic and Supreme collection. The collection features hints of original LV’s classic designs featuring its signature logo, patchworks, and classic camel and chocolate brown colors. With Nigo’s influence, Human Made fonts are featured on classic streetwear bomber jackets, “dripping” Louis Vuitton designs are on bags (backpacks, travel and carrying bags), fitted caps are featured, and crisp tailoring are focused on suits and casualwear.

This fresh take on a collaboration with a streetwear creator will be the influence needed in the fashion industry to put more emphasis in design and less on the placement of logos. The full collection can be found in Virgil's most recent interview with Vogue. The release date of the collection has yet to be announced.

Photo Credit: Vogue.com

Report: Necole Jackson

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Zoë Kravitz's Cool 90's Style in Hulu's "High Fidelity"

A new, gender-reversed Hulu adaptation of Nick Hornby's 1995 novel “High Fidelity” was aired this February. The series is about a heartbroken record shop owner, determined to revisit her five all-time greatest heartbreaks in a journey of self-discovery, and to see what went wrong in each relationship. The main character, Rob, is played by none other than the amazing Zoë Kravitz, and her style in the show mimics her unique style in real life.

It influences it so much that Kravitz and the costume designer for the show, Colleen Atwood, actually went and shopped for the clothing at vintage stores together. Kravitz told indiewire that “a lot of the band T-shirts were [hers], too. [Also,] Colleen designed this great leather jacket that was kind of a homage to the jacket that [John] Cusack wears in the [first] film.” The costumes were a nostalgic take inspired by the 90’s, featuring high-waisted jeans, Hawaiian shirts, loose flowy pants, long jackets and sweaters, and combat boots. Band t-shirts were a big hit on the show. Kravitz was seen wearing a Bowie T-shirt, Beastie Boys, and a long Bob Marley shirt almost worn like a dress. Kravitz and Atwood paired some of these looks with high-waisted blue jeans, and a pair of loafers. The long leather trench coat was also worn frequently throughout the show, paired with a variety of different styles.

The most memorable was with a Hawaiian shirt worn as a dress, and completed with a pair of black chunky boots. The best, and most casual look from the show was Kravitz in a basic yellow shirt, high-waisted blue jeans, and again, the chunky black boots. She threw her braids in some pigtails and called it a day. High Fidelity is turning heads not only for people who love the production, but for music and fashion lovers as well. The styles in the show are not only affordable, but are also so easily achieved that you probably already have some of it in your closet.

Watch High Fidelity on Hulu today.

Words by Libby Ayers.

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Multiculturalism in the Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show

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.

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BCBGeneration Launches Makeup and Skin-Care Collection, Gen Beauty

BCBGeneration has just launched its first makeup and skincare collection, Gen Beauty. The brand was founded in 1989 by Max Azria, and over the years became a highly successful premiere American fashion brand called BCBGMAXAZRIA. In 2008 Azria created BCBGeneration, which made the brand more accessible and affordable for women of all generations.

After years of keeping up with the latest fashion trends, BCBG is now releasing their first ever makeup and skincare line, Gen Beauty. As of right now, there are 22 skincare products- ranging from collagen gel masks to coconut aloe facial mists, pore strips to cleansing brushes, and even day and night creams. The makeup selection features a series of highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, highlighters, lip glosses and balms, and much more.

BCBGeneration is known for their affordable prices, and stays loyal to this tradition with Gen Beauty. Everything in the collection is priced between $6 and $20. Ready to shop? All Gen Beauty products are available now at bcbgeneration.com

Words by Libby Ayers.

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