September : Fashion Week Looks The Same, But Is it?

We’ve come through the first waves of digital representation for fashion week amidst COVID19 - the rather quick approach was the result of safety precautions taken by the government to “Flatten The Curve” of what seemed to be  an aggressive rise in infections, but more importantly, deaths. 

Image provided by flare.com

Designers across the spectrum of fashion within the industry presented their creative take on Digital shows - amongst those who successfully adapted; Loewe, Balmain, Maison Margiela, Dior Men, Gabriela Hearst, and of course, who could forget Hanifa and their viral 3D show earlier this year. 

The concept or idea of solely presenting collections on the runway, but digitally - honestly had many of us up in arms - the runway, the community, the art, has been rooted in the pride of sitting front row, being bombarded by photographers on the street for your overly thought out but carefully executed fashions, and of course, the day after “Who’s Who” post from bloggers and media outlets,and yet, we survived. 

So now that we are looking at September (which has been shortened to 3 days the 14th -16th according to CFDA ) and continuing with the digital space, it’s to be expected that we will see a small return to physical shows and community while maintaining an emphasis on live streams and virtual shows. 

Production companies, creative directors are all facing a very exciting time in fashion - there are no rules, the old way of doing things, for the moment, is suspended - even the calendar itself has no room in this innovative time. 

From live look books, 3D runways, virtual reality as a means of attendance, and yes even live streams via your favorite social media platforms, the space for Collection Review is open to variety. 

The intricate and anxiety inducing task of producing high caliber shows via the internet can be a game changer for many - the predicting of glitches, the testing of sites, overload back house prep, lighting, graphics, it's all still very complex - kudos to those doing this seamlessly, and a big “ You can do this” from us here at Access to those who are figuring it out along the way. 

Whatever happens next in fashion, one thing is for sure, Fashion will remain the Best Friend we all need. 

Access Exclusive: The Meaning of MaCee

Digging further into Instagram culture lead us straight to MaCee. For our returning readers, you know when we do social media features it's because they've really wowed us; MaCee did just that. She shows us that contributing to the social media culture doesn't mean you have to box your style or mind in. Sharing her thoughts and opinions on social, political and fashion topics; her followers are able to feel her unapologetic spirit. We dove a little deeper into that spirit.

Read MaCee's full interview below. 

---

How did you get started designing?

I started stitching by hand at the age of 9. I would sew dresses on my barbie dolls. At that age I realized I loved designing things.

Finish this sentence: Dreamers are necessary because…

they are optimistic and always expect the best! Being a dreamer means your mind is open to all of the possibilities that life offers.

Do you plan on selling your pieces in the future?

I do plan on starting a line as soon as I can. Starting your own line is such a hard process. I hope to start within the next few years. 

How did you develop your personal brand through social media? What's your secret?

I don't really have a media secret lol. I think the best thing I ever did when it comes to social media is to stop caring about it. Let it be something fun...do not ever let it become your life. Don't take it that seriously. At the end of the day.... it's just the internet lol. I also realized that the more you focus on what YOU feel comfortable with the better! Post what you like. Some people may not like it but its YOU that matters the most. When you become comfortable with yourself and the way you present yourself, social media becomes a breeze. When I began expressing myself through my writing on social media, I realized people connected to me better. They realized that I was much more than just a women who likes to "play dress up" lol. It's about connecting with people in a way that you love and most importantly staying connected to yourself. 

Where do you go to write?

I usually write in my bedroom. It's where I feel relaxed.

For you, what’s the best part about living in New York City?

I think the best part is the subway lol. You can go anywhere you want without a car! You don't have to rely on others for transportation lol. I also love that the city is ALWAYS BUSY! You can be in times square at 3am and the streets are still full of people. 

We’ve noticed that you use your social media platform to advocate for the beauty of black women. How important is it for you to continue to denounce the thoughts of what is considered “beautiful”?

I think it is so extremely important to show people that black women are so DIVERSE. Black women can pull off so many different looks and get away with it lol. I think people have placed black women in a box. We have to look and act a certain way because of society. People place us in a specific categories and expect us to act accordingly. I don't think the media represents black beauty correctly so I believe it's important for me and other women to break down these stereotypes and show people that black women come in so many different ways and are ALL beautiful in their own way.

You recently announced that you’ve started writing your book. What can we expect to learn + gain from your book?

I really want to pour all of my feelings into my book. I want people to learn and laugh from my book. I expect people to gain wisdom and see that everything isn't always what it seems. I hope people learn from my book. I don't want to give too much away but I really plan on revealing a lot of things I struggled with as a child and in my adult life.

In your opinion, what can fashion do to avoid mediocrity?

In my opinion, I believe that the more people start realizing that fashion is about what YOU like and what looks great on YOU...the more they will avoid mediocrity. I think people focus on who's wearing the outfit more than the outfit itself. If a certain celebrity wears a certain outfit, it immediately becomes trendy. I don't think people realize that you have to focus more on fashion for yourself, your body type.. and not just fashion. If a celebrity looks good in a certain outfit, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll look great in it lol. My style icon is KIM K. She sometimes wears things that I love on her but when I recreate the look on myself...it doesn't look as great lol.

Platinum Blonde seems to be a signature hair color for you (and you make it look amazing)! Any secrets for others wanting to pull it off.

Thank you!! I really think it's about confidence. I think it takes a bold black women to wear platinum blonde hair not care what people have to say about it lol. I Think its also about style. Finding a platinum blonde style that you love. Some black women look great in a short blonde pixie cut and not long blonde hair. It all depends on what you love.

Have you ever experienced racial discrimination in the industry? If so, how did handle the situation? What did you take away from it?

I think I experience racial discrimination everyday of my life lol, especially on social media. I feel like there are women who attack me more because I am black. I feel as though certain fashion media pages won't support me because of my color. It's one of those things that you can't exactly prove.. but in your heart you know what the issues is. I try not to let it bother me. There are so many other people who support me and do not care what color I AM. The best way I handle that is by shedding light on my experiences and other topics dealing with discrimination and show other people that they aren't alone.

Favorite book at the moment?

Well my favorite book will always be Go ask alice. Right now I am reading a book called "The doctor's wife"

If you had the chance to work along side one designer, who would it be? Why?

I would love to work with Tracy Reese. I feel as though she could teach me so many things about the fashion industry and her experiences.

One piece of advice that has always stuck with you?

My mom's advice always sticks with me. The best piece of advice she has ever given me was "You ain't got no friends" lol. What she meant was, everyone who smiles at you or is nice to you, doesn't always have your best interest at heart. People can be very conniving and its important that you keep your eyes open at all times.

What excites you most about tomorrow?

I think it excites me to know that everyday that passes means I am one step closer to my goals. I have so many hopes and dreams for my future.

Interview by: NKC (@therealnkc), Creative Director

---

---

#NYFW Day 3

Here's our recap of New York Fashion Week Day 3! We spent the night backstage interview models and designers at the Walk Fashion Show! The Walk Fashion Show is a studio centered around their showroom of independent designer. Take a peek at the pictures and videos above to get an inside look of the night!

Designers are as follows below:

Burning Guitars | @buringguitars 

Lord Andrew Couture | Name of Collection Vintage Vogue | @lordandrewcouture

LLEWELLYN | @llewllynofficial 

The Unity Closet | The Education Collection | @theunitycloset

Lamaj Company | Diamond Collection | @lamajcompany

Sala J | Sexy Kitty in the City | @therealsalaj