Homemade Black Girl Magic

“Black Girl Magic” has been conjured in the home of Alissa Bertrand, an Atlanta designer whose three daughters modeled her gorgeous fashions. Bertrand’s creative solution to balancing childcare during the pandemic is an impeccable blend of colorful youthfulness and vintage elegance. From reused material, she has woven picturesque designs that further beautify the girls’ natural Afrocentric majesty. By depicting brown-skinned children flaunting their afros in their glamorous attire, the resulting photos affirm that black features are symbols of beauty on par with the vibrant, aesthetically pleasing patterns that are also on display.

As of this past summer, Bertrand’s homemade children's clothing has earned her a sizable audience of over 20,000 Instagram followers. While Bertrand has voiced concern about her skyrocketing popularity merely being the product of a fleeting interest in black businesses, the prominent blackness of her brand is still an important quality to emphasize. Unambiguously black children parading their mother’s hand-crafted dresses and ensembles is positive representation that will undoubtedly resonate with customers of the same racial identity. Bertrand has always strived to depict the kinds of images that inspire confidence in young girls, as she was deprived of them in her own youth, and at last that aspiration has come into fruition.

Photo Credits: Vogue

Report: Nia Hunt

Kelvin Osaze - The Model Pushing Past Black Normatives In The Name Of Art

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to chat it up with Kelvin via instagram - It made sense to me to use our line of communication to break from all the maneuvering of this pandemic, and try to simply process and identify hope and opportunity in what has come of 2020 … For most, that notion seems empty or bleak, but I’ve learned since following Kelvin and a few others on instagram, the chance to grow is often found in our position of opposition.

Kelvin Osaze Shot By Christopher Marrs - Agency Chase Model Management

Here’s a snapshot of my conversation with @kelvin.osaze …

Noah: How has life been during COVID?

Kelvin: Life during COVID has been life altering. It at first was shocking and depressing from losing my job and watching New York become this ghost town. But as months past, I started to take more ownership of my life and searched for the silver lining in all the uncertainty. Being creative and having my small team with me is what kept me going and truly saved what could of been a year of loss. Now I’m finding a newness with myself and I am open to growth.

Noah: As a model and creative - paint a picture for our audience, what is life like as a black ,gay, male model?

Kelvin: As a black gay model, life for me is “life for me” if that makes sense. Life is what I make it. I moved to New York at the age of 18, so I had to grow up pretty quick. I found myself around various creatives who happen to be apart of the LGBT community. Being surrounded by so many vibrant and bold people allowed me to become a more confident version of myself. It always surprises me when people are taken back by how I choose to express myself in my art. Some may say its too risqué , too flamboyant , and outlandish. I just see it as me being my authentic self. Being a black gay creative for me feels liberating but at the same time there’s pressure. Pressure in needing to express yourself to a white society, that you are enough; what feels like having to explain my existence. having to explain why who I am and the art I produce is more than a hyper sexual view, but just what it is, art - expression, my expression. There’s pressure in having to break down toxic masculinity in the black heterosexual community. And pressure in lifting other black queers to being more loving and accepting of one another. This pressure is not a burden it’s just more so a responsibility that I have taken as a model. So it’s not only visuals that I am concerned with , I am also concerned with the social construct around intersectionality and cultural barriers that often limit those who look like me, talk like me, walk like me, or who simply identify differently.

Noah: How would you define androgynous fashion?

Kelvin: Androgynous fashion is breaking gender norms and roles. Understanding that you can’t have masculine energy without feminine energy. Being unafraid to rock opposites, rocking a long skirt with a full beard. Or having soft feminine features and rocking a suit . Its simple - this particular ask, for me, is the infusion of what simply feels good. I could wear grow a full beard, and I love it - but still love the feeling of a silk blouse or form feel of a good leather boot. Androgyny is the power of choice, the liberation from conformity

Noah: There’s been a increase in celebration of men embracing feminine fashion, What are your thoughts on this?

Kelvin: I love it! However I think we still have work to do, especially in the black heterosexual community . We shouldn’t wait for celebrities to give us permission in embracing feminine fashion. That’s part of the issue, many people have not invested enough time in asking themselves what feels good to them. And how do they want to express themselves.

Noah: How is it working with heterosexual men who has a more dated outlook toward gay men?

Kelvin: It’s laughable and sad at the same time. Google is a click way, and people are nearby. I just say do your research and also use people as a resource. Having these dated ideas of a sexuality is lame. Sexuality does not determine someone’s personality.

Noah: How are you impacting or contributing to the industry of fashion and its influence on evrey day lives?

Kelvin: I feel that I am impacting the industry by being my authentic self. It’s so weird because I see myself as a model but really I see myself as an artist. With being an artist I have been able to show more sides of me, I think people feel that in my work or at least can see that. I also think that I am impacting the industry as someone who has been called an “underdog”. Good people love to see an underdog win, and I think that encourages others to never give up and to seek more of themselves and to reach places that they may have never thought they could reach .

Noah: Through your lenses, what does the fashion industry look like post COVID?

Kelvin: Less involvement with agencies, and models will have to be more in control of their careers. I do feel that the models who stayed active and inspired during COVID will be stronger in there approach to the art . I hope COVID births more models who exercise more creative direction in their work. It’s amazing to tell someone else’s story ,but it’s even more amazing to tell your own. What does fashion do for history and culture? Fashion has and will continue to shape culture. I don’t care what anyone says about that. A lot of fashion from the past is coming back today with a bit of a twist. Fashion shows our evolution in the world. Fashion is that powerful!

For more from Kelvin Osaze, you can find him on instagram at @kelvin.osaze

Snack Time Charcuterie for Kids

Hello charcuterie lovers!

September is in full swing, and I am happy to share that our charcuterie of the month is here! It’s back to school time for many, so I figured I’d make a board for snack time. Because, honestly who doesn’t love snacks?

Let’s get into it!

The Breakdown:

Image and board by Kaitlin Gallagher0

Our stars of the show this go around include the Uncrustables, pretzels/carrots with hummus, and our Oreos. It was an absolute must to have Uncrustables featured in this board because these sandwiches are a kid’s go-to. The hummus and sides were the perfect healthy option for kid’s to have a good balance. Yes, it’s all about balance even on charcuterie boards! I included the Oreos as part of our “main stager’s” because it’s right where the eye goes when glancing at the board. I love the symmetry these little cookies offered, so I had to give some props where it was due.

Our fruits include apples, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. I went a little overboard with the fruits because no kid likes to eat their veggies, at least I don’t. 

Oh, and we have fruit snacks…duh!

Our crunchy sides include Cheez-It’s, chocolate bunnies, granola bites, Goldfish, and letter cookies. The ultimate snack board had to show off the most popular munchies, right?

I didn’t follow the standard 3 rule because this board was way too fun to listen to rules. So, when you make yours have fun with it too! See you in October! 

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Images: Kaitlin Gallagher

Fall Back into Your Space

Misplacing keys in your home is arguably one of the most frustrating things to experience.  What would make it worst is losing your keys…on a Monday.  This was my reality about two weeks ago when I could not find my keys in my bedroom.  After about 5 minutes of spinning in circles and checking underneath the same pile of work documents, the rage set in.  I went into a violent fit of cleaning and cleansing my room.  The funny thing is, I found my keys within 15 minutes of shuffling things around and clearing space.  However, I knew from the moment I decided to grab a trash bag, this wasn’t about the keys. 

I felt betrayed and I wanted revenge.  Since working from home, I allowed my work-life and traumas of society spill over into my sacred space.  I needed my space and peace back.  By the end of the cleaning storm, I ended up removing an entire wardrobe and its contents from the room.  There were clothes I hadn’t seen or worn for almost a year.  I even realized that the position of the furniture contributed to my discomfort.  

While being limited in space for the foreseeable future, it is important that we nurture our personal spaces to evolve with us.  After that moment where I broke, I realized how cleaning becomes a spiritual process in adulthood.  I now understand the necessity of waking early on a Saturday blasting Anita Baker to get the house in order. This month, I wanted to provide you with some tips to help you do the same in your own space.

Reorganizing

Organization can be the one thing that makes or breaks a space.  As we welcome the Fall season, now is a perfect time to reorganize your space to be comforting for you during the coming winter months. 

- As you’re buying new clothes, donate the old ones to a local consignment retailer or charity  

- Check all your jackets, coats, boats, and accessories to see what needs to be cleaned or adjusted

- Organize up, not out.  The goal is to increase your space, not box you in more 

- Dust/Clean out ventilation

- Buy new pillows

- Clean out the kitchen drawers

- Clean your oven. It’s not clean unless half your body is hanging out the door, and your left should reaches the back right burner. Don’t debate it. It’s science.

Lighting

How many times have you changed light bulbs since being home? I can honestly say that before I used this time to reorganize, I had not. Fall means shorter days and less natural lighting, so this season, the lights in your home will be seeing significantly more use than they have in the past.  To begin this project, start with high traffic areas in your home. Communal areas, bathrooms, and bedroom lighting should all be exchanged for more efficient bulbs. As we transition into the holiday season, your kitchen is going to be getting a lot more use.  Switch out the bulbs and don’t forget about the refrigerator, freezer, and overhead lights about the stove. 

While you’re choosing your lights, keep in mind that the lighting indoors is artificial. There’s evidence that this change in natural light exposure can affect your mood. A way to combat this is to vary the type of lighting in your home spaces to mimic natural light.  Use this time to experiment with different light temperatures, dimmers, lamps, string lights, and lanterns.

Image by Jason Leung

Scents

My favorite part about fall cleaning and organizing is finally being able to enjoy the best scents of the year.  No, I am not referring to pumpkin spice, but rather some amazing scents that will make you never allow that outside your kitchen again.  Here is a brief list of some of my favorite Fall scents you can enjoy in your home too this season.

Fresh

• Oak Moss

• Lavender

• Honey

• Geranium

Fruit

• Orange

• Fig

• Plum

Musk

• Ylang Ylang

• Golden Frankincense

• Tobacco

• Fir

• Leather

As time goes on and the seasons change, occasionally examining your space can help reduce your stress and anxiety.  If you find yourself becoming frustrated with your space, don’t be afraid to get angry.  Use the energy to reorganize and fall back into your space this month.

Adversity Turned Opportunity The Rebrand Of Ray Lawry

Report by Michael Rosen

Ray Lawry ( pictured in all black) training an athlete at First Down Performance.

(Photo Credits Taylor Brown/Ohtay Productions)

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused millions of people to lose their jobs in industries across the country. One of the hardest hit industries was sports as every major professional and amateur league was forced to halt play, leaving the future of thousands of players from less established leagues in question. One such player is Ray Lawry who was a running back on the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL. 

Lawry had built up an impressive football resume before ever putting on a Battlehawks uniform. He is the all-time leading rusher in Old Dominion University history in addition to holding the rushing record for the entire state of Virginia. He led the Monarchs to a 24-20 victory over Eastern Michigan at the Popeyes Bahama Bowl in 2016. After rushing for 133 yards on 23 attempts and adding 14 yards on two receiving attempts for a total of 147 yards, Lawry was named Offensive MVP for the game. 

Ray Lawry in competition against Marshall University.

He eventually made his way into the NFL and had stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs before ending up with the Hamilton Tigercats of the CFL, his final stop before his tenure with the Battlehawks. Unfortunately COVID-19 left Lawry without a league to play in, and he eventually decided to use the time and his skills to help others who are eagerly awaiting the day they can step on the field again.  

“Everyone had to go back home without knowing when the next opportunity would be and no one knew how long it would last,” he said. “After sitting at home for a couple of months I started thinking about what I could do and what ways I could stay ready. I eventually made the decision to start training high school and college athletes, which also allows me time to run drills and work on my own craft.”

Lawry gained experience mentoring kids at camps hosted by his coach in college, and he also had worked as a personal trainer for weightlifting. Prior to these untimely circumstances he had never did one on one skill training, and the thought of starting his own business never really crossed his mind. All of that changed with the pandemic, and he has since created First Down Performance which serves to train football players of all ages and all positions in the DMV metropolitan area. 

Ray Lawry at practice with the XFL’s Battlehawks

It did not take long for First Down Performance to get off the ground and Lawry has already secured multiple sponsorships for his business as it continues to grow. He did so primarily by reaching out to equipment manufactures on Instagram and telling them about his journey as a player. Some of the companies he has partnered with include Kettlebell Kings and The Webby who make a unique type of agility ladder.

“Most agility ladders are straight, but their ladders go 360 degrees,” Lawry said. “It really gives you a lot of leg and hip movement while you’re using it. It’s unique and different and they’re a really cool company to work with. They’re also new and growing at a fast pace, so we’re a part of each other’s success.”

Ray Lawry instructing First Down Performance athletes through agility drills.

(Photo Credits/Ohtay Productions)

Even though Lawry’s business has experienced early success, he is hoping to resume his playing career once the pandemic subsides. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee a new league like the XFL will be able to return after the financial strain caused by COVID-19. Starting his own business has opened Lawry’s eyes to a career he had never considered until recently.

“At the end of the day what I’ve learned is that you have to control what you can control,” Lawry said. “You have to be ready for anything. You never know what’s going to happen. I want to have all my priorities straight and be ready when it’s time to go, but if the XFL doesn’t come back or I don’t get picked up then I still have something that I’ve been working on”.

“My dream was always football and then to eventually maybe be an agent. But once [COVID-19} hit I, like a lot of people, found a passion I didn’t think I had. I enjoy being a personal trainer and a private coach. Times are kind of hard right now and they’re different, but you have to capitalize on whatever happens. You have to face adversity and overcome it.”

Those interested in personal training and coaching from Lawry can follow him on Instagram @rlawry33 and First Down Performance @firstdownperformance. 

Report: Mike Rosen (instagram/mikeyrosen75)

COVID-19 and Protests: What to Expect from the 2020 NFL Season

(Source: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The first week of the 2020 NFL season has concluded, and it looked like no other from years past. The sports world as a whole has experienced a year different than any before it, between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality. Sports have not only had to adjust their entire way of operating; they have also had to play an important role in calling attention to issues that are being ignored by far too many people. 

The NFL is unique from other sports leagues in both regards. The COVID-19 pandemic is an obstacle that every other sports league has had to navigate around in order to resume games. And while most have been able to do so without many issues, except for the multiple cases on MLB teams, the NFL will face many challenges that other sports leagues have not had to deal with. 

The first of these challenges is the issue of travel. The NBA and NHL set up “bubbles” for games to take place in so players would not have to travel around the country. MLB has not used a bubble but limited travel by having teams play exclusively against division opponents and intraleague opponents in the same geographical area; for example, teams in the NL East division only played against teams in the NL East and AL East. The NFL has not made any such alterations, teams will be flying all over the country to play opponents throughout the season. Not only does this increase the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, air travel makes for an easy way for the virus to spread since it consists of a large number of people in a confined, unfiltered space for a prolonged period of time. 

Dak Prescott (front) and Ezekiell Elliot pre-game for the Dalls Cowboys opener. (Source/Dallas Cowboys Twitter)

There’s also the issue that football is a much more contact heavy sport compared to others. It’s required for players to be right in each other’s faces at the line of scrimmage, something that will be taking place during practices as well as during games. There’s also the general spike in cases during the fall that have been predicted since the pandemic first began; an issue aided by the fact that schools, colleges and universities have reopened, and many have seen a spike in cases. Additionally, some teams are allowing a limited number of fans to attend games, such as the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, to name a few. While this is not as great of a danger as air travel and close contact is for players, it’s an experiment that every other league has decided is not worth testing and certainly poses a risk. 

However, even if the NFL is able to safely navigate COVID-19 there is still a chance we see games get postponed or cancelled for an entirely different reason. We saw players go on strike in the NHL, MLB, WNBA, MLS and most notably the NBA in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha police. The possibility of a strike happening in the NFL is certainly on the table, according to Bleacher Report Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard of the New York Giants said shortly after the initial wave of strikes that they would not rule out skipping a game in protest. A strike by NFL players would be immensely powerful, not just because of the sport’s popularity but also due to the fact that the NFL has already been at the forefront of one of the most notable protests against police brutality.

Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem has led to taking a knee to be a gesture synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement. We have seen other players in other sports take a knee during the national anthem, and we have seen protestors do the same. But despite being a talented quarterback who is more than deserving of a chance to take snaps for an NFL team, Kaepernick has not seen the field since January 1, 2017. It’s glaringly obvious the NFL blackballed him for his gesture, and they have since scrambled to try to make amends, failing to do so outside of half-hearted, performative gestures. Kaepernick’s former teammate Eric Reid also participated in the protest in 2016 and has been outspoken about the NFL’s lack of action in addressing police brutality. By no coincidence, Reid is currently a free agent despite career highs in sacks and tackles last season. 

While commissioner Roger Goodell has since encouraged other teams to sign Kaepernick, that is yet another half-hearted, performative gesture to try and sweep their mistreatment of him under the rug. Kaepernick and Reid both signing with a team and playing this season would be a step in the right direction, but there is clearly a lot of hostility from players when it comes to the league failing to take a strong stance against police brutality. Throw in all of the health risks posed by playing a football season during a global pandemic, no less by a league that has demonstrated it does not care about the safety of its players by evidence of its denial of long-term issues that stem from concussions, and we may see events transpire during this NFL season that we have never seen before. 

Report: Michael Rosen

Honoring The Memory Of A Loved One

A lot of us are dealing with loss in isolation. The ongoing pandemic has changed how we interact in every facet of life, including how we experience the death of those close to us. As such, it’s important that we’re able to properly honor the memory of those that we lose. Here are some ways you can make sure you do so in a way that allows you to keep the memories of their best times fresh in your mind while helping you process the loss that has happened.

Honoring their wishes

If you want to make sure that a loved one is honored in the way that they would have wanted, then you should ensure that you know what they wanted. If you have any part in planning their funeral or any memories services after the fact, talking to their family members and friends about if they talked about having any plans in mind if they haven’t left a will.

Ensuring a fitting farewell

Whether or not you have their specific wishes in hand, one of the best ways to honor a loved one is to make sure that their goodbyes are said respectfully and with care. From arranging the service with a funeral director to choosing funeral caskets for them to be laid to rest in, taking care of the planning process can ensure that you are giving them the kind of goodbye that anyone should want and expect when they die. It can also help other grieving loved ones to know that these matters are being taken care of.

Celebrate their memories

The feeling of loss and grief is going to be heavy at the service of any loved one. There’s no way to get around it, nor should there be. However, a lot of people nowadays agree that remembering and celebrating the lives of our loved ones is just as important as saying a respectful farewell. Tribute videos and slideshows can do more than help us look back, they can help us shine a light on the fond memories and give some positivity to the event. Even if we have lost our loved one, we haven’t lost the happy shared experiences we had with them.

Give them a dedication

Not every aspect of the memorial to a loved one has to be within the area of the funeral service, either. You can just as easily give them a dedication outside where they are laid to rest, something that you can look on and contemplate, keeping their memory fresh and alive in your mind. One of the most popular choices is to plant a memorial tree that has a plaque attached in their honor. Others may choose to instead have a bench built for them and placed in a location they were fond of.

There is no correct answer when it comes to the best way to honor the loss of a loved one, of course. However, hopefully, the tips above help you find which way works best for you.

Comme des Garçons Meets North Face Japan

Comme des Garçons’ newest collaboration with The North Face Japan is a unity between two drastically different brands resulting in a chic end product. The collection consists of a hoodie, T-shirt, and dress shirt, each marked with The North Face logo and Comme des Garçons’s heart icon. The products being sold exclusively by the latter brand have an additional “CdG” emblem on them. The goal of this collaboration is a common one among fashion labels, which is to provide clothing that is both warm and stylish.

To appreciate the impressive synchronization between Comme des Garçons and The North Face, it is important to understand their stark differences. Comme des Garçons is a high-fashion French and Japanese label whose garments are bizarre and experimental yet classy and elegant. Meanwhile, The North Face has been providing rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor adventurers with durable layers that withstand the elements. Thus, by allying with The North Face, Comme des Garçons will reach a more casually-outfitted audience while in turn giving outdoorsmen attire a more avant-garde flair.

Photo Credits: COMPLEX

Report: Nia Hunt

I Like Those Balenciagas

Cardi B’s lyric “I like those Balenciagas, the ones that look like socks” turned out to be a rather prophetic one, as the superstar rapper is now the face of the esteemed brand’s Winter 2020 campaign. She announced the delightful news on Instagram, recalling her Times Square billboard and declaring that her next one will be on grand display in the fashion capital of the world, Paris.

Cardi B becoming the centerpiece of Balenciaga’s newest campaign was the brilliant idea of creative director Denma Gvasalia, as well as the first celebrity collaboration in her career. 

Being constrained by quarantine measures unexpectedly brought out Gvasalia’s creativity in preparing the shoot itself. Naturally, the photos were shot in Cardi B’s residence, and the creative team made the most of the environment. Gvasalia dressed Cardi B in a sleek black gown from her Fall 2020 collection, and in place of a typical glamorous studio set was a backyard strewn with children's toys and a white Balenciaga Neo Classic bag. 

These contrasting images, intentionally or not, symbolize the resourcefulness and artistry of fashion creatives that prevail in defiance of the challenging restrictions imposed upon them.

Photo Credits: Harper’s Bazaar

Report: Nia Hunt

The Telfar Shopping Bag: A Symbol of Progressivism

Telfar is a brand renowned for being affordable and inclusive while remaining prestigious. After 15 years in business, Telfar is being embraced by public figures such as Solange and Bella Hadid, proving that the brand is on the cusp of mainstream recognition. The label is rooted in inclusivity, as Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens creates attire intended for all genders. One exceptional product exemplifies the company's mission statement, “not for you, for everyone”: the coveted Telfar bag, the creation that brought its label to prominence.

The Telfar shopping bag’s 2014 debut was met with widespread acclaim due to it being the first of its kind that simultaneously black-owned and gender-neutral. The bag’s groundbreaking success won Telfar the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, the prize money of which funded the creation of new, Bloomingdale’s-inspired bags of various sizes. Most emblematic of the bags’ inherent progressivism is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s enjoyment of them, which she proudly displayed on her Instagram. A politician reputed for championing social justice causes, Ocasio-Cortez commends Telfar for being a fellow New Yorker of color having earned such fame and success.

Telfar’s growing eminence is due in part to the political landscape influencing consumers’ perception of the label. The encouragement to support black business increases with each passing year, a growing number of fashion enthusiasts continues to experiment with gender expression through clothing, and now the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement has transformed the public’s understanding of societal racism. Thus, Telfar’s loyalty to uplifting it’s more marginalized demographics is intrinsic to its rising fame.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Report: Nia Hunt

Fashion Trends To Feel And Look Good In This Autumn

Each of the major fashion capitals has its own character: New York is the ideal place for up-and-coming, independent and cool designers, London stands out with its special, unlimited fashion trends, Milan presents, of course, luxury accessories, while Paris hosts the most spectacular shows. What stands out among the biggest trends for this year is that they are addressed to today's woman. This includes comfortable clothes and luxurious fabrics that aim to establish the idea that fashion has to do with feeling good about yourself. However, at the same time we see bright, neon colors, leather looks and statement details, which proves that today's women do not need to submit to specific trends or stereotypes, but to live and dress without limits.

Neon’s a Winner!

We are used to welcoming autumn with shades such as burgundy, emerald or dark purple. However, in 2019 the options in bright colors are endless. The looks on the catwalks, as well as on the streets were filled with neon colors a few months ago, which means that this season we are going to see many monochrome looks in these shades, as well as creative color-blocking. 

Return of the Plaid! 

The plaid returns for another year on the catwalks, but also in the street style looks, with the plaid trench coats and blazers being in the spotlight again. This year, we saw it in different styles and shades, with a strong British air. Choose a raincoat or a midi raincoat to achieve the perfect London look on rainy days - the options are endless. This season combines not only comfort, but also the freedom that every woman has to stand out at any time. Easy access to all the different trends of each season is enough to draw enough inspiration to refresh our wardrobe - and now we can more easily than ever.

Sports Chic! 

Don’t let your figure hold you back if you want to wear sports clothing. You should always honour and love your body, regardless of its shape and size. Sports clothing is always in and it looks great as well as being comfortable. Curves shorts look great and will last through autumn. 

Leather look! 

The skin remains at the top this season, with the difference that it becomes more coloured. Shades of orange, red, green, blue and other bright colours will make their presence felt in the leather clothes of summer and autumn! And if you are worried about this fabric, because you consider it too ‘out there’, then maybe the proposals of the famous fashion houses will change your mind. So dare to wear it, especially in autumn, making appearances that will gain impressions. Ideal choices are leather coats or jackets, but also overalls or total leather outfits.

So whatever you choose to wear for the rest of the year, make sure it is something that makes you feel good and gives you purpose. You really do deserve to look and feel good, so get shopping and play around with those fashion trends of 2020!

How to Beat Maskne

Report by: Lauren Tucker

If you are a human being living on this Earth for the last few months, you have worn a mask more than once or twice stepping outside. If you live in an area where masks are required in public places like malls or supermarkets, you may have suffered from breakouts. Dermatologists and skincare gurus have coined the term “maskne” to define the mild to severe breakouts around the mouth and jawline. I too, am a survivor of massive breakouts from prolonged use of a mask. I know all to well how everyone’s first instinct when they see a pimple is to rush and try every treatment you have in your arsenal —BUT DON’T!

Here are some tips to help your skin recover or prevent a bad case of maskne. 

The medical term for '“maskne” is acne mechanica caused by the hot and moistured environment our masks create. Combined with the friction of the mask, the area under our mask is a breeding ground for pimples. Firstly, most importantly, make sure your mask is clean. If you are using a reusable mask or disposable, it is important to make sure your mask is cleaned before every use. If you don't you are just putting the bacteria from the previous day back on your face. Wash your reusable mask every day with sensitive detergent. If using a disposable mask you should dispose of it after each use. 

Secondly, avoid wearing makeup in the areas that are covered by the mask. Wearing makeup in the already moist area can cause more oils to form on your face. 

Dermatologists also recommend streamlining our skincare routines. Taking it back to the basics of cleaning and moisturizing. Avoiding products with harsh chemicals like salicylic acid or retinol as those can be irritating to the already sensitive skin. Emphasis on retaining moisture on yourself to create a barrier between your skin and the friction from the mask. 

For more sever cases of maskne, here are some extra tips to help treat it:

1. AGAIN do not go overboard with the treatments so you can allow the skin barrier to heal.

2. Try over the counter benzoyl peroxide. It works great for spot treatments. (my personal fave) 

3. From my black and brown girls, please wear sunblock ALL THE TIME. This will help prevent hyperpigmentation.

These are some tips that have really saved my life during this pandemic. But if you have tried it all and still have persistent breakouts, a trip to the dermatologist is always the smart route. 

Supporting Your Business In The Bulk And Solid Industry

Whether you are supplying gravel, soil, grain, or pebble stones, you know how difficult it has been to stay in business during the past few months. It's quite amazing how all the industries are linked together and when one falls, the others do as well. Farmers have been able to continue working so if you are in the grain feed business, you may have had more success than those in the home development industry. As many people don’t want to spend large amounts of money on their property just yet, pebble stones and garden fillers haven’t been so highly prized. So, there is no one blanket solution for the bulk and solid industry. But, you can do these things to bolster your economic recovery.

Help for farmers

Farmers that are harvesting sugar, minerals, and other things such as starch, will need to help their own production lines to become more efficient and productive. This will help you to limit waste and control your production while you may need to limit your ability to meet fulfillments in contracts. Using the tameson pinch valve technology, you can control how quickly you fill bags of your produce. The valve uses air pressure to suck in and trap the bulk and or solids so that you can halt feeding through piping or a tube. With greater control for capacity, you can fill all your bags or boxes, with produce, equally. With little to no spill-over, you save money and time when creating products ready for shipping.

Cranes and industrial sacks

When a sack is torn or ripped during the loading process, it's a lost product which means hundreds if not thousands of dollars are lost too. Therefore, you need to have a way to properly load and ship your products. Using industrial sacks, you need an industrial crane vehicle to lift each of the sacks into your freight trucks or onto a freight train carriage. This is a very versatile strategy because the crane vehicle can be used in open ground such as in a loading bay outside, or it can also be used inside a warehouse. Whether you have a conveyer or perhaps an exterior loading conveyor, you can utilize this type of industry vehicle almost anywhere. The industrial sacks are very strong yet they are cheap to buy in bulk. They can be lifted very easily and not be easily compromised.

Selecting the best silo

When you are trying to store your product safely, using a silo is often seen as the cheapest and safest option. This is because it can be stored outside and not need a warehouse to be built in order to so do. The most modern silos, also have electronic readers that can tell you how much product is inside at any one time. Therefore they are also safe to use. They can also unload your produce very quickly and yet, be refilled again and again. 

Investing in your bulk and solid business should be done to combat the uncertainty in the industry. Start off with a great new pinch valve, that can load your products into packaging equipment.

RAISE Fashion

The fashion industry appears to be delivering on their promise of supporting black creatives with such emerging programs as the Black in Fashion Council and the Kelly Initiative. The most recent of these efforts is RAISE Fashion, a group dedicated to providing free mentorships to black fashion designers and entrepreneurs. RAISE’s very name is a declaration of its commitment to helping black talent succeed, as it is an acronym for the words “Respect, Advocate, Inspire, Support, and Empower.” Seventy fashion professionals will be educating selected participants on all facets of the industry, ensuring that mentees will be versatile in their careers regardless of their areas of concentration.

RAISE Fashion was born from the Black Lives Matter protests attended by such exalted authorities as Roopal Patel from Saks Fifth Avenue, Cushie’s owner and namesake Carly Cushnie, and Elizabeth von Der Goltz and Nayla Touma of Net-a-Porter. Which of these figures will be mentors in the project itself remains to be seen. Nonetheless, protests and diversity programs like RAISE Fashion demonstrate that the fashion industry's strides towards inclusivity come from a genuine desire to effect positive change. Furthermore, oft-ignored black designers and business owners will not only have an opportunity to bolster their careers, but working with such a plethora of high-fashion labels will also undoubtedly lead to their own brands gaining the same level prestige in the future.

Photo Credits: Dribble, Vogue

Report: Nia Hunt

What Does It Take To Manage Chronic Pain?

In the past, the pain was something that people just dealt with by resting, possibly taking some medication and just letting time heal your wounds. Unfortunately, resting like this could make the pain worse since you’re not rehabilitating back into your regular lifestyle. For instance, back pain has to be treated by using your back and getting your muscles used to the movements again. If you rest too much, your back muscles will stiffen and weaken along with your bones. In addition, sleeping for long periods at home in isolation would hurt your mental health as well. You might feel lonely, useless or unproductive which causes stress and anxiety.

In other words, sitting at home and resting isn’t a good way to manage chronic pain, despite what many people have said. The longer you rest and wait to do something about your pain, the harder it’ll be to fit back into a regular lifestyle in the future. So what can you do about chronic pain? What does it take to truly manage a condition that causes long-term pain? In this article, we’ll be covering some important points that will help you manage chronic pain.

The four golden rules of managing chronic pain

There are four distinct rules that you must follow if you want to manage chronic pain.

1. Continue your regular lifestyle as best as you can instead of limiting yourself.

2. Get plenty of exercises to keep your muscles in action.

3. Visit physical therapy to help rehabilitate you and examine your muscle condition.

4. Take painkillers only when needed to help lessen some of the pain.

Next, we’ll break down each of these rules.

1. Continue as normal

It’s important to try and continue your life without letting the pain get to you. This can be incredibly hard and it can often feel depressing when you’re sitting at work in pain. However, trying to continue your regular life will keep you distracted and help you return to a sense of normalcy. Of course, you should always speak to your boss and let them know about your chronic pain so they can help you cope with difficult parts of your job. If you’re still recovering, it may help to ease yourself back into work with shorter days if possible.

2. Exercise

Exercising is a great way to keep your muscles and joints working. Resting too much can lead your muscles and joints to stiffen because you’re not using them. However, too much exercise can also cause more damage, making it difficult for your body to recover. As such, it’s best to start with some light exercise that doesn’t strain you. Some good options include walking, using an exercise bike or doing yoga. Start slow and make sure you don’t overexert yourself. You should feel yourself slowly building up your muscles again and getting used to the motions. As you start to recover and feel more confident, you can pick up the pace and increase the intensity of your workouts.

Exercise needs to become a regular part of your lifestyle if you want to recover quickly. Make sure you try to get in a bit of exercise whenever possible and try to be active every day instead of choosing days where you’re less likely to feel pain. It may also help to work out or exercise with friends and family members so they can help encourage you.

3. Physical therapy

Next, make absolutely sure that you attend physical therapy to help you get used to using your muscles and joints again. This is something that your doctor should recommend to you, but you may want to question them about it if they don’t bring it up first. You could also consider seeking help from a chiropractor as an alternate way to deal with pain in your body. Again, you could speak to your doctor and ask for a recommendation. They should be more than happy to point you in the right direction and put you on the road to recovery.

4. Painkillers

Painkillers can be incredibly helpful at keeping the pain away. However, strong painkillers can be addictive, especially if they’ve been prescribed by doctors. The last thing you want is to build up a dependence on painkillers, such as taking them at regular intervals throughout the day. Building a dependency can be incredibly dangerous and is akin to developing a drug addiction. Only take painkillers when absolutely necessary and consult your doctor if you feel that you might be developing an addition to them.

Supima Design Competition 2020: A New Generation of Designers

The 2020 Supima Design Competition is shaping up to be a particularly inclusive one of its kind, as this year there is an emphatic drive towards racial diversity. Law Roach, the fashion expert who has advised of the likes of Zendaya and Kerry Washington, happily accepted his role as the host of the competition upon learning that Supima was working with historically black academic institutions. Roach’s excitement to help develop the careers of fashion newcomers only swelled at the prospect of supporting designers of color.

The contestants for the 2020 Supima Design Competition not only come from esteemed colleges and universities, but also present new ideas that are likely to revolutionize the fashion world. Hailing from the Rhode Island School of Design, Kyra Buenviaje has taken inspiration from the current coronavirus-ridden landscape to create dresses that flow down to the floor and pleated jackets. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising alum Sakura Mizutani channeled her fascination with nature into portraying the four seasons through sculpted blouses and fabric blouses. Originally studying mathematics and engineering, Terrence Zhou’s applied his areas of study to building elaborate fashions. Jennie Nguyen of Kent State put her valuing of sustainability into practice with her minimalist designs built from recycled material, and being named in Vogue as one of FIT’s most exemplary designers is a strong start to Jenny Feng’s career. Lastly, a recent graduate, Drexel University, print designer Amanda Forastieri has a particularly colorful interpretation of sustainability in her Utopia collection.

Photo Credits: Vogue, L.A. Times

Report: Nia Hunt

Billy Porter - the Centerpiece of Pose

Talk about a show-stopping look.

Pose tells the story of LGBTQ ballroom culture in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s and has thus been applauded for being a television show with prevalent trans actors. A key player in bringing this historical scene to life is Billy Porter, who portrays the character Pray Tell. Porter is renowned for his flamboyant, gender-nonconforming attire, which has overlapped between his onscreen and real life fashion sense.

Porter wearing an eye-catching green printed suit.

Outfitting him are the talented costume designers Lou Eyrich and Analucia McGorty, who took painstaking measures to exhibit Pray Tell’s vivacious demeanor. Eyrich and McGorty realized their artistic vision by collecting clothes from vintage shops and secondhand stores and transforming them into new, more extravagant ensembles. One interesting aspect of their creative process is that they often model outfits after those of the 1970s, demonstrating their attention to detail by recalling the show’s post-disco setting. 

This yellow coat over printed silk blouse outfit commands.

Much of Pray Tell’s wardrobe includes garish hats, including a lavender top hat and green captain’s hat with the label “Yellow Cab.” Among the character’s iconic outfits are a vinyl trench coat, mixed-print silk robe, and most ostentatiously, a shimmering sequined dress complemented by blue and green feather jacket. Fans of the show have voiced their disappointment at Pose being snubbed for an Emmy nomination, and failing to consider awarding Eyric and McGorty is indeed a missed opportunity.

Photo Credits: PopSugar

Report: Nia Hunt

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. 

Black Creators On Top!

Photo Shot By: Denzel Golatt

In the midst of this terrible pandemic, something amazing has come. Black content creators have continued to be on the rise. It is always important to be able to have representation and voices that you can relate to, especially in today’s climate. Black creators have reached a new level of creativity large in part to the elevation of the podcasting industry. We as content creators have taken over the podcasting platforms. With that being said we decided to create a list of some of our go-to podcasts that we think you would truly enjoy. This list is in no specific order.

1. The Black Girl Podcast is a black female lead podcast with five black females that don’t hold back their opinions. Their hilarious conversations about life issues, sisterhood, pop culture, love, growth, and the pursuit of their dreams to the public. One of their latest episodes “Grace” touches on the protection of black women. This has been a strong and ongoing conversation in our community and they covered it very well. Along with this episode, their content is educational, relatable, and funny.

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-girl-podcast/id1184104197

2. The Roommates is a black male lead podcast that is just downright funny. Hafeez and Chris have late-night conversations talking about behind the scenes of "becoming" featuring all the people, conversations, and perspectives you’d experience on the way. They give you a take on the male perspective of situations and they also bring on other people to broaden the perspective of others. Go listen to them, trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-roommates-podcast/id1193460831

3. Next on the list is the Faces of the Future Podcast. This podcast is hosted by Millz and Shan, and serves as a platform for millennials to voice their experiences and opinions about the culture surrounding them. They do interviews with up and coming talents across a variety of industries, discuss topics requested by their listeners and share their unapologetic thoughts on current events throughout the world. The podcast is currently on its fourth season.

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faces-of-the-future-podcast/id1459808731

4. Therapy For Black Girls Podcast is another show we recommend you listen to. This podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and a number of other things to ensure you are the best version of yourself.

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-for-black-girls/id1223803641

5. The Read is one of the most listened to hip-hop and pop culture podcasts out right now with over 300 episodes and counting, hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle. They interview some of your favorite stars, discuss all the tea, and talk about the latest news to hit the community.

Listen Here: http://thisistheread.com/

6. FANTI is a podcast hosted by journalists Tre’vell and Jarrett Hill. Using their political and pop culture expertise, they discuss important topics that they believe we should stan and stand up against. They discuss everything from the White House to the Real Housewives.

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fanti/id1497585643

 You can also go to The Indie Creative Network, which is a Black-owned podcast network that hosts numerous Black lead podcasts. Tune in and find your favorite podcast and continue to support our black creatives.

Photo Credits:

The Black Girls Podcast

Roommates Podcast

Faces of the Future Podcast

Therapy For Black Girls

The Read

Fanti

Report: Maya Howard

Instagram: @iam_mayaali

Fashion Meets Digital

During the COVID 19 pandemic, many fashion companies have taken to digital platforms to highlight their new launches. Anifa had a virtual catwalk, London fashion week was completely transformed to a digital platform and now black-owned resort brand elise x elisia are introducing their new collection with 3D models.

The New York-based brand founded by Janel Livingston is centered on high-end beach and resort wear. With the adoption of 3D models and 3D backdrops based on the French Riviera, Livingston launched her Summer 2020 swimwear line. What makes this brand unique is the silhouettes of the bath suits that deviate from the standard style of bathing suits. Giving customers an edgier, more modern look. This brand is excellent for women who aspire to take their swimwear game to the next level with unique cuts and styles.

The Tidal Wave collection features a string bikini and cut off one piece. The name of the collection is a well-fitting the green-blue wave-like design on both pieces of the collection. This approach to premiering her swimsuit collection in the middle of the pandemic has raised the bar in the fashion industry, truly showing how far technology could take us. The collections are available now on the elise x elisia website.

Photo Credits: elisexelisia.com

Report: Lauren Tucker