The red carpet was resplendent in color, textiles and gold. Many celebrities wore African inspired clothing with red being the favored color. Lupita Nyongo wore Cushnie Et Ochs with jewelry by Douriaen Fletcher. Chadwick Boseman was casual with garments by Fear of God. The striking Danai Gurira wore a red dress with gold embellishments by Lois Kelly. Zinzi Evans wore a black ruffled dress by Temperley London.
Marvel’s Black Panther NYFW Presentation raised monies for Save the Children foundation. Designers created garments that represented their idea of Wakanda attire. Sophie Theallet, Tome, Ikire Jones, Chromat, Cushnie Et Ochs donated their time and efforts to the event.
Article and Video by Jovanna Reyes http://www.jovannareyes.com
Photos and Article by Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com
Marvel’s Black Panther ‘Welcome to Wakanda’ Fashion Exhibit was filled with all the top actors of the long awaited movie, inclusive of Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright. Ruth E. Carter, the movie’s costume designer was also present with a gorgeous crown of blonde curls and Director Ryan Coogler with his lovely wife, Zinzi Evans(wearing Temperley) took time out to mingle with supporters and admirers alike. Demetria McKinney and cast members of the TV show ‘Power’, also graced the red carpet.
The exhibit featured designers interpretations of attire for the people in Wakanda. The garments varied from original African print to black beaded fabrics. Chromat opted for a Nigerian superhero tribute while Laquan Smith preferred to think of Wakandia women in black beaded pantsuits. It was an elegant version of ‘The Matrix’ traditional garb. Cushnie Et Ochs created a gold dress to represent the armor worn by the warrior women in the movie while Sophie Theallet gathered the natural resources of Africa and created wearable art.
Article/Video/Photos by Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com
January 7th-9th, UBM Fashion introduced a second season of Vintage@Intermezzo at Jacob Javits, NYC. Les Femmes Vintage NYC, Another Man’s Treasure and Muneca Mullins Studio were just a few of the many vintage apparel exhibitors to share their designs and curated treasures. If vintage accessories and handbags are your vice, Bella Bag of Atlanta, GA, featured an extensive selection of “pre-loved” luxury vintage items to choose from. Their 13-point inspection guarantees authenticity and the best quality.
Check out our video interviews with several featured vintage vendors answering the question, “Why Vintage?”. Vintage@Intermezzo is open to the public with ticket purchase and free to exhibitors and retailers.
The photographers were setting up super early for this show on the riser. They knew that Namilia would deliver an extraordinary fashion event and the designers did not disappoint. Before the models graced the runway in their sky high pearl and gem studded platforms, Disney songs from Beauty and the Beast was played and then the verse “I can get any D@#% I want” and you knew it was time. Time for the Sultan’s magic to begin. The Berlin designers, Nan Li and Emlia Pfohl who met as students at the University of the Arts Berlin, based the S/S 2018 collection on Denis Diderot’s tale of “The Indiscreet Jewels”. The tale is of a sultan with a magic ring that makes women’s vaginas tell their secrets. Most of the garments barely covered the models torsos but were beautifully detailed with floral touches, fabric manipulated into vulvas, bejeweled thongs and bulbous feminine parts. There were a few Chinese traditional gowns, albeit sexily retrofitted. It was truly a ‘cheeky’ experience and we can’t wait for their next collection.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY: JOVANNA REYES @jovannareyesphotography
Earlier this year, Eloquii, the go to online retailer for sophisticated Curvy shoppers, opened a Pop-Up shop in Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, VA. Last night at a private event for bloggers and supporters of the brand, Alexandra Amarotico, Social Media Manager for Eloquii, and Dani Axelrod, Director of Store Operations, announced Eloquii is placing permanent roots and moving into a larger space two doors down. Eloquii chose to open their first brick and mortar location in DC over New York City or Columbus, Ohio due to the strong sales in Washington. Pink champagne and Georgetown cupcakes were served to attendees, along with a gift bag filled with Eloquii goodies.
The permanent location in Pentagon City is opening early August 2017. The Pop-Up will remain open while construction of the new store is underway. The group of influencers were escorted to the new location and Ms. Axelrod described what Eloquii customers can expect. “Our new location will have more space for product, a larger fitting room area with champagne fridges. It will be really special”. She had me at “champagne”!
ABOUT ELOQUII(AS COPIED FROM THE ELOQUII.COM SITE):
ELOQUII IS A PRIVATE COMPANY BASED IN NEW YORK AND COLUMBUS, OHIO THAT DESIGNS AND SELLS FASHION APPAREL IN SIZES 14-28. THEY SHIP TO THE U.S., CANADA AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS. EMAIL ELOQUII AT CUSTOMERSERVICE@ELOQUII.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL 1.844.693.5678.
Bubbles and Bloggers hosted by the lovely Dani Sauter of www.Blondeinthedistrict.com was created to for top influencers to meet and network in the DC, Virginia and Maryland area. This month’s event was held at the Italian eatery, Via Umbria on May 18, 2017. Via Umbria graciously allowed the use of their Art Gallery on the second floor of the their Georgetown location.
Bloggers from all over the district attended, Glass of Glam, The District Darlings, Joy of Curves and so many more fashionistas. WUSA 9 Newscaster, Ellen Bryan, was also in attendance. The predominant colors of the evening, were soft pastel peach/pink, seen on Ms. Ferris of The Daring Darling and Betsy Eves of Java Cupcake. Mrs. Sauter, Ms. Bryan and Laura of Mom in Manolos rocked bright jewel tones.
The bloggers were treated to a varied selection of wines, compliments of Via Umbria. The adorable owners of Urban Jungle DC, Cody and Juan Carlos, taught the ladies how to make and sustain a succulent plant. Portraits by Jovanna Reyes Photography captured the beauty of all the bloggers in attendance. Make sure to click on their links and visit their sites!
Anaya Toppin, of Palmdale, California(a desert suburb in the outskirts of L.A.) is an actress and model featured in several short films and plays. She’s played Maggie in The Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Lois from A Dance on Widows Row, Linda from The Death of a Salesman. She also is a lifestyle model and looks forward to continued work in the fashion industry.
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVORY JACKSON WWW.LUCIVORY.COM @lucivoryphotography
MUA: ALFENA WILLIAMS @AW_MUA
STYLIST: APRIL SHARI @APRILSHARI
MODEL: ANAYA TOPPIN @ANAYADIVINE
