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What’s a fashion show without the shoes? Unless of course a designer calls for the barefoot look, great shoes are the key element in completing a standout look on the runway.
During New York Fashion Week, I spoke to John Ashford, the designer behind the eye catching stilettos used in modest designers Nailah Lymus and Amalina Aman’s spring presentation. Find out what he says goes into creating his handmade eleven inch heels and what inspires the aesthetic for his line, Authentic by John Ashford.
Fashion Week is winding down, and boy am I exhausted! From the street style photo shoots, TV reporting, and video editing–which I’m working on now–my schedule has been jam-packed. I’m not complaining though since it’s been a great first fashion week for me as a style reporter and blogger. I imagine I will be doing even more come February for the fall shows.
Today I attended a presentation for Amirah Creations by Nailah Lymus and the first collection by Amalina Aman. I wore a navy knit accordion skirt and a graphic T-Shirt from Zara that reads, “beauty fades, brains are forever.” So true, so true.
I wanted to “junk” up the look so I wore a large gold statement necklace and my Prada specs.
As Muslim women, both Nailah Lymus and Amalina Aman create fashion forward clothing for modest women. Lymus, who also owns and runs a modeling agency for Muslim models, has become somewhat of a phenomenon in her area of expertise. She’s been profiled by NPR, ABC, and now by me for Channel 75 New York. Her latest collection pictured above is called Equaqnimity.
Amalina Aman hails from Australia. She said she put her blood, sweat, and tears into this collection, which she named Enchanting Romance. Her hard work paid off! As harem pants and turbans remain a welcomed trend in the mainstream market, many of Aman’s pieces could cross over easily.
I love her fabrication. Great work over all.
My video coverage on the event will air next Wednesday at 8:30 on channel 75 (NYC). Tune in or wait for my post once it hits Youtube.
I also snapped photos of some of the attendees .
Dr. Courtney Hammonds is a Program Coordinator at the Art Institute in Atlanta.
Aatara, a student at AI, also traveled to New York for the shows.
Later I spotted DJ Stileto, a model/DJ from Sudan, after the Jeremy Scott show. She was the perfect sighting.
Day 5 of New York Fashion week was pretty laid back for me. I returned to Lincoln Center to finish up some of the television reporting I’m doing on diversity in the fashion industry.
I wore a boxy black button down shirt from Asos, a peach pleated skirt, statement necklace, and black booties.
I also snapped a few more photos of people while I was there.
Bonus: Paris and Nikki Hilton came by to attend one of the shows. The funniest part of the pictures I captured were the photo bombers.
Lol.
On Sunday I decided to leave AfroPunk early to head over to Spike Lee’s ‘Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson’ party at Restoration Plaza in BedStuy.
I’ll admit, it was a challenge to get good photos since the venue was so tight and packed. But I did my best. Check it!
Like the Michael Jackson look-alike above, this woman came ready to perform.
This gentleman paid homage to Michael Jackson’s role as the scarecrow in The Wiz.
When I think AfroPunk I think individuality. Over the past 12 years the music festival has been a haven for black folks who love punk rock, alternative culture, and unique style a la goth, quirkiness, and funk. I attended the two-day long event to get snapshots. Check it out below.
I ran into members of the bank BLXPLTN (Blaxploitation). Cool cats.
I met this cool young lady working the booth for the brand Kreyol, by Haitian-American designer Joelle. Kreyol had some of the best offerings at the event. Love the shirt!
Her accessories I love…especially those coin earrings. I will be on the hunt for those.
I met Joelle the designer on day two of AfroPunk. She looked as cool as her brand.
There’s nothing cooler than a well-dressed man sitting on a stoop in Bedstuy.
Slim jeans and high tops. Gritty and effortlessly cool.
I loved how this group of guys showcased their individuality, though they are part owners of a fashion design company.
I spotted her shoes from across the street. Nice.
Her over-sized football jersey and lace up boots reminded me of Mary J Blige’s video for “Real Love,” though MJB and her dancers rocked baseball jerseys. I loved his laid back monochromatic look. They are so Soho.
I ran into Dapper Lou on Prince and Broadway. From the sleek bike to his colorful floral shirt, he’s got cool on lock.
Stephanie accentuated her all black look with a stone washed denim jacket. I love how a print of Bob Marley’s Rolling Stone cover is pinned to the back.
Cool.
The mix of hues in her braids and the style itself really stood out.
The annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival went down this past Saturday in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This year Jay Electronica and Raekwon were the main attractions. Jay Z also showed up for a special guest performance with his artist Jay Electronica.
I attended the event to get a few snapshots of what people wore. Check out my coverage below.
Her statement earrings were super cool. She actually designed them herself by rolling up tear sheets from fashion magazines.
I loved his frames and hat.
…cool sneakers.
I loved her accessories. This MCM clutch is everything!
Yes to these cage sandals.
I ran into this gentleman at Columbus Circle. It was a hot day, yet he commanded attention in all black.
Simple accessories.
Fearless style.