A Song of Timelessness
Geometric shapes of silk, suede, and leather come together in formfitting cocktail dresses that come in dark shades and earth tones. Inspired by the texture and colors of fabrics, 27-year-old Korean designer Ji Young Song launched her label, Ji Young Song for ArtsEcho Design...
Curious Specimens
Bold, chunky, in your face, Specimen Jewelry is a mix of military style and Bohemian chic. Unexpected combination of materials are pieced together bringing visual surprises to avant-garde jewelry lovers.
She’s Got Style: Monique Scott
Los Angeles-based fashion stylist Monique Scott believes in making stars. Her business philosophy is, "Too many celebrities, not enough stars. It's our job to bring out the star within and present it visually." Check out Monique's tips for releasing the star within.
An Artistic Ripple Effect
Sometimes all it takes is one thought to create something extraordinary and this extraordinariness isn’t necessarily defined by others, but by ourselves. In Sandra Bendor’s case, one single thought brought forth a space for music, fashion and design; she named it ArtsEcho.
Pinar Eris in Wonderland
Swirling circles on puffy sleeves, wrinkled white mini jacket, and geisha make-up, on a girl standing coyly against a fairy-tale forest — this is part of Turkish designer Pinar Eris’ campaign for her latest 2010 collection.
Designer Spotlight: Autumn Adeigbo
Autumn Adeigbo's latest collection was inspired by vampires, but not of the "Twilight" variety. While designing she asked herself, "If Ophelia Dracula, Count Dracula's wife, hosted a cocktail party in Transylvania, Nigeria, what would her girlfriends wear to the soiree?" Not sure what they would wear? Keep reading to learn the answer to that question and several other questions about the designer and her work.
The Frugality of Fashion
Located on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, conveniently close to the Lorimer Street stop on the L train, Anavaa Kisasa is one of the many funky boutiques in Williamsburg.
Ndamus: Accessories with Bold, Creative Statements
The very nature of the word accessory implies that such designs are considered to be innately secondary. We are thereby accustomed to think of them as mere afterthoughts -- objects we don to compliment a larger narrative. N’damus, a London-based brand specializing in eye-catching bags, belts and a range of other accessories, switches this script. Using abstract shapes and folds, alongside splashes of color in natural fabrics, N’damus creates accessories that steal the show and do all the talking.
Righteous in Style
Three months ago Latoya Gordon, president and creative director of Chris Leeann Boutique, held an event called “Chris Leeann Boutique Presents: The Ultimate Trunk Show.” Judging from the video footage, it was crowded with fresh-dressed folks and delish appetizers, and an unlimited open bar.
Roots Rockin’ Royal II Fashion Show Gives Back in Style
JAMPACT continues to impact Jamaica and the fashion world with its latest fashion show, Roots Rockin’ Royal II. The show boasted an all-star guest list, including supermodel Oraine Barret, Miss Jamaica USA 2009 Diane Johnson and Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 April Jackson. Fundraising in style, proceeds went towards Jamaican schools and Haitian relief.
Chichia: Merging African textiles with Western cuts
It’s not easy to straddle the lines between two cultures. Many get it wrong, especially when it comes to fashion and merely revisit stereotypical notions and images. Christina Mhando, the designer behind the innovative brand Chichia, manages to negate this problem. Merging Tanzanian khanga cloth with Western classic cuts she designs clothes that are modern while resonating culturally.
Untold Fashion Show
Established in 2007, Untold is an organization which creates "opportunities where non exist and, through this, brings to light the plight of creatives across a wealth and breadth of disciplines". Its seasonal off-schedule London Fashion Week catwalk show was held on Feb. 22 at Battersea Art Center, where eight emerging designers, representing various ethnicities, showcased their Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. inCOLOR was there to cover the event.
Shirley Ephraim: Bold, Feminine Hand-crocheted Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, we often harbor traditional notions as to fit, texture and composition. From her hand-distressed chain lariat to the organic crocheted black pearl earrings, Nigerian-born and New York-based conceptual jewelry and fashion designer Shirley Ephraim makes beautifully hand-crocheted jewelry.
Designer Spotlight: Anitra Michelle of PLUTOCRACY
Join the Plutocracy! In this interview with inCOLOR, fashion designer Anitra Michelle talks about her latest collection, style icons, and personal style, among other topics.
FAB Magazine: Fabulous, African , Black
Come spring there is a new magazine in town: FAB. Fabulous, African, Black. The sophisticated quarterly will celebrate Africa's successes, highlight its problems and offer solutions while offering hard-hitting editorials, cutting edge imagery and inspirational design delivered with quality and consistence.
Nkwo: Afro-bohemian Chic
"A bit free spirited, a bit nomadic, totally African," London-based designer Nkwo Onwuka merges the bohemian style of the '60s and '70s with bold African colors and textures.
Designer Spotlight: Tennille McMillan
Tennille McMillan is definitely "America's Funky Sweetheart" because there is nothing really basic about this designer out of Brooklyn. In this interview with inCOLOR, McMillan discusses the differences between her two lines, NaKIMmuli and Shenae, as well as her personal style, inspirations, and style icons.
Fashion Action
Designer Gwen Beloti last year unveiled the social action project in which she encourages young women to embrace their education and strive for success by celebrating their diligence with a piece of garment from the Beloti Collection.
Designer Spotlight: Natalia Sanz
If you know D.C. fashion, then you are already familiar with Natalia Sanz. In the midst of preparing for several upcoming shows, Sanz took time out with inCOLOR to discuss her inspirations, favorite designers, and upcoming events.
Stapled in Time
If you had a choice, which era do you wish you had been born into? The '60s, the '70s, or the '80s? Whichever of these three eras you have in mind, you could probably find some comfort in Collecther, a vintage boutique that is situated in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn.
Secondo Vintage Store
A cafe and store in one, Secondo Vintage store in Brixton, South London is hip and multi-functional. The recently-opened store,owned by Black British entrepreneur Robert Beckford, stocks a range of designer wares at affordable prices, and is fast placing Brixton on the map for secondhand and fashionable high-end designs.
A Princess from New York
Launched in spring/summer 2008, Princess of the Posse is a New York City-based label, flaunting minimal designs and striking graphics, merging street wear and high fashion.
From Boy Wonder to Phillip Green: Aspirations of a Designer
Having designed since his teens, talented London designer Romero Bryan has had his designs worn by the likes of Rachel Hunter and Kelly Rowland. Known for his penchant for floaty fabrics, the 26-year-old now is ready to be a successful household name.
Designer Spotlight: Abenaa Pokuaa of Ohema Ohene
Designer Abenaa Pokuaa fused her British upbringing and Ghanaian heritage to create Ohema Ohene, a line that is recognized internationally for its unique and colorful apparel.
