At the age of twelve, Clavon had a dream of seeing people walk down the runway in his clothing. He did not fully comprehend the dream then, but saw the affinity for clothing and being well dressed grow as he watched his father. Appearance was important and his father’s care for style instilled in him his own passion to express himself through clothing. The freedom Clavon found in fashion became limited as high school required uniforms. With that restriction, then came a greater awareness of his skin color. The experiences of high school pushed Clavon to experiment with fabrics, colors, and patterns so his skin was not the only thing standing out.
Amaya recently launched her YouTube Channel called “Being Amaya” where she wants to document her travels, or as she calls them, her “adventures”. She also talks about different countries in her videos that are not about her adventures. However, next week’s video is actually her very first music video where she covers “Speechless” from Aladdin. Click HERE to Read More Here
Having just returned from DC Swim and Resort Wear week, I must say, it was a different kind of fashion show experience that exceeded all of my expectations. Two nights of beautiful talent was showcased at the elegant Italian Embassy. This exclusive event was incredibly orchestrated by a fabulous team lead by Moh Ducis.
Thursday’s night welcoming reception was held at the Washington Wharf. A cocktail reception with local vendors where we met and mingled with other designers, MUA’s, stylists, model coaches, and friends of the DC Swim team. The energy was so positive and supportive.
Reflecting on my prep for this weekend I have to laugh. It was inconceivable to me to mail 11 of my best garments to someone I’ve never met and then to be told the day before our show that I would not be able to see the lineup until 15 minutes before the presentation. WHAT?!?!? Yes!! That was totally unsettling. Good news is, I trusted the process and it all ran so smoothly. I realize now that communication was key, I was able to articulate my vision to the stylists and MUA’s and they did an amazing job.
Friday’s show was fantastic. Lite bites of oysters and diverse finger foods from famed FLAVIO restaurant, chocolates from Dulceology and so much more. The preshow atmosphere was truly festive with many floor models giving previews of the swimsuits to be presented. The Miami like backdrop with lite palm trees and colorful sunsets set the tone. Then it was showtime.
The host Dr. Renee Allen, did a wonderful job engaging the crowd and building the hype with each designer. The music was electric, every designer was unique and special and all showed the love and energy they put into their craft through their designs. Personally, this show presented me with the opportunity to showcase some of my 2020 collection for the first time, with a mixture of classic pieces. Amidst the praise, interviews and countless photographs, it all seemed surreal once the garments hit the runway. Each and every model wore their respected garment like it was their own and shined like the stars they are.
Saturdays show lived up to all the created hype. With an impressive front row which included the CEO of Neiman Marcus, Inglot cosmetics, Kenya Felix Pierce and Fox 5’s Stacey Rusch who helped host Saturday’s event.
We look forward to covering and participating in next years show. From the little insight we were given about season 6, you’re not going to want to miss it.
Last May 24, R&B singer-slash-entrepreneur Rihanna launched her first luxury fashion brand Fenty through a pop-up store in Paris. Released under French conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), she made history as the first black woman to head a major Parisian luxury house. Fenty is Rihanna’s latest business venture, following the recent successes of her cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty and lingerie label Savage X Fenty, which launched back in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Where did Fenty come from?
Photo Credit: Page Six
Rihanna is one of fashion’s most powerful influencers. Certainly no rookie to the scene, she had created collections for British fashion retailer River Island, and has previously been the creative director of sports brand Puma. While they both proved successful, Fenty marks her official entry into the luxury fashion market. The hype began in January after WWD reported that she was working with LVMH to launch a brand under her name.
However, the rumors started circulating long before that. In 2015, Rihanna appeared in Christian Dior’s Secret Garden IV advertisement at Versailles, and became the first black woman to front a campaign for LVMH. Furthermore, Fenty Beauty was launched under the Kendo, LVMH’s beauty brand incubator.
What does Fenty offer?
Photo Credit: CNN
Photo Credit: CNN
Fenty includes a variety of ready to wear, shoes and accessories. According to an article on Newsweek, the collection revolves around traditionally feminine colors with a masculine edge, boasting suits and dresses in different textiles — from cotton canvas and denim, to classic leather. The structured silhouettes emphasize strong shoulders, cinched waists, and short hemlines. At its core, Fenty is perfect for consumers that want sophistication with a fun flair. Prices range from $200 for shirts, to $1,500 for outwear.
For every woman
Credit: Savage x Fenty
“Women are forces of this earth. We are multifaceted, complex, vulnerable yet bulletproof,” Rihanna said in a statement. “It was imperative that we [create] a line versatile enough to embrace and celebrate us in that way.” Excluding footwear and jewelry, Fenty is designed to accommodate around 36 different sizes. True to her advocacy for inclusivity, the luxury items run up to size 14.
Her efforts are a welcome addition to the growing wave of body positivity-focused brands — a movement that has been gaining speed for years. On TV, Project Runway host Tim Gunn is known for being vocal about his contempt for the fashion industry’s exclusivity and lack of stylish options for plus-size women. Combined with consumers’ online clamor for change, even veteran retailers like Old Navy and ASOS have been jumping on the bandwagon and expanding their lines to accommodate the market. While it’s important to bring plus-size clothing into the mainstream, Woman Within has been carving out a space especially for plus size women online. With a wide selection of clothes that range from chic dresses and other feminine pieces, they make sure to supply consumers with the most up-and-coming trends. Although we’ve got a long way to go, these initiatives are bringing us closer to a more diverse, accepting industry.
After all, beauty doesn’t mean just one standard look. But to see real change, brands, customers, and designers must all come together to redefine it. In line with that, I-Fashion Magazine aims to keep up with it all — from catwalks, to models, to the latest trends.
