Inspired by rock icon Patti Smith, Ports 1961 designer Tia Cibani debuted the Resort 2011 collection. Each piece was more edgy than the last and the collection cohesively celebrated gender equality and represented a modern androgyny. The collection’s black and white overtones were highlighted with a few electric blue pieces. This collection was rocker chic and represented glam and individuality.

Designers Mario Lefranc and Beatrice Ferrant

Designers Beatrice Ferrant and Mario Lefranc recently debuted their Fall/Winter 2010 for the Lefranc Ferrant label. The runway presentation was held at Old Chapel of the Couvent des Récollets in Paris. The designers used corset-like bodice and belts to enhance the tiny silhouettes. While most of the collection had it’s dark and smokey draping, we couldn’t help but notice the splash of color; lots of blood orange, beige, and purple. More pictures below.

The Secret Sherry Society in partnership with Fashion Fights Poverty held their secret fashion show this past Thursday. The secret location which was disclosed after an RSVP was at the Altman Building in NYC. In collaboration with Stella Bonds designs, the fashion show consisted of 7 looks inspired by 7 styles of sherry. Silent auction cards were given in Secret Sherry Society gift bags and you could silently bid on one of the looks named after a type of fine sherry.

Upon arrival black mask were handed out to add to the theme and to welcome guest to be take part in their “Members Only” Secret Sherry Society for one evening.

The fashion show itself was more of an art performance that told a story through the inspired by wine designs. Beautiful Creations!

Immediately following an inspiring fashion show made possible for a good cause, 7 different type of sherry, tasty sherry cocktails and savory tapas were served.

Fashion Fights Poverty (FFP) is one the largest non-profit ethical and eco fashion organizations in the United States.

Honoring national and international designers who employ ethical practices in their design and manufacturing processes to create and sustain economic opportunity, FFP provides a forum for dialogue and awareness-building about how fashion, textiles, and design can alleviate poverty and empower communities. For more information, please visit fashionfightspoverty.org

*Images by our friend Yale Goodman

Fashion Fights Poverty 2009 PSA

PART 1- WHO

“Alberto Sanchez started his career as a young boy.  He always liked fashion design. Since he was a young boy his grandmother and mother were  teaching him about fashion. He would watch while they were making clothes and they gave him the real education in fashion. He has studied fashion design at F.I.T and at Meyer School Of Design” – Alberto Sanchez Couture

PART 2- EVENT

Fashion designer Alberto Sanchez showed  his Spring-Summer line at “The Cathedral” on October 28, 2009.  I arrived at this beautiful recently renovated location at around 7:30pm.  At this time,on the red carpet, press  is interviewing celebrities while attendees mingle until escorted to their seats. After about 30 or 45 minutes I take my seat and ready to see Alberto Sanchez Spring-Summer 2010 collection. The hosts of the evening (there was two) announced a few performers before the actual  fashion show. We were entertained for a couple of hours by up and coming rappers, r&b singers and dancers. There was even an intermission and food was served. Woah! I was thinking, this is the first experience of having so much festivities and celebration before viewing a collection! At 10:26pm up beat dance music goes on and the fashion show begins.

PART 3- FASHION SHOW

Alberto Sanchez’s Spring-Summer 2010 fashion show showed us a line with 51 looks.  A mixture of a women and mens wear. Overall the collection had a very Miami style tropical vibe to it.  I guess that would be because of the colors and patterns that were chosen by Alberto for most of his pieces.  There was a couple of “peek a boo” lycra bellybutton bathing suits that were very interesting and for mens swimwear, male models were sent out on the runway wearing lycra speedos with matching colored capes.  Styled very tribal superheroesque. Most of the collection though was evening dresses, very detailed and bedazzled while the other  few dresses more for day wear. Alberto Sanchez also included one little girl’s dress which was a cream colored low back  and halter top. In conclusion, the show closed off with an extravagant wedding dress.

Designer Alberto Sanchez x Anita Rosario

Singer Sasha x Model RL Bond

RL Bond

Director Ebony J. Lewis

Images: Candita Robertson of C.Lyte Photography

11 year old pianist Gamar Josama

The Renaissance of Harlem will never diminish; and that was made clear through “Harlem’s Fashion Row” S/S 2010 collections. HFR Advisory member’s Harlem Height’s Briana Bigham, Ground Crew founder Audrey Smaltz, Michaela Angela Davis Urbanista’s and many more attended to enjoy the festivities! PR Noir housed the event of the night; at the lovely Harlem’s Gatehouse venue. As I walked in to take my seat I was overcome by how amazing the space was. The beautiful archways over the stage, marvelous lighting, and a youthful, yet talented pianist providing elegant music; set the standard for great things to come.

“Dream dreams that no one else can imagine and take chances that only God can see you through because your reality is not everyone elses.”-Creative Director Randal Jacobs

This to me was the theme of the night. Aspiring individuals should live by this creed daily; that was evident by the innovative, stylish and peculiar designs presented. Showcasing for the night was four designers ready to put on a show!

LIALIA

Romanians of romantics’ designers Julia and Natalia Alarcon, who presented Lialia, a well crafted line, blending elegance and enchantment. Breaking in the runway with a beautiful champagne lace and neon green lining cocktail dress; made the audience take notice of these novel designers. This line brought Europe to Harlem, by not just displaying the trend of a Jumpsuit or romper, but by presenting these pieces with complementing blends of fabrics and techniques. One of my favorite garments from this line was a chic yet seductive black metallic cocktail dress. The deep v-neckline with pleating collar and just below the knee hem-line; made it age appropriate for any women in a sexy disposition!

DINNA SOLIMAN

Dinna Soliman took a whimsical approach to her designs by using soft colors and light airy fabrics. This collection was classically playful for the everyday women. Great contemporary pieces were revealed and could easily be paired with a pant, blouse or accessory to take your simple wardrobe to the next level. For instance, a great puffed vest with descending pockets exhibited the innovative talent Soliman really is and will continue to be.

JOSE DURAN

Designer Jose Duran presented a menswear line that told a barbarian’s story; so uninhabited and edgy, like a rebel opt to be! Duran “Mad Maxed” the runway with his avant-garde creations. Powdery make-up, braids, leggings and corset’s never looked so masculine, before Duran show! The music was as resilient as the clothes and hard-body models wearing them. He showed cut-outs, netted tops, extremely loose-fitted button downs, bold shouldered cropped jackets, and vintage aviator pants; abruptly putting to rest, that women are the only sex with the ability to dress daring!

EPPERSON

Harlem’s own Rodney Epperson from season 6 Project Runway closed the show with an amazing collection; nodding to African culture and mastering worked-cotton. This designer truly took the customary meaning of cotton and transformed it into epic! Epperson single-handily reinvented the classic Audrey Hepburn white shirt; with his patchwork and tiered methods. Swaying gracefully, a beautifully executed fitted white rough ruffled gown, caused the audience to applaud in the middle of the show. An African inspired Kente back-less halter dress left me in a trance as I revered the; low v-neckline with rough ruffled detail on collar and hemline. The deep forest greens, reds and bright oranges on the dress brought out the intricate detail. There’s no doubt Epperson designs for the individual who needs a little sophisticated eccentricity.

After all designers had presented their collections, we were treated to a brief film honoring one of the great pioneers of Fashion; Mr. Stephen Burrows. Being the first African American to achieve international acclaim, it is safe to say Burrows paved the way for many designers of color to reach the success and platform we see them at today. Pat Cleveland, Iman, and Naomi Sims are only a few careers he helped blossom within the Fashion industry. Burrows was nominated for a Coty Award in ’71 and ‘72, which until it’s discontinuation in 1985 was Fashion’s most prestigious award. The video featured Fashion history architect Audrey Smaltz, PR Noir’s Founder Danita King, Creative Director Randal Jacobs, Mr. Burrows and many more, highlighting his attributes within the industry.

When the video concluded, the screen arose to expose models and clothes from the four previous showcasing designers. This staged as the pivotal moment of the night; sending the industry a message; that we are creative, we are beautiful beyond all measure, we are intelligent, we a diligent, we are confident, we are dreamers, and we are people of color!

Mr. Stephen Burrows

Project Runway alum Epperson

Audrey Smaltz (The Ground Crew) x Brandice Henderson (Enfiniti Inc.)

Audrey Smaltz x Mr. Stephen Burrows

Braina Bigham (Founder, B. Marie Style)

Danita King of PR Noir

Amanda Lepore

Michaela Angela Davis

Bridget x Braina Bigham (Harlem Heights)