Oui oui! J'adore Rihanna pour LUI!

When my friend sent me the text of Rihanna's latest magazine cover I had to pick my jaw off the floor! 

Rihanna on the cover of French magazine Lui May 2014 issue

Daaaannnngg Ri! She did say how she likes to be "out the box, out of line" in her S&M song so this should be no shocker that the Bajan beauty opt to bare all  for this magazine shoot. Inspired by Lui October 1972 featuring Karin Schubert—1970's German actress turned pornographic actress in the 1980s- the pop singer trapezes on the line of art and NSFW which is usually her thing. The magazine revealed the cover via Twitter on Tuesday, April 29 and was shot by famed photographer Mario Sorrenti. This cover follows after the release of her Vogue Brazil cover, which was also a banger! 

Rihanna on the cover of Vogue Brazil May 2014 issue

In my opinion, I would have to say this is her sexiest photo shoot to date, next to the photo shoot she did with Kate Moss! If you don't believe so judge for yourself! Either way I'm giving Rihanna two snaps!

Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It’s the last Friday of April and my April reign (get it? April reign à rain? I made a funny!) is coming to an end!  But with it brings new opportunities, new beginnings and maybe a new hair-do! I know I’m not the only one who gets that “I need to do something different” itch when the weather starts to get warmer. But who can you trust with your hair? This brings me to my Blogger of the Week! This week is another friend of mine from college whose skillful hands are touching the manes of models & natural girls all over! Say hello to hair stylist/ blogger Ashley Lee of Ashley Lee Styling!

I admit I was surprised that Ashley didn't start a fashion blog. I’ve always known her to be stylish, polished and dressed to impress! I was convinced fashion was her calling! However, when she launched her website and started posting videos for hair care and her work at photo shoots, I was pleasantly surprised! Her work has been featured on Whim online magazine, ThatsFoxy.com, SevenTribes magazine and the latest Txture magazine (hasn't been released yet)! Also the way she hooks up her own natural hair can seriously leave a girl with hair envy. I reached out to Ashley to ask my standard “simple” 4 questions.

BL: Do you feel there are more or less beauty products available for women of color?
I believe the market is greatly expanding to accommodate women of color (black women in particular). When it comes to makeup, I think women of darker skin complexions have the most difficulty whereas if you are a woman of color (black, Hispanic or Asian) I do feel as though beauty products are readily available.

BL: If you have to recommend a makeup brand or represent one, which would you choose and why?
I'm not really a make up buff, more of a drug store junkie. However, for low prices makeup I've found that maybelline has always made me happy with both foundations and lip color. I particularly like the mousse line that they have and am now using a liquid foundation of theirs. I get great coverage, in other makeup I find that they have great pigments and the cost is low which makes it accessible to almost everybody.
BL: What is one basic item that every woman should have in their makeup/ hair care arsenal?
For makeup, I think every woman should own a brow powder. No matter how little makeup you have on, if your brows are done, you look alive. As for hair care, I think every woman should own a wide tooth comb to safely detangle and avoid breakage.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?
My heart and soul is committed to hair care and advocacy. Although I love being trendy and fashion forward, I find myself obligated as a cosmetologist to spread knowledge about all things having to do with hair and beauty in my power. Just like you go to your doctor about your health, I want people to come to me about their hair.

 

Her site, Ashley Lee Styling, also offer services ranging from basic shampoo and blow out/set to spa services such as lash extensions and facials. She also does in-home visits! Book her through Prettier Please and have the salon come to you! Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and Twitter, @alstyling! Two snaps for Ms. Ashley Lee! 

Keke Palmer makes herstory!

Keke Palmer was always like a shooting star to me: You don't see her too often but when you do she always shines or amazes you with her appearances or performances. This time is no different. 

Keke Palmer at Elle's Women in Television Celebration 2014

It was recently announced that Keke Palmer was picked up by BET and Mathis Productions (Judge Greg Mathis) in association with Telepictures for her very own daily talk show! At age 20, the singer/actress will be the youngest talk show host in TV history. A record like this hasn't been achieved since Ricki Lake first hit the scene with her show and she was only 25 years old.  The idea stemmed from Palmer's and fans' interactions on social media. 

“I like to read quotes that touch on how I am feeling,” she said. “If I am dealing with confusion, I will read quotes about clarity and peace of mind. I started posting these quotes on my Twitter page, and the fans responded so positively! I realized that many of them were dealing with similar issues, and the quotes helped to open up a genuine dialogue between us.”

Aimed at young adults, the show is set to cover topics such as fashion, pop culture, social issues, sex as well as feature celebrity interviews, street segments and  undercover gags. The Keke Palmer Project, the alleged name of the show, is set to air in July.

I am really happy and excited for her! There has been a lot of ratchetness all over television with no signs of slowing down. Hearing this was like a breath of fresh air because we need more positive, Black women to be showcased! I am looking forward to this show and will set my DVR to record it if I have to (more than likely since most talk shows happen while I'm at work anyways). But most definitely two snaps for Miss Keke Palmer!

On the Horizon - Fabric Twinz

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your weekends and Easter were grand! I had the pleasure on Thursday before Good Friday interviewing a very humble young woman with a fashion line thats puts the word GLAM in glamorous! I was quite surprise we were able to meet so quickly seeming as I contacted her so late the previous evening. But she responded A.S.A.P and from the emails plus text messages I could tell this was going to be a very pleasant experience. We met up at her showroom located near 27th street off of 5th Ave and suddenly I became self conscience. I wasn't dressed to kill matter fact I think I looked a bit geeky. I really didn't think too much into my outfit, which is bad because first impressions are key! But I think I got lost in the excitement that this was going to be my first interview I just didn't want to sound like an idiot. Well, I didn't sound like an idiot but I may have accomplished looking like one, good job!
After being swiped in and checking myself over in every reflection I laid my eyes on, I met with Tanise Francis, co-founder of Fabric Twinz.

New York City based designer, Tanise “Fabric Twinz” Francis is creating quite the buzz among the stars. Known as one half of the “The Fabric Twinz” duo by the industry’s elite, Tanise has been able to maintain the popularity and integrity of the Fabric Twinz brand since her partner’s departure in 2011. Since then, she has dressed and styled hip hop icons such as Lil Kim, R&B sensation K.Michelle, actress Elise Neal, Terri Vaughn, tv host Rocsi Diaz. Reality TV stars from VH1′s Love & Hip Hop and Basketball Wives such as Thairy Jose, Shaunie O Neal, Jennifer Williams just to name a few. Even many of NYC’s most popular socialites.

Click here to learn more....

Happy Sunday!

Hope everyone have a blessed Easter Sunday! ❤️ Make sure to tune in to the blog tomorrow! I managed to nab an interview with an up-coming designer who's been quoted to be "the Black Vera Wang of fashion"! Now that's one defining statement! 

Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It's Good Friday and I still haven't gone grocery shopping for Easter Sunday! Ugh! But I am prepared to dish another Blogger of the week! This week I'm featuring a very dapper, young gentleman who is a good friend of mine prior to the creation of his blog. Say hello to David Rochez of From NY to TX.

David at Suit Supply Grand Opening in Texas

Back in college (why does that feel eons ago? -__-) he would always lay out his outfits and question the style, the color coordination, the vibe it gives off and if it was on trend or ahead of the trend. At first I thought this was slightly off since I hardly met any guy around our age as meticulous with their outfits as he was. I was use to the idea of a man stepping into his closet, throwing on anything that doesn't have a stain, a hole (sometimes that doesn't even matter) or a pungent smell and walking out the door. However, I've grown accustomed to his questioning and eye for details which later blossomed into admiration and appreciation. His style spoke several different languages to me but that's what I loved about it! One day he could look like a preppy Harvard student the next a suave gentleman from an ad for a sophisticated cognac A model, stylist, men fashion blogger, savvy thrifter and teacher of etiquette it was only right I got in contact with him and asked him a few questions so you guys can get to know the man behind the ensemble.

BL: If you had to name your style, what would you call it? Why?

Lol, I'd say my style would be traditional with an edge. When I'm dressed up I'm more tailor, but I love wearing my leather jacket whenever the weather in Houston allows me. That's why I say traditional with an edge.

BL: What is your opinion of a man taking a high interest into his fashion and style?

It's a great thing, we as men and everyone else should know that appearance is everything and with style once you understand who you are as a person your style starts to reflect that.

BL: What is the one basic item every man should have in his closet?

Besides clothes that fit his body type, I would say a very nice watch and shoes. That's one thing my mom taught me growing up.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?

Being an inspiration is what I love about blogging.... It's a passion, I'm good at it (being modest of course)

Make sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @_frmnytotx and check out his site, From NY to TX, for tips, style ideas and the latest in men fashion trends. Let's not forget, two snaps to David Rochez, Blogger of the Week!

MTV Movie Awards Best Dressed

Last night I had to make a tough decision between watching the MTV Movie Awards or a new episode of Game of Thrones. After watching the Red Carpet Pre-Award show with as much excitement as if the actual show was commencing I decided hitting the record button on my remote and tuning into GoT was a better way to spend the remainder of my evening. Besides, no one really take this award show seriously other than to watch the trailers for new-upcoming summer blockbusters. Plus, I watched what I needed to watch; the who, what and wear of fashion. I was so glad I made that decision because last night episode was the happiest I ever been with a show's ending! "Ding dong the witch is dead" is all I have to say to that! On to the best dressed at the MTV Movie Awards

There was a lot of contenders but I kept the list as short as the average length of a Hollyweird relationship. Starting with my no. 7 pick, Rita Ora:

Rita Ora is often a hit or miss with me. One minute I'm like 'Yea that's definitely dope!" the next I'm left like an anime character with a bunch of ??? around my head. But this black, low-cut gown by Barbara Casasola is a win in my book. 

Next is Jessica Alba. I was inches away of putting Jessica in no. 7 simply because I'm not too please of the shape this outfit gives her. It's almost boxy. BUT I love the color choices and the overall look she pulled together with a summery bandeau top by Pieve d'Anarchive, a flared skirt by Kenzo and printed Jimmy Choo pumps.

This is such a cute summer outfits Rocsi Diaz wore plus she's is pulling the monochromatic all-white trend quite nicely. Took me a while to find out who she was wearing (I guess no one cared to ask, ouch) but she is wearing Monica Rose by @loversfriendsla with nude Christian Louboutin pumps. 

Now for the top 4! I placed Nicki Minaj as no. 4 because she kept it simple,clean and dashed it with sexy in this body-hugging Alexander McQueen dress! I think this is one of her best looks to date! When she's not doing her caricatures and wearing her Lady Gaga-esque outfits I love to see more of this Nicki Minaj.

Rih-Rih!! This woman's fashion senses are off  the charts and I love her daring nature! This look, lounge wear couture by Ulyana Sergeenko, is feeding me Eartha Kitt from Boomerang if she was still in her prime! Fabulous darrrling! However, she's no. 3 because, honestly, if it was anyone else wearing this I don't think they would receive the same praise and/or reaction as everyone is giving Rihanna. 

It has been very interesting and fun watching Miss Zendaya grow and I'm quite pleased with her sense of style. She knows what works for her and this time isn't any different. This floral frock by Emanuel Ungaro, which is totes on trend, fits her tomboyish figure perfectly adding length to her slender frame. The slit as well as the ankle strap Christian Louboutins add to the sex appeal.

My no. 1 look for the evening was hands down Ms. Lupita Nygon'o! This colorful Chanel frock is vibrant and playful! You really can't help but to stop and look at the details. Pairing the outfit with sky blue Christian Louboutin (I guess CL shoes was the memo) added to the sugary fun of the overall look!

 Do you agree or disagree with the order of 'Best Dressed'? Who were your favorites?

R.I.P to two beautiful souls

It's with a heavy heart to report hair vlogger for Black Girl Long Hair, Domineque Banks, and founder of For Brown Girls, Karyn Washington, both passed away this week.

Domineque was suffering from lupus and, unfortunately, lost the battle on April 9. She was 27 years young. Currently, Domineque's family is aiming to raise $10,000 to help with funeral costs. So far, the GiveForward fundraiser has raised over $5,300. If you would like to make a donation, please click here. 

Karyn, whose website sought to empower dark complexioned black women, died on April 8, by committing suicide. She was 22 years young. Her passing is a devastating loss for black women who went online to seek refuge in any one of Washington's many initiatives.  The most popular is the #DarkSkinRedLip project. Spawned by A$AP Rocky's statement that chocolate colored women weren't considered attractive with red lipstick, it  encouraged black women to wear whatever shade of red lipstick that best suited them. 

It hurts to hear that two inspiring women with so much promise had been called away to be with the Heavenly Father. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans and supporters of these beautiful young women. 

Two red lips for two amazing women

Blak Friday! Blogger of the Week

As a new comer to this competitive, versatile, vast "new world" we know as blogging, one can easily be intimidated. Kind of like being the new kid in high school in which all eyes are on you because you're an alien in their town but they can really careless if you come or go.  I have come to appreciate all the bloggers before me because this is not easy (I swear I lay awake at night just thinking about my next post. Nerd much?)! Starting off my Blak Friday: Blogger of the Week is Monica Awe-Etuk also known as Awed by Monica!

Monica wearing Ladyee Boutique skirt
w/ ReneeQ.  Intuma Belt

This outfit is what made me fall in love and click the follow button on Instagram! Its simple, chic, clean, lean and different all wrapped up in a fashionable ensemble. What's also make this outfit stand out for me is the fact that the belt and skirt are products of Black owned boutiques! A two for one, sweet! The belt is by Renee Q. Boateng and the skirt (yes, its a skirt not a long black dress. Love the illusion!) is by Ladyee Boutique. Her style is always classy and modern while adding an individual flare all her own. Plus she's the mother of two! I heard too many times where moms tend to lose focus on how they look because they're caught up on taking care of the family. So I definitely commend her for being on top of her game. I reached out and asked four quick questions to get a peek into the creative mind:

             

BL: What era of fashion do you relate to the most?

I would say for right now, definitely the 50s, I am obsessed with the midi, lady-like, meets modern trend.

BL: Which celebrity's closet do you covet?

 It's a tied between Solange ‎Knowles and Kim Kardashinas, they both get everything sent to them so why not lol!

BL: What is the one basic item every woman should have in her closet?

 LBD, the black dress is still the most important item to have, it always works

BL: What do you love most about blogging?

Expressing my personal style and style inspiring my followers.

Make sure to follow @awedbymoni, @reneeqgh and @ladyeeboutique on Instagram and give two snaps to Ms. Monica Awe-Etuk, blogger of the week!

Driver roll down the partitions plsss....! Beyonce on the cover of Out Mag

Hitting stands and Stans April 22 is Out magazine's annual May Power Issue featuring one of the most powerful women in the music industry: Beyonce Knowles Carter aka QueenBey! 

Photographed by Santiago & Mauricio and styled by Lysa Cooper, Beyonce is seen rocking a Marilyn Monroe-esque bob draped with pearls and a sultry look that whispers "come hither". It's a no-brainer as to why Aaron Hicklin, Out magazine's editor in chief, picked her to represent 'POWER'. 

The Grammy Award winning singer, who recently wrapped up her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, is the embodiment of what it means to be powerful. Perfect example is when she released her self-titled video album late last year bypassing the traditional marketing tactics and still managed to top the charts as well as break record sales. She had newspapers, magazines and pretty much all of social media re-writing their top 100 lists because they had to factor her in! She took the world by storm and you can't expect anything less from a Boss.  She’s poised, she’s commanding, and she does it all at her own pace.

"I’d like to believe that my music opened up that conversation," she says when asked about creating her most sexually liberated album to date. "There is unbelievable power in ownership, and women should own their sexuality. There is a double standard when it comes to sexuality that still persists. Men are free and women are not. That is crazy. The old lessons of submissiveness and fragility made us victims. Women are so much more than that. You can be a businesswoman, a mother, an artist, and a feminist—whatever you want to be—and still be a sexual being. It’s not mutually exclusive."

Who run the world!? Two snaps for Mrs. Carter!

1 skirt + 4 looks = Sofistafunk!

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend especially since the weather was finally acknowledging that it's Spring! We needed sun & 50 degree weather in NY because we all know this time of the year = legs! I get to rock shorts and skirts without feeling like I sentenced myself to death by hypothermia.

My 'Hot Find' for today is a skirt with flair & funk! This skirt, known as "Two Face", was created by Sofistafunk. The label, established 1999 led by designer Arlinda McIntosh, incorporates bold, feminine and ultra versatile designs that explore the alliances between the Elizabethan era through the Victorian period creating a contemporary yet couture aesthetic.

Arlinda McIntosh (left) in her own Sofistafunk design

Best known for their uninhibited and ultra girly approach to skirt making, the label has become a favorite amongst clients for their timeless, grand and picturesque creations.

 "Our skirts are designed to make a lady feel as if she's about to attend the ball, but meant to be worn everyday on the streets of her casually elegant life." -Arlinda M. 

I had so much fun styling this because the possibilities were almost endless! But for the sake of the post I created four looks that were based on the idea of transitioning from day to night.

 Item of focus: Sofistafunk "Two Faced" skirt

Can be found on sofistafunk.com. Follow them @sofistafunk 

Top left: For a night on the town, you can dress up the skirt with a pair of pumps & keep it polished with a light, white button-up
Top right: Keep it flirty by pairing the skirt with a crop top. Add wedges with a pop of color for a bit of fun
Bottom left: Chic & trendy is the game when pairing the skirt with a checkered red/black button up with a white tank underneath to break the pattern contrast. Stay comfy by adding cute black flats
Bottom right: Keep it casual & light with a basic graphic tee & tennis shoes. Cute but laid back is always in style.

Have a Spring Skirt look? Post it with the hashtags #KissSpring #BlakLabels and let's see what you got!

Lupita Nyong'o is the fresh,new face for Lancome

The Lupita reign continues on strong and in the best way! The 31-year old Kenyan actress, who won an Oscar for Best supporting role in 12 Years a Slave, joins the ranks of Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and Julia Roberts as one of Lancôme's ambassadors. Although she is the fourth actress to cut a deal with Lancôme, she is their very first BLACK ambassador!  The new ads will appear in September.

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself," Nyong'o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.

This announcement is right on the heel of her recent stint with the French high fashion brand, Miu Miu, for their spring 2014 campaign. 

The French love them some Lupita and it’s quite understandable why!

Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International, said the company's decision to add Lupita was because she is "talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices."

Oui oui Monsieur! Two snaps for Ms. Lupita Nyong’o!

"JODY!!" TPH snags the cover of Upscale

"Hold up, hold my phone...!" Did you guys see who is rocking the cover of Upscale magazine May 2014 issue? The gorgeous actress Taraji P. Henson and boy is she killing it!

Adorned in a Nicolas Jesbran romper the actress shows us that age is nothing but a number when it comes to owning a hot bod! Lucky for us, we will be seeing more of Ms. Henson on the big screen with the upcoming movie Think like a Man Too, two films, No Good Deed and Empire, which are in post production and another film, Term Life, currently in the works! Twenty years in the game and no sign of slowing (or aging) down!
Below are some behind the scene pictures she posted on her Instagram from the photoshoot. Absolutely flawless! Two snaps for Ms. Taraji P. Henson!

(I mentioned in my other post that I was going to the gym. Now I'm DEFINITELY going to the gym!)

Men in suits! Ooohh ohhh!

First off can I say how gorgeous the weather is right now!? I mean, it's still a little nippy but the sun is shining oh so beautifully! Actually makes me a little bit more excited to hit the gym (just a little, lol)!

Moving on, how many of you enjoy a man in a good suit? I know I do! Especially when its tailored for the gawds! Yess! Halleloo! I came across this picture on Instagram:

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

And instantly I was in love! From the red and white polka dot socks to the matching tie and the contrast of the deep olive green vest and pants. Attention to details is everything and this designer made sure of that in his collection! So of course I had to find out who is the designer! This is Rodney Emeka, the mastermind behind the menswear McMeka:

Rodney Emeka

The Nigerian designer was acknowledged last year as the winner of the MTN Young Designer of the Year award at the 2013 Lagos Fashion & Design Week. But would you believe that he started off with a background in Accounting!? Some people believe that once you start off in one degree or career there is no changing that. An irrevocable (my word of the day!) decree one must follow until the end of days! On the other hand, we have people like Mr. Emeka who breaks out of that mold and shows the world one can do, create or build anything if they set their mind to it! I borrowed (teehee) a few of his pictures from IG to share with you guys! But you can find more of his work on his Tumblr page and Instagram! If you wish to learn more about Rodney Emeka check out the interview by Bella Naija on their webpage. I wonder if he could create a woman's suit? Hhhmm.....

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

                                    

The Beauties & Brains event

Hello hello! So I was cruising on one of my favorite fashion sites, FashionBombDaily, on my way to work and I came across this event that I think any up-&-coming designer/entrepreneur should attend! It's called The Beauties & Brains Behind the Brands II hosted by Renae Bluitt, creator of In Her Shoes Blog. Renae Bluitt has made a career of telling the stories of career oriented women & to celebrate her blog's 5yr anniversary (me someday *le sigh*) she will be hosting a panel discussion/event in Brooklyn,NY! Claire Sulmers of FashionBombDaily will be one of the panelists (fan girl scream) as well as Demetria Lucas from Bravo's new hit show Blood, Sweat & Heels. 

The event will be held at the Galapagos Art Space this Sunday, April 6, at 3pm. Admission is $20. If the discussion doesn't inspire you at least you'll be able to network! 

Black Dresses Exhibition

What’s funny about me writing this post is how nervous I am! As mouthy and opinionated as I can be I’m actually feeling…shy? Lol! But the same rule that I apply to my everyday life I shall apply it here! And you, my fabulous readers and fellow bloggers, shall be receiving the best of me!

With that being said,

  WELCOME TO BLAK LABELS!!  

The fashion/style blog focused on designers and entrepreneurs of color within the fashion and beauty industry!  How did I come up with this concept? Actually the origin of this blog correlates with my first post!

My cousin and good friend, Shantavia Loh, sent me a text about celebrity designer, LaQuan Smith, and a few other designers, coming together to debut their collection at Pratt Institute in honor of Black History Month. I work alongside Shantavia as her assistant for her PR firm, Panache PR &Marketing, and post daily gossip & news on their Facebook page. The name of the fashion exhibition is Black Dress: Ten Contemporary Fashion Designers and it featured designs by LaQuan Smith, Tracy Reese, ByronLars, Epperson, Samantha Black, Omar Salam, Michael Jerome Francis, Donna Dove, Stephen Burrows and Jeffery Banks. I researched the information further, landing on the Pratt Institute webpage and immediately became enthralled (FYI: I love SAT words! I even have the Dictionary as an app on my phone. SO if there’s any way I can throw in my word of the day or a SAT word I will =-D )! I noticed they had a panel discussion scheduled one night and I made sure to clear my schedule so I can attend.

When I got there the room was packed but I noticed the majority of the attendants were of an older generation. There were a few in my age group, a few students, one of the designers and the other was a part of the panel. But, overall, my 20s group was scarce.  On the panel were the curators of the exhibition, a fashion consultant, a fashion blogger and editors from Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, and Ebony. After a round of introductions the discussion began and it was very informative.

The overall theme of the discussion was the lack of recognition and progress black designers have made in the fashion industry. One of the panelists even challenged the audience if they can name several black designers other than Tracy Reese and LaQuan Smith. Honestly, I couldn't really think of any other designers. Either I’m not as fashionably adept as I thought I was or my fashion pool is very shallow. But our silence proved the point. Referencing back to the attendants being of an older generation, whom by the way, were able to answer the question of naming more than 2 black designers, most of them were from the fashion days when supermodel Iman reigned supreme and Naomi Campbell’s name barely left anyone’s lips without an inquisitive “who?” followed afterwards.  They echoed the same sentiments that this is a battle that has been waging on for generations! One even stated that she expected 7^th avenue (Fashion Avenue) to have at least 1 or 2 black-owned clothing stores open by now but she is still currently waiting to hear the news.  This led me to ask the profound question of the night (I’m not exaggerating. I literally heard “ooohhhh….good one!” all over the room lol): “Why aren't black designers, or designers of color in general, not highly recognized as their counterparts? Is it because of the lack of coverage from the media, the lack of support from their communities or the lack of passion & commitment from the designers themselves?”

This question not only stirred a whole new discussion but it also sparked an idea in me! Especially when one of the panelists, fashion Blogger Joy Adaeze, responded that most of her clothes she post are from black designers, more specifically, African designers. I thought “Why don’t I start a blog focused on black designers and creating that publicity they need!?” We can’t deny that social media is becoming our main way of communicating with one another and creating exposure for brands, ideas, services and products. So why not take advantage? At first I was hesitant because it felt like just another fashion blog in the mix of all the other fashion blogs out there. I didn't want to get lost in the sauce! But I realize that there are so many duplicates out in the world, for example the concept of burger and fries, that I figured there is room for one more blog! Besides, I aim and will strive to make mine stand out from the rest especially since I am shining a light on a particular niche that needs to be exposed. Thus, Blak Labels is born!

Donna Dove's collection

After the discussion they opened the exhibit to the audience for about 30 minutes and I took several pictures. My favorites were Byron Lars, Donna Dove (her designs were made out of shirts!), LaQuan Smith (Duh!), Tracey Reese (another duh!) and Samantha Black. I posted a few of the pictures for your viewing pleasure! The exhibition, which is free by the way, is available for viewing until April 26^th so make sure to stop by Pratt Manhattan Gallery (144 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011) before it’s over! 

Donna Dove's collection

Byron Lars' collection

Byron Lars' collection

Tracy Reese's collection

Omar Salam collection

Jeffery Banks' collection

Stephen Burrows' collection

Michael Jerome Francis' collection

Samantha Black's collection

Epperson's collection