This season New York Fashion Week launched a collaboration with Black In Fashion Council X NYFW, featuring 16 emerging designers of colors consisting of apparel, footwear and accessories. The festivities kicked off on Valentine’s Day, the day of love, and I absolutely loved something that was in each collection! I had the opportunity to attend the presentation of 4 of these designers on the rise.
NICOLE BENEFIELD PORTFOLIO – Nicole Benefield is true to her craft! This seasoned designer has a background in fashion where she has in the past held the title of Design Director and is currently a professor at F.I.T. She decided to step out on faith last November and start her collection, Nicole Benefield Portfolio which is composed of amazing sustainable pieces. While interviewing the designer she shared that each piece works back to one another and that she designs with intent, it has to make sense. She gets her inspiration from herself. Once an idea and concepts hits her she immediately sketches and envisions herself in it.
One of the pieces that stood out to me was a pair of pants that was a solid pattern up top and then the legs became shear as they flowed to the bottom. I immediately said that I would take these pants into the fall and pair them with leggings underneath. Her collection is meant to be worn all year round. We are both fans of having a transitional wardrobe. Benefield’s collections consistent of neutral shades with a burst of burnt orange as well as few prints . The silhouettes were utilitarian yet feminine. There was a live model who wore an amazing ruched item that can be worn as a dress or jacket. The piece was topped off with a gorgeous leather belt bag that was super versatile with large pockets on each side. I thoroughly enjoyed her spirit behind her designs. Check out more of our conversation about her collection in our interview below.
BEADS BYAREE – Areeayl Goodwin is the designer extraordinaire of her eclectic jewelry designs, Beads Byaree. While briefly chatting with her about her pieces she described them as being somewhat light weight contrary to what you see. The large earrings are hollow so that makes for easier wear. Chandelier type styled earrings to overly embellished shells styles as well an array other bold stand out pieces are a part of her jewelry collection.
This self taught jewelry designer, has had her earrings donned by celebrities such as Tracee Ellis Ross which was featured on the cover of Elle Magazine. Goodwin has an amazing imagination to come up with such unusual conversation pieces. She is pushing the envelope and forces you too as well to think outside of the box when it comes to “statement jewelry”. Looking forward to what she dreams up for nest season’s collection!
MARRISA WILSON NEW YORK – To Be Black and Female, is the theme of the aspiring designer, Marrisa Wilson for her New Fashion Week FW21 debut. It is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, dealing with social injustices that has plagued the black communities from the Renaissance period until modern day. This is her story interpreted through her designs.
To be black in America is to always deal with that two-ness— “two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” And to be a Black woman is to deal with a certain triple-consciousness— a constant monitoring of our existence that informs how we navigate our lives.
This was the first room that I popped into at the Black in Fashion Council’s X NYFW curated event. The bold colors and patterns immediately jumped out at me. As black females we can be expressive and colorful and that was my take of the line. It invoked strength at the same time showed a soft feminine side. I appreciated the different textures and tones of the silhouettes from the multicolored wrapped jackets made of velvet, to the two-toned pieces going back to the “two-ness” that was spoken about us having to put forth. My favorite was a sleek black jumpsuit that could be worn casual or dressy. I am all about versatility in my wardrobe, and Wilson’s collection was filled with a variety of items for all!
THIRD CROWN – This husband and wife design duo, Kristin and Kofi Essel have created a strong, bold and beautiful jewelry collection, Third Crown. Their architectural pieces speak volumes. Catering to males and females, this gender neutral assortment offers items made from gold and silver plated brass that is crafted into masterful designs.
They offer statement pieces for those of us who want to be the center of conversation when you walk into a room, as well as understated items for those who like a more subtle look. Jewelry is timeless and very personal. Whichever direction you decide to go in when selecting their pieces, you will not be disappointed.
Kudos to the Black in Fashion Council for creating a space at New York Fashion Week focusing on black designers! Finally our voices are being heard and strides in the right direction for inclusion within the world of fashion are being made.
Blogged by Dawn Holloway
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