Papa's Got A Brand New Bag



Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman



I never really know where the wind is going to take me.  My business partners and I have revised our business plan on a number of occasions to reflect each new course we've taken.   As a small business owner, flexibility is essential.  My belief is when you're on a path that is not getting the results you want, it's time to change direction.   I've designed every kind of women's fashion you can imagine because I am looking for that place in the industry where I am most fulfilled both creatively and monetarily.

Last year when I launched my collection for plus size women, I decided to create my own handbags to accessorize my dresses.  I had no intention of ever selling the bags.  I was just trying to create a head-to-toe look that told the story of my imaginary muse who had traveled the world.  But I got such an overwhelming response from women asking about the bags that I've decided to pursue getting them into retail outlets.  They will, in all likelihood, sell for less than the dresses retailing at $95 to $250.  The styles have fun names like "Shop 'Til You Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman".  And I think they will appeal to women from age 18 to 80.  It's been gratifying sewing these bags myself.  I just hope that retailers far and wide will be taken with my fun, tongue-in-chic aesthetic.

Peace & Fashion!

The BIG Reveal

Poster for "Sparkle"

Over the last few weeks, I have been writing about the amazing opportunity that I've been given to design a look for a legendary entertainer/actress/singer.  She is staging a comeback of sorts since being absent from the public eye for a few years.  She caught my eye as a little boy of 9 when I saw her on the silver screen playing a beautiful and sexy, yet tragic character in an all girl singing group.  That film was Sparkle and the actress whose beauty hypnotized me was Lonette McKee.

Lonette McKee in "Sparkle" mesmerizes

Gregory Hines & Lonette McKee in "The Cotton Club"

I've followed Lonette's career since then watching her stellar performances in the Oprah Winfrey produced television miniseries The Women Of Brewster Place, Spike Lee's Jungle Fever, Alex Haley's Queen television miniseries where she co-starred with Halle Berry, and in the Francis Ford Coppola directed The Cotton Club among many others.  So I am honored to now become a part of her history as she takes her rightful place in the spotlight again at The Algonquin Hotel for what is sure to be a fantastic evening.  Performances in the Oak Room begin April 5 and run through April 30.  There you will witness this very down-to-earth woman belt out some classic songs and command the room like the seasoned showbiz veteran that she is while you get a very good look at my creation.  It's an event you really should NOT miss.

Peace & Fashion!

How Do I Look?

Each morning I try to read an inspirational passage from the Daily Word. My mother started reading them to my brother and me as kids and now before I brush my teeth, sometimes after, I will pick it up and take a moment for pause. It helps me to start my day on the right note. Today's passage was about beauty, it's passing quality, and staying connected to a higher power so that you do not base your worth on something that is bound to fade. And it's all quite paradoxical for those of us who find ourselves in the business of beauty. After all, advertising and media would have us believe that if we don't wear the right make up, dress the right way, or weigh a certain amount then we are all destined to be unhappy losers. But I try to put out a different message. Beauty really is an attribute that should emanate from within. And my dresses should be a way to express your inner beauty. I am not here to make anyone believe that if they slip into one of my dresses it will magically transform you from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan - contrary to what those makeover shows teach you. Really, you've got to have confidence and be lovely on the inside to pull it all off. Because if you don't, it doesn't matter how stunning you are on the outside. You will soon be found out. And everyone will see you for what you really are - ugly to the bone.

Peace & Fashion!

All That I Can Say

Although times have been a bit challenging lately, I am still pushing it forward. On Wednesday afternoon, I visited the Museum at F.I.T. where I perused the American Beauty exhibit. I was moved by the awe-inspiring majesty of great designers like Charles James who "built" gowns that could literally stand on their own to Ralph Rucci whose aesthetic and technical skills are so developed that I consider him a design genius. What these craftsmen and women have achieved with fabric is just beyond my realm of understanding. And their contributions to the fashion industry motivate me to do better. I've been sketching the collection for Spring 2011 which is influenced by the trench coat. I feel like I have a winner on my hands. I'm just saying!

I previously stated that the collection would be photographed on February 13 come hell or high water, but life has a way of making me eat my words when I become too assured. The good news is that my team and I have finalized the day for the shoot and it will take place on Saturday, March 6. I am glad that is out the way. And next week we will begin looking for the two models who will bring the dresses to life and strike a pose before the camera. I'm expecting nothing but great things in the coming weeks because I think I've filled my quota for fashion drama for the month of January. And that is all I can say for now.

Peace & Fashion!

The Storm Before The Calm

Yesterday here in New York we were faced with a raging wind and rain storm. Trees toppled and residents in some parts of the city were even left powerless. A quick glance would suggest that, at this moment, my odyssey is like yesterday's rainstorm - raging out of control. But I know that this is only the storm before the calm.

This Friday past, I had to terminate the photographer I was slated to work with on the shoot for my fall line Fine & Dandy. We never really got along from the time we met a few years ago. But I thought that since some time had passed, perhaps we both would be able to forge a new, more amiable path. I was sadly mistaken. Devaughn and I are still like oil & water. But it was his unprofessional attitude when he announced that he had to work on the day of the shoot and instructed me to reschedule the date that really rankled me. I was incensed. When I explained that I had already secured the space and retained a portion of the glam squad for that day (not to mention that he was being paid for his services as well), he informed me that I was asking him to choose between his job and this job. Explosive text messages were volleyed back and forth culminating in a quick swipe of the delete button erasing him from my life for good. Although I have been lucky enough to call on my longtime photographer, Eric Hason, we are in the throes of finalizing the date since he too is unavailable for February 13. Increasing my anxiety, yesterday I got word from Minkie, my handbag artisan, that her circumstances have also changed and she may not be able to have the bags completed by deadline. When it rains it pours. And I am still counting every penny so that I can pay George, my tailor, for the remainder of my pieces. But I know that these are only temporary situations. I am sure that whenever the photo shoot happens, it will go off without a hitch and the pictures will be gorgeous. The handbags will be fabulous! And somehow I will find a way to pay George. I've got to trust the path that I have chosen. It can be unnerving, but in every life a little rain must fall.

Peace & Fashion!

Wait

Sunday night I went out dancing with friends. And I had a ball shaking my money maker to some of my favorite 70s R-n-B classics. But I just couldn't miss the Golden Globes, so I asked my mother to DVR it for me. Thank God for her! Early Monday morning I watched all the nail-biting drama unfold before I could be bombarded with images and news online. I'm crazy about the movies and I am always interested to see if my faves for the year are in line with the award voters. And since I LOVE the whole idea of glamour, I have my eyes glued to the red carpet. Although this is football season, cheering for my favorite couture clad actresses teetering on sky high stilettos is my preferred kind of spectator sport. And even with the soggy-from-the-rain red carpet, the ladies did not disappoint. A couple of my favorites included Jane Krakowski in an amethyst one shouldered number by J. Mendel and Halle Berry who was a knockout in her sexy, black form-fitting Kaufman Franco gown. Of course the actress I was waiting to see was first-time nominee Gabourey Sidibe. Since I have designs on her, professionally speaking of course, I was interested to see what direction she and her stylist had gone in. And I was pleased with the results. A jewel tone (emerald) is great for her dark skin tone and the Empire silhouette is perfect for her body type. But I think she would have really sparkled in one of my creations. I'm just saying! But I wait and hope that I will be able to clothe her for one of her future soon-to-happen red carpet appearances.

In the meantime, my fit model, my sister, and I got caught up in our own glamour moment when we glided into the New York Times event space on 41st street for the Supima Cotton Runway spectacle. Although I was not among the chosen finalists to show this time around, the powers that be were gracious enough to extend an invitation to yours truly, a previous participant from 2008. Although I've been mistaken for being quite reserved and modest (LOL!), I decided to make a splash for this event and have Ila wear one of the looks from my upcoming Fall 2010 line. She was quite an eye catcher even in the elbow-to-elbow sea of fashionistas. So much so that she caught the attention of a camera crew that immediately began to interview the two of us. Once I become aware of when & where that interview will be broadcast, I will share it with all of you. Coco Rocha, the mannequin of the moment and one of my sister-in-law's favorite models, announced the winners after a breathtaking runway spectacle. I definitely agreed with the judge's pick for Best In Show - Gina De Silva. Her work was impeccable and her aesthetic is sublime. Glamour was in full effect in each of her designs. Afterwards, my companions turned back into pumpkins as they doffed their Wilbur creations and slipped out of their pumps. It was back to reality as my sister and I made our way home to Queens and Ila caught the subway uptown. Now my wait to hear whether or not Gabourey will wear me continues.

Peace & Fashion!