What Are You Doing For FashionWeek?

As a fashion designer, I am asked "What are you doing for fashion week?" dozens of times in the days leading up to Fashion Week. But the truth of the matter is, this week is not as fashion-y as it could be. Sure, I cavorted around Manhattan last Thursday for Fashion's Night Out - the opening day of fashion week. But it's been decidedly low-key for the BlackFashionDude. Years ago, I was front and center at Bryant Park parading my models on the sidewalk outside the tents in an effort to elicit attention from passersby, as well as the fashion press and fashion's elite. And they definitely took notice. But it wasn't the kind of publicity that was bankable. So that's why I had to change my strategy. I've written more about Market Week recently. It begins next week and store buyers from all over the country, perhaps the world, will be visiting my fair city to look at collections and, hopefully, place orders. After all, this fashion endeavor is not only about indulging in my passion to create beautiful clothes; I also need to get PAID. And then at some point in the near future, I will be able to give the plantation my walking papers. But I am not so focused that I have forgone my need to delight in a little fashion frippery and frivolity during this week. So on Monday evening, I went to a show hosted by Hauteaholics Anonymous. Not too long ago I'd read about this organization that sponsors a runway show each season featuring the work of emerging fashion designers. I was curious to see what it was all about. Because if the show brought in all the "important" destiny-changing fashion figures, I would need to sign up asap. Unfortunately, it did not, but it was loads of fun. And I got to see more work from Erna Leon who also participated in the Supima Cotton Runway Challenge I did last summer.

Tomorrow night I will be in the crowd at BoConcept furniture store which is hosting a runway presentation. Vaughn Jereaux, the young man I've mentored over the past 9 years, will be showing his collection of frocks. It is the final day of fashion week. For me, the real challenge awaits next week.

Peace & Fashion!

Take Two and Call Me In The Morning

I am weary. I have not had time to notice that summer's end is fast approaching because my spirit and my mind and most of my energy is so focused on the development and evolution of Wilbur, my new line of cocktail dresses. How are we going to find the perfect sales professional before it's too late? It has to be someone who can fully grasp our aesthetic and commit wholly to our vision of bringing a fresh approach to cocktail dressing? Patience is a virtue, but it is truly overrated.

Earlier this week my friend Donelle referred a mutual acquaintance to me for the position. "Why not ask her? Although her background is merchandise buying for young contemporary and plus sizes, she's been out of work for nearly a year. It's worth a try." It seemed an intelligent and knowing recommendation. So I went for the gusto. But in the back of my mind, I didn't think it would work out. Lisa F. has never been supportive when I've reached out to her in the past. And in fact, she's ignored my requests when I would ask for potential introductions to people that she knew. Not returning phone calls in a timely manner is her standard approach to me. So when she did it this time, it really came as no surprise. Yet, I still find it tired and rude. Oh well! On to the next.

Today I received an email from the manager of the furniture store that had met with me last week. He was interested in organizing a cross-promotional event at the space that would feature emerging fashion designers and visual artists. But the company heads decided to take a different approach. Because they want to maximize press coverage, they have decided to stage a runway presentation featuring already established high-end designers. Although I completely understand their decision, it still stinks. Established designers already have plenty of clout in the marketplace. It's us little guys that could really benefit from this kind of exposure. Could someone throw me a bone please?! Apparently the event planner that the manager was originally working with was scrapped and replaced with a fashion public relations firm who is connected to A-list apparel companies. These A-list apparel companies are even getting paid to participate. From the first meeting, it was made clear to me and the other potential participants that we would have to pay for our own models, make-up artists, and hairstylists out of pocket. Although the A-list designers have the financing to pay for their own, us emerging designers who barely have two pennies to rub together have to scrape together our coins to make it happen. How ironic.

Today I took a break from the grind and took Vaughn, the young man I mentor, to see the Model As Muse exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Isabel Toledo exhibit at the Museum at F.I.T. Seeing these 2 exhibits was the revitalizing elixir we needed to keep us marching forward toward our goals. We became excited, gleeful even, as we examined the awe-inducing work of Isabel Toledo. Her creativity knows no bounds. Her skills with fabric manipulation and draping and technique are just jaw-dropping. Our eyes danced with delight as we entered the exhibition space. Isabel Toledo's husband, Ruben, created whimsical watercolor illustrations that hung above our heads and we were transported to a fashion candyland. This feast was nourishment for the soul and exactly what the doctor ordered.

Peace & Fashion!

Isabel Toledo: Fashion From the Inside Out

Posted to New York Magazine by jgreen on June 16, 2009

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Valentino In The Movies

In the midst of a hectic schedule packed with model fittings and meetings with dressmakers, I somehow found the time to get to the cinema to see Valentino: The Last Emperor. I thought it would be an important film to watch if only just to witness the artistry of celebrated couturier Valentino Garavani. And I had Vaughn, whom I have mentored over 10 years now, join me. For fashion enthusiasts and designers alike this is a must see movie. It documents the planning of the legend's 45th year anniversay celebration as a fashion designer and his last 2 years in business before his retirement. The audience is given carte blanche access to Valentino's many homes, backstage at his runway spectacles, and his workrooms where his seamstresses work painstakingly by hand on gowns that will sell for several thousands of dollars. The movie is a cross between Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Project Runway. Vaughn and I were enthralled by it all, but mostly we could identify with Valentino when he remarked that fashion is his life and he could not have imagined himself in any other career. Fashion is the air we breathe and the food we eat and the language we speak. I can only hope to have an illustrious career like his that spans several decades.

Peace & Fashion!

A Full Circle Moment

Several years ago, about 8 or 9, I learned about a program called Principal For A Day. An initiative created by a non-profit organization named PENCIL, Principal For A Day matches New York business leaders with the principals of area high schools to experience first-hand the accomplishments of and challenges facing the city's public schools. The goal of the event is for participants to translate their one-day experiences into long-term relationships that enhance the learning environments at their schools and support student achievement. It was important for me to give back and I thought that sharing some of what I learned could benefit many other kids who were interested in pursuing careers in fashion. So I signed on. I was placed at William H. Maxwell Vocational High School in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn where I met a student named Vaughn. He was considered the star designer of the class garnering the accolades of his classmates and praise of his teachers. However, Vaughn had become a father at the early age of 16 causing some of the school administration to wonder if he would be reduced to nothing more than just another sad statistic. But he was eager to learn and sought out my guidance. So I took Vaughn under my wing. And armed with determination and talent, he has flourished. Vaughn has shown his collection during Harlem Week, a month long festival celebrating Harlem, New York. He was accepted into and has graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). His work has been featured in local newspapers. And he has completed and won entrepreneurial competitions sponsored by former NBA star Allan Houston and music & fashion mogul Russell Simmons. And he says it began with me. This past Monday, Vaughn took a trip back to his alma mater, William H. Maxwell, and he asked me to join him. His inspiring message to the class was making your passion your career. It was a little like deja vu. But it really was a full circle moment.

Peace & Fashion!