I’ve been a busy bee lately, flying hither and thither to host fashion shows and tea talks!
Last week, I was invited to host St. John’s University’s Dimensions: Fashion, Art, and Identity Show featuring designs by up and comers Staci Sherri, Candace Cooper, and Yaw Boateng:
Flanked by my wonderful co-shot, Kevin D Thompson (pictured with the Soulful stance, at the bottom), and welcomed by the executive board, President Joy Copeland, Vice President Brittany Spell, Secretary Delanique Millwood, and Treasurer Dante Johnson, the night was filled with fashion, art, shopping, and interviews.
While we focus on the big name designers on FBD, I love looking at the younger designers to see potential–the late, great Alexander McQueen was discovered at a student fashion show! Take a closer look at who showed.
Staci Sherri (StaciSherri.com; @StaciSherri):
International Academy of Design and Technology graduate Staci Sherri presented two collections that evening: Dream Catcher and Mental Seduction.
Using cotton, spandex, and velvet, Staci offered form fitting mini dresses and jumpsuits for the bold girl on the go.
With cut outs and high hems, the Staci Sherri woman certainly sizzles!
Candace Cooper (@Can_De__)
In our interview after her collection, Candace Cooper (pictured above) cited red carpet creator Michael Costello as one of her greatest inspirations. No wonder: her seductive, floor sweeping gowns could easily be imagined on any lithe Hollywood starlet.
Her dream client? Beyonce. I could definitely see Mrs. Carter slipping on any of these ethereal dresses for an awards show.
Yaw Boateng (@SwiftlyJustify)
At 22-years-old, Yaw Boateng has only been designing for a little over a year. I couldn’t tell–his tailored creations could have been fashioned by someone significantly more seasoned.
Her collection, titled Le Rever, was interpreted as a Midnight Dream. Black and white reigned supreme, along with touches of deep burgundy.
Though he listed Elie Saab as his main muse, I could see notions of Oscar de la Renta in Boateng’s perfectly prim skirts and gowns.
His fabulously embellished wedding gown and tuxedo closed the show with a bang.
It was definitely a fun show–I can’t wait to see what these young creatives churn out in the years to come!
If you see anything you like, be sure to stay apprised of their growth on the ‘gram: Find Staci Sherri @StaciSherri, Candace Cooper at @Can_de__ and Yaw Boateng at @SwiftlyJustify.
See anything you like?
*Many thanks to St. John University’s Fashion Club President Joy Copeland (@Joy.Tiffani) for the invitation:
And to Kevin D Thompson (@KevinDThompson) for being such a fun co-host!
**Since it was a student fashion show, I decided to wear a dress by new designer, Ife’s Closet (we wrote about them here):
I picked up on the colors in the dress with blue Jimmy Choo lace ups and a Bally Clutch!
What do you think?
***My next stop is LA this Sunday May 3rd, for a tea time conversation with Divas N Dolls.
Purchase tickets at TeaTimeDivasNDolls.EventBrite.Com
Images: Courtney Gurlie/XDPhotography by Xavier Duah
