Our Convos with Claire series ended in New York City with a bang! The annual celebration of fashion and style over brunch and empowering conversations had it’s final bow for 2018 in a brick exposed enclave in Manhattan’s Flatiron district.
Convos with Claire is an opportunity for those looking to break into fashion to hear wisdom and advice from those who have sustained long, successful careers in the industry. The event always welcomes an illustrious panel of guests, and our New York panel was nothing short of exceptional, as it featured former ad executive turned TV host and radio personality Bevy Smith, legendary stylist and fashion designer turned life coach, teacher, and Global Creative Partner of MCM Misa Hylton, and designer and furrier to the stars Duckie Confetti. The conversation focused not just on breaking in through interning and assisting, but also knowing your worth, how to get placement on celebs, and how to build a strong brand. Everyone on the panel has been able to reinvent themselves, shift, and pivot in an industry that is constantly evolving. Never resting on their laurels, they continue to dream bigger and climb higher, setting new goals for themselves once one ‘plateau’ is reached.
Attendees were eager to learn and to also find mentorship! One young fashion buyer was able to find a potential mentor from Nordstrom right in the room. Another aspiring designer was interested in getting her brand more exposure. Misa offered tips on getting in front of the right people (don’t be afraid to tag or DM your favorite stylist! Also, when the opportunity comes, be ready!), Claire added some sparkle with social media insight (take consistent photo shoots and update at least once a day). The young designer was able to showcase her paint splattered trenches to the room. Reporters from ABC, Essence, and Page Six TV were all in attendance, providing additional potential platforms for publicity.
The enrichment didn’t stop there! Hundreds of fashion obsessed shoppers stopped by vendor booths, which included Black Tag Apparel, Mess in a Bottle, Nroda Sunglasses, Red Eye Luxe, Boutte Rouge Boutique, Yvonne Jewnell, LaMonique Cosmetics, and Vanity Storm. Vendors for CWC have the opportunity to gain exposure on the ground with women and men who love to shop while guests are able to discover new brands they should know.
Guests came to slay (if you need an occasion to dress up, CWC never disappoints!). We have a theme for every event, and for New York we decided to go with a classic that has come around anew: Animal Print! Take a look:
Bombshells @BFFSport and @LaClosetDesign tag teamed in a leopard catsuit and mini dress.
Larissa Muehleder of Muehleder the Label repped for her brand, but added a twist with leopard pumps.
Stylist Mickey Freeman has the best shades ever! He stuck to the theme in a leopard print shirt and jacket, and reptilian gloves.
His muse @LeaRobinson looked edgy in a croc embossed black ensemble.
And friends @SherlyB and @Jenn_Moorer looked sassy with crop tops, skirts, and leopard accessories.
Bombshell @CarriePennie designed a Tony the Tiger inspired sweatshirt that she paired with a plaid skirt. Creative!
Fashion Bomb Volunteer @J.Scurlock always comes to slay and serve! He gave a bit of 70’s inspiration with a snake print top and fanny pack with pants equipped with a stripe down the side.
Blogger @Ashley_V_ uplifted a simple look with a statement leopard hat.
@RareBeauty_ was bomb in a leopard dress equipped with side and back cut outs.
And @AsToldbyAdri_ used the space’s telephone booth to kick up her over the knee boots rocking a leopard printed cardigan.
The best dressed attendee always wins a prize, and this year, the best dressed guest will get to attend a show with Claire during New York Fashion Week in February! Who do you think was best dressed? Leave a comment below!
Editor in Chief Claire Sulmers always uses the opportunity to wear a design by an up and coming brand! This year, she wore a custom leopard ensemble by Parsons alum and Harlem Fashion Week designer Yvonne Jewnell. Makeup by vendor La Monique Cosmetics and hair @ByBellaEvans completed her look.
After listening to the panel and shopping it up with vendors, guests were able to network over cocktails by Billionaires Row and light hors d’oeuvres by Chef Sam. Attendees come to learn, but stay to make meaningful connections with people in their industry who could one day become friends, colleagues, or business partners!
If you are interested in being a vendor or sponsor for 2019 (or if you want to bring CWC to your town) email bookclairesulmers@gmail.com for details! Book now for special rates!
Thank you to our MC Tamara Ivey, our red carpet correspondents Darnell Instaedge and Brian Lamont, our sponsors Rayar Jeans and Billionaires Row. Thank you to our vendors Black Tag Apparel, Mess in a Bottle, Nroda Sunglasses, Red Eye Luxe, Boutte Rouge Boutique, Yvonne Jewnell, LaMonique Cosmetics, and Vanity Storm, special guests, and DJ Just for Kicks. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, including Mecca Moore-Henson of Pynk Magazine, Steven Lamont, Kelley Carter, and our Volunteers @sandzp, @missasiamilia, @planet_reese, @j.scurlock, and @luvnaj.
*Find more images on Instagram @ConvoswithClaire, the hashtag #ConvoswithClaire and Facebook @ConvoswithClaire!
Images: Tylik Hill
