Fashion bombshell of the week goes to Chelsea from New York. You can few more photos of her style on her Instagram account @chelseaalanaa
Chelsea is a fashion influencer from New York. She writes, “I would describe my style as ‘Everyday Chic’. Living in New York plans change everyday. You could be going to work thinking you are going to be meeting up with your friends at a local hotel bar for a drink and some appetizers and end up going to some ‘exclusive’ celebrity filled debut or release party. So when I get dress, I’m literally planning for anything. “
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Today’s feature goes to Philadelphia designer Saudia Islam of JBD Apparel, a luxury knitwear brand that is taking a creative, modern approach to a traditional concept. Islam adds, “We are black owned and proud of it as well!”
We first learned about JBD Apparel when Kim Kardashian sashayed down our timeline in the brand’s bomb crop top and matching skirt. When asked about how JBD Apparel got on one of the world’s biggest influencers, Islam shared, “Kim actually placed an order! Someone from the Yeezy team reached out to me to place a custom order on Kim’s behalf. I was so shocked. They said that they came across my page on Instagram, so social media can truly be a blessing! “
Yes it can! Islam actually got her start in fashion under the tutelage of her mother, Renee Hill of Harx 4, whom some of you might recognize from the most recent Season of Project Runway.
Islam says, “ My mother has been in the fashion industry since before I was born. I have always found it helpful to go to her for advice when it comes to partnerships, contracts or releasing a collection because she’s so knowledgeable and has my best interest at heart. “
She adds, “I did not always know I wanted to work in fashion. Up until the start of JBD Apparel, previously known as Jolie by Dia, I did not know I wanted to be in fashion at all! I decided that fashion was the career for me because I realized that I enjoyed working on my brand. I enjoyed taking time off from my 9-5 to get stuff done for my business. It excites me. It’s something that I look forward to accomplishing on a daily basis!”
Her advice to designers? “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is that you will not be able to please everyone. Do not compromise on your prices, the cost of your labor or your creative expression in order to please someone. I always say, “If it’s not one customer, it’s the next!”. Meaning, if the one person is not interested in buying or you didn’t make that one sale that you were hoping for, there’s always gonna be someone else or the next sale to look forward to! You are worth being compensated for your time, your skill, your abilities and your creativity. Do not compromise, period.”
She adds, “Really take advantage of social media. Social media is EVERYWHERE and there are so many resources that are available to small businesses. So many I did not know of before. So look into it for sure! “
In closing, she writes, “Working with Fashion Bomb Daily has been a HUGE blessing for me because it is such a great platform for someone like myself who is the owner of a small business and is also a black woman. It feels good to be recognized on such an official level. It has already taken my business to a new height, as well as introduced my brand to many other black clients which is something that I am extremely welcoming of and thankful for.” We’re happy to do it!
With all that’s going on in the world it’s hard to turn the other cheek to systematic disadvantages for black people in America, and the fashion industry is no different.
Jason Bolden (stylist to Tariji P Henson, Yara Shahidi, Stormi Reid, Ava Duvernay and more) recently spoke out against french luxury fashion house Celine after they expressed how they stand against all forms of racism. He responded under their post saying, “Wait really, you guys don’t dress any black celebs unless they have a white stylist”. He also provided an exclusive statement to Fashion Bomb Daily, typing, “They used this moment to just save themselves. My rage is more about that! They don’t care about people/cause! They are part of the problem”
We wanted to hear more from stylists, designers and models on how they feel about how the fashion industry is responding to the black lives matter movement and what could be done to improve the current climate.
Law Roach, who has styled Tiffany Haddish, Zendaya, Celine Dion and more, wrote, “The fashion business is no different than any other business in America. It wasn’t built for US to win!”
photo by: Justin Bettman
Jeremy Haynes who has styled Kandi, Toya Johnson, Monica and so many more says, “Our culture has come along way to be recognized in the fashion world. If you are black and have that platform in the industry , open the door for more of your people to shine”
Zadrian Smith spoke about his internal struggle and what he will do moving forward to change the narrative: “As a stylist, working in the fashion industry has not been easy. Often, I’ve remained silent, when I should’ve spoken out, fearing I might lose a job or client. It’s a constant battle of trying to co-exist in rooms and spaces where there’s not a lot of people that look like you. So, you don’t want to be the one to cause a fuss. However, those days are now gone! Moving forward, when I see injustice, I will challenge the status quo to do and be better. What I am personally vowing to do is utilise both my knowledge and resources to service those in marginalised communities so that they can aspire to greatness!“
Kollin Carter, stylist to Cardi B, Normani, and Sofia Richie offers, “I want fashion houses to realize that inclusion based solely on your profit of a dollar or your fear of being viewed as racist is not inclusion at all, it’s corruption”
Sergio Hudson who has designed ensembles worn by Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Tracee Ellis Ross, Queen Latifah and so many more says, “Mindsets have to change. There is more than just a lack of inclusion in our industry, but also the deep need for us to truly support our black brands.”
Lastly, stylist Scottie Louie wants black people in the industry to be used for more than just inspiration. He wrote, “Take our work off your mood boards and put us on your sets”.
Despite the odds stacked against them, these industry leaders have managed to knock down doors not intended for them to walk through and provide inspiration for those to follow.
@Zimmermann (Australian brand worn by celebs such as Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Kelly Rowland, and more) was called by out by former intern Vanessa Ahal who replied to the Australian brand’s #blacklivesmatter support post on Instagram to tell her experience of “micro aggressions towards black people” during her time there.
Ahal writes, “I personally experienced micro aggression towards black people…Promising me a job just so I could bust balls doing another girls job after she quit to then tell me (after I noticed they were only interviewing white people and a few Asians) that they were not actually considering me for the job. The few mistakes I did make long the way were severely scrutinized while other white workers made the same mistakes all of the time.” Read more below:
Zimmermann did not comment publicly, though they did message Vanessa, welcoming her to discuss her internship experience with them directly:
Courtesy @VanessaAhal
She called their response “bullish*t.” Read her full response to them below:
Ahal respectfully asked for them to issue a public statement, which they have not. They have, however, left up their original, “Desmond Tutu,” quote, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Another brand under fire? Hatmaker Eugenia Kim, whose luxurious hats have decorated the crowns of women like Beyonce, Monica, and yours truly!
Eugenia Kim released a statement, saying, “Eugenia Kim stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We stand in solidarity with the members of our staff, our partners, our customers, and those risking their lives each and every day against acts of brutality and hate.” Read more below:
Former Eugenia Kim employees Tony Liu and Lindsey Schuyler of the website @Diet_Prada called Kim out for past aggressive actions towards BIPOC staff (Black, indigenous, people of color), writing, “[She] told staff that a Black Sales Assistant couldn’t afford nice things because she was a single black mom, instructed design and production team to mock an immigrant Chinese factory owner’s accent so he would ‘understand better,’” etc. Read more below:
Responses under Eugenia Kim’s post are similarly littered with comments from disgruntled past employees who indicate that something in the milk isn’t quite clean chez Kim.
It seems that these brands (amongst many) are talking the talk, but not walking the walk. While they say they value people of color, they are not actually implementing colorblind, non discriminatory practices behind the scenes.
So what now?
Zimmermann and Eugenia Kim are both brands we love and have supported heavily in the past:
Beyonce in ZimmermannMonica in Eugenia KimKelly Rowland in Zimmermann
Now that these brands have been exposed, will you continue to purchase their products?
After majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Business Marketing at Marymount University, Isha worked at a bridal boutique called Elegance by Roya, where she worked as a Bridal Consultant to help brides find their dream wedding gowns. Inspired by her sister, Sai Sankoh, Isha eventually decided to step out on her own, creating a brand she says, “is the epitome of street style.”
She writes, “[A]lthough I love glamorous red carpet looks, the true core of me loves street style, mostly due to the blogger era with bloggers like Scott Schuman who runs The Sartorialist. I used to scroll through photos on his site, admiring impeccably dressed strangers on the streets of Paris, Milan, London, New York and so forth. That street style edge is the driving point behind Madam Mystique, street style is eclectic, fresh, daring, unexpected, and fun, everything that represents Madam Mystique. “
With Madam Mystique, you can find a range of pieces, from animal printed bodysuits to slouchy leather pants to polka dotted sets and dresses, all at an affordable price point.
What makes Madam Mystique distinct is Isha’s elevated point of view. Isha offers, “[It’s important to] find new ways to be unique and stand out. The fashion industry is a competitive industry that is constantly growing, and in order to stay in the game you have to be bold. Since styling is in my background, I style pieces in a unique way to grab people’s attention.”
In closing, she writes, “I hope that women are able to express confidence and evoke their personal style with the great essential pieces that Madam Mystique has to offer. In the words of Edith Head, “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.”
Fashion Brands Pyer Moss, Fear of GOD, Just Don, Off White, Melody Ehsani, and more have collaborated on a limited edition George Floyd t-shirt.
The front of the black and white tees simply have George Floyd’s initials ‘GF,’ while the backs are emblazoned with the names of participating brands, many of which are helmed by people of color.
The limited edition tees go on sale tomorrow at 12pm EST at FearofGod.com.
Sale proceeds will go directly to George Floyd’s family.
On May 22nd Anifa Mvuemba a Congolese woman from Baltimore, Maryland live streamed a 3D virtual fashion show that showcased her collection #PinkLabelCongo (read our report here). The fashion creative planned the groundbreaking digital show before the corona virus pandemic.
A spokesperson for Hanifa says, “Hanifa has no comments at this time other than focusing on how Hanifa will continue to support our community.” They also stated “for those who are asking-“we are working with an amazing lawyer to protect the brand legally.”
What are your thoughts ?
*A few hours after this post published, Forbes updated their article to include Hanifa’s show:
It’s a new day, Bombers and Bombshells. Designers of color will no longer quietly be written out of the discourse.
With Black Lives Matter movement, the world’s gaze is now cast onto black owned businesses and how they can support. We at Fashion Bomb Daily have been champions for this cause for years, and even created a marketplace for Black Designers, FashionBombDailyShop.com.
The Newark, New Jersey native and Atlanta resident got her start because she would always get clothes made–until her garment designer encouraged her to learn how to sew herself! She said, ” I’ve always loved putting looks together and sketching ideas for others designers to make for me personally. So all it took was for 1 woman to believe in me and teach me how to sew. Once I made my first garment it became an addiction and I found purpose in it.”
” I was more focused on what my family wanted for me which was to get a degree and work in corporate America. So I pushed the idea [aside] until she said she wouldn’t make my pieces any more and would teach me to sew. So once I started, I pretty much never stopped. That was now 6 years ago!”
She continues, “S. Denton Collection is every woman. It’s a lifestyle. S. Denton Collection is empowering fun flirty & sparkly yet sexy for woman of all shapes, sizes, and colors.”
Fittingly, the first celebrity client who ever wore S. Denton collection was Erica Mena. But, she said, “It wasn’t until I reached out to Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily that I felt the celeb roller coaster took off. Once she wore my sequin suit the brand just soared!”
She offers, “Investing in marketing for your brand is very important. It goes beyond social media. I had to learn the importance of my email list versus just posting pictures via social media. If social media crashed today, how would I keep my brand afloat? Cross promotion and product placement are important. The right people or placement can help your brand.”
For those looking to become a fashion designer, she says, “I’ve learned that in running a fashion brand you must focus on perfecting your craft at all times. Focus on what you do and stay true to your lane. Research and learn all you can. You will always be learning in fashion as trends change everyday. Don’t ever get caught up in what others are doing. As long as you stay true to your passion and do the work you have the ability to take your brand far. Trust your process.”
She concludes, “I plan to take S. Denton Collection far. I look forward to working to get the brand placed into major name department stores so that consumers can physically touch, feel, and buy the garments. I see Vogue and big name magazine collaborations. I plan to franchise and become a a whole lifestyle brand. I’m talking house hold items pillows, curtains, shower curtains, etc..” We can’t wait to see!
She adds, “To any entrepreneur out there: Whatever you are doing, be in it 100%! It will challenge you and you must be strong and passionate. Giving up should never be the solution when things don’t go right (trust me they will go wrong). But learn from those mistakes and push forward!”
Looking to turn last season’s outfits into extra cash? Or have you been dying to launch your own fashion line but don’t know where to start? If you’re looking to start selling clothes, shoes or jewelry online, there are lots of apps and tools to help you do so and start making money now.
Make an Etsy Store
One of the most popular ways to sell online is through Etsy. The site has a built-in community, so you’ll be able to get in front of millions of eyeballs easily. Etsy specializes in vintage and handmade goods, so it’s a popular choice for anyone looking to create their own store or brand.
You can easily create a store for yourself on Etsy instead of spending the time and money building or hosting your own shopping site, or using more expensive platforms like Shopify. If you’re looking to launch a business, you can create a custom store name and upload your own logo.
You can even make your Etsy page more professional by using custom packaging when sending out your orders — check it out here. Etsy is a relatively affordable platform for sellers, too: they charge a 3.5% transaction fee and a 3% payment processing fee.
List Items on Poshmark
If you’re not interested in launching your own online business but just want to offload some items from your closet, a site like Poshmark might be the way to go.
It’s incredibly easy to sell on Poshmark. You can upload a few items from your closet, create your own price for each item you want to sell, and Poshmark will send you a prepaid shipping label after it’s purchased so you can ship it out to the buyer for no additional costs.
A lot of fashionistas use Poshmark to sell designer goods, so it might be hard to make your items stand out. Be sure to take inciting product photos, and list multiple items at once so people can get an idea of your style and follow your store.
Put One of a Kind Pieces on eBay
While eBay isn’t exactly an unknown site these days, it can be beneficial for anyone looking to sell designer or limited edition items.
The key to success for selling on an online bidding site is by listing items that you can’t get anywhere else: an H&M dress might not stir much excitement amongst shoppers, but a dress from an H&M capsule collection with Stella McCartney or Balmain will do much better. The more rare an item in your closet is, the more likely you’ll have success selling it on eBay.
Download the ThredUP App
One of the newer sites on the online selling scene is ThredUP. This site has a huge inventory of clothes and is easy to use, but will likely get you less profit. ThredUP takes up to 20% of the resale price of your item, thanks to how little work you’ll have to do to get your items listed.
Once you sign up for the service, you order a “clean out kit” (aka an empty bag) for you to fill with all your unwanted items. You ship it back to them for free and they’ll list the item, sell and ship it, and give you your earnings. The ease of use will make this a good option for anyone too busy to run their own shop, or looking to do a one-time major clean out, but it’s likely not the best option if you’re trying to sell your clothes and accessories on the regular.
Selling clothes online is easier than ever, and by using these websites and apps you can clean out your closet and make a tidy profit.
Fashion no doubt changes consistently and keeping up might prove a challenge for you. Even so, with a few wardrobe staples, you can effortlessly and inexpensively look fashionable and keep up with trends. One fashion trend that is currently popular is the street style. Its origins have been traced to British fashion culture.
The street style includes elements that differ and still intersect with mainstream fashion styles. The look is primarily focused on individualism rather than the outdoors. The current fashion market does not play such a significant role in it. To guarantee you can effortlessly put together a street style look, here are a few things to include in your shopping.
Silk Scarves
Whether it is a handkerchief-style or long skinny scarf, this acts as the accessory for your street style look. You can tie the scarf on your hair, around your neck or use it in place of bangles . The scarves thankfully take minimal space in your wardrobe and come in different colors that will match several outfits. You can also get scarves that will showcase your personality or match your work environment.
Monochromatic-Colored Base Clothing
In street style fashion, you should pick one solid color for your main clothing item and get matching neutrals for it. Do not deviate too far from the primary color when choosing your matching pieces since it might leave you with an outfit that looks too busy. Get the right monochromatic colors for dresses, trousers and shirts. With these, you can create a range of different street style looks without spending so much.
Mules
Footwear is still an essential element of street style fashion. For your wardrobe, include mules to match your look. These have a sleek and polished look that means they can be worn to the office and elegant functions and are still as comfortable as sneakers. The mules are backless meaning you need not worry about tying shoelaces now and again.
Oversized Shoulder Pad Jackets
The broad shoulder jacket was a staple of the 80s fashion but is fast making a comeback as part of the street style. The shoulders, in this case, will create an illusion of a tiny waist. An oversized shoulder pad jacket will work for your office wear, when running errands and even for a brunch meetup. You can pair it with boyfriend jeans, a slinky skirt or a pair of cigarette trousers.
Body Harness
This is a frisky clothing accessory that now makes a part of the street style fashion. It is an ideal choice when you want to tie your outfit together while still looking stylish. The body harness can be worn over a fitted shirt in neutral or bold colors. When stocking your wardrobe for a street style look, include chain, feather and leather harnesses to have a broad range of options for different looks.
Colored Lens Sunglasses
All things retro are now becoming quite fashionable. This is also true in interior articles for home décor with the currently trending wall art centred around historical subjects. For your street style look, stock up pink or pastel sunglasses. These are cute, feminine and edgy and will protect your eyes irrespective of the season while adding color to outfits.
Fluorescent Turtlenecks
Fluorescent is the most popular option for street style in winter. You can opt for green, pink or yellow for your turtleneck for a fresh and zesty addition to your look. The turtleneck works exceptionally well with the typical dark ensembles of winter fashion. This is primarily because it adds some color to look created by muted tones.
Multi-Belt Bags
Waist accessories have moved past the typical belts of yesteryears. To pull together an exceptional street style look, you can settle for multi-belt bags to clinch your waist while keeping all your items secured. You can style the bag by pairing it with jeans, a faux fur coat, dress or blazer. The multi-belt bag works well for those who want to look stylish while keeping their hand free.
Crossbody Bags
If you are not so intent on a multi-belt bag, accessorize your look with a short crossbody bag. This is a chest-wrapping handbag that will leave your hand free. It also negates the hassle of changing your tote from one shoulder to the other. Though smaller compared to typical handbags, crossbody bags can comfortably accommodate all essentials you need for your day.
The Street style fashion trend shows no signs of slowing down in popularity anytime soon. With the above pieces for your wardrobe, you are sure to rock this style in the best possible way.
