Bomb Designer You Should Know : Sai Sankoh Available on Fashion Bomb Daily Shop

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All this month, we are profiling bomb designers You Should Know from Fashion Bomb Daily Shop! Today’s feature goes to Sai Sankoh, the creator of fabulous printed dresses, kaftans, and coverups:

Sai Sankoh Off the Shoulder Floral Dress, $395

She writes, “I was born in Sierra Leone, and lived in London, Sweden, and Ghana briefly, till my move to the States 19 years ago. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University.”

Sai Sankoh Nawara Goddess Kaftan, $295

“…I started blogging on “Because I am Fabulous”, in 2011, about food, travel, lifestyle and of course fashion. I think that was the peak of blogging. I got to meet so many people, and create beautiful relationships and connections, and it just felt natural. As much time as I spent on it, I needed to monetize it, so a couple of years ago, my developers and I reinvented my blog, and created a fabulous aggregator now called Luxury Checkout (www.luxurycheckout.com). Its low maintenance and works on its own, which gave me the flexibility to pursue design. “

Sai Sankoh Missandei Green Printed Pants, $125

She continues, “A lot of my prints are inspired by where I am from, where I have lived, and my previous travel destinations. I have lived a colorful, glamorous and exciting jet setter lifestyle, and that translates in my designs. I love the Zen nature of Bali, the vibrancy of Ghana, and the extravagance of Dubai, and I try to blend all of those vibes into creating a print or a piece.”

Sai Sankoh Zemorah Gown, $2,795

She tells Fashion Bomb Daily, “Fashion has always been a passion of mine, even though, growing up I was a self proclaimed Tomboy, I always loved being unique and different. Getting dolled up is always a pleasure. I love beautiful gowns, well-tailored suits, and I always smile and feel at home when I’m surrounded by stunning garments. I love the art of it all, and that includes the process of design. Also, it was always the one avenue I could express myself, without feeling judged or uncomfortable.”

Sai Sankoh Algeria Shirt Dress, $195


In conclusion, she writes, “The Sai Sankoh brand is for the unapologetic woman who knows who she is, what she wants, and enjoys the finer things in life. She is fabulous and sexy, and won’t sacrifice her comfort.”

For designers, she offers, “Don’t give up, it’s not easy, if it was, everyone would be doing it. If you are passionate about something, do your best and the rest will follow. Stay Fabulous!!”

Sai Sankoh Kiara Cover Up, $250

Indeed. Shop Sai Sankoh’s full collection here.

Because you were kind enough to pay us a visit, use the code BOMB for free shipping on Sai Sankoh items.



Insecure Season 4 Episode 9 Lowkey Trying Fashion Credits: Yvonne Orji’s Max Mara Fall 2019 Runway Turquoise Jacket and Skirt + All Denim IRO Paris Look, Issa Rae’s Plaid Sheer Opening Ceremony Turtleneck, and More!

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In the midst of all this civil unrest along with revelations of innumerable past injustices that were not prosecuted (!) the only thing that somewhat keeps me sane is escaping, momentarily, into an episode of Insecure. Last night’s episode, directed by Kerry Washington, was excellent. The fashion has been on point all season, and last night was no different:

Issa finally reaches out to Molly and takes her out to brunch wearing a $123 Opening Ceremony Sheer Mesh Plaid Turtleneck:

Get yours at Zappos.

Molly looked fabulous in a full denim moment from Iro Paris’s Spring 2020 collection:

Get her shirt for $305 here and her boots on sale for $417 here. Or you can visit the amazing site and try national casino.

Earlier in the episode, Molly goes to see her psychiatrist in $635 Le Maire Cardigan, $435 Isabel Marant Izard pants, a $1,600 Brother Vellies Springbok purse and $400 Jacquemus boots:

Issa mobilized for her next project in a jacket by Haitian American designer Stella Jean:

Issa helps her friend Nathan move out of his apartment in a velour boiler suit by Staud:

Later in the episode, she kicked it with Molly, who was a vision in a full Max Mara Fall 2019 Turquoise look:

Marvel at the look on the runway:

Shiona Turini is definitely bringing the runway to TV! The last time we saw this level of style on a show was Sex and The City.

What do you think?

*Let us know what other looks you enjoyed from the show and leave a comment below!

**Get Issa’s Waiting to Exhale tee at FashionBombDailyShop.com.

Check out our full Insecure tab for looks from previous episodes.

Shop a few pieces from the episode here:

918kiss

The State of Fashion June 2020: Black Lives Matter Ignites Open Season on Racism; Alleged Prejudicial Practices Exposed at Elyse Walker, Reformation, ban.do, and more

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The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, coupled with the agitation, paranoia, unrest, and ennui from Covid Quarantine, have produced an explosion of attention on past and present racist practices in the world–and the fashion industry.

@Diet_Prada

Now that the nation has aligned itself with marches and rallying cries to end police brutality and racism in general with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, several fashion brands including Zimmermann, Eugenia Kim (who we wrote about here), Revolve, ban.do, Reformation, and Forward by Elyse Walker have been called out for only paying lip service to the cause. According to comments and confessions from former workers, behind the scenes, these brands are allegedly discriminatory and unfair to their workers and customers of color.

@ElyseWalker

While their social media posts portray that they care about the movement for racial equality, comments left by former employees portend that they don’t walk the walk in real life. Under Elyse Walker’s #BlackLivesMatter Post, @RachMoon wrote, “If black lives matter please make sure your employees are demonstrating that on their social media pages and getting educated before posting.”

In a follow up post on @ElyseWalker‘s page, called Change, an anonymous user (who noticed their comments kept getting deleted so created the name @EwKeepsBlockingMe) wrote,” I’ll be monitoring this post to see if you take it down. You are one of the most racist boutiques that I have worked for. You favored white people over people of color. You treated your employees of color with disrespect.” Read more below:

These cries of foul play continued over at brands Bando, whose CCO Jen Gotch admitted to saying and doing racist things. She is taking a leave of absence to “learn, grow, and heal.”

Revolve, yet another company who admitted to not responding soon enough to the #BlackLivesMatter movement (or being diverse when it came to plucking influencers —something we wrote about in 2018), finally fessed up and said they would be turning inward to rectify the issue and creating a $1 million fund with donations to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.

Their intentions seem good, and we can only hope that their sentiments are sincere! But we can’t help to think that in a couple weeks, all the brands mentioned above will go back to business as usual.

We’ve all been here before. Vogue’s July 2008 issue included an article called “Is Fashion Racist?” and the opening line included someone rolling their eyes and asking if we were still talking about this. That was in 2008. It’s 2020. People are stuck in their ways and it seems that not much has changed.

But here’s what is changing: Through the power of social media and smartphones, bad behavior has been admonished and exposed. We have choices now, in what we read and where we shop. The power is in our hands and credit cards to determine where and how we spend our money. And we have the power to hold back until a brand has truly shown that they value our dollar.

We’ll be reaching out to many of the brands above to see how we can help them shift and change, if change is truly what they desire.

Until then, check out FashionBombDailyShop.com, a growing E-commerce platform that promotes Designers of All Colors, and caters to all sizes, up to size 5XL. Fashion Bomb Daily and Fashion Bomb Daily Shop truly live and espouse the phrase that Fashion is for Everyone.

Love & Light,

**Main Image: Elie Saab used for Illustration Purposes Only

Fashion Bombshell of the Week: Chelsea from New York

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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.

Designer You Should Know: Saudia Islam of JBD Knit Apparel on How To Get Kim Kardashian To Wear Your Brand + Shop the Look at Fashion Bomb Daily Shop

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All this month, we are featuring bomb designers you should know from FashionBombDailyShop.com!

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!

Shop pieces by JBD Apparel on FashionBombDailyShop.com.

What do you think?

Fashion Industry Insiders Jason Bolden, Law Roach, Sergio Hudson and more Reflect On Black Lives Matter and the Fashion Industry

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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.

What do you think?

Fashion Brands Zimmermann + Eugenia Kim, Questioned for Their Reaction to Black Lives Matter and Alleged Past Racist Practices: Will You Continue to Shop With Them?

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@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 Zimmermann
Monica in Eugenia Kim
Kelly Rowland in Zimmermann

Now that these brands have been exposed, will you continue to purchase their products?

Let us know below.

Designer You Should Know: Isha Sankoh of Madam Mystique Available on FashionBombDailyShop.com

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All this month, we will be profiling designers you should know, whose pieces are available on FashionBombDailyShop.com!

Madam Mystique Betty Dotted Set, $110

Today’s spotlight goes to Isha Sankoh, a Sierra Leone born, Dallas based Bombshell who created the brand Madam Mystique.

Black Polka Dot Pink Lucy Set, $117.50

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.”

Neon Jogger Set, $72.50

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. “

Marilyn Romper, $112.50

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.

Madam Mystique Floral Dress, $65

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.”

Madam Mystique Batwing Jumpsuit, $105

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.” 

Indeed. Shop pieces from Madam Mystique here.

Pyer Moss, Fear of GOD, Just Don and More Collaborate on Limited Edition Tee with Proceeds Going To George Floyd’s Family

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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.

I’m definitely going to pick one up.

How about you?

Fashion News: Forbes Cites Prada Backed Company as Streaming the First 3D Virtual Fashion Show, Neglecting to Acknowledge Hanifa Pink Label Congo + Later Updates

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A few days ago, a Forbes magazine report credited Prada backed company BigThinx in collaboration with Fashinnovation as the first company to live stream a 3D virtual fashion show. While the fashion event, scheduled for June 5th, will feature digitized models and clothes, the article neglected to mention or acknowledge the 3D Fashion show streamed by Bomb brand Hanifa.

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.

What do you think?