"SIGNS OF THE TIMES": 3 TRENDS THAT ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF SOCIETY

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Fashion goes so much deeper than what we wear… it provides insight to our human experience'; the good, the bad, and the ugly. As the year continues to unfold, I can’t help but to observe what we’re choosing to wear as a collective, and what that may tell us about the state of our society. Here are a few of the most prominent trends that you can expect to see running rampant from the runways to the workplace and everywhere in between.

STYLE STAPLES FROM THE EARLY AND MID 2000’S

From platform stilettos to bootcut jeans, I think all of the trauma and major world events that we’ve endured as a collective has caused us to reminisce and reach for what’s familiar. It’s no secret that fashion repeats itself, but we’ve been very intentional about bringing back certain key pieces that remind us of past eras that we’ve lived through. I think it that it gives us a feeling of comfort and reassurance, as we maneuver through uncertain times wearing pieces that many of us have known and loved for decades now.

FASHION WITH A POLITICAL MESSAGE

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood.

Gone are the days where fashion and politics are separate. We’re in a time where designers are drawing inspiration from injustice, environmental dangers, and more, and using their designs as a way to speak out and emphasize a need for change. From Brandon Blackwood’s beloved ESR tote (as seen above) to a collective focus on supporting black owned and sustainable brands, I’m confident that we will continue to see the worlds of style and world issues collide.

VIBRANT COLOR & TEXTURED ACCESORIES

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs.

I think spending so much time isolated in uncertain times also has made us realize how short life is, and how important it is for us to make our mark while we’re here. Everyone from the conservative corporate professional to the modern minimalist is starting to get a little more bold and expressive when it comes to their style, especially when it comes to accessories. It’s quite evident with handbags.

For example, whereas many once had a go-to bag in classic black, beige, or brown, I believe fashionistas worldwide are longing for more vibrant staples that get them noticed. I’ve been hearing my most recent clients express a need for this, and I believe it’s also a direct result of the cabin fever that many of us suffered through following quarantine. A statement piece sparks conversation, which I think many of us took for granted and our longing for.

Can you think of any more current trends and how they relate to what we’re going through? I wanna hear! Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

REMEMBERING TWO IRREPLACEABLE FORCES IN FASHION: WHO WILL BE OUR GENRERATION'S INNOVATORS?

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Like many young girls born in the 90’s, my very first introduction to the legendary Andre Leon Talley was on America’s Next Top Model, when he served as a judge. His energy was vivacious, confident, and dramatic. He game extensive knowledge on the history of the fashion industry. Little did I know at the time, how much of an impeccable revolutionary he was.

As a black journalist from the south, turned Vogue Editor at Large, and all around fashion culture expert, this man has trecked through the “Chiffon trenches” and fought battles regarding color, class, and everything in between, so that young black women like me, pursuing work in fashion, could have even a small window of opportunity.

I can also recall my very first encounter with the legendary fashion designer Thierry Mugler. I was 12 years old, listening to my fav Bey album to date, “I Am Sasha Fierce”, (this was back when we bought physical copies). As I flipped through the CD booklet, an image of my idol in an amazing sculpted top, fashioned as a motorcycle caught my eye. I remember thinking “Who would even think of something like this?” I was completely in awe, and forever inspired. I remember tearing my booklet to shreds to tape the image on my wall.

This is when I learned what innovation was.

The recent passing of these two irreplaceable forces has deeply and permanently affected the fashion community and culture.. and it has had me thinking about what it takes to truly be an innovator. By definition, an innovator is a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products. Emphasis on the NEW. If there’s anything that the passing of legends is teaching me, it’s to follow my instincts.

To let knowledge and passion lead the way when you’re faced with ignorance and shut doors in your face, like Andre Leon Talley…

Or to follow your instinct and execute “odd, futuristic” designs that will be called '“timeless” years down the road, like Manfred Thierry Mugler did.

The legacy of these two trailblazers has inspired me to worry less about what the world says is “acceptable, standard, the right way”, etc. because all of our world’s leaders have directly defied all of that.

I recently shared my thoughts on this on my story, stating that “so many of our legends and innovators are passing one right behind the other. I feel like the only way we’re going to have as many innovators in the next generation is if we learn to tune out the noise of trends and what everyone is doing, and start listening to our inner voice more, and sharing our “crazy” ideas that we think no one will care about, with the world.”

What ways to you want to innovate? Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”