KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED

CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE

As promised, I’ve updated my black luxury directory after an inspiring time at New York Fashion week, witnessing the raw talent that’s evident in the black luxury marketplace. Read more to see who’s been added!

I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!

As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not. Read up and enjoy!

ANDREA IYAMAH

I originally learned of Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah back in 2016, and have since fallen in love with her brand’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Originally known for making amazing swimwear, the Andrea Iyamah brand now covers even more ground in the resort wear space, creating gorgeous collections full of effortlessly sultry silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and stand out prints that often pay homage to African culture, all ideal for the ultimate stylista’s vaycay. Shop andreaiyamah.com. | @andreaiyamah

ROMEO HUNTE

Image source: @romeohunte

When you think Romeo Hunte, think minimalist streetwear, turned up a notch… or two. The Brooklyn born and raised designer specializes in taking the most practical articles of clothing and making them more refined, more sophisticated, and then adding in some edge. Perhaps most known for his unique take on outerwear, the designer’s luxurious fur jackets, tailored blazers, and voluminous coats can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, James Harden, Queen Bey, and so many more. Shop romeohunte.com | @romeohunte

SERGIO HUDSON

And now for my current ABSOLUTE FAVORITE designer in the industry right now, the iconic Sergio Hudson. You may have just gotten hip to Sergio’s work when our former and forever reigning first lady Michelle Obama shut down the inaugural in a head to toe burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble. I truly believe that prior to that major moment, Sergio Hudson had been one of the most slept on designers of our time, but IYKYK.

Sergio’s ability to cater to the female form while creating cohesive collections that are timeless and distinctive, yet reminiscent of some of our culture’s most memorable style icons ,reminds me that glamour and femininity within today’s fashion scene are still very much alive and well. In fact, his latest SS22 collection, a “Return to Glamour” has inspired many influential fashion figures to start celebrating life by getting dressed again, after a long life of leisure wear due to the worldwide quarantine. Shop sergiohudson.com | @sergiohudson

LAQUAN SMITH

And of course, I couldn’t leave out another one of my top 3 in black luxury designers. I’ve been following LaQuan Smith since way back… before many major media outlets refused to acknowledge his genius and I had to look high and low on the internet just for a simple collection review. Now one of the brands of choice for celebs and tastemakers alike, you can catch your fav public figures like Cardi B and Lizzo stepping out in a sexy bodysuit, motor pants, or a sexy sheer gown by the beloved LaQuan.

His avid eye for statement making details and just knowing how the modern woman likes to showcase her curves has brought him to the forefront of fashion. He’s another one of the few luxury designers responsible for keeping glamour and feminine sensuality alive through style. Laquan Smith’s latest SS22 offering at NYFW revealed a new partnership with sportswear brand Puma, shifting the looks to a more simplified approach that’s still sexy with a hint of streetwear influence. Shop laquansmith.com | @laquan_smith

MAH - JING WONG

Image source: @mahjingwong

As I mentioned in my Fashion Week recap, Mah-Jing is one of my favorite Project Runway veterans. I had the pleasure of viewing his latest collection in person at the Fashion Bomb Daily show a few weeks back, and through witnessing his precision of cuts and his use of quality fabrics, I had to add him to this list. MJW mixes the colorful, cheery playfulness of the Japanese fashion scene with sexy, bold silhouettes, resulting in a well-balanced, modern and luxurious look for the bold and confident woman. Shop mahjingwong.com | @mahjingwong

& SO MANY MORE…

Scroll through the rest of the images below to discover more of today’s black designer labels.

Let me know in the comments which designers you plan on supporting this season!

More posts making their way to you very soon! Make sure you’re subscribed here so you’ll never miss one!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

SHARRA'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2021 RECAP: WITNESSING THE INNOVATIVE SHOWCASING OF MINORITY VOICES WITHIN FASHION

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

September is the January in fashion. It brings new trends, new concepts, and most importantly, change on every level.

Whenever I attend New York Fashion week, particularly in September, I’m always looking to see what new change is being represented on the runway, cutting through the noise and helping to transform what we wear and how we live. With Fashion Bomb Daily’s first official runway show on the September Fashion Week calendar, this change was not hard to find.

Fashion Bomb Daily has been my favorite fashion site since I was 12 years old. I remember abandoning my homework to scroll through endless content on my laptop, and always being inspired by how trailblazer and FBD founder & CEO Claire Sulmers created a hub specifically for the minority voices in fashion. When they announced their first annual #NYFW show, I had to be there because I knew I’d be witnessing a new platform being born that would catapult the black and minority voices to the forefront of the conversation, right where we belong. I was not at all disappointed.

WHAT I WORE

The show’s dress code was “Bet on Black”, so naturally I wanted my outfit to focus on black brands. My top is from House of Chic LA, my skirt is by Broken Land, and my bag is a Brandon Blackwood. (My shoes are from Public Desire). My soft glam makeup look is by @carmensartistry. Hit her up if you’re in the Manhattan area!

After getting some shots of my look with my photographer Monica Krystel Rose, I headed down the block to the The Sixth Floor Loft on Broadway in NYC for the show.

THE SHOW

The event brought out countless fashion figures & celebs from Rome Flynn to Sevyn Streeter, Jayda Cheaves, Dreamdoll, Ty Hunter, and so many more to witness a runway show that primarily highlighted the work of Black and Asian designer brands, an underrepresented group that often starts the trends that trickle up into the world of high fashion, and then gets excluded from the topic as if their influence never existed.

This is why I had to be apart of this. I always say, the more adversity, the more hungry and creative you tend to be. Just as I thought, I witnessed unique looks that explored innovative design techniques from 3D printing, to genius draping and mixing of textures, high level couture work, and so much more.

Image source: @taylar.chanell

After an amazing introduction by the lovely Bevy Smith, the show opened with Oyemwen giving us structured, tulle adorned pieces that were juxtaposed with blazer dresses and sharp cutouts, in their “back to business” collection that celebrated the return to getting dressed after a long pandemic of sweats.

Designer London Couture followed up with showstopping luxury gowns, adorned in feathers and luxurious fabrics, and designer Bree Billiter gave us an oceanic, ethereal showcase. (Check out my recap reel here for videos of my fave looks)

Image Source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Following the first show, Claire gave us a #convoswithclaire moment, featuring mini interviews with model & RHWOA star Cynthia Bailey, designer Shane Justin, & more.

I passed time in between shows by talking and taking selfies with the queen herself, Claire Sulmers, chopping it up with new friends, (I met a bomb style posse from ATL that I hung out with for the majority of the show, and making connections with showroom owners and other professionals.

My new boo, brand owner and Sheen Magazine contributor Taylar Chanell. Follow her @taylar.chanell!

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

The shows picked back up with designer Khang Le serving us the most eye catching 3D printed patterns and rich textures on luxe gowns and suit sets. I was OBSESSED. He was probably my fave show of the day.

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Shane Justin gave us a true couture moment with his new line of sultry, sheer and embellished handcrafted gowns that he completed in 3 days! I was definitely impressed.

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Mah Jing Wong, one of my fave Project Runway veterans, closed the show with an epic 80’s inspired moment. Co designer & influencer Stacie Wo gave us a commanding runway moment in a matching MJW set & bomber jacket, that garnered praise from the entire audience!

The show ended with a performance from music group JNA. I left the show feeling inspired, and most importantly, seen and acknowledged as a fellow black creative in fashion. Claire and her Fashion Bomb Daily team are curating a movement that is so necessary and needed in order to cement our legacy as black professionals in fashion.

If you know me, you know how much I love Eunice Walker Johnson, the founder and curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, a trailblazing annual exhibition that took place for decades, highlighting black designers, models, and behind the scenes pros alike. While I wasn’t born when Ebony Fashion Fair was around, watching Claire navigate her first fashion week event, reminded me of that very same legacy and mission that Eunice Walker Johnson carried out, one of unapologetic repping for the creative genius that she saw in her people, and that she was determined to bring to the forefront.

I can’t wait for the next NYFW. While this particular time was a quick stop by, I plan on staying multiple days next time! Which looks are your fave? Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

WHAT'S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? HERE'S HOW TO FIND IT

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Back before I was styling full time when I was working at a makeup store, my boss came rushing up to me, yelling this as I stocked the shelves.

“What you mean?” I thought she had peeped that I wasn’t wearing one of the dusty uniform aprons because it took away from my outfit.

“Your style! It’s always some sort of boot, gold jewelry & accessories, and some type of stand-out texture!”

“I’ve been studying your page all weekend and I finally figured it out!”

**cues Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” **

After I got over that last sentence of hers, (this is a true story btw) I actually felt flattered that she had taken notice of the signature look that I’ve built for myself over time. While many who are into fashion tend to shy away from consistent style habits, fearing that others will copy them or grow tired of how they dress, I’ve learned from the wise that the most influential women in the world almost always have a signature style that they’re known for… Here’s how to find yours.

WHAT COMMON THEMES ARE IN YOUR CLOSET?

I promise I’ve updated my phone since this selfie!

If you were to raid my closet, you’d find a lot of thigh-high boots, v-neck tops, gold jewelry, and interesting textures. These are all pieces that make me feel my most confident & authentic self. Think of how Queen Bey almost always gives us Sasha Fierce on stage in a bodysuit, how Rihanna is always stepping on air with a sharp stiletto, or how it’s hard to spot Jlo without a bodycon piece. These women have all found that go-to style that gets them noticed and prepares them to step out into the world confidently.

Take a long hard look at your closet. What styles do you notice you tend to purchase often? You know why you probably do? Because something about that style flatters you, and makes you feel positively about yourself in one aspect or another. Rather than hopping from trend to trend, lean into the styles that help you feel your best as an individual, and then explore those specific styles or pieces in a different color, print, or texture variation.

Try shopping for different versions of your favorite piece, even if the difference is subtle. This is so key when it comes to curating a personal style that’s fashion-forward, yet timeless.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

It’s also important to know the difference between what styles make you feel confident, and what styles simply keep you comfortable. There’s rarely ever much growth in a comfort zone. To discern this, observe your own posture when you wear something. Do you feel well hidden, well blended in with the crowd, and safely fitting into a norm? If the answer is yes, then that’s a style that’s holding you back.

To disrupt this, it’s time to explore pieces that you gravitate to, but may be fearful of pulling them off. Then, try different versions of that look that challenge you, without completely intimidating you…

Stepping out of your style comfort zone can be as simple as opting for a fit & flare dress if you’re tired of hiding your body but aren’t quite comfortable with a full on bodycon look… or trying a platform shoe if you’re new to the high heel life and want to elongate your figure.

These small changes can get you one big step closer to discovering an aesthetic that’s true to you, while also elevating how you show up for yourself.

NEED MORE HELP? I’M HERE FOR YOU!

Applying this technique in real time can often be a lot to take on. While some fashionistas have this skill set committed to memory, it can also be a game changer to have a second opinion or a guide to help you incorporate this style strategy into your day to day lifestyle. No worries, I’m here for you! If you’re after some strong and enduring guidance when it comes to nailing your signature style, reach out to me and let’s talk ways we can work together to elevate your look! Hit the button below to contact me.

More style content coming to the blog very soon! Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a post!

XOXO,

Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

“DRAMA QUEENS” EDITORIAL FOR GOJI MAGAZINE VOL. 4 ISSUE 14

STYLED & DIRECTED BY SHARRA GREENE

Hey loves! Just dropping by the blog to share my latest editorial work for the cover of Goji Magazine. Goji’s concept is all about “unconditional love for femininity with no borders” and if you know my aesthetic, you know that Goji and I were the perfect match for this project.

I was so blessed to blend styles from various brands with the work of sustainable artwear designer Hannah Jane being at the forefront! Hannah has been a guest on my podcast (check out her episode here) and we’ve been talking for months about executing an editorial together so I had a blast combining her aesthetic with mine! (Her work is so bomb, check her out on Instagram)

My partner in creative crime Damon Rice killed this photo set per usual, and models Cyana Denby (my favorite Eagles cheerleader) and the gorgeous Nioby Scarbrough had such great chemistry on camera, it was crazy to watch in real time. (Stay tuned to my Instagram for more behind the scenes footage coming soon!) Makeup Artist Teashera Smith was able to come in super last minute and absolutely SLAY these beauties’ faces and my amazing assistant Destiny made this shoot run so smoothly for me so that I could focus on final looks and directing.

Get your copy of Goji Magazine here! Stay tuned for more of my editorial projects coming very soon! In the meantime, browse the blog for more style tips or listen to my podcast for venting sessions on my life as a stylist and exclusive interviews with fashion creatives!

XOXO,

Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through style.”