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Let’s take a moment for a step in the right direction. In the wake of dismantling systemic racism, fashion publication Harper’s Bazaar is taking a step towards change. In their 153-year history Harper’s has named their first Black editor-in-chief Samira Nasr.  In her new role, Samira Nasr will oversee content strategy and development across the brand’s print and digital platforms.. Harper's Bazaar publicized the new lead role through their Instagram channel which we attached below: “To all the protesters, community organizers, activists and those currently fighting to be safe, to be seen and heard through our own narratives, I see you, I thank you, and I hope we can join forces to amplify the message of equality because Black lives matter,” Nasr says. As the daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, she says her world view is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters.
Representation means everything as we all know and having such a large platform will make a huge difference in helping to eliminate ingrained stereotypes/perceptions. Beginning a new chapter in Bazaar’s history will work to give all voices a platform to tell stories that have never been told. We cannot wait to see how this publication will transform under a new lead who strives to bring about a reflection that is diverse and inclusive.
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In the wake of a global outcry for the senseless death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, staying silent is the worst thing one can do at this moment. Especially in the fashion industry. Seeing as this industry (along with countless others) continues to profit from the black community, taking a stance in this moment or remaining silent speaks volumes.  Image Source: Steamboat Pilot Racism in the world of fashion as we all know is not new, the time for action to dismantle the systemic racism that permeates this industry is now. That action begins with collaborating with black designers, models, photographers, writers and other black creatives to truly represent and create a space for the black community respectably.
It's time for fashion brands to do more than make statements and commit to doing the hard work it's going to take to combat racism. Action begins with cutting ties and speaking up to those who refuse to create a space of inclusion or care to listen. No more to hair stylists that ‘can’t’ work with black hair. No more to creators that limit how often or how many black people can be used in a campaign. No more taking black culture for content inspo only to dress non-black models to fit the ‘aesthetic’. This revolution is not a trend or a #BlackLivesMatter moment. The fashion industry has tiptoed around the issues and remained silent for long enough and now is the time because we see you, do you see us now? Just when we thought runway shows would be obsolete for the remainder of 2020 due to Covid-19, Baltimore based designer Anifa Mvuemba didn’t let this pandemic hinder her creativity. Video Source: Twitter A virtual fashion show hit instagram live on Friday, May 22 where the Congolese designer unveiled her latest collection using 3D models to showcase her designs. This innovative way of showcasing collections easily molds into our current shelter-in-place reality. Hanifa worked on her virtual collection long before the pandemic struck. According to Teen Vogue “ The news came out about how serious things were and I started to feel a bit anxious about everything going on. I started feeling like maybe it would be insensitive to create and share a new collection online while people were facing very difficult realities,” Anifa stated. Along with her Pink Label Congo Collection being celebrated for its technology, her designs also serve to celebrate the beauty of Congo, while shining a light on the issues that locals face though illegal mining. This illegal mining process is riddled with unsafe conditions men, women and children endure to mine for 60% of the worlds supply of cobalt. The mineral is used to produce lithium-ion batteries used to power electric cars, laptops and smart phones.  Image Source: The Auto Channel A statement on the Hanifa website reads: Le coeur de l'Afrique | The Heart of Africa A designer on a mission to shed LGHT on issues that are usually hidden is exactly what we stand for as a platform and we couldn’t be more excited to share her story and to be on the lookout for what she debuts next! To support her latest collection and see more of her designs be sure to visit her site at the link below.
The first Monday of May just won’t be the same this year. What would have been one of the biggest nights in fashion, the MET Gala has been postponed until further notice due to the Covid-19. The star studded event, hosted by Anna Wintor since 2005 took necessary precautions of social distancing even if that meant canceling this year's exhibition. In the gala’s 72 year history, this however is not the first time that their doors have closed. In 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and 2002 following 9/11. Even though this years “About Time: Fashion and Duration” spring exhibition has been cancelled, we decided to take it back into ‘time’ and recap our favorite vintage MET looks! If your invitation to the invite-only event got lost in the mail again or you are a little short of $30k (average ticket price) #stayhome with us and reminisce vintage MET looks that will make missing 2020's MET a little more bearable. Making a statement while also making it fashionable is one of the many things Rihanna flawlessly delivers time and time again. Gracing the cover of the highly coveted Vogue magazine, Rihanna brought her effortlessly bold style front and center. Rocking iconic looks that until today many could only have imagined, she became the first person EVER to wear a durag on British Vogue’s 104-year history.  According to contributing Vogue editor Funmi Fetto, the significance of Rihanna wearing the durag was an iteration of what was once used as a symbol of oppression. “The tainted fabric has been reclaimed as a symbol of black beauty, a signifier of style worn on the streets, the catwalk, the red carpet…And now, in a powerful mic-drop moment, the durag is making its first appearance on the May 2020 cover of British Vogue, worn by Rihanna," stated Fetto. For decades they convinced us that our hair was undesirable and that it should be straightened, altered or covered. So much so there were laws once put in place making it a crime for natural hair to be worn. (Who remembers the Tignon Law). Today we reclaim what was once used to oppress us. Today we take ownership in the beauty we were conditioned to believe was not beautiful.
Artists such as Rihanna, continue to create empires that provide a space where being ‘too black’ is now something to be admired. No longer apologizing for what the world attempted to suppress, the narrative has been flipped and owning the rooms we were once unwelcome is the new narrative.
MET Gala Monday has finally arrived and the fashion elites joined forces for the most exclusive fashion event of the year. Anna Wintor’s invite only event held annually at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City took on the theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. This year’s CAMP theme allowed for celebrities to step outside of “traditional fashion” (safe simple looks) into a world of over the top exaggeration with no limits.  Take a peek inside the ultra exclusive fashion gala of the year with our top show stopping looks of the night. From color changing ball gowns, exaggerated headpieces, and looks that brought the IT factor to this years MET. Let us know in the comments below who YOU felt served the looks, and were your favorites of the night because ladies and gentleman...  Show Stopping EntrancesBilly Porter Billy Porter came to serve looks for the gods! His MET entrance set the tone for the only way it should ever be done, carried in by 6 shirtless men and dripped in gold. (Yes please!) Dressed as an Egyptian Pharaoh in a shimmering gold body suit created by the Blonds, Porter's look was topped off with just a not so subtle pair of golden wings that nearly had a 10-foot wing span and a matching gold headdress.
Zendaya A literal Cinderella moment! Zendaya made an unforgettable entrance with celebrity stylist Law Roach as she 'lit' up the carpet. Fitted in a Tommy Hilfiger ball gown, the singer/actress walked the carpet fit for a princess,in a gown that changed into a vibrant blue at the wave of her fairygodmuva's wand.  The Dresses
The DetailsDazzling Headpieces
Colorful Pop Style Accessories
Hair Details
 From weekly staff meetings, conference calls, writing press releases, planning, prepping, and sending out a thousand emails (not an exaggeration) being a member of this hard working staff team has been nothing short of...exactly that… HARD WORK. This team shares a common goal of raising the profile of fashion in Los Angeles as we know it. Los Angeles is one of the most cultural cities and the importance of showcasing this diversity has made The Official Los Angeles Fashion Week one of the most sought after organizations that this city has to offer with high style innovation. Being behind the scenes has many challenges, many roadblocks and pitfalls but seeing the months of preparation boil down to the final moments is indescribable. Sleepless starry nights turned into star studded red carpets. Closed doors on set designers, partnerships, and vendors turned into open doors for better opportunities turning SS19’ into one of the greatest seasons LAFW had to offer. This company is a collaboration and a movement going up against other fashion week brands in the industry while making a name for themselves in the process. Putting LA fashion on the map for the world to see with top designers and style innovators, now’s the time. Strap up your heels or fix your tux because the doors are opening for you take a peek into this posh black tie affair, because ladies and gentleman THIS is LAFW. Special thanks to Executive Producer Arthur Chipman for the opportunity and the entire LAFW staff team that made it all happen. This fashion week would not have been possible without the team that puts in the hours long after the meetings conclude. LAFW continues to rise because of YOU.
For more behind the scenes stories and coverage on Fashion Week, please now join my journey with Art Hearts Fashion Week where the new wave of inclusive fashion, diversity, and artistry are on full display. From Victoria Secret Runways to creating every fashionistas guilty pleasure, #ANTM (America’s Next Top Model) model & Business Mogul Tyra Banks is back again. This time Tyra is launching her very own them park Modelland. Set to open in Santa Monica, California in late 2019, the park is meant to be a fantasy version of the modeling world with interactive attractions, dining and special events. Ty-ty is welcoming visitors to “Be the dream versions of themselves” by brining modeling to the masses. So smize your way to the top as you celebrate your own kind of unique beauty. Are you ready?  Bright floral gowns, dramatic dresses that literally did all the talking on their own and avant-garde pieces setting the tone for a Haute Couture Show the only way that Paris can. These couture week collections served us unforgettable styles that we just couldn’t get enough of! With top designer styles from Dior, Valentino, Chanel and more join us as we count down our top looks we feel dominated the runways. Alexis MabilleFlorals... for spring? Alexis, YES it's grounding breaking because these looks are breathtaking. Miranda Priestly would be approve. Image Source: Vogue.com Celia KrithariotiLace thigh high boots, sparkled fringe sets the tone for a winter meets spring aesthetic.     Image Source: WWD.com Alexandre VauthierCool Avant-guarde CHIC Image Source: Vogue.com Chanel80's Rock-and-roll vibes mixed with lots of haute couture         Image Source: Elle.com ValentinoFlorals. Silks. Petal lashes. Naomi Campbell...That is all. Image Source: Vogue.com Iris van HerpenFuturistic silhouettes and shifting gowns made with a 3D laser cutting technology. If this is fashion of the future we want in!
 Image Source: Vogue Victor & RolfDresses that LITERALLY brought meme's to life. Image Source: Vogue.com Which designer look fits your aesthetic? Let us know in the comments below.
The model of the year awards is here and the results are in! The top ranked models from this past year have been released from Models.com’s annual ‘Model of the Year’ awards. These awards are comprised of 250 voters from top stylists, designers, photographers, and others in the fashion industry that cast their votes for the modeling industry’s current and up and coming stars. The end of the year ended on a high note with black models taking the top spots!  The ‘Industry Vote’ for the female model of the year category, crowned model Adut Akech with the coveted spot. Adut is a 19-year-old South Sudanese model who made her FW runway debut as an exclusive in the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer ’17 show. This beauty has walked for some of the biggest names in fashion luxury from Chanel to Dior to Prada.  For the male category, the industry voted Alton Mason as 2018’s Male Model of the Year. After being discovered on Instagram, Alton made his fashion debut in Kanye’s Yeezy Season 3 runway show at Madison Square Garden. He has been cast for highly coveted luxury brands like Gucci’s AW17, Chanel where he made history by becoming the FIST male model in the brands 109-year history.  These models are on the move and paving the way for more diversity along their journey. As if we needed another reason to love Coach, they added Michael B Jordan to the mix and we are here for it! Michael B Jordan is set to star not on the big screen but in Coach’s Spring 2019 global advertising campaign. The Hollywood heart-throb will grace fashion spreads with his game winning smile representing the luxury brand as the first male face for the leather goods purveyor.  Image Source: Coach “Michael is cool and authentic, and he really embodies the Coach guy,” said Vevers in a press release. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves Vevers. Just take a look for yourself and check out Michael B(ae) Jordan's collection with Coach, you can thank us later. From iconic runway shows to even more iconic designers, The Official Los Angeles Fashion Week has done it again. Bringing Los Angeles Fashion to the forefront for the final show of the season, we couldn’t be more excited about taking part in the closing of Spring/Summer 2019. Take a look at the closing designers in our highlights from LAFW below. Irina MarchukFloor length gowns, elegant sleek designs that just about make your mouth drop, Irina Marchuk knows the importance of details. This Ukrainian fashion designer brought the flashy sequins, sexy lace pieces and tasseled jumpsuits to the forefront for her Los Angeles runway debut. Iconic OfficialBringing an innovative and edgy approach to modern bohemian style makes Iconic Official what it is today. From airy prints, modest and colorful styles this pop art inspired brand brings the trendy looks you didn't know you needed.
Bohemian SocietyBringing the quirky, the cool, and the undeniably unique to the center stage, Bohemian Society closed the show in an unforgettable way. With signature post-punk and interactive fashion, this designer brand chooses to approach fashion from an artistic standpoint. Incorporating elements of painting and text into his pieces, fashion has become the ultimate forum for transforming fine-art into clothing.
 Photo: Manny Llanura As the designer shows come to a close, with a lineup of designers to close the show in true Los Angeles Fashion Week fashion. We at Blacklght couldn't be that that closed the end of fashion week in the only way that it should be done. IN STYLE.
On Day 3 of Los Angeles Fashion Week they brought us fashion from around the world. With designer creations that carried a piece of their culture that was embedded into each of their designs. Take a trip around the globe while keeping your eyes peeled for a peek inside at the dazzling creations that hit center stage. Day 3:Sarran JewelryFusing Thai heritage and traditions with other Asian cultures created what is Sarran (Asian Elegance). The blending of modern lifestyle and tradition tells a story through each piece, making each collection debut a glimpse into the history of Asian culture.      Photo: Manny Llanura LaLa LoveAll hand crafted (dyed and woven) by artisans from weaving communities in the rural areas of Thailand Lalalove was born. This brand is known for fusing the modern with classic tradition thus creating one of kind pieces in each collection. Lalalove's showcase embodied a fun & edgy ready to wear collection that celebrates Thai tradition. Q Design & PlayBring on the men. Q Design embodies the cool urban street wear aesthetic and brought it straight to the runway. Effortlessly laid back styles and bell-bottomed khaki pants just might be the new wave for the fellas this season.        Photo: Manny Llanura So many unique pieces from with cultural meaning brings the the element of fashion that some labels continue to lack. The passion that resonates with the designers an audience make for a priceless collection.
Day two is upon us! LAFW is back for another day of a great designer line ups that each brought their own unique style. Don't want to take our word for it? Take a look at the showcases that shut down the runway with pieces that carried a bigger message than just making a fashion statement. Day 2Pakwai used her showcase to shed light on the injustices that women endure that go unnoticed. Throughout her runway presentation, models each embodied an aura that showed constraint or fragility in the forms of color through to miniature symbols each model carried while displaying the collection.        Kate Hannah brought a playful, funky, colorful presentation using nothing but sustainable materials for her stunning designs that are always bright and visually stunning. Round of applause for her unapologetic casting of black models. We are HERE. FOR. IT! Sav Noir brought the rugged euro-goth meets underground style to 'life' in a display that exudes a fearless confidence in a world that conforms to what is "trendy". Creating pieces that dare you to be you, even if it's a little rebellious. What was your favorite look from day 2?
Comment below. It’s here! Rihanna has just released her Savage Fenty line with 7 shades of nude and we are almost as excited for this line as we are to hear new music from the Barbadian beauty (hint: bless us with new hits!)  But for now we are totally obsessing over her latest Savage Fenty line that includes everyday essentials from bras, panties, sleepwear, lacey pieces body suits, she’s got it all. She kept her line size inclusive from 32A cups to 44DD and loungewear pieces that come in XS to 3XL, to nudes that actually fit darker and lighter shaded. Rih-Rih has made her line a fan favorite already with her inclusivity in her creations. Check out her line and let us know what you’re putting in your shopping cart in the comments below.  Image Source: MIXED ID Ladies strap up your heels, fellas slip on your tux because LA Fashion Week is here to bring you its 2019 Spring/Summer runway presentation. Live jazz music left guests swaying to the rhythm of classic R&B hits as they glided across the red carpet, before slipping past glass doors leading to the exclusive event. Held at one of the world’s premier museums and historical landmarks in Los Angeles, the Petersen’s Automotive Museum the official home of LAFW.  LAFW’s black tie affair event partnered with over 20 award-wining designers and artists from across the globe bringing their designs center stage to the LAFW runway. After kicking off a successful summer pre-show event with designers Escada and Porsche Design, LAFW showed no signs of slowing down with the biggest event of the season. So sit back and enjoy the unforgettable evening of glamorous styles, music, celebrities, and VIP guests from around the world as Blacklght gives you an exclusive fashion rundown. The Red Carpet
The Opening GalaDay 1:Rocky Gathercole PresentationKnown for bold and vibrant Avant- Garde creations, Rocky Gathercole designed nothing less for his outdoor presentation. Models were draped in edgy eclectic pieces that included feathered body suits, jewel encrusted bustiers and eccentric shoulder pieces that were show stopping in true Gathercole fashion.
Elie MadiThe G-L-A-M is what makes Elie Madi one of the most sought after designers for evening wear pieces. Stunning embellished gowns laced each model in a unique eloquent way, fusing sexy and simplistic elegance. Day one down, three more to go. Who are you ready to see this season?
Visit LAFW to see the line up.  Image Source: Hollywood Reporter In the gardens of Paris’s Palais- Royale Virgil Abloh brought a rainbow colored board to life in a crisp yet chic MONUMENTAL display at the Louis Vuitton Men’s Runway show. Virgil Abloh is more of a force to be reckoned with then many might have speculated. Here are Blacklght’s top 5 reasons Virgil is making history apart from being named Louis Vuitton’s first black creative director.
Aside from the clothes (just for a moment) aside from the celebs, fashion is the realm where stances beyond the material things can be made and we are a stan for Mr. Abloh for bringing to light the importance to things that are ‘usually hidden’.  Image Source: Elle Balmain Creative Director Oliver Rousting is at it again, bringing black women to the forefront. After just making headlines for dressing Beyoncé in her Balmain studded wardrobe for her now iconic Coachella performance, Rousting is back again highlighting black women through fashion. Oliver Rousting is now making waves at Cannes Film Festival by helping Aïssa Maïga challenge racism that continues to perpetuate our society. Maïga approached the Balmain creative director to create all their outfits, and he jumped at the chance. Rousting is the first black man to hold the CD position at Balmain and has too faced his own form of discrimination and understood the importance of this opportunity. The designer has been outspoken about the lack of diversity in the industry and knew that dressing these 16 black actresses would be a movement all of its own. Those same 16 black actresses linked arms as they marched as the sky opened up above and headed toward the red carpet. Once on the steps, they gathered around French film star Aïssa Maïga on the Cannes Film Festival steps, standing together and raised their fists in the air.  Image Source: Variety There promote the documentary based on the book being Black is Not My Profession, denouncing the prejudice suffered from directors and casting agents this moment these women expressed was a powerful stance that will hopefully encourage others.
The 2018 MET Gala has arrived and we can't wait to share with you our favorite looks from the event. The stars showed up and showed out on one of fashions biggest nights. Dressed in their "Sunday's Best", playing along the nights theme of the Catholicism-theme exhibit, the fashion Gods answered our prayers to bless us sinners with heavenly styles. Hallelujah! Fierce
All Hail the Thigh-High
Burgundy Goddesses
Heavenly Golden
Did you have a favorite MET Gala look that we didn't showcase? Let us know in the comments below.
From Beychella (formally known as Coachella), to the queen announcing that she will be donating $100,000 in scholarship funds to four historically black colleges, Beyoncé has done it again by making power moves.  She is using her platform to bring visibility and empower an organization for young women of color known as Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH). The non-profit extracurricular program that focuses on academic achievement and athletic discipline through ice skating has captured the queens attention. Beyoncé enlisted the young achievers of this organization to debut her spring 2018 Ivy Park collection. Shown to 120M followers all at once, the young women of FSH will be featured on Beyoncé’s social media platforms (the dream). These ladies will step into the spotlight, showcasing their artistic skills as they eloquently glide across the ice doing what they love and it never hurts to be wearing Beyoncé’s clothing line while doing it! Take a sneak peek of the video below: When one makes it, it feels like we all do. From founding the lux-street wear brand Off-White, to now being named Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton menswear, Vigil Abloh is making Money moves.  The multi-faceted Illinois native born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, started out his career at Fendi alongside Kanye West as an intern; later transpired to Kanye making Virgil his own creative director. Today, Virgil is making history as the first black person ever to take on the role as creative head for such a prestigious designer label. His newly appointed position has and will continue to make a statement for the evolution of diversity in the industry.  Image Source: goodpeeple This momentous feat cracks the glass ceiling for dreamers and opens the window to new opportunities for those who too push past the ‘boundaries’ of society’s limitations.
After 20 years, designer brand finally cast dark skinned models for runway show.  It’s time designers embody the importance of color on the runway. We aren’t talking about color pallets chosen for their collection, but the models selected to walk runway shows. Designer brand Comme des Garçons has finally decided to welcome inclusivity to designer shows. After more than 20 years, the brands creative director Rei Kawakubo hired dark-skinned models their latest collection. According to Elle.com (https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/news/a42073/comme-des-garcons-finally-cast-black-models-in-its-show/ ) Four of the 16 models who walked in the fall 2018 showcase were black, with two black models getting the coveted opening and closing spots.  Comme des Garçons AW18 The last time Comme de Garçons featured a black model was for their fall 1994 show with model Chrystèle Saint Louis Augustin, according to Elle. With the fashion industry being more inclusive and embracing diversity on the runway, one would think this monumental moment wouldn’t have only begun in 2018. The day where a diverse runway is seen as the norm, will be the day the fashion industry has taken a revolutionary turn towards making a change in society. Fashion is a reflection of the society we live and being inclusive is the mission. So black models...  Fashion month is here…That’s right fashion month! We are strutting our way into Milan Fashion Week’s stunningly stitched pieces that would be wrong to not to do a double take on. From top designer brands like Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani and more, MFW never falls short of making an impact. Designers made way for pant suits that took center stage at some of our favorite runway shows. It’s the year of the woman after all because women are taking back control. Take a peek at the pant suits that stole the show below. Dolce and GabannaTodsVersaceBy Natanya Toomes After recently making an ad campaign that featured only black models in an attempted to prey on their dwindling black audience, Gucci is under fire yet again but this time for knocking off black designer Dapper Dan’s design from the 80’s. Some call it paying homage to the Harlem designer, but wouldn’t that require actually…you know…giving credit? With no recognition to Dapper Dan, it’s needless to say this proves yet again that whenever black culture creates and revolutionize style trends, the rich and the white aren’t too far behind to hijack those aesthetics for their own gain.  Source: Mic What can we say; white people are great at creating things…that were already invited. Are we surprised…really?  Source: Twitter In an era of man buns and crop tops are we surprised to see men rocking yet another one of our favorite staples? Better add rompers to the list. That’s right, our favorite one piece outfit that we love to hate (ladies know why). A Kickstarter campaign took their shot at the popular piece, with an item they like to call the RompHim. This jaunty, high-end romper designed for men recently blew up all over twitter with men and women across the board not having it with the new look.  Source: harpersbazaar  Source: mic  Source: mic If it’s wrong, we don’t want to be right. Though majority of the tweets seem to be bashing the look, we can’t help but kinda love to hate it. Take a look at these RompHim pieces that just might be wearable for the fellas summer ’17. |
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