The invitation read “Black and White Cocktail Attire.”
I understood the assignment.
I’m normally walking on the more colorful side of life.
But my lovely party hosts, Rita and Rob, are affectionately referred to as ‘The Penguins’ so I channeled my inner ‘Happy Feet’ and partied the night away.
Life isn’t always black and white. But sometimes it is.
Seán McGirr has been the creative director of Alexander McQueen since October 2023.
This is one of his best collections yet in my opinion.
The 2025 Fall/Winter show kicked off with all-black silhouettes defined by high collars, structured shoulders, and cinched waists—a nod to Alexander McQueen’s Victorian-inspired roots.
Sheer elements tease, peeking out from more somber pieces.
He channels McQueens inner demons with Victorian Gothic creations.
Note the red accents featured throughout.
Red is a recurring and significant color in Alexander McQueen’s collections, often used to evoke themes of violence, blood, and death, but also to represent passion, power, and even beauty, depending on the context.
This piece really hit me straight in my heart.
This shirt is inspired by McQueens Scull Scarf, one of my most treasured pieces.
“To me, dandyism is the ultimate act of adornment; deeply personal, playful and transgressive,” Sean McGirr said of his third go-round at the House’s helm.
I feel like McQueen himself would approve of this collection.
I was intrigued. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been to many shows, but this was different.
Level 21 Magazine partnered with The Charlotte Fashion Collective and summoned fashion people from all over Charlotte to Camp North End.
What made this night unique? As opposed to runway shows and photo shoots, designers presented their latest line and went into detail about, well every little detail.
After some lite bites and mingling, the first designer came out.
New to me Ashley Rae presented first.
Rae’s degree in Textile Design was evident in this collection.
Embroidered pieces, layering and woven tartan ribbons accentuated the Riot Chic pieces.
Alternative Rock inspiration showed through with chunky platform boots, skulls and garters.
The next collection was presented by my long time favorite brand Snarkeez.
Rebelling against the fashion ‘Norms’, Snarkeez explores and celebrates our dark, sultry desires to not fit in.
Exaggerated shoulder pads, mirrored mosaics and studs were paramount in the jackets.
Other aspects of this collection were The Eye of Horus, the moon and its phases and The Cheshire Cat.
After the presentations we had the opportunity to speak with the designers and see their designs up close. We were even able to feel the textures used in the pieces.
Tempest Harris, Founder of Level 21 finished off the night with a sneak peek at the upcoming release of the brand STEALTH.
This experience was more up close and personal than events I’ve attended before.
I enjoyed being able to hear the inspiration behind the designer creations and hear a little about their background.
This event was produced by Level 21 to support Charlotte area designers and
The Charlotte Fashion Collective.
Founder Michael Todd was in attendance to support his members and give details about The Collective.
The Charlotte Fashion Collective is a collaborative communion of creative people where everyone is welcome, encouraged and supported towards success.
Find out more and how you can support Todd’s efforts by visiting the website:
The #21 📷 Designer Industry Night Feb 22nd #Linkinbiofor more ✨ Sponsored by @level21mag Hosted @thecharlottefashioncollective Presentations hosted by @phaedrapistone Design Presentations By @ashleyrae.ltd @snarkeez @level21mag VIP host @deannakburnett Photography @level21mag #TagAModel BIG THANKS . Snarkeez Models: Patty Singh Abigail Grupp Emelia Ireland Jordan Parham Itzel Gonzalez Ivan Briscoe Maysen Blake Ashley Rae Models: Daniella Castillo Eleanora Tsakos Kennedy Johnson Ciarra Christian London Hendrick Julia Meaney Kimani Korn
Living La Vida Diva 