But thanks to a huge showing at some of the spring-summer shows and some of our favorite brands, the natural material is shaping up to have a much bigger season than we’ve seen in previous years.
Brands from YSL to Zara are offering fun and functional options.
Some options provide structure to those that prefer it.
I love a whimsical piece!
I saw a bag trending on TikTok from House of Harlow and I was lucky enough to find the exact one at TJ Maxx.
The Met Gala is a yearly fundraising event for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
To us fashion folks, it’s our Super Bowl.
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style“.
This year’s theme focused on Black dandyism, explored the evolution of tailoring and style in the formation of Black identities.
Here’s some of my top picks from the Gala.
Starting with the live stream host Teyana Taylor.
Taylor wore a custom Marc Jacobs suit and cape to the 2025 Met Gala, designed in collaboration with costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
Definitely one of my favorite looks of the night.
Zendaya once again blew me away in Louis Vuitton.
Marc Jacobs also worked his magic on a very pregnant, yet very Dapper Rhianna.
Sabrina Carpenter rocked this espresso Louis Vuitton look.
Simone Biles in this electric blue design by Harbison Studio is another top pick for me.
Coco Jones was a vision in lace in this piece by the Indian brand Manish Malhotra.
I love a good, dramatic reveal, and there were several this year .
Colman Domingo donned a royal blue Valentino cloak that paid homage to Andre Leon Talley, former editor-at-large on Vogue whom Anna Wintour called “a dandy among dandies.”
The cape later was removed to reveal a tailored black-and-white plaid ensemble, which consisted of a tweed jacket with a large floral accoutrement layered over a striped button-up and a polka-dot tie, paired with matching gray slacks.
Definite Wow moment.
Lupita Nyong’o was a vision in this monochromatic Tiffany Blue Chanel Suit and cape.
We were all watching Doechii as she made her Met Gala debut in Louis Vuitton.
Although I don’t feel it was an “On Theme” moment, I can’t and this blog without mentioning the show stoping look from Diana Ross.
The Ugo Mozie white ensemble, complete with feathers and a long train required at least two assistants.
She had the names of her children and grandchildren embroidered on her dress train.
Who were some of your favorite ‘Dandy Lions’ this year?
Unless you’re a fashion lover, you probably don’t know what that means.
It’s Met Gala Day!!
This year, instead of watching from home, I traveled down to Columbia South Carolina for a Met Gala Viewing Party!
Colombia Fashion Week hosted this amazing event and launched their third issue of their COLAFW publication.
The event took place at The Venue on Main Street in historic downtown Columbia.
We were greeted with live music as soon as we walked through the door.
Then grabbed a glass of champagne.
Next stop, photo op!
Everyone was on theme.
The Dress Code was Tailored for You (Dandy Chic – sharp, tailored, and confident) and everyone understood the assignment.
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
They explored the history and influence of Black dandyism.
Attendees were encouraged to interpret the theme with menswear and tailored styles.
Dandyism is a style that places a high value on personal appearance and grooming, often involving bespoke tailoring, bold colors, and carefully chosen accessories.
We enjoyed a live stream of the red carpet while we mingled with fellow Dandy Lions.
COLAFW also presented their two Top Models and reveled their magazine covers.
Shomari Diez Miller and Keyera Monae each received their own cover.
I was honored to meet a designer that I was preparing to write about soon.
I had no idea she would be there!
Minh Le has made the Lady Gamecocks and their coach Dawn Staley some of the most fashionable ladies on the courts. There will be an upcoming blog about Coach Staley!
Everyone was so welcoming and I truly enjoyed my night. I believe I spoke with everyone in the room!
Thank you Columbia Fashion Week for a Superfine time.
The beloved Shabby Chic brand Love Shack Fancy has landed in the Queen City!
I came out for their Grand Opening in Phillips Place.
We were greeted by the cute Wandering Social camper set up for photo ops.
Then grabbed a Crown Jewels Mimosa and started exploring.
Why is it called LoveShackFancy?
The brand was founded by Rebecca Hessel Cohen in 2013.
She explained “We were doing a shoot with a British magazine, and someone had said it’s love shack, but it’s love shack fancy.”
LoveShackFancy is inspired by the strength of femininity and a vintage-inspired aesthetic that transcends trends.
Clothing, fragrances and accessories all feature girly flowers and bows.
LoveShackFancy clothes are primarily manufactured in India.
The brand is known for its intricate lace and embroidery work, which are a key part of the brand’s aesthetic, and they utilize artisans in India to achieve this.
Girls young and old will find something they love!
They even offer in house monogramming.
They have items just for the Queen City Gals!
Bracelets perfect for stacking.
Their fragrance options look like floral bouquet.
I then enjoyed some lemonade and strawberry shortcake!
Love Shack Fancy Charlotte is currently a pop up until the Fall.
Here’s to their popularity making them a permanent fixture for us Fancy Queen City Queens!
Living La Vida Diva 