“Darkness falls across the land / The midnight hour is close at hand”- Vincent Price.
This weeks production of Charlotte Seen’s Charlotte Fashion Week is probably one of my top 5 favorite shows.
I’ve decided to break up the blogs according to the vibes.
Since Halloween is approaching, I’m focusing on the Dark Mode.
Snarkeez is one of my favorite designers.
This year, in addition to their amazing pieces, they introduced their kids line.
I loved every bit of it!
I adore Kitty & Rhodes(as well as the designer Jasmine!)
Picture Barbie meets Morticia Addams.
Classic and mysterious.
Another Fav of mine, Brian James brought us Usurper.
Classic and Goth collide in this collection.
Hemline brought us the look which can only be described as Madonna meets Beyoncé.
I love this look and plan to try an inspired look based on it.
Madonna vibes also popped up in the collection by DeLuca By T’Shun. And XVII- The Custom Experience.
Bones and Honey confirmed leather and lace is definitely hot for Fall/Winter ‘23.
Distress Signals gave us the Signal that Darkness is upon us.
The Angel of Darkness spread her Wings.
Vincent Price is also quoted as saying “I sometimes feel that I’m impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race. I know this sounds sick, but I love it.”
And like Vincent, when it comes to Charlotte Fashion Weeks Dark Mode. I love it.
Her designs were breathtaking. We were greeted by two of her models as we entered the cocktail party before the show. Very old Hollywood glam mixed with modern sexy and sultry.
BUSINESS MOGAL, DESIGNER,
FACES OF FASHION GALA CREATOR Lisa Nicole Cloud, a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and former reality TV star from Bravo’s “Married to Medicine, is the founder of the Lisa Nicole Collection, a luxury clothing line for modern women. Her sleek designs have been worn by celebrities and showcased in fashion weeks worldwide, and she’s received accolades for her philanthropic efforts, including the Barack Obama Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Lisa Nicole Cloud serves as an inspiration in both the fashion industry and the world of women’s empowerment and medical mission work.
London Couture:
Oh my goodness!
A combination of mystery and fun!!! Lace and fringe pieces were so different yet so London Couture.
CELEBRITY DESIGNER
London Couture, a fashion designer based in Atlanta, Georgia, is celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional couture with modern elements. With a background rooted in creative expression a list that includes prominent names like Lil Kim and B. Simone, London Couture’s designs are renowned for their cutting- edge and timeless appeal.
Tracy Nicole Clothing:
This designer gave us pieces we can wear in our daily lives. I call it casual couture. And curvy girl friendly. I’ve been looking at a couple of pieces to add to my wardrobe.
MOTHER, DESIGNER, AUTHOR
Tracy Nicole, a multifaceted entrepreneur and fashion designer, rose from humble beginnings in Atlanta to create a nationally recognized brand known for timeless style. Her include New York and Paris Fashion Week appearances, a presence in the Four Seasons Hotel spa retail, and a commitment to giving back through self-esteem workshops and scholarships. Tracy Nicole’s brand has expanded globally, with plans to introduce swimwear in 2024.
Alani Taylor:
Tailored, menswear inspired pieces with her own twist added.
Fun and sexy pieces by a truly humble designer.
CELEBRITY DESIGNER, OWNER OF THE LAB Timeekah Murphy, an Army Veteran and Celebrity Fashion Designer, founded Alani Taylor Co., a luxury high fashion streetwear brand with a client list that includes Beyonce, Cardi B, and more influential celebrities. Self-taught in sewing during her military service, Murphy’s journey led to the creation of her brand, which has gained recognition in publications like Vogue and Forbes. She’s also expanded into clothing manufacturing and education, aiming to make her mark in the fashion industry through her unique styles and leadership.
Miguel Wilson Collection:
Wow. Just wow!!! This collection was hot!!!
I was blown away by these unique designs.
#1 DESIGNER FOR MENS WEDDING ATTIRE Miguel Wilson is an internationally recognized fashion designer known for his wedding attire and the groundbreaking Wedding Collection for Men. After a successful career serving businessmen and athletes, he rebuilt his business focusing on grooms, chronicling his journey in the book “Peace Over Everything” and establishing multiple locations across the United States.
SHANNON BALENCIAGA:
MOTHER OF THE “HOUSE OF BALENCIAGA”
The finale was much anticipated by me.
Since the 90’s when I first learned of the House Ball Culture, I’ve been intrigued. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to watch a presentation in person. I was beyond thrilled to see the House of Balenciaga!!
The Iconic International House of Balenciaga, established in 2002, is renowned for producing icons, legends, and stars both within and outside the Ballroom Community, notably featured on HBO Max’s Legendary. Shannon Balenciaga, also known as Countess Shay, leads the house and has achieved numerous titles, including Legendary Face and Overall Mother, while also founding the Worldwide House of Royal clothing line.
This experience was one of the top ten best moments of my blogging life. Heck let say top five!!
Once again, The Luxe List Atlanta, thank you for for inviting me to this incredible event.
The invitation read “Imagine a night where the worlds of Fashion, Art, Culture and Entertainment collide.”
I was honored to attend the Inaugural Faces of Fashion Gala at the High Museum in Atlanta last weekend.
The Luxe List Atlanta partnered with F.A.C.E.-Fulton County Arts & Culture, and The Finer Events for a star studded evening.
Atlanta has long been know for its history, it’s music and it’s sports. The goal of the evening was to now establish the city’s presence in the Fashion World.
By honoring many of their locals, this event definitely was the first step in establishing the city in the Fashion Industry.
After a Red Carpet interview, I entered the cocktail party before the event.
My vegetarian diet was catered too during the dinner portion. Beautiful and delicious!!
Cynthia Bailey, actress, model and founder of the Bailey Agency School of Fashion, was the first honoree.
My favorite Real Housewife of Atlanta graciously accepted her award in a glamorous sequined pantsuit.
Americas Next Top Model Eva Marcille was up next. From the Young and The Restless to the runway, I’ve been following her career for years.
This Real Housewife Alum also chose a jumpsuit. The pink background with the black graffiti like flowers was stunning.
Fashion photographer Robert Ector took the stage looking quite fashionable himself. His gold and black brocade robe was on trend for the night. He looked right at home on the other side of the camera.
Actor, HMUA and honorary Housewife Miss Lawrence gave a heartfelt speech. I was particularly looking forward to seeing them. Miss Lawrence inspired me long ago to be myself. Dress for myself. And not care what other people think you should be. They’re unique ensemble will be recreated by me in the future!
Another honorary Housewife, hair stylist and event planner, the Fabulous Dwight Eubanks ripped the runway before accepting his award. In his true over the top nature, Dwight wowed everyone in a white and blue satin blazer, dripping in pearls.
I’m totally in love with this blazer!! And Dwight has always had my full attention while on screen.
Rapper, actor, television presenter, and author, Fonzworth Bentley spoke so eloquently while accepting his award.
He shared childhood stories of his love of fashion and how his grandfather helped mold him into the well dressed gentleman he is today.
To me this man is single-handedly responsible for keeping men dapper throughout the years. Trends come and go. Fashion changes, but style is forever. And this man has style.
He was very approachable and so nice taking time to talk with all of us. Truly a class act.
All eyes were on music mogul Devyne Stephens as he accepted his award in all black, sequins and fringe. Complete with satin gloves.
This talented man is passionate about music but even more passionate about his community.
Lady in Red, Randi Layne, came dressed to impress. The founder of Catwalk Productions arrived in a monochromatic red ensemble featuring a heart shaped décolleté.
Catwalk Productions serves a truly diverse industry base and features over 40 years of industry experience. They’ve been featured in, designed, produced and directed fashion shows from coast to coast.
Songwriter and Producer Rico Wade selflessly praised so many people while accepting his award. He ditched his hip hop attire for a blue suite with a satin bow tie and received much accolades from his peers in the room.
This was truly a high point in my fashion blogging career. And a night I will never forget.
Whether you’re into fashion or not, you recognize this phenomenal lady and her unique take on fashion.
Iris Apfel recently turned 102.
She’s been a fashion influencer long before we all achieved to become one.
With her giant round spectacles, signature red lipstick and statement necklaces layered over vintage jackets, she leave us expecting the unexpected.
She is the complete antithesis of Coco Chanel’s simplicity.
Although she does have some classic moments. These outfits are classic with an Apfel twist.
She even had a collaborated on a collection for H&M that included everything from brightly coloured brocade shoes to a sea green Jacquard weave appliqué blazer.
To quote Clairee Belcher from Steel Magnolias: The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.
And accessorize is what Iris Apfel does best.
She’s been quoted as saying “More is More and Less is a Bore.”
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute honored her with an exhibit displaying her decades’ worth of personal style.
She even had her own Barbie!!!
When asked about the difference between style and fashion, she’s always been clear: “Style is something you inherit, I think it’s in your DNA … Style is attitude and comes from within. Fashion comes from without.”
My love affair with fashion was fueled by his designs in the 80s and 90s.
Giovanni Maria “Gianni” Versace was an Italian fashion designer, socialite and businessman.
He was the founder of Versace, an international luxury-fashion house that produces accessories, fragrances, make-up, home furnishings and clothes.
He was influenced by Ancient Greek History.
This is evident in the company’s logo, the Medusa head, and recurring motifs like the Greek Key.
He was one of the first designers to link fashion to the music world.
Versace enlisted the talents of legends Elton John, Madonna, and even Jon Bon Jovi for seasonal campaigns.
Fun Fact: Tupac was the first rapper in a Versace fashion show!
Gianni Versace also designed Michael’s iconic gold outfit on the HIStory Tour in 1996.
He also retained complete creative control over all aspects of his company.
Concerning the ‘competition’ between Italian designers, Versace was quoted as saying “Armani dresses the wife, Versace dresses the mistress.”
Versace became known for employing celebrities in his marketing campaigns and seating them in the front rows of his fashion shows. He was one of the first designers to do this.
He is also credited with inventing the ‘supermodels’ of the 1990s, by discovering and featuring major runway models in his shows and ads.
He put the ‘Super’ in Supermodel.
“Before [Gianni], I don’t think many designers let models have personality, nor after. The models should wear the clothes, be very serious, not smile, look in front of you, almost no soul,” his sister Donatella Versace told The Guardian .
“This was totally opposite: it was about the girls, what the girls were thinking, who they were dating. It wasn’t just about the clothes, but about who was wearing the clothes.”
He also believed in men being sex symbols. Not just women.
One of the 90s most memorable moments in fashion history was Elizabeth Hurley in her Versace Safety Pin Dress.
The iconic safety pin dress moment marked not only Liz’s rise to international fame, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship between the actress and the Italian fashion house.
Another favorite Versace memory is of Demi Moore in this iconic lilac ensemble.
Nobody can forget Kate Moss in this Cotton Candy Dream outfit!
He once notably said, “I’m not a fashion designer. I’m a tailor. It’s my job. I can cut and sew clothes. Not everyone can do that”.
Gianni Versace…The man had passion for fashion. And he passed that passion onto me.
While this die hard SATC fan was is thrilled with the return of her favorite fashionistas, the character developments have left me a bit disappointed.
The fashion, however, is on point!
While I figured Carrie would be decked in the most Carrie black mourning clothes, her love life and her wardrobe bounced back rather quickly.
Aiden isn’t the only blast from the past on the show.
Carrie’s Fendi baguette is back!
Carrie’s purple sequin Fendi baguette bag(it’s not a bag, its a baguette!) which was memorably stolen by a style-savvy mugger in season three of the show, is back.
Along with her vintage Chanel boots!
The Vivienne Westwood gown is instantly recognizable to any fan.
Carrie brings back her Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes and her wedding dress which she repurposed for the Met Gala. Complete with the bird headpiece.
While costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago had worked on the original Sex and the City series and movies under Patricia Field, the added their own touch to And Just Like That.
The Classic Mrs. Preston Style we saw in the SATC Movies makes appearances.
As well as some very ‘Over the Top Carrie’ pieces.
Like this Blizzard Chic look.
“It appears like it’s a one-piece coat dress, but it’s actually three pieces: a skirt, a jacket, and a hood,” Santiago says. “It’s all quilted, and it does weigh a lot. There are yards and yards and yards of fabric in it.”
And this Valentine’s Day look for her First Date(can we call it that?)with Aiden.
The Pigeon Purse takes me back to the infamous Duck Purse that Big gave Carrie in Season 2.
While Carrie and her crew have aged gracefully(bring back Samantha please), so has her closet.
Her wardrobe shows that her fashion has evolved, as well as keeping some connections to her glorious apartment closet from SATC.
I feel like the costume designers have created a happy medium.
Many Manolos later, Carrie is still so very…Carrie.
Most people know Jenna Lyons because of her appearance on this season’s Real Housewives Of New York.
However, she’s been one of my Fashion Icons for years now!
Jenna is the queen of mixing and matching patterns that shouldn’t go together. Yet somehow, she makes it look amazing!
Lyons has been described by The New York Times as “geek-chic quirkiness, which mixed camouflage and sequins for day, and denim and taffeta for evening, all of it layered with big costume jewelry”
Mixing prints, Mixing textures, Statement earrings and Glasses all come to mind when I think of Jenna’s Style.
Lyons was the executive creative director and president of retailer J.Crew from 2010 until April 2017.
Her style is reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, another fashion icon to me.
There’s not a JCrew girl alive that doesn’t pile on the pearls because of her.
My favorite look from her current Real Housewives show so far is the layering of a men’s necktie and a string of pearls. I’ll be recreating this look this Fall!
I’m loving at the looks on RHONY and I’m happy more people are learning to love her style.
Living La Vida Diva 