One of my favorite parts of the yearly Charlotte Shout Festival is the fashion!
The mannequins are just as creative as the designs!
I loved the combinations of textures.
Denim patchwork dream.
From streetwear to couture, little bit of each genre was represented.
I had to stop in to show support to local designers. Especially my talented friend Luko Marion.
Nic+Zoe is celebrating 20 years in business and I was invited along for the celebration.
The company was founded in 2005 by Dorian Lightbown, who also serves as Chief Creative Officer.
The brand focuses on effortless, artful styles.
NIC+ZOE was named after Lightbown’s children, Nicholas and Zoë.
I had the privilege of chatting with Zoë at the store’s celebration at Phillips Place this week.
Zoë Chatfield-Taylor is not only THE Zoë, but also Executive Director of Creative Marketing for the company.
She joined her mother at the company 15 years ago.
She went to FIDM in L.A. and studied merchandising, marketing, and business management. She now does merchandising for the brand.
Her brother, the NIC of Nic+Zoë, is an artist. He’s also worked on some of the company’s videos.
Most little girls get their love of fashion from their mothers. In this case, Zoë truly carries on her mother’s visions.
Thank you Nic+Zoë and Phillips Place for a lovely afternoon!
Doc Skippy transformed the runway into a 90’s Hip Hop flashback at the Charlotte Seen Spring Show.
The line featured funkadelic active wear pieces.
Hoodies and jackets straight out of Y2K.
As well as a complete line of funky fresh sneakers.
This brand features wearable graffiti and is the perfect way to express yourself.
I’m excited to add some of his pieces to my wardrobe soon. The colors and vibe just take me back to a simpler time.
Photos by Craig Muzse
Long before Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie uttered these words in Steel Magnolias, I had adopted this color as my own.
Being a redhead, my mother refused to let me wear it. “Redheads don’t wear Pink!”
That’s all I had to hear to rebel and wear it anyway when I got older.
So I was thrilled to see pops of pink on the Charlotte Seen Runway last week!
Pink and polka dots are always a good thing!
A fellow redhead wearing pink.
From streetwear to girly bows, pink dominated the runway.
Add in a flair for the dramatic with these long trains.
The pink and black pieces from Styles by K Porter stole the show.
Classic and retro ladies who lunch.
From Blush to Bashful and all shades in between, this show really brought a smile to my inner child that wasn’t allowed to wear pink.
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.
Outfit Details:
Glasses: J.Reid
Top: Banana Republic
Necklace: Vivienne Westwood
Jacket: JC Penny
Skirt: Walmart
Tights: Amazon
Bag: Michael Kors
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell
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.
The Invitation read ‘Designer Industry Night’.
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:
More on Level 21 can be found Here
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
I’ve fallen in love with the color red lately.
I’ve been accenting my outfits with this primary color and I’m loving it!
I’ve always loved a beret.
For a recent networking event I paired one in red with matching boots, Gucci bag and red Versace shades with an ombré leopard dress.
I channeled my inner Emily In Paris for a themed brunch.
The red boots and beret made an appearance, as well as a red neck scarf.
Tweed Chanel inspired jacket, striped top, black cat eye sunglasses and floral tulle skirt made for an Ooh La Laa ensemble.
This outfit for a Fashion Industry Night was Chef’s Kiss.
The Gucci bag, boots and Versace glasses accented the red crystal lips on the jacket.
I added them to a black sheer skirt, fishnet tights and Amour graphic Tshirt.
Strands of opera length pearls framed my Vivienne Westwood pearl choker.
The perfect finish to each of these outfits is this Snoopy Red lipstick from my Peanuts X Wet n Wild PR box.
Bright vibrant red with gold shimmer.
I’m loving my newfound use of Red!
H&M just launched their collab with the HBO series White Lotus.
From kaftans to embroidered pieces, this collection passes the vibe check.
Here’s my top five picks from the collection:
Patterned Chiffon Dress-
Twist Detail Patterned Dress-
Ruffled Kaftan-
Seashell Pendant-
Eyelet Embroidery Set-
With this collab you can have all the chic with none of the foul play.
Not going to lie…I started watching the show Elsbeth because of her fashion.
I stayed because of her adorable, quirky nature.
Costume designer Daniel Lawson really brought out her personality with her outfits
In addition to her many bags she carries each episode, her jacket game is on point.
This red/orange number over the polka dots is one of my favorites.
Who can forget the fun lobsters??!!
This floral cutout jacket over a cream blouse is another that’s on the top of my list.
She’s definitely a bow girly!!
Again, a cream bow blouse is used under a fuchsia coat with faux fur color.
She is also mad for plaid!
Once again the bow makes an appearance under oversized flowers and prints.
The best part of her wardrobe is they’re easy to find online and purchase!!
She truly one fashionable bag lady.
Living La Vida Diva 