I just went to Eras Of Black Style last night. I loved it. I met Beverly Johnson, Constance White and Tereneh Mosley. I also got to see Demeatria Boccella and her partner Darnell McLaurin from Fashion Africana. I've been to their Pittsburgh fashion shows. He had on the most fabulous silver shoes I've ever seen. I would know because I've been wearing silver shoes since I was two.
The reason why I am so excited about this is because Beverly Johnson is the first Black woman to be on the cover of Vogue Magazine. That's a big deal because if she had given up her dream to be a model, people wouldn't think Black people could be beautiful. She wanted to keep making money, because she knew that she wouldn't stay pretty for very long. But, she was wrong. She's still gorgeous! She picked a great fashion business. And what is it you say? Wigs! If your hair doesn't match your outfit, or the color is all wrong, you don't have to dye your hair. You can just put on one of her wigs.
Constance White was the editor of Essence Magazine, style editor for The New York Times and Elle. She made sure the the word spread that Black people have always looked awesome. Look at your Vogue today! It has lots of Black people in it. Not Really! Just checking that you're still reading.
I learned a lot from her talking. Really, from everyone talking. But, she inspired me the most because she helped me look deeper at designers I should know about. Stephen Burrows is one. He was copied by European designers. But, people like Constance remember and tell the story. I also got her awesome book, "The Kings & Queens Of Style." I also learned that my styles reflect my heritage because in lots of Black design there has always been shiny, sparkly, color, patterns, fringe and fur. (I couldn't find a website for the book.)
And then, in the audience, sitting behind me was Tereneh Mosley! She is working in Africa with Massai women on a fashion line. They want clean water, food on a daily basis and electricity. All of things we have everyday. This fashion line is going to help get them get this. It's new for African-Americans to work equally with Africans to share profits. Usually, like the diamonds that you are wearing today, are from some European who held a gun to an African's head and said, "Go work in the mine. Give me the diamonds. And we're not going to pay you that much." But, not Tereneh, she's sharing.
All of them we so warm and nice to me. They asked me about myself. They shared information with me. They cared.
Lesson Learned: We are Sharing People.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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| Windafire, Christina Springer, & Beverly Johnson |
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| Constance White & Windafire in my original ensemble. |
I learned a lot from her talking. Really, from everyone talking. But, she inspired me the most because she helped me look deeper at designers I should know about. Stephen Burrows is one. He was copied by European designers. But, people like Constance remember and tell the story. I also got her awesome book, "The Kings & Queens Of Style." I also learned that my styles reflect my heritage because in lots of Black design there has always been shiny, sparkly, color, patterns, fringe and fur. (I couldn't find a website for the book.)
And then, in the audience, sitting behind me was Tereneh Mosley! She is working in Africa with Massai women on a fashion line. They want clean water, food on a daily basis and electricity. All of things we have everyday. This fashion line is going to help get them get this. It's new for African-Americans to work equally with Africans to share profits. Usually, like the diamonds that you are wearing today, are from some European who held a gun to an African's head and said, "Go work in the mine. Give me the diamonds. And we're not going to pay you that much." But, not Tereneh, she's sharing.
All of them we so warm and nice to me. They asked me about myself. They shared information with me. They cared.
Lesson Learned: We are Sharing People.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
We are WIRED to be sharing people, but so many of us get caught up on the little things and let them divide us. I am so glad you had the chance to connect with designers willing to share their stories and wisdom. Thank YOU for sharing your journey with all of us readers – you often don't know how powerfully you affect those who may never post a comment or make a peep. Keep shining your light!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this - it's great to hear about your experiences and what you are thinking. I don't normally really think about fashion, just because it is not my particular "thing," but you bring up some great points that it is more than just the clothes--it's also about seeing beauty and creating just relationships.
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