Natural Hair On The Runway

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The fashion industry is known for breaking the rules.

Natural hair is no different, and more models strutting the catwalk are embracing their natural curls, coils and kinks.

Not since Roshumba burst onto the modeling scene in the 80s wearing what's now known as a TWA has natural hair played such a prominent role in fashion spreads. Sure, models like Alex Wex and Noemie Lenoire have embraced their natural curls and bald heads on the runway.

But they were the exception -- not the rule.

Is Form Following Fashion?

That's changing, according to Vogue Italia, who lamented the crazy hair care practices of the past  that fried many a Black models' hair. As a result, supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks were left with horribly thinned edges and severe alopecia.

Black models were enough of a rarity; really, did they have to worry about their hair, too?

Vogue Italia writer Marjon Carlos wrote this:

"These haunting experiences are rarely talked about among the fashion world and often concealed in frustrated Facebook statues, or tweets, or woeful interview admissions from present-day Black fashion favorites Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn, messages that acknowledge a problem, but rarely hold few responsible."

That's changed, though, as textured hair now regularly makes an appearance on the runway. Designers are leading the way, showing plenty of natural haired models.

“It is uplifting and inspiring then to see the newest group of Black models storming the catwalks in full embrace of their natural hairstyles, from cropped Afros, flat tops, to buzzed scalps–and in turn being embraced by the industry that has typically approached black hair with skepticism and harsh critique.”

Fashion influences the masses, sets trends.  Let's hope the trend continues when it comes to natural
hair.

What do you think about natural hair on the runway?

Hot or Not?

I don't usually feature celebs on this blog because, quite frankly, they pay stylists to make them look good.

The rest of us (read: non-celebs) don't have stylists and must manage our pennies and make our fashions look good without that $3,000 Berkie bag or that $2,000 pair of Loubies. Sometimes, though, I think a celeb looks uber hot. My challenge is usually to recreate the look to fit my budget.

R&B songstress Kelly Rowland is sporting a look that I simply love, as featured on FashionBombDaily.com.

Those Loubies are hot, and I love the harem leather pants. Don't know if I'd rock the sweater ($130), but it works for her.

Lately, I've pretty much loved everythang I've seen Rowland rock -- very sexy, glam and cosmo without trying too hard. I've seen very few outfits that she's worn that I wouldn't want to wear.

What do you think? Hot or not?



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Check out Your Fave Designs at Fashion Week in NYC

The fashionistas have laid out their best fashion wares for all to see ... otherwise known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC. 

Don't get me wrong: I love good fashions just like the next HairNista, but too often, runway fashions just aren't doable off-runway. What elicits "oohs" and "aahs" on the runway often aren't very practical things that you'd feel comfortable wearing at work, at home or on the street.

There are always exceptions.

Enter Detroit native Tracey Reese and Rachel Zoe of Project Runway fame. I love Reese because, like me, she's from Detroit, and she's made her mark in fashion. Check out her collection. Totally wearable.

Tracy Reese

Zoe is a fave as well. You can work this on the runway and off. And the bright red is killin 'em.



Rachel Zoe


What's your favorite Fashion Week look?

What I'm Lovin' For Fall - 3 Fall Fashion Trends

Ever since I was 12 years old flipping through the pages of Vogue and Harper Bazaar magazines, I have LOVED fashion!

I'd keep up with all the big names in fashion, scrawl my little designs in my notebook, and dream about becoming a fashion designer. That didn't exactly happen. But I became a fierce fashionista in real life, shaking down budget stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls to garage sales, flea markets and resale stores for fashion finds.

So, with that said, ya know that I'm super excited for fall. It's been a long, hot summer in Atlanta, where I live, and I'm looking forward to wearing some long-sleeved fashions and get a break from all of the hot, sweltering 90-degree weather.

If you want to stay uber stylish for fall, here are a few trends to jump on:

Jewel Tones: Add these to your wardrobe, stat! Jewel tones such as jade and teal are one word -- hot, hot, hot! This is an easy add, one that you can quickly and easily add a few things like accessories. I'm a bargain hunter, so this trend is one that you can do affordably. The best thing, is that if you buy staples or accessories in these color schemes, you can still rock them next year or even the next 10 years from now. And, these colors look great against the deep skin tones of girls of color.

Statement Necklaces: This is a trend that's been bubbling up for a while, but statement necklaces are everywhere for fall. The bolder, the better. Really, I can't think of a better way to take classics suchas the LBD or a black turtleneck, and give it a more mod feel.  If you only have money for just one accessory this fall, this one is it.

Animal Print: Animal prints continue their reign. This is a trend that's not really a trend; it's more of a classic: You can rock animal prints today or 10 years from now. Just be sure not to overdo it. Say it with me: One animal print at a time!

Color Blocking: Combining colors of the same hue on the color wheel -- fuschia with blue, blue with green, yellow with blue -- is a return from the summer, and it's trend that can be easily implemented for fall. Think orange and mustard yellow,  orange and brown or even teal and purple.

Leather, Pleather, baby!: It's back -- the leather skirt. I can't think of something that's more iconic. Leather has gotten a definite upgrade in the past 5 years, as fake leathers now look more "real. So, I guess it was only a matter of time before the trend made its way to skirts.  Only this time, the skirts are more A-line cut for a more retro/mod approach. Buy the leather skirts now and keep them. It's a purchase that you'll wear for years -- guaranteed.