Donyale Luna | What Does it Mean to be a Black Supermodel | A Fashion Experience by Sydnie Beason /CW Style Editor

Donyale Luna: Breaking Barriers in the Fashion Industry | Until the 1960's, European beauty was acknowledged as the professional standard in the fashion world. That is until Donyale Luna entered the scene becoming the world’s first African American Supermodel, Luna introduced diversity to the industry by presenting her beautifully distinct features as well as her unique outlook on life. She stood up for black women who had not been represented before in fashion and won the world over with her charm.

A Tale of Two Worlds: From Detroit to Europe's Runways Reflecting on her time modeling in Europe, she contrasted it with her upbringing in Detroit, where she felt her looks were not appreciated. Her striking appearance was not lost on everyone, however; Verna Green, a fellow student at Cass Technical, remembered her as unforgettable, yet Luna remained unaware of her beauty. Her fashion sense was simple, opting for black skirts and long-sleeved tops. Sadly, she was ostracized for being different and speaking and looking differently at Cass Technical. Luna recalled, "I grew up realizing I was strange." Despite this, she achieved a significant milestone in 1966 by becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of British Vogue. She paved the way for young black girls to be authentic in their imagination. She captured the essence of how unique black beauty really is.

Sydnie Beason for /CW

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/CW Presents: Bequest | Youth Led Fashion Event

Come join us for our FIRST EVER youth led fashion experience!

Bequest: (noun) a legacy.

CopyWrite Magazine presents this culminating experience at /CW HQ [ 2209 N MLK Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212] on August 4th of 2023, from 4pm-7pm. You can expect a wonderful display of fashion from Cameron (Cam) Barker of, YEUX DU CIEL, Event Curation by Nahsialis Vang, Marketing & Space design by Frederick (Freddy) Calhoun and Event & Music Management by Jazale Hill, and Vato Vergara [/CW Creative Director] will Host.

You won't want to miss an exclusive surprise by the curators of this unique show!

[Food options & beverages will be available. Registration encouraged. Seats will be limited.]

10 Years of #SupportTheLocal [Happy Anniversary to CopyWrite Magazine]

“This was never the plan, but clearly it was the purpose.” - Lexi

This July [15th] we celebrate 10 years in the game [& 8 years in business] at CopyWrite Magazine. This year we reflect upon our communal impact, our advocacy in the creative industries and our dedication to changing the narrative in the most unapologetic way. We hope that this 10 years inspires other voices to rise up and create their own legacies of service. We all have a super power, ours just happens to be #AllThingsUrban. As always, thank you for helping us #SupportTheLocal. Without our community, there is no us.

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A Poetic Note From The Editor

Imagine not having vision.

Imagine not knowing how to feed inspiration.

For me it's unimaginable.

Because every time there was hesitation I imagined the regret of not attempting to do what was called to me. An unavoidable life of lifestyles.

And the snags were rich.

Rich of lessons that needed to be learned and pain that fueled every great fire.

My inspiration was dedicated to survival and stability in the most tumultuous terrain and paths least traveled

And here we are. 10 years later a vision in my own little hell like heaven. It's warm and chilly all at the same time. An uncomfortable comfort I have mastered. This space was meant for me.

A Reminder of resilience, joy, and so much life lived. I made myself a home to share with the unhoused souls. How fuckin ironic.

And for all those who walked the path even if they strayed away or were left to take a different road or could only travel parallel, you are here as inspiration, clarity in the blur of time, grounding every decision in fact filled with emotion. You are the nuance of a narrative indeed changed.

Let us all celebrate the win.

"A dirty river rat for two two in a Dynasty w/ a doll & a muse"[IFKYK]

Love & All Things Urban,

Lexi S. Brunson, Owner / Active Editor-in-Chief /CW

SS23 | Street Smartz [Promo Video] | Tickets on Sale Now!

On April 7th, 2023 from 5:00PM-9:00PM, The Vatofied Experience will be collaborating with the Designers of Marcellus Brand, Platinum Boy Gang Clothing, Views Clothing, and The Set Apart Ones [Yahad Kadash] to offer a dynamic show that presents Black Men in fashion, a more than trendy display on Urban wear, and the ever morphing nuances of modern fashion culture. Each designer has their own following, aesthetic, and “ear to the streets” so that they can continually redefine what fashion looks like. 

With authentic community and collaboration as key investments to any CopyWrite collaborative event, SS23 is proud announce Media Sponsorship from Hyfin, Community Sponsorship with Ex Fabula, Jazale's Art Studio & other production sponsor including Shot By Basi, Shot By Stearns, Wolf Studios, and Paul Mitchell The School, Milwaukee. 

Tickets are available now. General Admission tickets are $40 and VIP tickets are $60.  All proceeds will support these freelance creative collaborators and local black & brown owned small businesses. Click the link or scan the QR Code to share or purchase tickets. 

SS23 | A Street Wear Experience - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

On April 7th, 2023 from 5:00PM-9:00PM, The Vatofied Experience will be collaborating with the Designers of Marcellus Brand, Platinum Boy Gang Clothing, Views Clothing, and The Set Apart Ones [Yahad Kadash] to offer a dynamic show that presents Black Men in fashion, a more than trendy display on Urban wear, and the ever morphing nuances of modern fashion culture.

Media Sponsorship Provided by: Hyfin, “Connecting The Culture”.

SPONSORS WANTED | Are you ready for the SS23 Fashion Experience?

Did somebody say SS23???

That's right! 

On Behalf of CopyWrite Magazine & Vatofied Experience, we’d like to invite you to join us as a sponsor for our upcoming fashion experience, SS23 [Street Smartz 2023], a streetwear showcase focusing on Black Men in Fashion and creative collaboration.

Last year's experience [SS22] was the catalyst for major movement in Milwaukee's fashion scene. The collaboration, homage to Urban aesthetic, and cultural ornamentation still has attendees talking!

Check out the recap video here:

Do we need you to keep reading? Yes. Will it be worth your while? Absolutely! 

If you click the button below you will find information on how your contribution as a sponsor may impact this amazing event, plus the perks that come with this form of engagement. 

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Your support is vital to the continuous cultivation of community and the legacy that follows.

Love & All Things Urban,

Lexi S. Brunson
Editor-in-Chief /CW
via
Vato Vergara
Creative Director /CW

Sneex Presents: Sneex Sofa Sessions w/ Brema (Moderated by CopyWrite Mag Editor-in-Chief Lexi)

Runway Show MKE Fashion Show

Runway Show MKE Fashion Show 

AFROPUNK Minneapolis… Antix in Chicago… a regular ‘Black boy fly’ fit post from St. Louis, MO native Smino- 2022 has been an extraordinary year for Fashion and Design. Now, of course the usual Met Gala, NYFW, and award shows are gonna serve it to us every time but I'm talkin’ about Mid-West fashion! Our Stylists and Designers have been eating it up all year, you’d have to be there to really know. It’s all thanks to showcases like Runway Show MKE, for providing the rooms, the opportunities, and the exposure for so many underground Designers- Black Designers in particular. 

On September 18th, Founders Marlaina Taylor and Honey Daniels booked Gather at Deer District’s rooftop for a wonderful evening of fashion. The smooth sounds of Cigarette Break could be heard as /CW Fam approached the top of the stairs, immediately seeing the runway and the rows of seats gradually being claimed in the midst of some mixing and mingling. The audience was filled with people who understood the assignment for attending a fashion show; Fits were fire! Perfect for some What People Wear MKE content. 

We joined in and engaged with the night’s attendees and spotted some familiar faces. We saw the owners of Rerocc, C&B Creative, Mr. Fashion Sense Jeff MCallister, and right in the front row was Lynne Dixon-Speller, Academic Dean of Runway Show’s Charity Partner Edessa School of Fashion whose student designers represented Milwaukee in NYFW BLK the week prior. Just before the start of the show, we saw the hostess for the night Steph Crosley, who was wearing Keraye London of Kevon Raye, one of the designers in the showcase. The seats were filled and with standing room at capacity, the space was filled with people ready to see fashion come to life. Not only did the models, seasoned and fresh faced, walk it out and give the audience life but the real stars of the show came out with some of the best pieces seen in our city, by our city! 

We had presentations from those who weren’t new to the scene like Deborah Render of GG Collections whose signature dress trains, puff sleeves, furs, coats and patterns gave us the dramatics that we live for! It was 50s inspired glamor meets bold colors.Kelvin Haydon made sure that the ladies knew where to shop should they get an invite to the Grammys with his full length garments; A blend of class and sass. But who else puts more sass on the runway than Chelsea Stotts though?? This MKE native has done nothing but kill em’ softly since her move to Atlanta last year. With her most recent accomplishment of reaching celebrity designer status after making a custom Moda Muneca2-piece for BIG Latto earlier this year, it was about time for a new collection drop. ‘PRISMATIC’ had colors and a look for anything after lunch time, a cocktail renaissance. Her surprise gown transformation from a cute, all white layered skirt to a hooded pattern dress at the close of her segment was enough to remind the crowd that she hasn't lost her edge. Even more anticipated, the newer faces left their impression on the audience for sure! T+FCo Swim by Marlaina herself IS the statement piece for black girls in luxury. Much of her swimsuits were earth toned and nude colored but were also seen in white and even combined with a bridal beach robe as an intro to their new bridal collection- ‘Cause who wouldn’t wanna be married in a bikini?? Maria Olson ofMishka has been making her rounds, having just presented at Fashion Fest MKE at Bayshore. Her pieces walked down the runway speaking more directly to the overall identity of MidWest culture- giving “industrial” with her usage of large belts, shapes, browns and blacks, plastic and leather… Who does that? We do. And we are only getting better. Milwaukee fashion is here to take its place and stay! /Naomi-Re’a for CW

It's time to pay Homage! CopyWrite Magazine Issue 20: Homage | Official Drop 10-18-22

HOMAGE | ISSUE 20 | COPYWRITE MAGAZINE | 10-18-22 |

HOMAGE | ISSUE 20 | COPYWRITE MAGAZINE | 10-18-22 |

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