Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Cherish Witherspoon

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Cherish Witherspoon

Photo by Cherish Witherspoon

Social Media: @idonotcherishyou

Expertise: Creative Director

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

The next fashion industry to me looks like something protective and inclusive, with all these events going on we need a trend that actually protects us, from face mask to bulletproof vest, they might be strange but we can make it fashion.

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

Sustainable fashion to me is a pair of jeans that never shrink in the wash or a black outfit that never gets dingy.

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

My style has totally changed because of this pandemic, I find myself covering up more and going out less. The mall doesn’t hit how it used to, this pandemic definitely made me an online shopper.

Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Hayley Knowles

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Hayley Knowles

Social Media: @hayleyknowles_ @looksbyhayley_

Expertise: Stylist/Creative directing

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

I think the fashion industry is in a unique place right now where everyone involved is pushed to get even more creative. We’re seeing virtual shoots like even a brand like Loewe just created a fashion show in a box! HOW COOL IS THAT??? I don't believe this stuff is going away, I think it's all just getting started. This industry has so much power over the people- not only can we hope to see even more diversity through color and embracing everyone's beauty in all different forms but I think consumers are becoming much more educated within where their money is going. We can hope with this that fast fashion won't be as big as it has been.

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

A WHOLE LOT! This industry is harmful and so scary how much is hidden behind the making of clothes that we wear and don’t even know about! Sustainable fashion is what we should be investing in. Although it can be more pricey, the pieces are much more long-lasting and totally worth it. Thrifting, reworking clothes is so hot! Research before you buy. Question everything!

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

Being a college student studying fashion I believe it's a real duty I have to educate myself on these current events because the industry is extremely shaped by it. I want to do my part in making fashion less wasteful and more inclusive. Clothes will be around forever- that’s so much power we must use it in the best way possible!

Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Dupreé Armon

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Dupreé Armon

Photo by Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Dupreé Armon

Website: www.iqualityphotos.com (@Dupreearmon )

Expertise: Photographer | Graphic Designer

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

In today’s world of havoc and change, I truly think this next wave in upcoming fashion will be inclusive and monumental for most. I see fashion trends having more of a conceptual outlook rather than just making it cute and stylish. I see fashion stylist and designers being more in-tuned in what and why they may choose a type of fashion/ style to create.

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

For fashion to be sustainable, the LOOK has to create a story. I tell people try to envision style as if it’s a piece of art. Anything that has longevity is the result of attaining sustainability. Being able to tell stories through wardrobe is one way of knowing you’re on the road to having sustainable style and fashion.

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

My perspective on fashion/ style has changed multiple times due to how much free time I’ve had on my hands since this whole global pandemic frenzy. I find myself being more creative with the choices I make in fashion and allow myself to venture into places I never really experienced before.

Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Roberta Edwards

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Roberta Edwards

Clothes by: @jessrightstyle
Shot by: @l.nicolephotography

Businesses: Bombkouture (Women’s online Boutique) ( @Bombshellberda )

Expertise: Owner/CEO of Bombkouture, Fashion Event Coordinator, Model Coach, Multi-Published Model

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

I believe the NEXT for the fashion industry is already starting to happen. Designers creating outfits with matching mask. Jumbo turtle necks extended to cover your face. This is becoming the new Normal. More urban creations to support the black audience even top designers that never intended for black people to wear their brand and starting to put more black celebrities as their brand ambassadors so they are the face.

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

Sustainable Fashion to me means that in order for the fashion industry to not go dead, Then we must adapt to our environment. The industry always has been a chameleon, as times have changed so has fashion.  The Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19 does nothing but help the industry with people who aren’t able to be verbal and explain how they feel towards blacks, buying from them supporting our business is their way of community.

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

Not just myself, but collectively as a whole, all Black people especially those in the industry have been affected by this.  We are now in the forefront and are now being seen. America is made off the black dollar and in order to return that now the support for us to be happy is present more than ever. More people appear to stand behind black people. And will find whatever way to support so they are not attacked by us.

In addition, we as black people need to stand strong and remain firm, and not mistakenly take the support of other races of them caring. It easily can be reversed psychology to get us back to where we were so they won’t lose business

Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Jeffrey McAlister Jr.

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Jeffrey McAlister Jr.

Businesses: FashionSense https://www.facebook.com/FashionSenseInc ( @jmacjr03 )

Expertise: Stylist, Branding consultant, Model, and Fashion show producer.

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

Let’s face it, fashion has a diversity problem. We know this, and plenty of people in the industry have been tackling it. Unfortunately, amid all this activity, the actual issue of racism has often been danced around. We have seen calls for brands to answer for their wrongdoings. down. Once the dust settles, what will the industry do to move forward? I think now more, real sincere efforts will be made to create meaningful relationships with groups serving these communities. Work with more Black creatives.

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

Sustainable fashion to me is the new movement in the industry with brands moving towards more eco-friendly ways to produce clothing and being more socially conscious. For example, one of my new favorite brands that I follow, Official Rebrand that is based in New York. Official Rebrand “feels strongly about making clothing that rejects societal norms and provides a freedom of expression for whoever decides to wear them.” 

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

The madness that we have been thrown into over the past few months, especially the pandemic early on, really made settle down and look at my styling brand and business honestly, and come up with new ideas to enhance it and stay relevant. The racial uprising that finally came to head as well during the time, motivated me, even more, to make this the most successful business as I can. It forced me to start filling in the gaps I knew was always there but never took time out to address them.

Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Rachel Vasquez

We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.

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Rachel Vasquez 

Photo by Dupreé Armon

Businesses: Rachel V cosmetics ( Vasquez Collection) @sheekallure @vasquez.printingco 

Expertise: Fashion creative, Motivational speaker, and Skincare & Beauty

What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?

The fashion industry will be impacted by all the different things going on in the world but still fashion repeats no matter what. Everywhere we go we see BLM shirts, hats , mask, and so much more to represent our people. I think this will definitely start to build change especially in the fashion world. Owning a online boutique I’m always shopping for what’s new with my vendors. You wouldn’t believe how many black girl magic dresses they have available to order. I can’t even start to count the different BLM shirts they have available for me to order. Now remember most of the vendors are in California or China, we all know they are not black and half the models on the site wearing these items are not black! That right there shows you fashion has been impacted. Consumers are demanding to be seen, they want change and respect. Black people are the trends that the world has no choice but to follow. We create the cycles of fashion. Crazy thing is we don’t even know because putting clothes together feels so natural for us. To answer your question we are next,  the time to show and prove for black designers, artists, creatives, black own boutique is now! 

What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?

Sustainable fashion for me is being able to take old items like denim and bring them back to life. Give them a new purpose and serve a new look.

How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?

Honestly let me thank God for a moment because during this time the growth is my cosmetic has been a blessing. I’m not a millionaire but I have been able to survive during this crazy time. My husband and I have still been rolling in printing business and I even relaunch my online boutique Sheek Allure. Although everyone is wearing chill sets I believe it will have a consistent customer base soon.  My life style has changed a lot. I’m actually getting more comfortable with just being at home. Before all this crazy stuff I never even had time to breathe , with school , businesses, work , kids, and husband yeah COVID has giving me the ability to reclaim my peace. Although I hate COVID I do feel like it has put me in a place to just be thankful for each moment.

Fashion Friday: Sneex Sofa Sessions w/ Rachel Muscat (General Manager of Pharrell's HU) Recap

Where were you last Friday night?

If you’re in the loop you were at Sneex (in Milwaukee’s Third Ward) for their new conversation series SNEEX SOFA SESSIONS.

This moderated style convo session featured Rachel Muscat, General Manager of Pharrell’s Human Race, and past Global Director of Collaborations for Adidas.

As Rachel answered questions about life on the go, collaborating with Kanye and Pharrell, working as women in the corporate world and so much more, we got insight on how the sneaker world really works.

She was humble and inspiring with the stories she shared; including the small quirks that have helped her become someone who has soared in the industry. Starting her first gig interning at a church, she has leveled up becoming apart of some of the most iconic branding we have seen in the last decade. She assured the audience that even the smallest starts can become the catalyst for your next move, making all and any experience relevant. 

One thing that stood out to us was the story about her hanging out with her sisters who started a streetwear line in Australia (where she is from). She notes those moments as influential in her life. She had not realized it then, but they had been teaching her merchandising by taking her to the stores, talking about trends, color waves and the like. I believe they stirred her in the right direction. [Clearly, we are talking about her now].

Of course, there was a lot of talk about working for Adidas, Kanye and Pharell but its the reality that lives behind the glamour that we would like to share. Everyone wants the job but doesn't really understand the types of sacrifices that come with it. For instants, traveling is one of the difficulties she has had to deal with. Being away from family and friends comes with the territory. She mentioned being lucky to have a boyfriend who also has to travel a lot someone, respects her lifestyle and job, so they meet up in between work in different cities to hang out and go on dates to keep the spark together. [For the love of sneaker life! Geeezzzzzz!]. But it works for her!

She also talked self-care, “meditating”, and having a self-check (if your acting like your good that’s what everybody will think your good) because its the only way to really do your best at whatever you are passionate about. “Being your authentic self!”

Quotes we loved:

“Do you know why women rule the world? Because they can just stop having babies.” 

“Everyone is different. The table should represent that diversity.”

“Say things with confidence!” [Advise she gave about handling being the only women in male-dominated environments.”

We usually talk about fashion as something you can see, but Rachel Muscat also reminded us that its something you experience. We won’t share all the details because some times you just have to be in the room to get the goods.

See you at the next Sneex Sofa Session!

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Fashion Friday - 4waukee Fashion show

The 4waukee Fashion show, sponsored by TAPN! This was a one of a kind event. A Fashion show and Concert all in one. Radaya was the genius behind it all. Cultivating the city through artistic talents. After the show, I sat with a few individuals for their perspective of the event and I would like to say; the love was REAL.

“The event was well put together. I really enjoyed the essence of the fashion line up. FROM African Prints to naturally loving yourself, to urban wear. It just made so much sense.”

“I loved the line up of music and fashion. It wasn’t like a concert while the models walked. Everyone got the s$)t off. It was music performance and Fashion Show following after throughout the event.”

“Mannnnnnn Radaya and her team did their thang tonight. The host was killing, loved and performance, and the Fashion was poppin. We need more events like this.”

I believe this event was amazing and the folks I talked to loved the event and stayed after during the mix and mingle. Great job and Radaya has more up her sleeve. 

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