RVA Fashion Week

Modeling for RVA Fashion Week was a way different experience then, my past modeling opportunities. I've always considered myself an amateur model with great potential, but after being a around such a great set of models I've gained a lot more confidence in myself as a model. Rarely people get to see what happens back stage at a fashion show, and rarely do they hear it from an eye of a model. I feel that I do have some experience with fashion shows and have seen the good the bad and the ugly. Behind the scenes in any fashion show you can't avoid the chaos, but you can organize it. The directors of RVA Fashion Week did a great job organizing the hectic nature that comes with doing fashion shows. 

Leading up to Rva Fashion Week I knew it was going to be an exciting experience and great opportunity. Workshops at MTK Auto allowed me to practice and work with other models that I've got to know very well, and others I knew previously. All the models were beautiful and talented, and I'm sure will get more opportunities after the Rva Fashion Week. 

Threads Block Party at Hardywood Craft Brewery featured spring looks from RVA's favorite consignment and vintage boutiques. Of course my girl LaDainta Vintage was showcasing her exclusive vintage finds, and vending as well along with consignment shop Ashby which I jus discovered and will be visiting soon in Carytown. The show was set at Hardywood Craft Brewery which drew a crowd in its own, and also featured food trucks with great food. The stage was set where they held their Kegs, and  the vendors where set up around the runway. The audience was allowed to shop until showtime where they cleared the runway for the models the strut through. Being backstage we were in our own world enjoying each other's company and the music, but we were not expecting the audience to be that close, but loved the energy of the runway. There was a lot of positive energy and dancing behind stage, lot of laughs and a lot of waiting as well, patiently I may add. The staff was apart of the entertainment and added to the fun backstage. It was also my 25th birthday that day, and also my first time wearing make up.

The Second show for RVA Fashion Week was held at Maymont Robins Nature Center, and feature local Designers and boutiques. Featuring the spring collection of designers Angelia Couture by Angelia Cooper, Tough Cookie by Corlette, Mogiia Designers by Monique Blackwood, Saide by Stuart King, Mickey Roxx Brand by Michael Fletcher, WildWoman by Brittany Covington, Bathhouse Swimwear by Bernard Moore, and PLV by Markie Colden. Being that I'm an independent designer myself I made it a goal to network with the other designs to link up for future endeavors. The Fashion Show was held outside under a tent while backstage was inside, in a fair sized room, but with over a dozen models, hairstylist, designers, staff, and of course clothes the room got a little steamy. Hair and makeup started at 2 and the show started at 8, which is a large window with nothing to do. The staff was organizing the show and in between hair and makeup there was practice, a little exploring of the park, and fun times and good jokes, time flew. Most of the models where students, or belonged to se sort of modeling group or agency, I had some friends from Vsu modeling as well so there were no strangers in the room. The positive energy backstage increased the closer it got to showtime, seeing the venue set up and the DJ running through music can really amp you up. The show ran smoothly even with the rain the show was a success, and I had a great time.  

RVA Fashion Week will continued with a 2 part weekend finale fashion show featuring local designers and boutiques at Maymont Robins Nature Center featuring formal wear collections from Alice McQueen, and 707 Menswear boutique as well as local designers such as Angelia Couture by Angelia Cooper, AZI Blas Couture by Azi Blas, Runway Couture by Chrissy Crawford, Destinee's Creations by Tammi James, Leila Noon Bridal Kearsten Walden, Kamala by Kamala Bhagat, LaPosh by India Watson, Dee's Couture by Deborah Cooper. The show featured a lot more formal wear pieces and couture designs. The atmosphere was pretty much the same as the day before but a lot more relaxed. Although I was not interested in my hair being painted silver or gold. I knew I was going to look like Sisqo, or Dennis Rodman, but I pulled it off. I spent most my time admiring and mingling with some of the designers, laughing and passing time with models and staff. Of course my designer friend Chrissy for Runway Couture was featured that day, and apparently she has a few more shows up her sleeve. After modeling for RVA Fashion Week I definitely will design next year. 

Of course I interviewed some models and got there insight of what was going on backstage. Most of them are veteran models of RVA Fashion Week, and have being this was my first show I needed their input. 

Where's there a difference between this year and last year? Veterans 

How was your first Experience with RVA Fashion Week? 

"This year was better as far as publicity and venues it was a lot better this year and practice didn't take all your time..." Gabe (Veteran Model)

"It was fine, it has been a good time and I enjoyed it......Modeled years ago first show in 5 years, a lot of sitting around for guys, fun to meet network and get to know people," Logan 

"Always fabulous never a dull moment it's exciting to see new people and talent..we have better looking models and talent.." Erico. (5 year veteran) 

" It was amazing fun and energetic unlike anything I've ever done.. It wasn't hard I do this and I adapt," Ariel

What was the difficult part about doing RVA Fashion week? 

"Being on time with my busy schedule.." Erico Jordan (5 year Veteran)  

"Time management with real life and the show.." Casey (3 year Veteran)   

Any advice for models?

"Try it cause they take a diverse group of ppl and it's a great experience.." Casey 

"Go for it and do it big and fuck it up.. " Ariel

"Stay focused and follow your dreams.." Erico 

All professional images are from @Shine_inc www.shineincphotography.com 

Spring Fling Fashion Show

VSU Spring Fling Fashion Show

My 3rd time around being featured in the VSU Spring Fling Fashion Show, and I should say each experience has been a pleasure. This time around I decided to go with another approach with this particular collection, I wanted to stray away from the distressed denim, and my fabric manipulation techniques, and focus more on solid ready to wear pieces. I wanted to add a more athletic feel to the collection as well by adding baseball pants, baseball shirts, and even a varsity jacket. I chose a Bold Gold Snakeskin print to unify the collection, and introduced other prints and solid colors throughout the collection to allow it to move and tell a story.


Grace in Robert Morris

My experience doing the show was the same as others, I had an amazing set of models, most have modeled for me before, Grace, and others I cant wait to use again. Its always great to see Teekie Apparel, her designs are always on point, and her attention to detail with show production shows that she is becoming a veteran in the game. New designer Robert Morris premiered his first collection, I can say he had a fresh new look towards fashion and cant wait to see more from him. Another designer, Shoprunway Couture, was featured in the show as well, and it was a pleasure, after following her on social media, to see her and her collection in full effect.


ShopRunway Couture

Ray in Teekie Apparel

Of course I had a camera backstage and was able to capture behind the scene shots, sneak in a small photo shoot, and capture my designs off and on the runway. Check out my next post to see more images of the show. What's next for Haus of Klyde? I will be modeling in RVA Fashion Week and will be giving a behind the scenes look called Life As A Model. This will include interviews of both new and veteran models, and hopefully an interview with the show producer on model selection, stay tuned



Haus of Klyde: France in Dc

No #TrendyTuesday, no Feature Friday, few Instagram posts all preparing for my next show. With preparation for this event I also had personal issues that needed to be resolved. I recently started a new job working full-time making minimum wage, something I haven't done since 7th grade, I went back home to mother ,something I haven't done in a few years as well, so life for me took a few steps back, only to launch me several steps forward.

Preparing for France in D.C was for me both interesting and different, I was not apart of the model selection,Milano, who made sure to call and update me on all things pertaining to the show. Also I later discovered my best friend Bryan, a photographer, was also booked for the show, which for me made France in D.C even more magical. Grace was a valuable source of information, from her behind the scenes perspective I had an exact idea of almost every model, so I felt ready.The week of the show I spent pulling pieces, dying some new designs, and revamping old ones, I wanted this collection to reflect all my talents as a designer along with the new techniques I earned as well. Along with the preparation I felt that it was best to resign from my job, and allow art to be my employer.I knew nothing of the venue or other designers. My only source information was from the lovely Grace(who has been seen in every show I had this year), and the Primary Designer

I approached the Sandovan Caribbean restaurant, on Georgia avenue, with my famous baby blue vintage suitcase to be greeted by what I was told to be my light skinned twin Philippe. He greeted me with his heavy dark eye make up, and directed me backstage where I met the rest of the models, and they were all perfection. Of course my models like Kasan, and Grace were in preparation, and I was excited to put names that Grace gave me to faces. The female models were gorgeous inside out and ranged from tall glamazon, to pretty petite, all with show stopping struts. The males models ranged in looks as well, a few seemed familiar, but all fit well in my clothes which is a first. All the models remained a level or professionalism while making backstage fun and the best place to be.


   The venue insisted on a small exclusive audience, and gave a very personal interaction between the models and the audience. I was informed that the audience include social media gurus and fashion
bloggers, but I was so busy with energy behind stage for it was both

live, and exciting.

   Before the show started everyone was awaiting the last designer, including me, she came with designs from African which made me even more excited to meet. Seconds before the show, all the models dressed in my designs, and here she comes with a male friend, dressed in what I know as traditional African fabrics I was both in awe and amazed. I watched closely and silently as she pulled out her beautiful pieces,and beaded jewelery, awaiting for the moment to just say Hi. Before I could speak her large bright smile greeted me,  Tsolaye Dorsu, was both beautiful and talented. She asked me if I was from America, and later named me her "Nigerian Prince" and gave me the name "Femi" which i love. She was a joy to meet.

    Of course there were other designers such as Original Crackage who I have admired from Instagram, and couldn't wait to see the shirts up close. The designs were so beyond what Tshirt designers are doing, and the are obviously way ahead of what other t shirt designers are showing. Although I didn't get the opportunity to talk to the designers they seemed extremely laid back and professional, fr their designs spoke volumes. The primary designer Milano, closed the collection by bringing France to D.C. Milano produced a collection for the fancy and conservative. His collection was obviously inspired by the European look, and it was done extremely well. With the help of the models and production Milano really bought France to D.C.

#TrendyTuesday

Im ecstatic to bring to you the first #TrendyTuesday bringing you whats trending in both Fashion and Social Media.

#TrendyTuesday:Denim

Light, Dark, Mid-Tone, Acid Wash, Stone Wash, Levi, Wrangler, True Religion.. Denim. Denim has been named a classic within the fashion community and every season has been revamped to accommodate the ever turning fashion cycle. In the 80s and 90s denim was best worn to match, denim jacket with matching pants can be seen by designers such as Phat Farm, and Fubu. Now denim is best worn mixed than matched. A light blue denim shirt, with dark denim pants provides a great classic look and can be accented with a warm pop of color like red. Denim now can be seen in a variety of ways designers like Jeremy Scott with Adidas and Levi have found new was to look at the classic. The best way to wear denim now is with contrast, a light denim shirt goes great with dark denim pants or shorts, and vice versa. With thrifting being a new way to shop its a must to have vintage denim, stone wash, acid wash, or even an ashy black denim will be set off with a white T-shirt. With all this denim a color to pop is mandatory whether its a brown belt or loafer, or a bright warm color to set it off. Stay tune for next weeks trending topic in fashion. 

#TrendingTuesdays:Memes

Scrolling through your time line you're guaranteed to see a Meme. Memes are clever phrases attached to familiar images that can be funny, inspirational, or shady. Some memes have a positive messages while others may be down right funny and wrong. With the ever changing news in popular culture Memes are the best way to express your opinion, also you can expect memes to pop up during tv shows like RHATL, Sports Events, and  awards shows. Memes could also use to thro shots, the "be like" phase still continues within memes. Dark skin guys be like, light skin girls be like, thots be like all phrases used with memes to be shady to one another. Another trend with Memes is using a popular image of someone making a face and adding different phrases to give it different meanings. Memes can make or break your timeline, and but will always have you feeling some type of way. Check out next week whats trending in social media.

Feature Friday: Chic by Choice

Within my experince in college I have encountered many talented individuals but none as talented as these two. Shanelle a Textile Apparel Merchandising and Management major, and Melissa an Accountant major both had a strong passion for fashion, and both displayed a confident yet chic style. Of course two girls from New York are going to be stylish, while most are forced into what trending, these two were Chic By Choice. Being college we all had conversations about starting a brand, and making a strong presence within the fashion community, and after graduation we where going to take the fashion world by storm. And we Have.

   So of course they are the first to be mentioned for Feature Fridays. Chic By Choice is their brand that they started to express themselves creatively. Initially they started out making earrings and transitioned into designing clutch handbags that offer versatile styles that can be dressed up or down which is the beauty of their products. They aren't your typical "girly girls" and they love comfortable clothing along with sneakers. Their style direct reflects their brand, and every time I see Shanelle and Mellisa, its always a joy to see that them rocking their own brand, like I.

At this moment right now Shanelle and Melissa are getting ready for The Ultimate Trunk to launch  Chic By Choice, and the new Summer/Spring Collection. I had only a few questions for the dynamic duo, starting with a little piece of what their brand is about, and their goals.

".....Chic By Choice has products to offer a wide range of women with a sense of style. We recently launched our Spring/Summer collection and we are focusing on building our brand. In the long run we are planning on branching off into all areas of accessories and becoming a household name. We hope to inspire those who want to do something different but are hesitant on taking the initiative to do so. You never know what can come from it...."

Q.Where do you see Chic By Choice in 10 Years?

A.In 10 years Chic By Choice will be a household brand offering a wide range of products eventually branching off into different areas of the accessory market such as jewelry, men's and children accessories. We plan on opening a store front where we are based in Brooklyn,NY. We will be heavily involved in the community focusing on our youth; serving as mentors and help encourage the younger generation to follow their dreams because with belief, determination, and hard work anything is possible. 

Q.Name a few artist/designers that inspires/ motivates you all?

A.We both listen to a lot of music mainly hip hop and R&B. Some artist that generally motive us are J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake Pharrell, and Jay Z. We portray where we come from and who we are through our designs as they do with their music. As far as designs are concerned we are inspired by innovative brands such as Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and Celine. They all are not afraid to take risk with styles, color, and overall execution of their designs.  

Q.Name a current trend that you agree, and a trend that you completely disagree with?

A.Floral prints, pastel colors and holographic colors are some color trends that have been spotted this season and we agree with them. As far as looks, Kimonos and athletic footwear are becoming more popular adding coolness to already fashionable looks. We don't necessarily disagree with a specific trend at the moment  because we haven't seen anything that consistently looks bad. 

Q.What is your opinion on social media, and does it play an important role to your brand?

A.In our generation social media holds a very important role as far as keeping everyone updated on what is trending. With Chic By Choice just starting out we actually wanted our friends/followers to be apart of our journey every step of the way. We currently have our blog http://chicbychoicethebrand.tumblr.com/, Instagram and twitter @chicbychoice were we keep everything completely open from how we come up with our designs down to joining us while we go fabric shopping. 

Q.How do you use Instagram as a form of advertisement, artistic outlet, or networking.?

A.We use Instagram as a form of advertisement by posting new styles that we offer and updates on our line in general. We look through fashion related hashtags for possible inspiration along with tagging our photos with the same hashtags which brings forth networking opportunities.

 

Feature Fridays

Everyone should remember Photo Shoot Friday, so for the month of June Im bringing you Feature Fridays. Every Friday for the month of June I will feature a young up and coming designer, artist, or musician. These unique individuals I will be featuring are both young and extremely talented in their field. Some I have had the pleasure of meeting and watching their growth, others I have followed on social media and a few I’ve met through networking. I want to know not only about their brand, their style, how social media has played a role in their success, and also how they use social media. Since Myspace days artist/designers have been discovered simply by expressing themselves, so now years later in the era of Twitter and Instagram these people have used every post as a form of advertisement. Whether it’s a BTS (behind the scenes) video for Instagram, a link on twitter to your music, or an image advertising your latest design. So I bring to you Feature Fridays.