When it comes to fashion, accessories such as necklaces can take a rather bland ensemble and give it the ultimate wow factor. Nevertheless, where most style-nistas go wrong when incorporating bits of drama into their outfit, is by forgetting that too much of a good thing can be bad. Therefore, it is important to tailor your accessories to include just the essentials that way you’ll always look diva ready.
Warmer weather will be on its way soon, so this upcoming season be ready to add a little sparkle to your spring wardrobe! It is never too early to accessorize your outfit with spring’s hottest trends; so then, indulge in 2016 voguish necklaces that will make you the center of attention at any occasion. This year it is all about dangling jewels, pendants and chunky designs. With a variety of bold styles, you are sure to stay stylish all season!
Take your spring look up a notch with these essential necklaces:
As much as we enjoy Jimmy Fallon performing with The Roots using musical toy instruments; last night’s Kevin Hart fashion moment was pretty cool as well. Hart showed off his kicks which are part of a collaboration with Nike due to be released later this year. At this point of time an exact date of the sneaker release is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, shoe industry experts are pinning a date for the collection for this coming April.
With the release Hart would become the very first actor/comedian/entertainer to ink a deal with Nike. What name has Kevin chosen to give to his shoes? Hart can definitely say that he ‘started from the bottom’ and hustled his way to stardom. Therefore, Kevin Hart’s trainers have been fittingly named, “Hustle Hart.” So far two colors have been showcased for the Nike Hustle Hart, red and blue.
For a project such as this consumer reaction as well as opinion is key. We took to the gram to get an early indication of what potential buyers may be currently thinking. Here are a few comments we gathered:
“Copping those.”
“Lol we need those.”
“They really aren’t that bad.”
“This gotta be Nike’s response to Ye.”
“These are dope.”
So far it looks like Nike and Kevin are on their way to a really big pay day. Congrats to Kevin Hart we wish you much fashion success and hope that this collaboration inspires others to Hustle Hart… oops we mean hard.
Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Actress Kerry Washington has some big beauty news today! For 2016 Kerry Washington has been named the Creative Ambassador of the highly successive nail lacquer brand, OPI. This is the first time that the brand has had an ambassador position which makes this beauty move even more momentous.
Kerry Washington has used her fashionable and trendy style before when the Scandal inspired couture line was launched. Also, since 2013 Kerry has been a creative consultant for Neutrogena. Now Washington is bringing her chic influence to the OPI family. For 2016 Kerry will be designing her own nail polish collection incollaboration with OPI Creative Director, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, which will no doubt fly off the shelves. Therefore, if any ladies out there have hopes of reflecting Olivia Pope into their personal style next year you will get your chance!
For a few days now fans have been weighing in on Washington’s inking a deal with OPI. Here are just a few of their comments:
OMG!
We need a shopping trip!
Our two favorite things!! Kerry and OPI
Wanna guess what I just added to my Christmas list? Haha
Listen this here is going to be epic. I can’t wait to see the collections that’s gonna come out of this partnership. Great move OPI
Kerry Washington herself has had some thoughts on her new beauty job. Washington by all accounts seems happy to be and excited on getting her creative juices flowing in order to create some timeless nail shades. Kerry stated,
“This is going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to testing out new colors on the red carpet. The fun, for me, is that nail lives in the crossover space between fashion and beauty. I love to play with nail color on the red carpet and explore new shades.”
Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Sassy Ciara is already getting a head start on spring 2016 fashion and trends. Ciara posted a photo for her fans showcasing Coach’s Mercer Bag for Spring 2016. The bag is perfect for a busy, businesswoman who needs a little extra room to house the day’s necessities.
Like Ciara we absolutely love the color choice of Coach’s 2016 bag which falls right in line with the year’s colors. Moreover, the pretty blue tint is a very fresh use of spring’s usual light, airy shades. What do you think of Ciara’s Coach Spring 2016 handbag, would you rock it?
Contributing cultural fashions to New York Fashion Week is always welcomed in a city of cultural diversity. During market week in September, African elegance arrived at New York’s Plaza Hotel. The Kapy Bash Mode collection debuted in a collective showcase of international presenters to an audience of style enthusiast, fashion influencers and media makers. Kapy Bash Mode offers African ethnic gowns that are inspired by cultures from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Kapy Bash Mode uses liputa, ankara, french lace, bazin, satin and linen fabrics. There is a soon to debut resort line of acrylic swimwear fashions and ankara boxer shorts for men. The creator, Kapinga Bashala has been designing for the Kapy Bash Mode brand for twenty-six years. She has designed custom gowns for television personalities, government dignitaries, pageants and bridal parties.
“There are many negative misconceptions about African cultures and lifestyle. Contemporary African fashion are demystifying the negative stereotypes. With each ethnic gown I create, I share an experience of Congolese’s cultural decadence with the world.” explains Kapinga.
With her busy schedule, Kapinga still finds time to be philanthropic by helping to fund educational programs for underprivileged children in the Dem. Rep. of Congo. Kapinga also helps misfortunate Congolese women develop fundamental skills for starting a small business. A percentage of KBM’s online proceeds goes to fund the charity ‘Kapy Bash for Mothers and Children’. Sharing culture through fashions not only helps others experience unique heritage, it helps preserve heritage through collective economics. Now that is a sustainable trend that is always in style.
We would like to welcome Deanna S. Reid back into the 1966 house as she introduces us to some more amazing fashions this time by Woman’s Touch Apparel. We had the amazing opportunity to interview Deanna and she spilled the deets on everything from photography to fashion. Enjoy and don’t forget to scroll to see more of her editorial look book.
1966: What was the inspiration or deciding factor that motivated you to enter the world of photography?
Deanna R.: My father bought me my first point and shoot camera when I was in middle school. I always snapped pictures with family and friends. In college, I bought my first professional camera and shot my best friend’s audition photos for America’s Next Top Model. From there I started learning the technical aspects of photography from other photographers and online tutorials.
1966: Have you always had a love or passion for taking photos?
Deanna R.: Photography has always been my passion but now it is my goal to pursue it. I’m at the point in my life where my passion for the work is undeniable. The urge to progress is constant.
1966: We absolutely love your fashion editorial pieces, are there any challenges to getting the perfect shot?
Deanna R.: The challenge is not finding the right shot. The challenge or rather the excitement is finding the connection to the subject that builds the momentum to the shots that we want. It’s a collaborative effort.
1966: We can’t get enough of the “Bad Gal” tee but what was your favorite fashion piece from the shoot?
Deanna R.: My favorite piece was the Bad Gal Crop Top Out of Africa Edition. The print is bold and fun!
1966: Lastly Deanna, if you could photograph any celebrity from now or the past, who would it be and why?
Deanna R.: Sorry I can’t choose one celebrity lol. I would do a collaborative shoot with Erykah Badu and Solange. They are beautiful women who embrace individuality and creativity in music and fashion.
Editorial Details:
All tops were provided by upcoming designer/stylist Jenesis Laforcarde (IG @lovejenesis) from Arizona.
Alright guys layering is not difficult to pull off and can give you a nice classic look in seconds. If you have ever taken a plaid shirt and placed it over a t-shirt then you my friend have attempted and succeeded in layering an ensemble. See it is a very simple look that can instantly give an outfit more depth and drama.
With winter just around the corner sweater weather is quickly approaching. As reported this trend is going to be a hot commodity for the ladies but will also be a must-have for guys as well. Therefore, what is the easiest way to layer like a true player?
First off, guys we get it… in man fashion if its not comfortable you are not likely to wear it. So invest in a pair of denim that is a combination of a great fit without having to sacrifice being comfy. Next, choose a just a relaxed undershirt to under a sweater so that if you got too hot the shirt and jeans would still play. We have found that solid colored tees are perfect because there’s no confusion as to whether it will match or not.
Finally, cop a sweater as well as a pair of winter boots and you are good to go. Once again sweaters that are all one color are a no-brainer when it comes to layering, but if you are not a conservative gent do not be afraid to play with color, pattern and geometric design.
Thoughts? Talk fashion with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
To many this is the most wonderful time of the year and in a fashion sense it truly is and then some! When it is warmer wouldn’t you agree that many times only one to three items are needed to complete an ensemble? However, once temperatures take a dive layering and heavier duds become the queens of the style dominion. Therefore, what clothing item will you want to get your hands on NOW in order to rule the street style catwalk?
Sweater weather is back ladies and better than ever! This season cozy up in our top neutral and bold fall color picks for under $50 from Canyon River Blues, Covington and Metaphor to make sure you will never have to sacrifice style for comfort. Take a lesson from Queen Bey who knows her way around the sweater department.
We recently had the opportunity as well as pleasure of interviewing an emerging designer who hails from ATL, Georgia. Due to such popular shows such as the Real Housewives of Atlanta, the style influence from the ATL has never been hotter! Emmanuel Lartey is breathing new life into the fashion scene by designing clothing that reflects his own work ethic, values as well as personality. Lartey’s determination for success is inspiring and definitely of note to be imitated. Read on to learn more about Emmanuel Lartey as well as his up and coming brand, Eldesign.
Who or what inspired you to develop your own clothing line?
Life inspired me to start my own clothing line. It wasn’t till I graduated from college that I learned how life hits you in the face and its either sink or swim. So after some hard days, I would listen to my music and create whatever design that god placed in my head. It became an outlet and a way for me to express myself.
Have you always had an interest in fashion?
No it wasn’t till I graduated from college and gave up football that I wanted to learn more about the fashion world and put my flavor in it.
How did the name of your brand, Eldesign, come about?
Eldesign is the name of my brand. I used my initials+design to create eldesign.
What type of girl or woman would you say that your clothing line would appeal to?
My clothing line would appeal to females and kids. The kids clothing will consist of different versions of Creg, who is my brand’s mascot.
Please break it down for us, what type of items are available for purchase including hats, shirts, etc. and where can ladies go to get your designs?
Eldesign makes hats, shirts, pants, and different accessories. Follow us on IG @eldesignthecollection, like us on Facebook eldesignthecollection, and check out our website www.eldesignthecollection.com for new releases.
What challenges have you experienced as a designer and how are you overcoming them?
Some challenges I experienced at the beginning, was deciding who my brand will target. I was caught up in showing off my talent that I didn’t realize that most of my loyal customers were mostly females. So I made some changes and created more female apparel. This was my way of thanking my loyal customers.
Where would you like to see your brand take off to in the future? Meaning in 5 or 10 years when people say or hear Eldesign what do you hope that they will be thinking?
In 5 Years my brand will be recognized internationally and when people say Eldesign the first thing they will think of is Creg. I am confident in this prediction because of my vision, grind, and god’s will.
Thoughts? Talk fashion with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Disney has ingrained in our minds from an early age that when we wish upon a star dreams do come true. However, anyone that has ever reached the level of success that they have long thought about knows that it is a little more involved than just peering up at the night sky. We can all wish for something to happen, but in reality if we want said wish to come true there is much work involved.
This week handcrafted shoe designer Aurora James was bestowed with the honor of being the recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This fund was founded in order to give support to emerging American fashion talents. Three prizes are rewarded to three selected designers in order to aid them in going next level. Two runner-ups receive $150,000 while an overall talent winner receives $400,000.
The designers also receive vital mentorship by already established industry executives as well as designers. If you want to be successful it is always good to be in a circle of other successful people. As the saying goes, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” True growth involves being humble to realize you do not know everything and being chill enough to go ask for the help you do need. Aurora no doubt understands the importance of having a great support system and revealed her feelings about her big win by saying,
“Babies we made it! I will never be able to accurately express how much this means to me. Thank you so much to everyone who has stuck by me and supported me with Brother Veillies these past few years! And biggest thank you to Vogue Magazine CFDA and all the judges for taking a walk on the wild side with me!
So incredibly humbled and excited to be a recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This win means so much to us and everyone on the ground in Africa that have dreamed this golden dream with us.”
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Zendaya Wears Brother Veillies
The shoewear that Aurora James creates is definitely boisterous in design and style. Nevertheless, fashion is about displaying personality and expressing yourself in a fun, fresh way everyday. Zendaya Coleman was Aurora’s date for the night and was adorned with the designer’s fur trimmed sandal heels. Zendaya shared a few words about James stating,
“So happy for this amazing woman, Aurora James, something she said last night was so real, she said so often the fashion industry is inspired by Africa but never gives back to it. The fact that you are able to refurbish scraps of materials dumped into South Africa, the fact that you give women there a chance to use their skills, giving them jobs and actually allow them to create an income for themselves and their families is so empowering. This is the only fur exception I’ve ever made because it’s refurbished and being made with respect, resourcefulness, and purpose. Thanks for all you do and I wish you continued success.”
Aurora James is definitely shaking up the fashion game one small step at a time. Zendaya was not the only one to give glowing remarks in regards to James’ design aesthetic. Designer and hip hop mogul Kanye West also had a few words about Aurora’s collection. Kanye commented,
“When I saw fur shoes, I knew I was in the right place.”
Yes, Aurora James is setting the bar and solidifying trends with grace and allure. The fashion industry has long had a dark shadow cast on it due to its lack of diversity. Nevertheless, as more women like Aurora James chase down their shooting stars it makes it just a little easier and opens up the door of opportunity for other women of color to follow in her lead. Congratulations once more Aurora and we know you are going to go far.
Thoughts? Talk fashion with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
