Despite getting sick at the onset of fashion week, I told myself I would power through and go to at least two shows. On my agenda was Tracy Reese, a name that has withstood the test of time on and off the catwalk. I have to admit, going to shows by myself is a daunting feat; however, I put my big girl shoes on, got dolled up to the best of my ability (seriously, I still have no clothes in New York) and went to make an impression.
First things first, I ran into Jan-Michael Quammie, the Fashion Director of InStyle Germany. While standing outside next to her, I got some pretty cool career tips and bits of advice. She’s a cool vibe kind of lady, but she’s definitely a sweetheart.
When I got into the garden for the show, I immediately recognized Marie Antoinette, a Youtuber who I’ve followed for quit some time. I had to grab a photo with her, and her skin and makeup were poppin!
Next I saw the statuesque beautifues of Urban Bush Babes: TK Wonder and Ciprianna Quann. Now, many of you remember me seeing these two at Fashion Week back in February, and they remembered me! I love running into these two; aside from just being drop-dead gorgeous, they are so down to earth and awesome. Had to grab a photo, because two times the charm.
The beautiful June Ambrose popped by, and though I didn’t get a photo with her, I had to get one OF her.
Houston stylist Ashley Dunn was there, rocking the pajama trend in an oh so chic way. She and I chatted it up for a while, and I have to say, she’s quickly become on of my newest favorite people.Out of the corner of my eye I saw everyone moving, so of course I went too. Glad I did; I got to take this photo with Whoopi Goldberg, who was there to enjoy the showcase.
Lastly I got a chance to chop it up with Nikki Ogunnaike and Cynthia Erivo, two gorgeous women with equally gorgeous personalities. Nikki and I had been trying to coordinate a time to chat for EVER, so Tracy Reese seemed like the perfect time for us to talk Black Girl Magic, career advice, and following in her footsteps.
What I need to do is follower her shopping so I can snag an awesome metallic skirt like that.
Oh yeah, about me! So for the day, I rocked this slip dress from Zara that was gifted to me, some Topshop heels I found lounging around in my room, and this awesome black and gold kimono I literally where WHENEVER I don’t know what to wear. It’s sheer, it’s sequined…it’s gold….what else is there to love? Oh yeah, it’s thrifted. So hey, 50 cent investment.
So the Tracy Reese show was definitely something of unconventional; no catwalks, no set parameters of who sat where, etc. Located in the New York Marble Cemetery, the collection featured women of all ages, sizes, and occupations. These were women who are social activists and change makers OUTSIDE of the fashion industry, only perpetuating the idea that fashion is and always will be, an inclusive subject.
“It’s a celebration of femininity and empowering women,” Reese said. Themes included floral prints and lace detailing, cherry reds and white flowers that cascaded through the forms of gowns and dresses.
Reese’s new collection of extended sizes offers promises that women of all sizes will be able to enjoy the clothing. “Women of all ages wear my clothes, so I wanted to show that it’s not just about chasing youth,” she explained. “It’s about dressing real women.”
Scroll below for more photos from the collection, and leave your comments in the comment section! What do you think of the showcase?