While not much time has passed since my last Life Lately post, a lot has happened.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what I want to say about the recent tragedies in our country and I’m still having trouble articulating what’s in my head and in my heart.

What I do know is that education is paramount.  Education about how to help our black communities: how to uplift them, how to support them and how to educate ourselves and our children about what they endure.  The way forward needs love, understanding and voices behind it.

Fashion is my love language.  My voice.  The best way I know how to start communicating is through my love language.

To start, I want to share four black fashion designers and the work they’re doing.  While this just barely scratches the surface of the black designers in the fashion community, but I wanted to start with these four because they are all New-York based, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing their work firsthand.

Please send me your favorite black fashion designers so I can share their designs here.

LaQuan Smith

Perhaps the most well-known designer in today’s post, LaQuan Smith creates clothes you wear when you want to make an entrance.  His clients include some of the world’s biggest celebrities: Beyonce, Rihanna, Cardi B.

He launched his label at only 21 years old and worked so hard to make it what it is today.  I love this quote about his journey (as told to Vogue):

“Before 2010 I was doing things a nontraditional way. I was wearing my own designs, promoting myself, sneaking into Fashion Week parties, and doing these random things just to get some form of acknowledgment. There was a lot of just grinding, networking. I became friends with a lot of different girls, and I was making their outfits just in a casual way. Through that, I formed relationships and gained clients. It was about trying to get as many people interested as I could so I could get to somewhere greater.”

The above photo is from LaQuan Smith’s S/S18 collection which I had the pleasure of attending during NYFW.  Held in the Beacon School’s gymnasium, Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragons opened the show with a step routine (you can see them performing in the background).  Models sat on desks and posed with basketballs.  A film buff, Smith said he wanted to create a film-like atmosphere reminiscent of movies about high school to epitomize the feeling of being young and free.

Check out more of LaQuan Smith’s work on his website and Instagram.

LaQuan Smith runway photo via IMAXTREE

Washington Roberts

Washington Roberts learned to sew at the age of five.  Although he would go on to study chemical engineering, fashion was always in his DNA.  After honing his skills at Vera Wang and Tory Burch, he launched his first collection in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since.

Known for pristine tailoring and vibrant prints, his clothes turn heads and make you smile.  He designs menswear, womenswear and accessories.  I adore these geometric jacquard pants from his most recent collection.  Talk about a statement!

The above photo is from Washington Roberts’ S/S15 collection.  It holds a special place in my heart because this is the very first NYFW show I EVER attended.

Check out more of Washington Roberts’ work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum

Negris Lebrum is a multifaceted designer.  He creates womenswear, handbags and cosmetics.  I’ve attended two of his NYFW shows over the years and his clothes always have a sophisticated and timeless flair.

His brand motto is “aime par beaucoup, admiree par tous, elegance percu,” which translates to “Loved by many, admired by all, elegance perceived.”

Passionate about social responsibility, Negris gives back to various social, cultural and educational projects.

Check out more of Negris Lebrum’s work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum images via IMAXTREE

Terese Sydonna

Terese Sydonna is brand designed for the superhero in all of us.  I couldn’t love that motto more.  I was actually introduced to Terese through a mutual friend and think her vibrant print kimonos are so striking.  They are a perfect balance between artistic expression and comfort, an element she strives for in all her designs.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, Terese has begun designing facemasks.  For every two masks purchased, the designer donates one to a healthcare worker.

Check out more of Terese Sydonna’s work on her website and Instagram.

Images via Terese Sydonna’s website