DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Anifa Mvuemba

It's been awhile since I've done a Designer Spotlight, so I'm happy to introduce you to 21 year-old Fashion Designer Anifa Mvuemba. She is new designer for contemporary women's RTW clothing and shoes. She was born in Kenya with family originating from Democratic republic of Congo. Learn more about the designer and check out some of her Spring 2012 collection below: 

Anifa says...

"I just came out with my first spring collection. It launched on March 20,2012. There is a limited stock of every item sold, unless stated otherwise. A lot of my collection's inspiration comes from the world in general and how often our world and society changes from time to time. Fashion and style is the same, It's forever evolving and changing . Even though I'm only 21, I've done a lot of traveling. My manufacturing is done in Turkey, the country itself was a true inspiration and in the collection you'll see that. There is conservative, flirty, fun and edgy, all in one place. I really wanted my first line to represent me in every aspect. I want people to see me and what I love. Overall it exceeded my expectations, sketching is one thing, but seeing the whole collection come alive was amazing and an unforgettable experience, a true blessing."

 Anifa is super talented and I'm excited to see more from her. I can't stop swooning over the orange dress & neon romper! Love what you see? 

Shop here: http://shophanifa.com

BLACK HISTORY FASHION SPOTLIGHT: Designer, Willi Smith

"I don't design clothes for the Queen, but for the people who wave at her as she goes by," said one of the most successful designers in fashion history, Willi Smith. He was a successful African American designer who after training at the prestigious Parsons School of Design started his own company WilliWear in 1976, which consisted of easy and comfortable clothing in drapey silhouettes in a rainbow of colors and prints. The Philadelphia native introduced the world to a more loose fitting style of casual jeans which became an 80's staple. He had an unique eye for mixing prints and hues when it came to styling and dressing. Willi's "street couture" aesthetic made him a fan favorite and style maven for aspiring fashion designers.

During the late 1980s WilliWear was racking in $25 million and was a great accomplishment for him. He won prestigious accolades including a Coty American Fashion Critic Award for women's fashion in 1983 and a Cutty Sark Menswear Award in 1985. Director Spike Lee asked Willi to be the designer for his new movie "School Daze" and Edwin A. Schlossberg also recruited him to design a navy blue linen suit for his wedding to Caroline Kennedy in 1987. Even after Willi Smith's untimely passing his creative and influential approach to design has made an irreplaceable mark on fashion and style. We will be forever missed and remembered for all he has done for the world of fashion.

Designer Spotlight: Dominique Renee

Recently while browsing my favorite gossip blogs (Necole Bitchie!) I discovered a very talented young woman that was a Nail Artist. Her work was beyond talented and I had to get the inside scoop so I reached out to her and she told me more about her new collection as well as her inspiration. I would like to introduce you to Ms. Dominique Renee! She's the epitome of Style & Grace ; )

DOMINIQUE RENEE'S BIO:

"I am a 21 year old Nail Artist and Designer from Connecticut. I originally went to school for Graphic Design but soon realized that my heart wasn’t in it. I had always dreamed of being designer, but never thought I really had what it took. With nothing else to loose I decided to go for it. I was actually in the process of teaching my self how to sew when my nails started to turn heads everywhere I went. Designing nails is not exactly how I thought I would get started, I just kind of fell into it. I got tired of going to the nail salon and the nail techs not delivering. I started doing my own nails and became OBSESSED! I would change designs every two to three days.  My nails became my most important accessory when putting an outfit together. We ALL know how important accessories are. With that in mind I decided to develop my own line of nails so that people all over the world could enjoy my designs the same way I do."

HER INSPIRATION:

"Inspiration comes from everywhere, and everything! I am obsessed with fashion and art from the 80s and 90s (which I’m sure it evident in my work) so I watch a lot of old shows, music videos, movies etc. and I LOVE patterns. Sometimes for me inspiration isn’t always visual. I am inspired by words, emotions, and thoughts. I then visually communicate them through my designs. This collection was inspired by vintage clothing and patterns."

HOW CAN WE REACH HER:

You can purchase her collection and previous sets at http://shop.dominiquerenee.com

Twitter @DominiqueRenee

Tumblr http://dominiquerenee.tumblr.com/

Congrats to Dominique for winning the Necole Bitchie Nail Contest! We wish her all the best!

Marc Clark "Lend A Hand to Japan" Fashionable T-Shirts

In response to the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the "Jonas Brother of Bow Tieing" designer Marc Clark partnered with the American Red Cross to create fashionable T-shirts to help with disaster relief for the victims of these natural disasters. The ultimate goal is to raise over $1,000,000 with the American Red Cross in order to help aid survivors recover. With a tragedy at this magnitude, its really awesome to see fashion designers give back to a worthy cause. Check out his collection below:  

via: Marcc

To order yours today visit: www.marcclark.com/

Event Alert: I. Gorman Jewelers' Annual Designer Show

I. Gorman Jewelers is one of the finest and most fashion forward, designer oriented jewelry stores in the country. It has won numerous retail and jewelry industry awards and is known for having exceptional customer service. If you are interested in learning more about I. Gorman Jewelers, along with the I. Gorman website.