Emerge! Virtual Fashion Show Review

Screenshot by SKE, Image owned by Emerge!

It's February and it's New York Fashion Week! This week Emerge! celebrates their tenth anniversary by giving us a virtual fashion show. Emerge! was created by Dionne Williams. The show was created for emerging designers from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to showcase their designs. 

The show featured special guests Andre Leon Talley, Fern Mallis, Ozwald Boateng, and Brooklyn's-own Karl Kani.

Claire Sulmers, host. Image owned by Emerge!

Claire Sulmers of Fashion Blog Daily hosted the event. Claire wore a black dress with a beaded neck. This piece popped! The jewels looked fit for a queen. 

This was one of several outfits she wore for the evening. 

Claire introduced Fern Mallis, the Godmother of Fashion and creator of New York Fashion Week. Fern congratulated Emerge! on their anniversary. According to Fern, 'young emerging talents are the future of the industry, the future of our planet, the future of our world.' 

From there we were treated to images from past Emerge! fashion shows over the past ten years. It also showed the huge change that the fashion industry had to adjust to due to the pandemic. Live shows have been effected and as a result shows have gone virtual. 

Claire Sulmers, host. Image owned by Emerge!

Special music guest and emerging designer Yanna Cello gave a beautiful performance as she played to the music of Gunna's Met Gala. 

Law Roach, 2021 Fashion Innovator Award Winner. Image by Emerge!

This year's Emerge! Fashion Innovator Award recipient Law Roach was recognized for his work. His work includes designing for celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, and Zendaya. In addition, to his designs, Law's partnership with Rebuild the Hood, helping support businesses that have suffered as a result of rioting in response to police brutality. He calls himself an Image Architect. 'It is the methodic detail the architect drafts a blueprint.' 

Law wanted to show, in his own words, "that a person of color can perform at high levels" in the industry. He has definitely achieved those levels.

Congratulations to Law Roach.

Funkinbeautiful logo, Image by Emerge!

The first designer and owner Terri Stevens of Funkinbeautiful is no stranger to Emerge! Ms. Dionne Williams created the show as a platform for Terri and her creations. As, Ms. Sulmers puts it, "it was only fitting that Terri would be a part of the 10th year anniversary show. She is truly setting the bar high." 

Truly Ms. Stevens did not come to play. Right out of the gate, we have a one piece purple and red v-neck ensemble (featured here). The red coat which appears to be wool with fur sleeves is a throwback to the 1970's. The outfit takes aspects of the 1960's hippie fashion with its psychelic splash of colors and its liberation from the confines of previous generations style of clothing. This is one of my favorite outfits from Funkinbeautiful because it's a look that women of all sizes can wear. 

Funkinbeautiful

Funkinbeautiful

Another look that caught my attention was a black knitted coat with a fur collar and yellow snake skin pants. Snake skin has been used in fashion since the 1970's. So, there is a definite theme here. I love the way the outfit comes together. The coat can be worn with any pants or skirt. The t-shirt gives the a whole look a youth appeal. It's fun and playful. That what clothes are supposed to do. Funkinbeautiful allows you to be yourself no matter the age. 

Jesu-Segun logo, Image by Emerge!

Jesu-Segun London, a London-based company created by Andrew Mackenzie specializes in designer shoes and bags. Made from the finest attention to detail and crafted by the best Italian manufactors, Jesu-Segun London provides the best of the best by offering wonderful shoes in various and delightful designs. 

Jesu-Segun

The first design was Kola Dudu. It is a cotton and velvet slipper with the fleur-de-lis and encrusted with Swarovski. Inside the slipper is full calf lining and the sole is hand painted green leather. (Shoe is featured in the logo.)

The next design Ina (featured, right) is a loafer made from premium suede. In addition, it has hand painted Swarovski crystals. I liked how the crystals shine, giving it a nice shimmer that illuminates against the darkness. 

Jesu-Segun

Ade-Reckless, collaboration with artist Exhibit69 is handcrafted from Italy. The shoes are light pink with a unique floral design. Two set of buckles adorn the shoes and are complimented with spikes by the heel. This rare shoe's slogan says it all. The rare will never die. With its signature green leather sole, these shoes are one of a kind. 

Jesu-Segun's mensline is for the guy making boss moves to the guy who enjoys going out at night on the town.

Haus of LA logo

Speaking of boss moves, Haus of LA is designed just for that kind of thing. Things are the designs to that would probably make The Boss Sasha Banks proud. 

I thoroughly enjoyed all the outfits in the line. The half blazer and half midriff piece is everything. In addition, the gloves compliment the look with its jewels. It gives the outfit a taste of elegance and sophistication, while maintaining a contemporary/modern style. 

Another look that caught my eye was a black fringe dress. The blazer, perfect for attending those 10am meetings. It is all business and chic at the same time. You can wear it with or without an undershirt, it's all up to whoever wears it. The belt buckle has jewels around it. Which makes the  dress pop. The material is soft and looks comfortable to be in from your 9 to 5 into happy hour.

Haus of LA

Be your own boss!

From Johannesburg, South Africa, Scalo by Sello Medupe, his line The Rainbow Nation

Scalo by Sello Medupe

is a throwback to traditional African garments. The use of bright colors and various patterns with hand crafted beads shows the dedication that Sello Medupe has for his garments. 

Scalo by Sello Medupe

The Rainbow Nation is a combination of grace and elegance while still holding true to its African roots. 

One piece that I enjoyed (featured here) is the cream-colored feathered and beaded dress. The train accompanies the outfit wonderfully, as the flows softly. The many beads adorned the dress when looked closely tells a story that each piece was carefully placed. What made this look work for me was the modern and traditional themes coming together. Moreover, the headress is a beautiful reminder of the African culture and its people. 

Scalo is a pefrect example of keeping up with tradition and toss in a modern fashion. I can't wait to see what he has in store for September's NYFW.

Scalo by Sello Medupe

It was a pleasure watching all of these designers do their thing and represent for this year's New York Fashion Week. Like Kenny Burns said, "We are heroes, especially black nad brown people. We are built and designed to weather any storm and create something out of nothing.

Cheers!