Fashion Profiles: Its James......James Black!

Now I know this is probably not the person you were imagining given the aforementioned introduction. Yes, James Black is actually a young woman hailing from the culturally rich and diverse island of Jamaica, where fashion rules all. This young and talented fashion designer proves that you do not need to be a world renowned fashion powerhouse to be successful in the fashion industry. Miss James Black is enjoying success on Caribbean soil and proving that any dream can be achieved with hard work, proper planning and more importantly passion.
James started her fashion career in 2004 by launching a  T-Shirt Line, "Yahdie Conscious", now "YC", along with her business partner at the time Ms. Jaye while attending The University of The West Indies. A few years later, in 2007 to be exact, the duo decided to expand the business to include a clothing line and eventually a headband line, "GlamHead", created solely by James. The duo have since parted ways with James maintaining the YC line and Ms Jaye creating her own clothing line aptly named "Ms Jaye".

Take a look at the edgy and trend setting pieces from the collections over the years.

                           StarGyal 

This line consisted of women's tees in a variety of cuts and styles with the logo "Stargyal".










                                         Summer 2011 Collection

Coral tail hem dress with gold chain link neckline

Vintage Lace Swimsuit

                                  Dear Summer Collection 2012

Multi coloured striped cropped top with skirt

Colorblock mesh cut out maxi dress with split

Peplum romper (front  and back view)                                                  

Mint eyelet cutout romper

                                   Murder She Wrote Collection

Inspired by Dancehall music and fashion from the 90's, James created a line in 2013, which was fittingly named after the popular Dancehall hit from Chaka Demus and Pliers entitled "Murder She Wrote". Don't remember? Let me refresh your memory.

The cuts and prints of the pieces from the collection truly reflect a nostalgia for 90's fashion.




















Also, in 2013, James released another collection of T-Shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts for men and women with the "Yahdie Conscious" logo, "YC".













The collections all show young creativity at its best and inspires even the non fashion lover. I know that with all that was said and seen  you may be wondering how you will be able to get your hands on these pieces. Don't dismay, you can order certain available pieces from  the YC clothing line and GlamHead line on http://www.ycglamhead.bigcartel.com/.
Also, you can keep abreast with the YC clothing line on the Facebook page, Yahdie Conscious and even check out James's blog http://www.jbstylezone.blogspot.com/ to get her views on all the latest fashion trends both internationally and in Jamaica.



(Images courtesy of Yahdie Conscious Facebook page and James Shopyc Black Facebook page)

(Video courtesy of Culturaroots Youtube Channel)

Fashion Profiles: International Designs with a Caribbean Flair

The island of Jamaica is viewed as the fashion capital of the Caribbean and therefore it would come as no surprise that Slovakian designer, Lubica Kucerova, more commonly known as Lubica Slovak would choose to be  a part of this style mecca.

Lubica Kucerova, more aptly known as Lubica Slovak

With designs that emit a  soft elegance, Lubica has attracted the attention of Jamaican celebrities such as "The Voice" winner 2013, Tessanne Chin and has even teamed up with her sister Tami Chynn to create the Anuna Collection.

Tessanne in Lubica Slovak, recently,  at the 9 Mile Festival

Tessanne styled in Lubica Slovak in her first outfit choice at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards in Jamaica

Tessanne's second outfit change, again in Lubica Slovak, at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards in Jamaica

Tessanne looking chic in Lubica Slovak during her holiday celebrations

Tessanne donning a simple yet classy dress from Lubica Slovak at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

As was alluded to earlier, Lubica collaborated with Tessanne's sister, Tami Chynn, to create the Anuna Collection in 2010. In September of that same year, Lubica and Tami received Designer of the Year Award for this collection at The Jamaica Observer Style Awards. Below are a few of the looks from the collection being modelled by Tami Chynn.

Tami pictured here in a custom made Lubica dress (not part of the collection) with Host of Pree Dis, The Kruddy at the Youth View Awards in Jamaica

However, it is not only sisters Tami and Tessanne who have taken a liking to Lubica's designs. Smile Jamaica TV Host and Miss Universe 1st runner up 2010, Yendi Phillipps, is occasionally styled in outfits from several of Lubica's collections during her hosting.















Recently, Lubica showcased her new collection, Dream, at The Collection Moda Fashion Show in Jamaica with Yendi Phillipps being one of her models. Below are a few of the looks from the show as well as a few others that were not seen on the runway.

A few looks from the runway

Lubica posing with a few of her models

Still from the Dream Collection, these pieces are similar to those seen on the runway

To have a look at Lubica's other stunning designs from her previous collections you can visit her website www.lubica.com and her Facebook page www.facebook.com/lubicafashion and Twitter page //twitter.com/LUBICAfashion for a look at her latest creations.

I leave you with some entertaining footage from Lubica's showcase at Fashion Art Toronto 2013. Just letting you know that it is was not your usual fashion show. Lubica definitely gave it a truly Caribbean flair! Have a look.








{Images courtesy of avahtaylor.com, iriediva.com, lubicafashion.blogspot.com, tallawahmagazine.com, jamaicaobserver.com, Lubica Slovak Facebook Page, Tessanne Chin Facebook Page, Tami Chynn Facebook Page, Yendi Phillipps Facebook Page}

{Video courtesy of Lubica Slovak Youtube Channel}

Fashion Profiles: "Man, don't be a Zero!"

This saying among a group of St. Lucian friends became the inspiration for the name of an apparel line created by St. Lucian songstress and Miss St. Lucia World 2010, Aiasha Gustave and her business partner Marvie Labadie.

The apparel line aptly named from the aforementioned phrase, Zeero Apparel, caters to men and women and consists of T-shirts,vests, tank tops, beanies and caps.

Zeero Apparel logo

Aiasha is one who has been very candid about her love for reggae and especially her admiration for the late Reggae legend, Bob Marley.

"Positive vibrations, yeah....got to have a good vibe...."

Aiasha took her admiration for the legend as well as his thought provoking and inspiring lyrics quoted above and applied it to the general theme and mission of the apparel line, which is, to foster positivity.

Take a look at some of the designs, along with their catchy yet positive slogans.

"Less Hate More Love" T-Shirt and Sweater

"Iron Lion  Zion" Tank top

"Zeero Cash Spiritually Rich" T-Shirt

"Zeero Cash Spiritually Rich" Tank tops

"Trill" Tank top

Since the launch of the line, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response from Caribbean media personalities, artists and natives alike.

Aiasha herself, rocking one of  the looks from the apparel line

Former Tempo TV Host Jeanille Bonterre and Actor Sean Field sporting some other designs from the Zeero Apparel line

To purchase any of Zeero Apparel's items you can check out their online store shopzeeroapparel.com.

As a bonus, I thought it would be a great idea to leave you with the sweet sounds of Miss Aiasha Gustave herself in her video "Come Nuh Baby". Hint: pay attention for the use of the term "Don't be a zero". Enjoy!!








(Images courtesy of Zeero Apparel Facebook Page)

(Video courtesy of Aiasha Tierra Youtube Channel)

Fashion Profiles: Olori "Blue" Swank

What is it about Olori Swank that makes her so captivating?

Is it her business savvy? Is it her blue hair? Is it her eclectic style? Or is it a mixture of all three?
One thing is for certain, Olori Swank, Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Fashion Director for Kraze Magazine, is a force to be reckoned with.

Surprisingly, Ms Swank had her sights set on pursuing a career in the medical field as she gained degrees in Biology, Psychology, Pre-Med and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Now, note that this in no way has inhibited her one of a kind style or her great taste in fashion. Now, who ever said that you can't have beauty and brains?

When it comes to her clients, namely, Keyshia Cole, TI,  Lance Gross, Childish Gambino and professional athletes such as Daniel Gibson and Antoine Bethea, Olori never disappoints.

Have a look at some of Olori's styling assignments for past as well as present clients.



 

Olori styled past client, Ms Angela Simmons for her spread in Rolling Out Magazine

 

Olori styled present client, Keyshia Cole for both of her spreads in Rolling Out Magazine and Upscale Magazine

With such an impressive portfolio, it comes as no surprise that Olori Swank is making such a major impact on the styling industry.

Check her out at www.oloriswank.com for styling tips and ideas, a look at her latest styling projects, featured articles and even shop some of her selected pieces on this site and at her other site www.swankblue.com.