Kittitian-American Eversley Liburd’s passion for fashion, and his exuberance to give emerging designers a space to showcasing their creations, was realized in fine form at the launch of Fabulous Fashions Weekend, in Harlem.
Ron Cooke hosted the fashion forward event on April 15 at the Hip Hop Culture Center – Magic Johnson Theatre that stands in the shadow of the Apollo Theatre, where great style first started.
From silk and cotton, to embellished fabrics to suede and leather, designers Willie Hall, Ray Brown of Ray Vincente, Adja Perry, Whitnie Dicker, Steven Daniels, Bill Witherspoon, Azuri International of Jamaica, John Leon and Shay Sutton of Unscripted Design, Philadelphia, gave the audience an eyeful of magnificent looks for the season.
The show opened with Hall’s variation of colorful, flirtatious dresses, in halter, off-the shoulder, and separates cut from cotton fabric. These luminous designs set the tone for creative pieced by Men’s wear designer Ray Vincent’s “Summer Breeze in the Hood.”
The urban-savvy tailor dressed his models in the seasons trend of black/white checkered, in jackets, and embellished Tees with white shorts.
The youthful influence of Leon and Sutton was next in classic gowns, and stunners that lit up the runway. From the floor-length color blocking silk gown that popped, to the alluring palazzo, lavish skirt, black mini fishnet dress, and a sexy red and white dress, the collection was superb.
Musical group, “Naughty By Nature” designer, Perry is a master at combining tailoring with intricate elements on his slacks, jackets, workout outfits and overalls. He really did put a spin on the swag urban look.
And from the 22 Design Group came “Things of Beauty” – creations from petite designer Dicker, who carves beautiful pieces to fit the lanky woman. Her collection exuded elegance. The pieces floated gracefully down the runway in floor-length evening gowns in black, and shades of green, and pink, designed with a dramatic back effect.
Brooklyn’s Steven Daniels has a flare for the dramatic, and being a costume designer for several years, has given the couturier a cutting edge feel. His collage of chic creations in a lime-green embellished pant with matching midriff, a sexy off the shoulder cream little dress, and pink a fishnet can-can dress, among others, were smashing.
And one of the night’s most exciting collections was that of the retro-influence of Brownstone’s Bill Witherspoon. The men’s collection showcased funky silk psychedelic shirts and matching slacks. His Avant Garde style was showcased in a unique fabrication mix of African and other fabrics stitched together to create amazing pieces.
Uzuri International of Jamaica is always a smash hit on the runway. And this time was no different. From Jamaica to the red carpet of Hollywood, the luxurious women’s line dazzled the audience with glittering gowns. The more that one dozen creations, in floor-length, mini and strapless dresses were embellished with feathers, sequins and beading.
Fabulous Fashion Weekend promoter Eversley Liburd said the event’s mission is to provide an affordable venue where young designers will have access to the fashion elite, buyers and media.
Liburd added that like most art forms, fashion needs to be nurtured and celebrated, and assisting young talent is paramount to ensuring that fashion remains creative and cutting edge.
Fabulous Fashions Weekend will be staged twice per year, in the spring and in the fall.
