The minds of fashionistas are a fascinating mix of designer dedication and DIY. Take Fashion blogger, Blake Von D, who went into her closet recently and worked a long-sleeved denim shirt into a sexy summer top. She said she was “stretching” her wardrobe. She’s got what ESSENCE Digital Fashion/Beauty Director Julee Wilson calls “black girl magic”—that ability to build a unique look with whatever is within reach.
Blake Von D, who currently serves as Brand Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris and Shoe Dazzle, will be honored with “Chevy Street Style Maven Award” for her creative street style skills at the 3rd annual Essence magazine Street Style Block Party during New York Fashion Week. The event will take place at the Dumbo Archway under the Manhattan Bridge on September 10th.
“Street style is huge in fashion,” says Ms. Wilson, “and the women in the black community have a way of wearing fashion that ends up inspiring the whole world.”
The ESSENCE Street Style Block Party will feature a mix of music, fashion, art and culture, during the day-long event, featuring a live performance by singer Ayo Jay, a Nigerian singer/songwriter, who recently signed with RCA/One Nation, and has released a new video “Your Number” which is climbing the charts.
Last summer Beyonce turned heads with body-hugging an asymmetric-wrap pinstripe dress designed by Romeo Hunte, a Brooklynite, specializing in street style. Singer/Songwriter Zendaya is among the celebrities, who love Hunte’s “tamed rebellion” style. And, that is why he will be honored as the “Designer to Watch” at the event. Actress Naturi Naughton, currently starring in the Starz drama “Power” will co-host a live fashion show, featuring real women at the event, strutting their personal street style.
“It’s really great for us—the editors. We’re always working at our desks, but we want to get out and talk and laugh with our readers and admire their style. We are so excited to meet them,” explains Wilson.
Local vendors and designer will showcase their wares, and “ESSENCE Eats,” a curated food truck will feed the crowd. There will also be an interactive Kids Zone with face painting and more fun surprises
“Everyone loves it,” says Ms. Wilson, “it’s like having a family reunion. It’s a perfect way to celebrate our style. It’s just dope.”
—Francesca C. Simon
Image credits
- essence-style-block-2015-squarespace.jpeg — Credit/source: squarespace.com.
- essence-style-block-party-2015-lamodeexpose.jpg — Credit/source: lamodeexpose.com.
- essence-style-block-party-2015-lamodeexpose-2.jpg — Credit/source: lamodeexpose.com.
- downloads265.jpg — Editorial image.
- romeo-hunte-beyone.jpg — Credit/source: beyonce.com.
- essences-street-style-feature.jpg — Editorial image.
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