Fashion

February is here! To the folks of the Chocolate Persuasion this is deemed “Black History Month”. However, Black History happens all of the time, but ok, thanks for the recognition. In light of my hue, I wanted to remind us of the serious game-changers in fashion today. Do you know these icons? If not, here’s your homework for the rest of your life!

LaQuan Smith: 

Designer: LaQuan SmithLocation: NYCPrice: $190-$2,00

Online Retailers: What makes the brand stand out? Who’s the designer all of your favorite celebs turn to for sexy, head-turning outfits? LaQuan Smith, of course. The young star has built an internationally recognizable brand from the ground up, and recently collaborated with ASOS for a mass market collection.

Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh: 

A moment of silence due to his untimely death a few months ago. Designer: Virgil AblohLocation: MilanPrice: $80-$10,255 Online Retailers: Just know that he is everywhere! What makes the brand stand out? Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kanye, Offset; The list of A-listers wearing Virgil Abloh’s designs just keeps getting bigger. And I can see why. Off-White designs speak to the culture with a laid-back ease that manages to feel effortless and carefully selected, all at once. Young Phenom Timothée Chalamet swears by Abloh and gets custom gifts in the mail. Virgil was before his time. His presence is missed in the Fashion Industry. However, Pharrell is making it very clear that Louis Vuitton is doing quite well in his Chocolate Hands! 

Tracy Reese: 

Designer: Tracy ReeseLocation: New YorkPrice: $198-$798O! Look, when you dress THE MICHELLE OBAMA, you’re good for life. Not once or twice, but several times. Tracy’s designs can be seen from New York to Milan at fashion week each season. 

Public School 

Designer: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell OsborneLocation: New York CityPrice: $125-$12,25! What makes the brand stand out? “To find perfection in imperfection,” is the company slogan, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from Public School. With oversized hoodies and slouchy sweats and sneaker collabs with Nike, the designs are definitely in the mix of the “anti-fashion” movement. Check them out at Nordstrom’s, as well. 

Lemlem:

Designer: Liya KebedeLocation: AfricaPrice: $20-$525O! What makes the brand stand out? This made in Africa brand, founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, focuses on creating jobs across the content. All of the soft cotton pieces from the main collection are handwoven in Ethiopia. While you are in the USA, head to Barney’s for the latest styles. 

Wales Bonner: 

Designer: Grace Wales BonnerLocation: LondonPrice: $433-$2,694Online Retailers: What makes the brand stand out? Wales Bonner is an emerging brand that has already mastered the art of perfectly tailored menswear — now, they’re venturing into the women’s side of the market. Be sure to check online for the ultimate finery, from tops to blazers to utterly impeccable pants. 

Personally, I’m loving all of these designers and what they bring to the table. Fashion is a global business. It’s wonderful that so much chocolate is running this billion-dollar game.