Black Out Fashion Show Recap

Article Written by Olivia Brown

On Saturday, February 11th , Stellar Lifestyle was invited out to cover BlackOut Fashion Showcase, organized by Kareem Cox. This was Kareem’s first of many fashion shows to be curated within his brand Tour de Force. Tour De Force was founded to help talent reach the next level by providing a platform for it. This event in particular gave Black designers in the NY, NJ and Philadelphia areas the opportunity to be featured and supported by their local communities.

At the top of the show, Kareem emphasized how important it was to support our own particularly now and the designers that he brought together gave the audience no reason to second-guess that sentiment. The designers included in the show’s line-up were brought in from New York, New Jersey and of course some of Philly’s own. Collections varied from men’s formal wear, to women’s formal wear to high-end everyday wear designs.

First up in the lineup was Laced Array’s collection out of New York. The looks featured women’s dresses with the main material of lace perfect for parties or cocktail events.

Laced Array

The second collection to hit the runway was form J. Pratt Boutique in Philadelphia. The looks in this collection featured men’s blazers with extraordinarily funky prints for the daring gentlemen.

JPratt Boutique | Photography: Jeff Cohn

Third was the line Onychi out of New York which featured women’s dresses, skirts, two-piece ensembles and more that were reminiscent of the motherland in their style and prints.

Designer Ko Nichiwa during finale walk  for Onychi | @onychi_designs

Next in the lineup was Outta Space also out of Philadelphia, custom graphics printed and designed for leisure wear, accessories, and more.

Outta Space | Photography: M.G Images

Finally the show was concluded with emerging designer South Jersey designer Jason Richardson’s line Urbane, which was founded based upon his story of struggling yet persisting through and overcoming his struggle with physical health. His collection was full of bright color blocking, and trendy styled with a sophisticated and authentic touch provided for with the brand’s quality and Jason’s story.

Avenue Black "Urbane" collection

The energy in the building from line to line was amazing as the crowd supported not only the designers but models. There was nothing but love in the building and the mission of exposing the significance of investing in Black brands was definitely accomplished. That it creates and sustains a sense of community like none other. Thank you to all those who participated in organizing this amazing gathering and display including  the event organizer Kareem Cox, stylists Keithington Reed and Andrea Carter, Indigo Bleu venue owner Danielle Green and all incorporated designers and talented models! I look forward to the next Blackout event that I am sure is soon to come. Until then follow @_tore_de_force1 with me to stay on top of what  is up next.

Be sure to follow Olivia Brown on Instagram at @livbrown and check out her website https://www.thenewnaked.org/