Willie G Fashion Review By, Donovan Wilburn Style Segment
Malcolm Anthony Williams designer and creative director of the Willie G Collection truly organized a fashion extravaganza, with nine other local designers he shared his platform and passion. The Fashionably late show, kicked off with a preview of Willie G's couture inspired designs, and later ending with his newly devised collection of grunge fashions, inspired by Marc Jacobs take on the Perry Ellis collection of nineteen ninety two.
The Fashion show was themed Fashion over War which served me the name Glamour to Grunge. This year’s collection of Malcolm’s displayed much growth and some risk. In prior years Willie G has consistently shown us evening wear, good for a client target market for prom with garments concentrated in haute couture, but this third annual Malcolm decided to shake us up by showcasing his approach to pret-a-porter. This included wardrobes such as shrugged shirts, off pleated shorts, and military blazer that ripped the runway in neutrals and classic colors such as sage green, rouge, sand, beige, and more. We expect to see a signature style with cohesion developing into his next upcoming and future collections.
Other designers showed but two collections buzzed boldly and brightly down the catwalk. The first was IN BLOOM by Keith Bloom, also designer- illustrator and creative director his fearless collection, represented the many media moments lived by his muse Lindsey Lohan who has shaped his total design process for the very sexy, yet classy attire within his 10 look collection. Keith Bloom captured Lindsey Lohan signature styles from movie set drama, to jet-setting, and court room couture, to clubbing constant while chicly. A piercing collection mixing classic trends with feminine details.
DW: How does Keith Bloom the fashion designer compliment and compete with Keith Bloom the fashion photography?
KB: A I don't compete with anyone! Not even myself. I believe my talents are strong enough that I may consider myself an artist in my own lane... But when it comes to designing clothes vs. shooting fashion the processes for me are totally different. Designing is a more thought out and researched, where more of a plan and formula is involved. There are industry standards and techniques that I must always consider when constructing garments. While photography allows me to be free, haphazard, and spontaneous at the drop of a hat, literally. The way the wind might blow a dress or the way a model moves can change the whole dynamic of a photo-shoot. Though, on many levels they work together and are similar, because I draw inspiration from things like beauty, a landscape, a silhouette, and even a shape or a model... And the list goes on. Also when I illustrate a design I incorporate how I would like to shoot it with the pose I render.
DW: Why and how did Lindsey Lohan inspired to become your muse for your 2012 collection?
KB: A I try to stay real and I think it shows in my work. My real muse is Aaliyah, but I love Lindsay and she seems real to me! In many ways I relate to her. She's extremely talented, yet misunderstood and flawed. Yes she has personal issues, but who doesn't? I had a design teacher once tell me, "There is no such thing as a perfect garment." And that really stuck with me! I felt when she was going through her issues the media totally did her dirty! I hate the fact that people expect celebrities to live up to standards others have set for them, especially when they are regular human beings like everyone else. So with my first collection themed "Lindsay Lohan goes to Court in Wonderland" and my second Lindsay Lohan gets married in the Northern Poles and now my third "Lindsay goes to Rehab in OZ" I wanted to pay tribute to the fragile and beautiful young woman.
DW: What Signature style from IN BLOOM will you continue to capture and uphold into future collections?
KB: Simplicity with the element of surprise! I feel fashion can make a statement and be powerful without all of the bells and whistles. I always say, "My clothes are to a woman's body like Aaliyah's voice is to her music... Elaborately simple, always complimenting and never overpowering."
The second and last designer being profiled is Tamara "Tammy" Jackson owner and designer of Saani Mac. Saani Mac truly embodies the essence of rack clothing, with a collection literally so strong it could be wore straight off the runway and into the after party. The collection of Saani Mac is a lifestyle woman who is secure, wise, and savvy. Tammy meticulously constructed her collection with top notch tailor ship. Hem lines and seems perfectly placed in order, with shape and fit that for the everyday gals’ body. The woman for this collection is someone who defines their own style by cherishing the simple details that make the biggest differences.
