Jewelry designer Yolanda “Yoro” Newson provided a spotlight for 25 talented Black designers in an establishment that has symbolized luxury for generations at her 4th Annual Black History Month Fashion Showcase. Neiman Marcus at Plaza Frontenac gave space to established and emerging designers – spotlighting the talent found within our community.
“Sometimes you are not able to get into places and spaces – and you don’t know how to break that seam and get in there,” Yoro said as she thanked the retailer for hosting the event and providing opportunities for her Black Creatives in the Lou. “Well, I believe in busting up the ceiling – Amen.”
She also believes in staying busy.
In addition to her jewelry design, she has produced films, styled celebrities and she even created an in-store shopping experience. Fashion Friendzy has partnered with local boutiques and department stores to assist shoppers with their styling needs.
The “Black History Month Fashion Showcase” was produced by Yoro’s latest creation Black Creatives in the Lou, a platform for Black creators of all types to share their art and designs to a wider audience.
She has opened the platform to fashion designers, stylists, jewelry designers, also the creator of a vegan nail lacquer, a home interior designer and even a baker. Her event showed that there is room for all creators – and everyone has their own niche and a role to play in setting the standard of Black luxury and design.
Tiffany Glasco’s Nahla Madison Home and a piece from the Young Addy Collection set the tone for the showcase. Nahla Madison’s display featured a statue of a black woman’s face and neck. Her hair was an afro of countless black butterflies. Next to it was Addy’s piece – a gold, floor length beaded gown with ostrich feathers lining the off-the-shoulder neckline. There were six designers featured in the center of the store, each with their own signature style. The first was a design from Shamaica Chanel. The floor length gown with a halter neckline appeared to be one long braid. It wrapped around the neck and flowed the length of the dress until it reached a mermaid bottom. This dress is for the woman who loves to adorn herself in avant garde art pieces. Next to it was a woman’s two piece pants set created by Roi + Rik Designs. It had a corset top with a Royal Blue geometric design and a dramatic cape with a semi-train to match. The display continued with two designs by LAHA Clothing. The first look was a black satin gown with a scoop neck. The ankle length gown also had a beaded waist and a dramatic bow draped across the shoulder. The other was a sophisticated kids look that featured a white button up and black tie layered underneath a black knee length gown. On the back side of the central display was a look from Designs by J. Stockings, a grey plunge neck dress with ruched sleeves and an asymmetrical waist cape covering the left side.
For her contribution to the showcase, Denise Li included a sheer grey floor length gown with layered voile fabric fashioned in a way that made the one piece appear to be two. The final look on the central display was from Aileen Woods of Rustik Rich Living, which is an eco-design company specializing in handcrafted statement accessories. Her portion of the display featured an Afrocentric art piece – a mix of wood and textiles that would make a great addition to someone’s personal collection or the centerpiece of an eclectic cafe. Yoro is actively making a way for black creatives and businesses alike with Black Creatives in the Lou. Her “Black History Month Fashion Showcase” will be on display the entire month at Neiman Marcus. Make time to stop by and support the greatness and creativity in our own backyards.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
