Shirt: Apartment 349 | Skirt: Express (old but love this one) | Pumps: Aldo (old but love these)
Glamazons,
This season of New York Fashion Week had a few new, surprising elements from the Opening Ceremony play to the first-ever Essence Street Style Block Party and Awards dinner. I had the pleasure of attending both and let me tell you: they were the highlight of my week. For the block party, I headed to DUMBO (down under the Manhattan bridge overpass) in Brooklyn, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
Before I even get into how much fun it was, can we take a moment to acknowledge all the beautiful black women? I swear I spotted every hairstyle, color and texture in the crowd, and I fit right in with my bright skirt because everyone had on vibrant, lively pieces. Just gorgeous!
The beautiful crowd enjoyed delish food trucks, face painting and makeup tutorials from SheaMoisture as well as a fashion show hosted by Vanessa Simmons:
Loved her outfit!
Tracee Ellis Ross, who I just saw at the Tracy Reese show, accepted her award on the block party stage:
Yassss!
And there were remarks from the First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray and a performance by Jazmine Sullivan.
My favorite part of the block party? The custom art installations, highlighting Chevrolet‘s Cruze vehicles. They were created exclusively for Chevrolet by some of my favorite designers: Ron Bass, Melody Ehsani and Kimberly Goldson (you remember her from Harlem’s Fashion Row, right?). They were so cool.
After the block party, the Street Style Awards dinner celebrated Glamazon fave June Ambrose, designer Azede Jean-Pierre, and blogger Tamu McPherson of All The Pretty Birds.
From L to R: Emil Wilbekin, Jay Manuel, Bethann Hardison, Kimberly J. Chandler, June Ambrose, Tai Beauchamp
There were so many legends in attendance like Bethann Hardison, Emil Wilbekin, Ursula Stephen, Essence Editor in Chief Vanessa Bush and the Editor-at-Large (and Glamazon Godmother) Mikki Taylor.
What an epic night! I really hope Essence makes this a tradition! It was a great addition to Fashion Week! Did any of you go? Are you planning to next time? Tell me in the comments.
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
