Dapper Dan is a Harlem legend and indeed fashion's greatest treasure. The designer has teamed up with Pepsi for the football season to create a one-of-a-kind collection for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. I was invited to interview the legend at his Harlem atelier. He walked me through the lovely collection while talking about the next generation of designers. His beautiful antique furniture and fixtures reminded me of a museum. I was truly in awe of his well decorated studio.

"I've been bringing luxury fashion to Harlem for 35 years and let me tell you, you don't always see a true authentic collaboration come to life the way it did here with Pepsi. And right in time for the football season and New York Fashion Week at that," said Dapper Dan.

"This capsule collection is equally inspired by the Pepsi brand, football fans, and my one-of-a-kind looks. Fashion and football have never come together like this before. Athleisure has a new name on the block, and it's Pepsi x Dapper Dan." 

Dan is so inspiring. He's warm, welcoming and a man filled with gems. 

Christian Siriano never disappoints. His runway is one of the most inclusive shows during NYFW. He has Black women strutting down the catwalk in his best designs, and of course, some of our favorite stars are front row taking in all of the action. One of my favorite models, Precious Lee, closed out the show wearing a yellow tulle skirt with a printed bustier bra. And let me tell you, she worked it, honey! 

Stay tuned for more to come as I take on day 2 of NYFW!

Hey guys! Day 2 of NYFW is upon us. My first stop is downtown Manhattan for a swanky rooftop soiree to view the new Cinq a Sept collection. Cinq a Sept's spring line is all about fun, flirty florals, and pastels. The ladies were serving downtown chic vibes with their ruffle dresses and black boots. 

My second stop of the day is at Tanya Taylor. Her line is for the stylish hipsters who love to make a statement via their fashion. My favorite look is the floral cut-out maxi dress. I love how the model rocked cornrows and a pair of classic Adidas sneakers to pull the look together. This is a dress I would add to my closet! 

Up next is Black In Fashion Council. It's an organization whose mission is to secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry. Their goal is to build a new foundation for inclusivity. So, it's always an honor to attend their events. 

I enjoy sourcing new Black-owned brands, so this was the highlight of my day. I met the lovely designer behind NY-based brand Marrisa Wilson and discovered a contemporary menswear brand, Pierre Blanc Studio. I also learned about the black-owned beauty brand Ouma, whose line is simply flawless.  

My final stop of the night is the Brooklyn Museum for the unveiling of the Christian Dior exhibit. The exhibition explores the house's 70-plus-year history through 300 garments, photos, videos, sketches, accessories, and artworks from the museum's collection.

The ambiance was so beautiful. It almost brought me to tears. Gowns that the late great Jazz queen Josephine Baker wore were on display along with Princess Diana's iconic dress to the MET Gala decades ago. I was indeed in awe of the greatness. This was a fantastic way to end my night. Until next time! 

XO,

Tira

I kicked off day 3 of NYFW with the fabulous Tracee Ellis Ross. I received an invitation to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Tracee's Pattern Beauty haircare line, and it was a celebration indeed. Us editors were treated to a morning with fresh fruits and pastries, along with mimosa's to toast the momentous occasion. We also received goodie bags with the Pattern beauty line. I've been a fan of the brand, so I was very excited to welcome more products. There was even a curl expert on-site to help the ladies maintain their curls. What a great way to start my day!

Next, I took an Uber uptown to attend the Pretty Little Thing x Teyana Taylor fashion show. This show was so much fun. Teyana is a Harlem native and took it back to her roots with the collection. She had dancers open the show, along with the most diverse cast I've seen all week. Her 5-year-old daughter Junie even walked the show to debut the PLT kids collection. It was the cutest thing ever! I think I want to buy everything in the collection. Bravo, Teyana!

Last, I headed to the Empire State building to watch the Laquan Smith show. His star-studded event is the first-ever fashion show to take place at the historic building. His statement-making fashions left me speechless! And, of course, all of our favorite Hollywood celebrities were in attendance. We spotted Kylie Jenner, Ciara, La La Anthony, and even the City Girls. It was a perfect way to end my evening.

Stay tuned for day 4!  

x

On day 4 of NYFW, I attended the Alice and Olivia preview. Their clothing was bright, colorful and overall a fun collection. I love the bold dresses with statement-making pants suits. What a great way to end my Friday!

Jonathan Simkhai is one of my favorite designers, so I was overjoyed to attend his show. His pieces are perfectly for women, the silhouttes and cuts of his designs are always perfect. His Spring collection is was full of muted tones along with pastels. I loved every bit of it.

Today is officially the last day of New York Fashion Week! I was invited to a brunch at one of my favorite Jamaican restaurants, Omar's Kitchen in NYC for the Sammy B preview. Sammy B is a Jamaican American designer whose pieces have been spotted on our favorite celebrities. This collection was an ode to Kingston, where her family originated and she did not disappoint. Her designs are fun, flirty, and stylish!