Black designers: create for spring & summer 2002 - Fashion Fair - Brief Article

Ebony, Feb, 2002

On the runways of Europe and in the U.S. fashion capital of New York City, supertalented Black designers are making an impact in the glamorous world of fashion. And they are succeeding in getting their creations to the masses of fashionable women who clamor for attire to make them stand out in a crowd of beauties. Among the most accomplished Black designers is Lawrence Steele, a native of Hampton, Va., who lives and works in Milan. There's also B Michael of New York, whose classy spring designs exude sexy, '30ish flair. New York also boasts Tracy Reese, whose designs are fresh and feminine; and the urban-oriented Lady Enyce line, the sister label to the menswear Enyce brand. From Paris there is the Impasse de la Defense design house, which is known for blending fashion with hand-painted art. And then there's Ghanaian-born Joe Casely-Hayford, who established a reputation in London for his exquisitely tailored menswear before expanding to shoes and women's attire.

Here we feature spring and summer designs from these outstanding Black designers, who represent only a fraction of the enormous Black talent making waves in the fashion world.

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Caption: Lawrence Steele of Italy designs three-piece evening ensemble of shimmering white tuxedo jacket with black shawl collar and black bandeau top worn over white stove pipe pants. Steele, a native of Hampton, Va., studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to Italy and working with top designers. He established his own label and design house in the mid-'90s.

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Caption: Stand out and turn heads in bold orange geometric print, floor-length sleeveless dress with straps of ribbons and full skirt, by Impasse de la Defense of Paris.

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Caption: Pretty-pink brightens up the scene when B Michael's spring collection takes the spotlight with gorgeous, sensuous gowns and dresses. Among his creations is this sweeping '30ish mermaid column gown with bare shoulders and hemline embellished with darker pink and tan organza. Note: Pink satin head wrap and pink crystal necklace.

B Michael's above-the-knee, form-fitting dress with generous portrait neckline that drapes shoulders. Note: Fedora and hair embellished with big flowers.

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Caption: Sleek and elegant two-piece cotton and Lycra suit by Lawrence Steel makes a bold statement with computer-generated, oversized silver rose pattern on black background.

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Caption: Lady Enyce of New York communicates urban street life with bright yellow and orange outfit of casual midriff tee-shirt with cap sleeves and split neckline, worn over drawstring pant of coordinating colors. The design house is sister brand of Enyce menswear company.

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Caption: Impasse la Defense delivers hip urbanwear with body-hugging sleeveless top with bold white design worn over black and white abstract-design, ankle-length skirt. Impasse de la Defense takes an even bolder step with colorful abstract-design dress with asymmetrical hemline and wide strap on one shoulder. Note: Unusual hair color and style.

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Caption: Turn heads in Lady Enyce's sporty cheerleader ensemble of short white skirt and zip-front white cardigan with black trim.

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Caption: Joe Casely-Hayford of London offers street-influenced designs, including this updated-peasant, layered ensemble of silver-gray asymmetrical top with above-the-elbow, puff sleeves and collar/buttons on one side only, worn over chocolate brown skirt with gold scarf tied around hips. Ghanaian-born Casely-Hayford established himself as a menswear designer in London before launching his own label in 1984. In recent years he has expanded into womenswear and footwear.

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Caption: Tracy Reese of New York welcomes spring with soft, pretty colors and fabrics. At left, she shows a sexy, sleeveless hot-pant jumpsuit in pink with flapped pockets over breasts and wide belt worn low on hips. The mood turns romantic with mint green, spaghetti-strapped slip dress with bold floral print, side-button accent and lace at hemline. Reese studied at the Parsons School of Design before working with designers in the U.S. and Paris.