Emmys 2020 Best Dressed Looks From Home!

Zendaya in Christopher John Rogers

Styled by Law Roach

Zendaya in custom Giorgio Armani

Styled by Law Roach

Laverne Cox in custom Kim Kassas Couture

Styled by Christina Joy Pacelli

Regina King in Schiaparelli

Styled by Wayman + Micah 

Yvonne Orji in AZZI & OSTA

Styled by Apuje Kalu

Robin Thede in Christian Siriano

Styled by Wayman + Micah 

Billy Porter in custom Ashi Studio

Styled by Ty Hunter and Colin Anderson

Anthony Anderson in custom Courtney D Mays

Styled by Courtney D Mays

Jeremy Pope in Louis Vuitton

Styled by Jordan Boothe

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Louis Vuitton

Styled by Dex Robinson

Jay Ellis in ETRO

Styled by Apuje Kalu

Anifa Mvuemba Makes History With Her Brand Hanifa's Virtual 3D Fashion Show

Anifa M is a 29-year-old black fashion designer with Congolese and Kenyan roots. Anifa began her fashion brand Hanifa when she just 21, by creating her own outfits and designs for friends. With the assistance of social media, Hanifa has continued to flourish and has been worn by Lizzo, Ciara, Karrueche Tran, Claire Sulmers, and many more!

This past weekend, Anifa shocked the world and broke the internet with a virtual 3D fashion show to premiere the newest Hanifa collection, Pink Label Congo. The 3D fashion show premiered via Instagram live, the fashion show included information about the inspiration behind the Congo inspired line. Throughout the presentation, Anifa discussed the Coltan mining conditions in the Congo and how they have negatively impacted young children and families. According to the live show “60-70% of the world’s coltan comes from Congo and it is sold illegally through the black market.” Designing this collection with the purpose of raising awareness for mining conditions will hopefully lead to better conditions and aid for people that have been affected. Most importantly, Anifa wants for people to start doing their own research on Congo and to feel empowered by this capsule collection.

“I did prints my own way, I did color my own way. And every single color palette that we used in this collection has meaning to it. It has intention behind it. It has a story. It has purpose.” - Anifa M

Once the fashion show commenced, 3D models strutted to the beat of African drums. The movement, the flow, the curves of the 3D model bodies, and the details in every design were meticulous and executed exceptionally. The pieces in the new collection feature alluring prints, ruching, cinched waist lines, and formfitting silhouettes. What’s most breathtaking about this reveal is how authentic the physique of the 3D models appeared in comparison to real women. Hanifa’s digital debut for their Pink Congo Collection is absolutely revolutionary; a testament to how limitless the curation and presentation of garments can be with technology. For future brands that may attempt to mimic what Anifa has accomplished with the use of technology for her brand, they should surely give credit where it’s due. Anifa has reformed the future of fashion and the way in which the masses are able to consume it.

Watch the fashion show down below.

View this post on Instagram

Riddled with a painful history, the beauty of Congo is often untapped and overlooked. The gentleness, beauty, history, poise, majesty, strength, power, and hope of the Congolese spirit inspired this collection. When creating each piece, I was reminded of the stories my mother told me of the women she knew back home in Congo. Women who suffered great loss but still, mustered every ounce of strength everyday to show up. My hope is that this collection inspires all women to stand tall in their power and like the Democratic Republic of Congo, to use their history, whether pretty or painful — to redesign their future. My country, the land of Congo, is ripe with an abundance of natural resources — the greatest of which are its people — its women. Hanifa presents.... Pink Label Congo. Now available at Hanifa.co

A post shared by Hanifa (@hanifaofficial) on May 22, 2020 at 9:39pm PDT

Shop the #PinkLabelCongo Collection!

Shop H.E.R.'s Debut Eyewear Collection with DIFF Eyewear

H.E.R has entered the realm of fashion again with her new eyewear line collaboration through DIFF Eyewear. This new collection is the perfect addition to her brand considering that every appearance she makes includes an incredible signature pair of shades. 

The new collection includes four exclusive shades retailing for $85 each. Every pair of frames will include a special edition trifold case + cleaning cloth. DIFF Eyewear also has a charitable initiative through their partnership with Sightsavers, an international charity; which makes for guilt free shopping! “Every pair of DIFFs sold helps to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, medicine, and more.”

Eyewear is an amazing accessory to take your ootd to the next level. So what are you waiting for?! Check out the shades below and get shopping! 

Bella $85


Driver $85

Driver $85

Bella $85

Lauren London Announces "FOREVER STRONGER" in Collaboration with PUMA

Lauren London just announced her new collection #FOREVERSTRONGER in collaboration with Puma. This line follows the release of the PUMA x TMC capsule collection that sold out back in September this year.

The new line is showcased with a campaign that features a poem written by the late Nipsey Hussle’s sister, Samantha Smith. The poem reflects the light, growth, and wisdom that has come from Hussle’s passing. While also giving a nod to a stronger future. Smith’s words are potent and will continue to reverberate with people everywhere.

The visuals in the video illuminate the neighborhood of South Los Angeles and the essence of Nipsey Hussle. 

You can check out full video down below! 💙🏁🏁🏁

Directed by @Topshelfjunior

Musical Score by @Rance1500

2019 British Fashion Awards Best Looks!

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

Congratulations to a Living Legend, Ms. Naomi Campbell! Yesterday she won the “FASHION ICON” Award at the British Fashion Awards. Making Campbell the first Woman of Color to win the award. Naomi looked absolutely stunning in a custom made dress by Alexander McQueen. One of our favorite looks of the night!

Lewis Hamilton in Balmain

Lewis Hamilton definitely wins best dressed for menswear! Hamilton stole the show with an encrusted blazer by Balmain. Hamilton’s skin also radiated with a healthy glow. This entire look on Hamilton was flawless! 

Rihanna in FENTY

Rihanna was awarded with the “URBAN LUXE” Award for her fashion house FENTY! Of course Rihanna was donned in a custom look by FENTY. Although, FENTY was launched earlier this year it’s already becoming a powerhouse in the world of fashion.

Rose Bertram in Ralph & Russo

Rose Bertram looked gorgeous in a jumpsuit designed by Ralph & Russo. The rose gold silk moirée faile jumpsuit has a deep plunging neckline and is paired with a beautiful overskirt train. We absolutely LOVE the movement in this train. This look is from Ralph & Russo’s Autumn - Winter 2018/2019 Couture Collection. 

Adut Akech in Valentino

South Sudanese Model Adut Akech was named 2019 “MODEL OF THE YEAR”. Adut wore a gown from Valentino’s, Valentino Haute Couture Beijing Collection. She looked captivating in the green gown that complimented her skin effortlessly. Congratulations again to Adut on her win! #RepresentationMatters

Jourdan Dunn in Vivienne Westwood x Flannels Woman

Jourdan Dunn in a look curated by Vivienne Westwood in partnership with Flannels Woman. This gold number is absolutely perfect. The details in the print of this dress along with the carefully crafted gathering of the material on her hips and shoulder are impeccable. This dress is truly a work of art and belongs on display in a museum!! The fit of this dress on Jourdan is amazing. 

NFYW 2019 - SS20! Powered By Style X and The KIMAC Group

To kickoff New York Fashion Week, Style X and The KIMAC Group hosted several fashion shows by various designers for three days. I would like to take the time to thank Style X and The KIMAC Group for having me, so that I can share the latest looks that have taken the runway for Fashion Week with my readers. You all will be able to view looks ranging from streetwear, couture, athleisure, swimwear, evening wear, menswear, and more!! As well as view video footage of the final model walkthroughs for the designers.

SWEET TALK SWIM

SHAY KAWAII

EMMA ALTMAN

DA BY DANIEL

RICHARD HALLMARQ

LE SAINT BEACHWEAR

ADRIANA SAHAR

A. SMALL COLLECTION

TLZ L’FEMME 

RON TOMSON

ANDRE EMERY


AUGUSTO MANZANARES

SHOKRA

September 5-8, 2019 - To kickoff New York Fashion Week, Style X and The KIMAC Group hosted several fashion shows by various designers for three days. Here's some footage of the final model walkthroughs for the designers! SUBSCRIBE to Good Vibes Fashion & Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg3yryiB8ULKubaUv_A9Y5A Welcome to Good Vibes Fashion & Music!

"HYWI?" '90s Inspired Looks: Hip Hop and R&B's Influence on Fashion

Teyana Taylor just partnered with King Combs for a new song titled “HYWI?”. The new track is sexy and sultry reminiscent of ‘90s hip hop and R&B. This new fiery track samples Ma$e and Total’s “What You Want” from Ma$e’s grammy nominated album ‘Harlem World’ that released back in 1997. “HYWI?” was written by Teyana Taylor, King Combs, and Eric Bellinger; the production was by Boogzdabeast, Hitmaka, and Cardiak. Together this team created a track that’s a banger and coupled with its newly released visual; together the music and the carefully crafted fits take viewers back to the feel good vibes of the ‘90s.

Since the inception of hip hop and R&B, the creatives of this genre have greatly impacted fashion. And have always been the leaders of dictating what is cool and trendy for the masses to follow. From head to toe, every hairstyle, piece of clothing, and accessory is a statement true to the artist that wears it. Adorning oneself in the best of the best clothing in the industry is central to fashion in hip hop and R&B. During the ‘90s we really got to see black artists wearing designer luxury pieces and creating streetwear looks.

Misa Hylton, often referred to as “Fashion Architect” is one of the pioneers and inspiration behind the era of ‘90s fashion in hip hop and R&B. Hylton is responsible for so many iconic looks for artists like Lil’ Kim, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliot, Faith Evans, Jodeci, and a plethora of others. Therefore, it was a no brainer that Hylton lend her exemplary work and creative eye to the video. Hylton provided custom designed pieces through her partnership with MCM Worldwide (MCM x Misa Hylton). The custom pieces featured MCM’s signature logo along with neon orange lines for a pop of color against the cognac design. The MCM looks were paired with Timbs and black snapbacks for the dancers.

In addition to the custom MCM looks, Teyana & King Combs were dripped in metallic silver vintage pieces courtesy of Karl Kani. Teyana rocked the Dream Crop Jacket and Passion Joggers, while King Combs wore the Kani Bubble Coat and Passion Joggers. This look was perfect for an inspired remake of Hype Williams “fish-eye” tunnel set from the “Mo Money Mo Problems” video for The Notorious B.I.G featuring Ma$e and Puff Daddy. The metallic silver outfits really pop and compliment the tunnel scenes flawlessly.

The other scenes in “HYWI?” are influenced by LL Cool J’s “Doin’ It” video and Toni Braxton’s “Just Be a Man About it” video. The looks and set design utilized to pay homage to the aforementioned videos were curated with pieces from brands like Versace, CHANEL, and AKIRA Official.

Teyana Taylor as Key Wardrobe, EJ King as Wardrobe, Custom Design by MCM X Misa Hylton, and the entire team involved with this video truly nailed it. This video screams all that’s sexy and smooth about the ‘90s effortlessly. It embodies the history and artistry of telling stories through music videos and the significance of selecting the right clothing and overall looks to really bring the music to life.

Stream and download “HYWI?” everywhere now!

Make sure you also check out the “HYWI?” video below!

Rihanna's Fenty Fashion House has Arrived!

Rihanna’s Fenty luxury fashion brand officially launched worldwide online today!

With the launch of Fenty, Rihanna is “the first woman to create an original brand at LVMH, the first woman of color at the top of an LVMH maison, and her line will be the first new house created by the group since Christian Lacroix in 1987.” - ( Vanessa Friedman of the NY Times ).

Rihanna is setting out to dominate all areas of business that she enters. Fenty will certainly become synonymous with the legacy of excellence that she continues to build. Rihanna also exhibits what is means to be a true boss and entrepreneur by capitalizing off of her interests outside of the music industry.

All products for Fenty Maison have been made in Italy. Fenty products’ price-points range from $180 - $1,360.

Check out GVFM’s Fenty favorites below

Antisocial Sunglasses $460

Corset Blazer Dress $1,100

Roped in Rose-Tone Ear Cuffs Long $560

Reversible Parka $1360

Spiraling Sandals 115 $670

Roped in Bracelet $420

No Cap $180

Pleated Pants $485

Corset Dress $990

The Affair Pumps 115 $625















Met Gala's 2019 Best Looks!

This year’s Met Gala Theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. This year’s theme was influenced by Susan Sontag’s “Notes on Camp”. Susan Sontag’s essay was published back in 1964. Sontag described Camp as “Its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration. And Camp is esoteric -- something of a private code, a badge of identity even, among small urban cliques.”

The 56th note on Camp reads, “Camp taste is a kind of love, love for human nature. It relishes, rather than judges, the little triumphs and awkward intensities of ‘character.’ . . . Camp taste identifies with what it is enjoying. People who share this sensibility are not laughing at the thing they label as ‘a camp,’ they're enjoying it. Camp is a tender feeling.”

Now, that you all have a little bit more information about Camp, let’s get into these looks!

Laverne Cox in Christian Siriano

Cardi B in Thom Browne

Lena Waithe and Kerby Jean-Raymond in Pyer Moss

Zendaya in Tommy Hilfiger

Madeiaine Petsch in Jean Paul Gaultier

Billy Porter in a Custom Ensemble by The Blonds

Jared Leto in Gucci

Deepika Padukone in Zac Posen

Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade in Dundas

Ella Balinska in Tory Burch

Omari Hardwick in Gucci x Dapper Dan

Kendall and Kylie Jenner in Versace

Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano

Darren Criss in Balmain

Ezra Miller Makeup Look by Mimi Choi

Dua Lipa in Versace

Naomi Campbell in Valentino

Serena Williams in Versace

Ciara in Dundas 

La La Anthony in Pyer Moss

Top Swimwear Brands to Have you Vacation Ready

Spring has finally arrived and temperatures are beginning to rise! Which means Summer time is right around the corner! So the best time to shop for the perfect swimwear is now! You can click on any image below to be directly linked to the exact swimsuit you desire. Happy Shopping!!

1. Kloset Envy

2. BFYNE

3. Mint Swim

4. Icon Swim

5. Matte Collection

6. Rue 107

Beyoncé Joins Forces with Adidas

Earlier Today, adidas announced its new “multi-layered” partnership with the Queen, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

According to the statement on Beyoncé’s site, she will serve as “a creative partner for the brand, develop new signature footwear and apparel, as well as re-launch Ivy Park with adidas”.

Ivy Park initially debuted back in 2016 with Topshop, a popular London fashion retailer.

This partnership with adidas will certainly intrigue the masses as the beyhive spans across the globe. Notably, Beyoncé has made it clear throughout her career that she values having a limitless approach to creativity and an appreciation for art everywhere.

In regards to the new partnership; Beyoncé reveals, “This is the partnership of a lifetime for me. adidas has had tremendous success in pushing creative boundaries. We share a philosophy that puts creativity, growth, and social responsibility at the forefront of business. I look forward to re-launching and expanding Ivy Park on a truly global scale with a proven, dynamic leader”.

I can’t wait to see what these two powerhouse brands curate together!

To check out the full statement on Beyoncé’s partnership with adidas click here!

Ladies Love Neon!

Neon is the Latest Trend for Spring/Summer 2019! From clothing, to shoes, accessories, hair, and nails; Neon is the it color scheme for the Season!

Whether you’re going for an athleisure wear look or something more sophisticated for a fun night out, you should add Neon to your look! As Neon continues to increase in popularity everywhere, it’s important to note that it looks absolutely amazing as a monochromatic look! If you’re not ready to take the plunge and dive into a complete Neon look you can also add a touch of Neon to your outfit with accent pieces for a pop of color!

Check out some of my favorite Neon looks below!

Top Five Fashion Authorities Changing The Game

Jahleel Weaver

Client(s): Rihanna

Age: 32 years old 

Title: Stylist & Junior Creative Director for Fenty 

Styling Rihanna since 2016

Style Inspo: Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele

Weaver's first celebrity gig was on the set of an Italian Vogue shoot for Usher

"There will always be something in the collection that will be attainable" ~ Jahleel Weaver in regards to Fenty Puma

"There are no rules to how you get dressed" ~Jahleel Weaver: interview with The Cut

Follow Jahleel Weaver @illjahjah

#Styledbyjahjah

*Click through below to view Weaver's Work

Kollin Carter

Client(s): Cardi B

Age: 27 years old 

Title: Stylist & Contributing Fashion editor for ELLE Indonesia 

Styling Cardi B since Spring of 2017 

Style Inspo: Law Roach, Misa Hylton 

 Romeo Hunte and Jerome LaMaar are two of Carter's and Cardi's  favorite designers

Believes red carpet looks for Cardi B = "Timeless" 

Performance looks = "Tacky and fun. Tacky is gaudy & trendy". 

Follow Kollin Carter @kollincarter

#StyledbyKollinCarter 

*Click through below to view Carter's Work

Apuje Kalu

Client(s): Kofi Soriboe, Jussie Smollet, Jay R Ellis, Trevor Jackson, Marsai Martin, Dewanda Wise, and Nipsey Hussle

Age: 36 years old 

Title: Stylist & Creative Director

Styling prior to 2012

Style Inspo: The culture of Nigeria & Washington D.C. Loves Prints

  “Tailoring is Key”~ Apuje Kalu

 Well versed in the industry

Responsible for all your faves looking like wholesome snacks

Follow Apuje Kalu @apuje

#Styledbyapuje

*Click through below to view Apuje's Work 

Scot Louie

Client(s): Ryan Destiny, Normani Kordei, and Iskra

Age: 25 years old 

Title: Stylist

Styling since he was 15

Style Inspo: “Ghetto Luxe”. Kim Kardashian, Rachel Zoe, and Coco Chanel

Louie's first celebrity gig was on the set of the Real Housewives of New Jersey

Creator of the Model Diet

Follow Scot Louie @scotlouie

#FashionNEEDSMe

*Click through below to view Louie's Work

Danasia Sutton

Client(s): Justine Skye & Kehlani

Age: 24 years old

Title: Stylist

Styling since 2015 with V Files 

Style Inspo: June Ambrose 

Joined forces with Kehlani’s glam squad during this year’s NYFW. Kehlani was labeled as “the front row star of NYFW Fall 2018” by Vogue.

Serving as the ultimate cosign for Sutton as a young Stylist

Follow Danasia Sutton @danasia_sutton

#Danasiastyledme 

*Click through below to view Sutton's Work

An Interview With Janaya Hampton, The CEO of Asterisk* The Brand

Janaya Hampton is a rising designer from New Orleans, Louisiana and currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Hampton is also a recent graduate of Howard University's Class of 2017. While at Howard University, Hampton studied Journalism with a minor in graphic design. In addition to maintaining her studies, she played volleyball all four years and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Chapter. Hampton has always found herself to be interested in fashion, news, and sports. Midway through junior year though, Hampton started realizing if she is truly passionate about something she shouldn't have to feel like forcing herself to do it. Although, sports is something that she loves to write about, sports journalism came from her mother’s dream to be a sports journalist. In focusing on sports journalism while in college, she soon realized she was forgetting the creative fashion side of herself. Fortunately, I got the chance to speak with Hampton about The Asterisk* Brand and its creation. 

Korede Akinyelure: Let's dive into The Asterisk* Brand. What really caught my eye about Asterisk* was that you were able to curate original & hip looks through crocheting. Seeing the outfits that you've created made myself and many others that have seen the looks all want a custom piece for ourselves. “So when I saw those looks on twitter, I was like wait a minute, I need these pieces!” So as founder of the Asterisk Brand, for our readers, we would like to know what was the inspiration behind the formation of Asterisk* ?

Janaya Hampton: It’s so crazy. I started crocheting when I was like 10, around the time of Hurricane Katrina. My mom taught me how to crochet while we were evacuating. I would also sell scarves and stuff while at school in Dallas, Texas. It became a hobby for me. As I got a little older, I really started getting into volleyball and that started taking up most of my time. So I didn’t really crochet at all anymore. Until I came home over the summer after graduating thinking and brainstorming about what I wanted to do with my life. I applied to a few journalism jobs, but I just knew in my heart I didn’t want to do that. So one day I was sitting in my room going through a journal that I had from a long time ago. It basically had a bunch of ideas in it for branding purposes, if I ever wanted to start something of my own. I came a across a page basically talking about this brand of athleisure wear called Asterisk* that I wanted to do. I didn’t forget about it, but I just didn’t think be an entrepeneur and follow your dreams when I was brainstorming what I wanted to do with my life. Like B*tch how are you going to use your degree? Anyways, when I saw that I started to dibble and dabble in crocheting and make some money over the summer. I started crocheting different summer tops and things I enjoyed. I started realizing that I got a really good response from them, a lot of people liked them and I really enjoyed doing it. I really forgot how much I loved to crochet and it brought me back to my childhood and the bond I had with my mom while doing it too. The name Asterisk* was chosen because an asterisk has so many different meanings to it. People use it to correct things in text if you spelled something wrong or something. People also use an asterisk to signify importance, stuff like that. I initially thought when I made the brand a long time ago that this is something that can be used vividly & tremendously in a brand for positivity. Then I like the name Asterisk* because of the part in it that says “risk” because I am a risk taker. I feel like when you don't do the things you want to do, and take the risks in life. I feel like that’s where the stress and anxiety comes from, so I’ve always been an advocate for doing what you want if it logically and emotionally makes sense. Being a risk taker and living a stress free lifestyle is Asterisk*. With all that being said, I put all of that together and it turned into something that was beautiful that I really love. I’ve also gotten into mixed fabric designs too. For instance, the howard set that I did. I saw one of the first sweaters that I got from Howard when I signed up to play volleyball. I was looking at it like this can be something super cute that I can make with this. Every morning, I wakeup and draw new designs so I looked in my book to see what I had. I literally had a design for a shirt I cut in half and thought I could do the same thing with my howard sweatshirt and it would be so cool. So yeah, that’s how Asterisk* started.

KA: It's very admirable that you have built a company on your own straight out of college, with a true meaning & purpose behind it. When you talk about a stress free life, I think about Stress and Mental Health, which is such an important topic in the African American Community. That is often ignored & brushed under the rug. For you to bring this matter to the forefront through the creation of clothing is quite influential. What made you decide to be the person to bring awareness and enlightenment to Stress and Mental Health?

JH: I just remembered my older brother and sister. When my sister came out of college, she was so stressed out about finding a job and I don’t want to say it drove her crazy, but it literally drove her to tears everyday and anxiety attacks. I really didn’t want to feel that way after graduating. There’s good stress and bad stress, but I’ve always been a person that never wanted to not know how to deal with stress. Stress is inevitable, so you have to know how to deal with it by taking those risks and look at situations with a clear eye view. What inspired me other than that to go into this direction, is that it embodied something that is very important in the world today and embodies something that is completely me in general. I’ve always been somebody that wanted to advocate for just like your mental state, knowing exactly what you wanted to do and putting your mind to it to just doing it. Taking those risks and letting go of anxiety.

KA: Describe your personal style for our readers?

JH: I would describe my style as classy tomboy chic. I’m the type of girl that really believes in turning bummy outfits into high fashion. I don't know that’s always been my thing. For instance, the Barbara top that I created you can use it for so many different purposes. I hiked up Runyon Canyon one day wearing it, I’ve worn it to pool parties, and as a crop top too for a regular day. So multipurpose clothing. I love stuff like that, its completely my style. Multipurpose clothing, classy tomboy chic is me.

KA: What's your favorite luxury brand?

JH: I am obsessed with Saint Laurent right now. Then Streetwear brands just because I'm really into Streetwear are Opening Cermeony and Off-White. Those are the two that really catch my attention and I actually have a few pieces from Opening Ceremony. Those are my favorite.

KA: What's your favorite black owned business?

JH: I'm more of a person that likes independent black owned businesses especially when it comes to fashion. So a girl in LA has this athleisure brand, but not really. It's a very minimalistic clothing brand called Matte Brand. Basically, a young black woman she's like 25 years old, her own muse, the designer, and CEO of her company. Basically, everything I want to be just young and doing it. It's amazing to see young black people-- especially females f*cking shit up.

KA: Now, let's talk about this orange halter top & jeans set. What made you cut a slit in the back of your jeans & crochet into it?! What was creative process behind this outfit?

JH: At Howard though, I really got to express my fashion sense. Because Howard is just like a f*cking fashion mecca you know. When I got into cutting slits in the back of jeans, that was my thing. I didn’t really have a pair of pants on the weekend that I would wear without a slit in it somewhere. So when I was thought about the next outfit for Asterisk* I was thinking of what was truly me that other people love too. People love creativity and originality. So I made the orange wrap around Versality top. You can wear it any kind of way. I had this orange Sorella Boutique visor and I just thought this outfit looks so incomplete like there has to be something else that I can do. I was thinking of crocheting a pair of shorts to go with it, but I was like no. I've already been thinking and had it in my design book that I wanted to mix denim and crochet in different outfits. So I pulled out jeans that I got from the thrift store, and was like damn what can I do with this. I did have an idea where I cut shorts and just crocheted at the bottom. But I looked at the jeans and saw that I already cut a slit in them so I was like wow that would be such a cute accent on it, just have something subtle. Less is more. Lets be real, everyone knows less is more. Something as subtle as embroidery or lining of the slit on the jeans says so much more as opposed to lining the entire end of the jeans. So yeah, that’s what inspired me to do that.

KA: As a African American Woman how does it feel to be the Boss of your own brand?

JH: It’s so crazy like the boss of my own brand, but that’s really what it is. As an African American woman, you see other people like Michelle Obama and the girl from Matte Brand making their own platforms to be an inspiration for others. To be myself, not comparing myself to either of them because I’m not on their level, but the concept for me to have the potential to do something like that and have the potential to see my business grow. As an African American woman it shows me that anything is possible. No demographic can stop you from doing what you want to do or becoming who you want to be in life. There were times that both guys and girls would ask me how I would do this and that when I spoke about Asterisk*, having their doubts and saying I can't start a business by myself. But I can and I am doing this by myself. Anything is possible with God, some ambition, and people that support you literally.

“If you have the ambition and fire to do something like I do, you just have to do it. People will always have something to say. So I was just like f*ck it, I’m just going to do it and put my sh*t out there. Put your content out there and let people decide if they like it or if they don’t.”

KA: As a business owner you could be a great inspiration to young girls that aim to start their own businesses as well. Growing up did you have any women that inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

JH: When I was younger I was only focused on my mom. My mom was my biggest inspiration. She also crocheted and learned from her mom. She would sell scarves and other items. I didn’t even see it as her being an entrepreneur back then, I was just like "oh mommy makes scarves, something fun". As I got older I realized my mom was making money and doing it provided for me; I looked up to her. But I never thought I would be able to do something like that, I don’t know it's crazy. Like people do this sh*t all the time, as long as I put my entire focus into it. Through the good graces of my mom she’s been behind me with everything.

KA: I feel like this generation is so open to just jumping and going for whatever it is we want to do. We don’t care about what anyone else has to say, we're doing it and that’s it. Now that you've established your own brand, What advice would you give to those that are afraid to take the risk & become business owners?

JH: The biggest advice I'd give to someone that wants to do something and doesn’t know how to start is just do it, and write your plans down to track them. I plan weekly for Asterisk*. So three things of advice: 1. Go for it. 2. Write things down so you can visualize it. And 3. Seek a mentor in your field.

KA: Where do you see Asterisk Brand in the next five years?

JH: In the next five years, I want Asterisk* to be such a big thing in the fashion industry, I want it to break barriers. Crocheting is viewed as something your grandma does or some sh*t. I want to remodel the entire brand of crocheting. Like crocheting can be sexy too and young people can crochet clothing as well. I want Asterisk* to have a store on Melrose and take over E Commerce in general. I want people to understand that Asterisk* isn’t just about clothing it’s a Brand. I want to have stress relief oils and whatnot. I just want it to be a big a** f*cking deal literally. I'm taking it one month at a time trying to get different brand influencers into my clothing to be able to put my brand onto new platforms.

KA: Where can people purchases items from Asterisk*?

JH: I am currently working on my own domain, but you can make purchases now from my Etsy store.

KA: Where can people follow your brand?

JH: You can follow me on Instagram @AsterisktheBrand and @Naysayerr . Be on the lookout for whats next for Asterisk* The Brand!