WMDSF Magazine Fall/ Winter Fashion Edition 2013 by Melanie Butcher

Letter From Editor

Hi!

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Photography: Dom Pierre Make Up Artists: Michelle Lazzaro and Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte and Cheris Broadbelt Cover: Dress Bhoomki

Thank You for checking out WMDSF Magazine’s Fall/Winter Fashion Edition. We are growing and want to thank all of our readers and supporters. In this edition we have two themes, because as New Yorkers we are widely diverse. Our first concept was Chic Sophisticated for the women entrepreneurs on the go, classy but modern. Our second concept was Edgy Urban for what is a New Yorker without some edge ? Follow us as we took over the likes of The Essex House Hotel to the Subways of Brooklyn. September is also Fashion Month for NYC, explore some of the gorgeous Runway shows we attended during Fashion Week. We hope you enjoy it, and take the time to get to know our designers and models.

Fall/Winter Fashion Edition 2013 Chic Sophisticated Fashion Spread p.15

Cover Stories

4 “Double Sided” Fashion Show- Sammy B. Designs, Project Runway Contestant Season 11

“FrontRow” NYFW- Shateria Moragne-el’s

Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

10 Meet The Designers- Chic Sophisticated

Designers from NYC

Edgy Urban Fashion Spread p. 60

Fall Beauty Must Haves- Moisturizers to get you through the fall and winter

Special Thanks to The Essex House Hotel and The WMDSF Staff! www.wmdsfmag.com Can we “JUST”Be friends p. 50 Fall Must Have Footwear 2013 p.48

NYC FASHION WEEK WMDSF Magazine attended Samantha Black’s Fashion Show “Double Sided” this past fashion week for the reveal of her Spring/ Summer 2014 Collection. Samatha Black, famously known as Sammy B., packed the house with a star-studded audience, who eagerly awaited front and center for the trendy Fashion Forward pieces. Sammy B., a former contestant of Project Runway Season 11, did not disappoint! As the gorgeous Elle Varner opened the show with her phenomenal vocals, “Refill” filled the air as the crowd moved to the beat. This show was definietly worth the wait! Sammy B. Designs was created after Samantha graduated from Pratt Institute in 2005, where she majored in Fashion Design while interning with the heavy hitters Jill Stuart, Michael Kors and the late Great Alexander McQueen’s design studio in London. Be sure to look out for Sammy B Design Ladies!! Go to www.sammybdesigns.com

Ariane Davis 4

Elle Varner

Meeka Claxton

All Attended Sammy B Designs “Doubled Sided” Fashion Show for NYC Fashion Week

RIP The Runway

NYC FASHION WEEK NYC Fashion Week was on fire this year as WMDSF Magazine also attended Shateria Moragne-el’s Fashion Show “FrontRow”. The show was filled by celebs such as Ne-Yo, Bridget Kelly, Melanie Fiona, Emily B, Necole Bitchie, Sharon Carpenter and so many others. Frontrow opened with a hard hitting performance by RaVaughn, who killed it singing her new single, “Better Be Good”. Shateria Moragne-el, Rick Ross’ former girlfriend, debuted FrontRow Clothing line in September of 2012, coming back this year for New York Fashion Week to showcase her hot Spring/Summer 2014 collection. A native of Maryland, Shateria caters to the “free-spirited woman” along with the “business woman”. The collection has been described as cofident, classy, versatile and chic! Shop the collection: www.frontrowcouture.com

Sammy B. Designs “Double-Sided”

Shateria Moragne

Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

RaVaughn

Chic Sophisticated

Chic Sophisticated/Meet The Designers

Meet The Designers

Swati Argade, Owner and CEO of Bhoomki, creates clothing collections made from sustainable fabrics, which support artisan livelihoods around the world. In 2003, Swati launched her eponymous womenswear line, selling to specialty boutiques across the United States, Europe and India. Her collections are known for incorporating handmade fabrics with classic and tailored silhouettes. In 2011, Swati opened Bhoomki Boutique in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Bhoomki carries clothing and accessory brands dedicated to environmental and/or social responsibility, including its in-house line designed by Swati. The Bhoomki label sources and partners with fair-trade certified manufacturers who responsibly support traditional crafts like block printing, hand weaving, embroidery, and dyeing. It produces bimonthly, focused, capsule collections that not only support artisan communities in places like India, Indonesia and West Africa, but also producers of organic, recycled and low carbon footprint fabrics. Currently, Bhoomki proudly cuts and sews its clothing locally in NYC’s Garment Center. Bhoomki, Ethically Fashioned 158 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-857-5245 ……………………………………………….. www.bhoomki.com www.facebook.com/bhoomkifashion www.swatiargade.com

Holly Henderson has pioneered the market for Sustainable Fashion & Technology ~ the fusion of

eco-style with modern design & manufacturing processes. Ms. Henderson is an internationally recognized visionary designer, expert & public speaker in apparel design technology, product lifecycle management, green business and organic/sustainable fashion. Holly is also a highly regarded educator and currently holds a position as an Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. She is the Founder & President of Holly Henderson Consulting, LLC and has recently launched a line of Simply Natural Clothing, a new cutting-edge luxury ECOfashion lifestyle brand, where she serves as the Chief Creative Officer & Director of the online retail rollout found @ http://simplynaturalclothing.com. “As a nature lover at heart, I have always wanted to combine my passion for fashion, artistry and technology with ecology. When a friend started an alpaca farm many years ago, I instantly knew that I wanted to help the farmers utilize this incredibly soft fleece from these amazing animals and turn it into beautiful clothing. Sharon Epperson, a former student of mine pushed me to enter this contest on YOXI called “Trimming the Waste in Fashion”. Although we did not win the competition, we knew the idea of using advanced technology in 3D knitting, allowing us to efficiently manufacture things in the USA and not to waste precious fiber was a good one. Sustainable fashion that benefits people, the environment and stimulates local economy is very important to us.” The first Simply Natural Clothing collection has been created with alpaca fleece as the main fiber. The soft knit layering pieces are created to easily adapt to climate change or whatever timely trend may be happening. With classic design, the clothing is meant to last and have a purpose. Timeless and elegant, so they may be worn for years to come. “Fast Fashion” has moved out of style. The philosophy is that it should never be “out with the old and in with the new” but rather layering a bit of new on a wardrobe foundation that builds a personal style with heirloom quality pieces. We are making knit dresses, sweaters and capes as well as accessory items such as scarves, arm-warmers, leg-warmers and headwear for women and men. Select styles come in a range of neutrals and color achieved with all natural dyes derived from flowers and plants such as Indigo.

Chic Sophisticated/Meet The Designers

SUSTAINABLE. ECO. ETHICAL. That’s what SEE means. That’s what McColl & Clan

strives to be, SEE. To the best of our ability, with what is available, we produce some of the most stunning styles that will stay with you for years to come. How does it get better than that! Style that has an ROI (Return On Investment).

We strive to work with everything SEE from start to finish, concept to creation. We are not perfect, but we grow along SEE lines. Every day McColl & Clan commits to progress, advancing, moving forward, expanding and giving you the best of the best to celebrate the best in you, for you and, that is, inevitably, for all. Eco-luxurious, ethically-crafted, sustainably-sourced, haute-healthy fashion for the conscious consumer who craves looking, feeling, being and giving their best. Clothing with a conscious. Garments with a gift. Mccoll & Clan is the creative passion of fashion designer

Lusmila McColl who believes good style can last and goodness can come from it. McColl & Clan makes every concerted effort and method to foster the growth and development of employing or developing materials produced with consciousness, care, and compassion to the environment, the workers, and the customer. This way, McColl & Clan pieces retain their luxury, style and positive effect on the planet for years to come. McColl & Clan sees how clothing directly affects the world within us, as well as the world around us. mccoll&clan endeavors to be the change it wishes to see in the world and see the world change for the greatest good of all concerned. McColl & Clan is always looking at what else is possible and how it gets better from here.

To Purchase: www.citybliss.com/mccollandclan www.mccollandclan.com

CharlottesAngels is a Clothing & Accessory brand by Charlotte Epee-WillSun. Starting her clothing & accessory line while expecting her son DioRR. Charlotte has always had a keen eye for style from a very young age. Watching her mother Florence, a true fashionista , entertainer, stylist and business woman. She would travel with her siblings all over Europe looking for the most exclusive fashion. Creating custom designed 18 and 22 karat gold jewelry for her clientele back home in Nigeria and Cameroun West Africa. On such trips Charlotte remembers her mom telling her to pay close attention to the various spots she frequented like the gold artisans in Valencia Italy. Charolette’s inspirations come from the richness of the “soil “ in the world in which she grew up in “Cameroun and Nigeria in West Africa,“ and the world around her during travels and the streets of LA (where she now calls home). Her daily minute by minute innate inspirations are most of all her recent and greatest ever creations: “King-DioRR & King-DiuBois“ her Blessed Boys, Love them!!! Her Husband also inspires her and continuously supports her dreams. The cradle of all her inspirations mentioned above spring from the one source: Master Creator, The Heavenly Father, who never ceases to amaze her with his miracles. “I love creating state of art the pieces, as much as I try to create simple pieces that are beautiful and create memorable impressions. Pieces women can wear and instantly be transformed with a necklace, ring or Cuff/Bracelet purse etc. I am a transformer!! as much as I try to create simple pieces. I would start out creating a simple piece but by the time I was done it would be far from simple! My friends say, “Charlotte, simplicity is just not you, you’re such a Diva“! “ Please join us on facebook, twitter and instagram. I recently established CiFFLA.org promoting independent designers such as myself: CharlottesAngels, Taibo Bacar etc, film, music and arts creative on a world platform and marketing them on CiFFLA.org. Please visit and shop with us online!! See you there

Chic Sophisticated/Meet The Designers

Cheris Broadbelt, a.k.a Reese B Designs. always had a sense of style while growing up. She was that little girl who admired all those impeccably dressed women with the big hats, great shoes and big jewelry, in or around her neighborhood. Watching how they were able to speak volumes without uttering one word through their fashion, made her want what they had, "Presence". Reese knew that she wanted to be a stylist when at a very young age she could image putting looks together for models to walk down the runway with. Always passionate about mixing and matching different textures just to see what she could come up with. Accessories to her was always essential, one piece could change your whole look. When it was time to go to school Reese enrolled at The Art Institute of New York for fashion design. Even though she still wanted to be a stylist, Reese took advantage of what the school had to offer, with-in the fashion program. She saw this as a way to become well rounded. Graduating in 2010, to find work within the industry was easier said than done. Being referred by her hairstylist, she picked up a gig being an assistant to a celebrity stylist. During this time because working with him wasn't on a consistent basis, I was also working in retail. In 2011 she was presented with an opportunity to be an assistant designer for an up and coming accessory belt line Curvybella. This was very exciting for Reese as she was able to present her creativity through her designs to the world. Unfortunately, after working with them for close to a year, things did not work out. Fast forwarding, still working in retail, Reese began to get requests from not only my hair stylist but other stylist at the shop to design some bow ties for them. Taking on the job, she realized she was bored with the concept of the original bow tie. Doing research on current trends and playing around with different designs concept, Cheris came up with "notyouraveragebow tie line" the reason she used that phrase is because she was able to take a classic and modernize it: keeping the same aesthetic, but giving it a look of the future. As a woman Reese found it to be a great way to change up her everyday style. For men, she saw it as a way to modernize their look. This was how Reese B was created. Reese says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy the process of hand crafting each and every design and concept I come up with. I know in the future I want to come out with a clothing line, but as for right now I am learning a lot about my ability as a designer, as well as how to start and grow a business. This is only the beginning and I can't wait to see what the future holds.â&#x20AC;? Follow @ReeseBDesigns on Instagram and Facebook for your custom order

Reese B Designs 14

Pantsuit: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Pantsuit & Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Pantsuit & Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Coats: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Bhoomki Necklace: Charlotte’s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dresses: Bhoomki Necklaces: Charlotte’s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Bhoomki Necklace: Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs Shirt: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte 28 & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shirt: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte 30 & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dresses: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Simply Natural Clothing MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress and Shawl: Simply Natural Clothing Necklace: Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Coat: McColl & Clan MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels Bracelet: Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro 40 Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Vest and Shirt: Simply Natural Clothing MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Meet The Models Eloho “Modelist” Brooklyn born to Nigerian patents was taught the importance of faith in God, family and hard work. Like most foreign parents Eloho’s mom and dad tried to push her and her sisters in the medical field, but Eloho always saw herself strutting down the runway in fashion shows all over the world! She also dreamed of owning fashion houses and modeling agencies for models of color. Its always been a passion of hers to help other people find their purpose and to walk in their purpose. Eloho has truly come a long way gives thanks to God for his blessings. From the awkward girl in school who was teased for being so tall and insecure, to the strikingly beautiful confident women who won’t take no for an answer. Eloho is truly a Top model!

Dress: Charlotte’s Angels MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Dress: Simply Natural Clothing MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Emina Kadrich, 19, is a part time Model, who swims for Queens College, Longboards for Blue Sky Longboards, she is also a NYC Lifeguard, and Fitness/ Aqua Trainer. The gorgeous Emina is currently studying Physical Education at Queens College.

Tony Divirgilio is a certified personal trainer, endurance group trainer, speed/ conditioning coach for Wilmington University sports, Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer college captain and 2012 menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health urbanathlon 13th out of 1300 finishers (elite division) NYC modeling agency currently represents the sexy Mr. Divirgilio.

Dress: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bow Tie: Reese B. Designs Shirt: Bhoomki MUA: Michelle Lazzaro Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Fall/Winter Beauty Must Haves By Benna Jassal

o we ever stop to think about what we put our skin through? We are exposed to all different elements every single day: be it smog, grime, filth, debris, even the climate! All this really does a number on our skin, and it takes a beating! We as women know how hard it is to keep our skin staying soft, supple, and moisturized, and this is one of our daily regimes that can not be avoided. I am actually a stickler for my beauty routine, and I have definitely been through my share of moisturizers. But what are the best moisturizers out there? For that matter, what are we looking for? I am going to share with you some of the moisturizers I have tried and done quite well with!! And they’re budget friendly to boot!)

First On The List: Oil Of Olay Active Hydrating Cream-Original

This is the moisturizer I grew up with. I used to watch my mother use this every morning and every night and loved the smell of it. Every woman I knew was using this back in the day, and to this day these women still have the most impeccable skin. There has to be something to it, if all these generations of women have tried and tested this line to be true. I personally love this moisturizer due to its non-greasy feeling, it’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and definitely yields soft, smooth, beautiful skin. This moisturizer falls under the Classic collection of Olay moisturizers, and is definitely wallet friendly. You can find this at any drugstore and it retails for about $6.49.

Second On The List: L’oreal Ideal Moisture Even Tone I was first drawn to this moisturizer because of the fact that it said “Even Tone.” I am one of those millions of women that worry about how much patchy skin I have, and the fact that I have different skin tones. Silly of me to think that this problem can be solved by this $6.99 jar of skin cream, huh?! This is a rather newer line of skin care that L’oreal just put on the market. This moisturizer is oil-free, and is infused with time released Vitamin C and Tourmaline Gem, which helps to restore your skin’s clarity, and helps even skin tone. This cream can be doubled as a day time/night time moisturizer, and skin feels immediately smoother and fresher upon application.

Last But Not Least On The List: Garnier Skin Renew Moisture Cream I am obsessed with all things Garnier! I love the smell of all their products: their skincare and haircare. This moisturizer has graced my drawers many a times, especially when it first came out years ago. I love the non-greasy feel, and how lightly it goes on. I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin with the usage of this moisturizer: it definitely does brighten your skin tone and keeps you hydrated, which is key for any moisturizer!

Leopard Heels- This is a TIMELESS trend that will continue to be reinvented. This

season the shoe genius Giuseppe Zanotti does leopard with a splash of color. These shoes are from the Fall 2013 collection featuring the new tapered cone-shaped black suede heel, ombré leopard-print calf hair, cobalt suede pointed cap-toe and black piped patent leather trim. Long story short, they’re amazing! Giuseppe Zanotti-Leopard Cap Toe Pump

FALL 2013 MUST HAVE FOOT WEAR By Marsha Badger

ust like that… Summer is over! Time to put away those sandals and crop tops and pull out the sweaters and thigh-high boots! This fall introduces some of the best shoes we will wear all season! From military and leopards to hologram and hybrid boots, get ready for the adult version of Happy Feet! The Hybrid pump boot- These boots are definitely different! Designers like BCBG and Josephina have fused together pumps and boots to birth the Hybrid pump boot.

Thigh High Boots- Thigh

High boots have made a complete 180 from it’s “Pretty Women” days. The transition from trashy to classy was easy! These boots have become the statement piece of an outfit. Whether they’re simple black boots or snake skin boots like the Tom Ford’s shown here, when you step out, all of the attention will be from the thighs down!

Tom Ford Snake Skin Thigh High Boots

Christian Louboutin- Flannel over the Knee Boots

BCBG Hybrid Pump Boot

Brown Military Style Thigh High boots

Holographic Oxfords- Oxfords is your classic flat shoe. Don’t feel like wearing

heels? Holographic Oxfords are a great alternative! The holographic look in general is very on trend.

Rather a holographic look stiletto style? Check out these pumps.

Josephina Hybrid Pump boot Miista Zoe Hologram Oxfords

Can We “JUST” Be Friends??

By Brutha Blunt and Sistah Truth

What’s up everyone? Another month, another new topic. This month Sistah Truth (ST) and I, Brotha Blunt

(BB) are going to discuss if men and women can be friends. The question is what is the true definition of a friend? To me, the meaning of a friend would be a person (in this case, woman) that I can hang out with, have regular conversation with and go out with from time to time without there being anything sexual. Mainly, this is someone that I could be cool with without having to worry about having any intensions of having sex with this person. No lines can be crossed because it’s already established where we stand with each other. From time to time I hear from people that they can honestly say that men and women can’t be friends. ST: I agree. Typically men and women can’t be friends. BB: What? I find that to be total BS. But anyway, how would the man feel about his woman having male friends? What about what the woman has to say about a man that has female friends? I don’t really find it as being a problem with me if my significant other has male friends. They are entitled to be friends with whomever they choose. But if something looks fishy to me then of course I’m going to say something about it. Then there are the guys who don’t seem to like the fact that their girlfriend has male friends because of the fact that those “friends” have one thing on their mind which is to get their “friend” in bed or the fact that his girlfriend might have had sexual encounters or are thinking of having a sexual encounter with these men. With the women, I really don’t think they like having these women all around their man like that. If a line is crossed with them, trust and believe it will get dealt with. Is it an insecurity issue with both male and female or maybe even jealousy? What do you think Sistah Truth? ST: I have a lot of genuine male friends. And I didn’t realize it until my man brought it up. He actually had to adjust his line of thinking around a female (me) having so many male friends. But the bottom line is I am transparent about everything and there’s nothing inappropriate about my interactions. Growing up my first friends were my male cousins, I was an avid basketball fan and all around friendly person, so I made friends easily. There was no hint of sexual anything, because guys weren’t feeling me like that. As I grew older and conveniently more attractive, I was friend zoning guys who had a real interest in me and it was a problem. In my mid twenties I basically had to come up with guidelines on how to deal with the opposite sex. I don’t make new male friends. There has to be a definition to what I am doing. Either I am keeping you around to have relations, make money, or to pass the time, and boundaries can get defined accordingly. I believe that at a certain point you really don’t need that many friends in your life either.

BB: That is true, I like the fact that you had set up guidelines on how you treated these men. That is very important because at least you aren’t categorizing all dudes as friends and the ones that are trying to pursue you, you can make up your mind if it’s something that you want to look into and maybe take it further. I can truly say that I have more female friends than guy friends. It’s always been like that because certain guys I just could not hang with because of either their immaturity or where their heads were at. Don’t get me wrong, I do have male friends that are more like my brothers but it’s never been easy for me to make male friends like that. Even though I’ve had friends ask me if I’ve had relations with some of the female friends that I have. My answer is always NO. When I tell them that, they look at me like there is something wrong with me. LOL You see, the thing with me is that I’m a man of a different breed, the exception to the rule if you will. I have self control and know that I would never try to pursue something with the opposite sex, especially if we are good friends. It’s just how I am as a person. Have I had female friends that I was attracted to at one point? Yeah! I’m not going to lie about that. But I knew that being friends was where the line was drawn. If I was to talk to a female they would know my intentions and what I was looking for as we got to know each other. At that point, I’m putting it out there that I like them and would hope to get to know them on another level. The whole thing is boundaries have to be set in order for you to be good friends. Not many men think like me, which doesn’t bother me one bit because I am an individual and that makes me different. Variety is the spice of life!! ST: Oh, I definitely know people who are going to say they are the exception to the rule and the thing that I want to emphasize is that there are general rules to this. Brutha, I know you’re a rare man, but most men can’t handle a female in a strictly platonic fashion. For example, you can’t be completely alone with him after a certain hour because there will be an awkward, unspoken sexual tension that creeps into the air. While that energy can be coming strictly from one person, the dynamic has changed whether one chooses to admit it or not. You’re not friends. One of y’all are friends but not both in this situation. Of course you can exist in this imbalance for years but call a spade a spade. In my mid-twenties, I found myself having to fall back from a lot of people and not being as open, as men misinterpreted my intentions. One of my male friends finally broke it down to me that most men aren’t going to talk for the sake of talking, they’re only listening for a chance to get an “in” with you. So, I had to find ways to still be friendly and helpful without putting myself in sticky situations. Does that make sense? BB: Yeah that makes perfect sense…you don’t want to give out the wrong idea. There really isn’t a right or a wrong answer to this topic because it’s different strokes for different folks. It’s all in your approach and how you handle yourself in situations like these. Man, things are definitely different from when we were in high school. When we wanted to chill it meant just that. We could hang out and just be good with each other’s company. To chill as a grown up is more about the physical activity if you get what I’m saying. Ehh…well I’m going to leave it at that. This will give you all something to really sit and think about…talk amongst your friends and see what they are thinking and share with us what you come up with below in the comment section. You can also share the topic with your friends on Facebook… be sure to tag #wmdsfmagazine. Until next month, take care of yourselves!! www.wmdsfmag.com #wmdsfmagazine

Fall Fashion Trends

By Marsha Badger

Kim K.

LEATHER JOGGER CRAZE! Fall is here! Along with fall come the new trends and reoccurring trends that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to wear! Here is my absolute favorite trend for the season! Leather Joggers- This trend debuted last fall and is now coming back for this fall. Typically high-end leather joggers retail from $1,000-2,000.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re anything like myself, $2,000 for a pair of leather joggers can be a bit much.

Ne-Yo

Alicia Keys

John Legend

Shop these looks for less!

Lala Anthony, Beyonce and Rihanna in Leather Joggers

Lala Anthony

Beyonce

Rihanna

Sparkle & Fade Vegan Leather Joggers- Urban Outfitters- $59

Armani Exchange Faux Leather Joggers- $118

Edgy Urban Meet The Designers

Edgy Urban/Meet The Designers

Planet Brooklyn Academy is the brainchild of Brooklyn-born native

Rob Norman. A graphic designer and fashion industry vet, Rob set out a few years back

to create a lifestyle brand that would represent the culture and spirit of the city he loves so much. He saw many companies coming in, taking up the name “Brooklyn”—without knowing what it really means to be from there. Much like any Ivy League school, the image associated with Planet Brooklyn Academy exudes prestige, pride, and elitism. Brooklyn is an institution unto itself. The people who make this city so great feel the same way about Brooklyn as the Ivy Leaguers do about their alma maters. Brooklyn is a place recognized and idolized worldwide. It is time that one of the greatest cities on the planet has a brand of its own to represent it. Planet Brooklyn Academy is poised to become that brand ambassador. From streetwear to classic fashion appeal, Planet Brooklyn Academy is an apparel company that represents the life and pride that the borough of Brooklyn is known for worldwide. The brand vision is to become an institution providing fashion inspired by streetwear culture and collegiate heritage.

BU, is a young line that stands to define a new generation while respecting those who came before us. We are raw, bold and uncut while still being social and politically conscious. All of BU’s designs have a significant meaning behind them nothing is pointless. We aim to inspire and educated the young kings and queens of today and tomorrow. BU, was founded in December 2011, by Sherifa. She wanted to start a pro-black line with a message representing her people’s past struggles, present accomplishments and their future endeavors. When people first see the name BU, short for Black N Ugly, they ask, "Why not black and beautiful?" Sherifa wanted to take something that is frowned upon and turn it into something positive; it's all irony. Biggie said it best "Black & Ugly as Ever, however" the word however dismisses an argument of being Black & Ugly. Where black and beautiful sounds all too cliché, Black N Ugly demands attention and fuels fire in the blood, daring people to repeat two separate hated words, both together, making them pure again. Black is definitely not ugly, but because we as a people have been hearing it for so long, we have all begun to believe it. I often tell people I am NOT saying black IS ugly, it's that we have allowed continued thinking that these two words are associated with each other and means nothing good. So with that said, I wanted to take it and change one mind set at a time. All my pieces have a meaning to them; it's clothes that make a statement; not just a logo or a tagline. I'm not here for free advertisement across your chest; I want you to speak without saying a word. The name is a shock but the clothes bring calm." "There aren't many brands that go the 'black pride' route even though all urban brands cater to Black people," Sherifa says. It's more than a name; it’s about fueling negativity with an abundance of positivity. BU is not only an acronym for Black & Ugly, but it also holds a double message in telling the wearer to “Be You” and embrace your culture and history in everything you do including the clothes you wear. Make a Statement BU. To purchase items 57 from the line please visit; www.bu-clothing.com

Edgy Urban/Meet The Designers

Rasheed Brown, Owner of Lifestyle Brand, 1NE OAK, previously known as

Death By Design Apparel. Has rebuilt and restructured the brand to get back to the root and inner passion of why he got into the apparel business. Rasheed has always wanted to see someone else wearing something he created, this passion dates back to when he would paint cartoon characters on his friends clothes in elementary school. “During this journey I have discovered that, if you have a goal or a dream you have to go for it, just start. The easiest way to fail, is to never try in the first place. I aim to make 1NE OAK, impactful and inspirational to others, by merging conscious roots, with elegant design."

All Boss Everything

is a new brand of clothing, created by the

Owner/CEO of WMDSF Magazine, Melanie Butcher. “As women, there is a Boss in all of us whether you're a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister or a Friend, we all play an important role.” Melanie’s vision has been the empowerment of women by providing a platform for motivation and upward mobility of the modern woman. "Let Your Inner Boss Shine Thru!" All Boss Everything will be available this Fall @ www.wmdsfmag.com

Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: 1NEOak Stylist: Alexis Whyte MUA: Coco Bella Photo by: Dom Pierre

Meet The Model Kervin Boyce is a

Brooklyn born & raised west-Indian American. Kb is an aspiring photographer, with a great sense of humor and alluring personality.

Men & Women Shirt: 1NEOak Stylist: Alexis Whyte MUA: Coco Bella Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: 1NEOak Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: Black N Ugly Jacket: Ed Hardy Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bowtie & Clutch: Reese B. Designs MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy Bowtie & Clutch: Reese B. Designs MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: All Boss Everything MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy Bowtie & Clutch: Reese B. Designs MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Bowtie & Clutch: Reese B. Designs MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte & Cheris Broadbelt Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: All Boss Everything MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Meet The Models

Brooklyn resident and former fashion stylist Marsha Badger found herself in front of the camera for the WMDSFMAG fashion photo shoot. Often referred to as a fashionista, Marsha states, “I am NOT a fashionista, I just like to dress nicely. Fashionistas wear labels, I wear whatever I want.”

Manhattan born and raised trendsetter NancyLee Vega, has serious flair when it comes to fashion. Standing tall at 5’8, NancyLee’s love for fashion has driven her to explore the modeling world. Taking on a few projects over the years, she says “ I would like to brand myself in a way where other women will be Inspired”

Shirt: Planet Brooklyn Academy MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

Shirt: All Boss Everything MUA: Coco Bella Stylist: Alexis Whyte Photo by: Dom Pierre

WMDSF MAGAZINE