Nigel Isaiah Presents
THE 25 MOST STYLISH BLACK WOMEN IN FASHION
MORGAN PITTS LAUREN TAYLOR JENNIFER JEAN-PIERRE NIKIA JEFFERSON VANESSA LUNDY MONROE STEELE EDWINA KULEGO CHANNING HARGROVE JULEE WILSON AMANDA MILLER RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES PATIENTCE F KAHLANA BARFIELD CLAIRE SULMERS GENEVIEVE ASCENCIO ARIA HUGHES CHRISTIAN JOY RILEY TANIA CASCILLA OYINKAN TAMU MCPHERSON BRITTNEY ESCOVEDO JESSICA C. ANDREWS MECCA JAMES- WILLIAMS GABRIELLE ALICEA SIMONE ALEXIS 25 Most Stylish Black Women In Fashion
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2017 EDITION
CONTENTS: 3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4.EDITOR’S NOTE 5. INTRO 6. MORGAN PITTS - 7. CHANNING HARGROVE 8. LAUREN TAYLOR- 9. JENNIFER JEAN-PIERRE 10. NIKIA JEFFERSON - 11. VANESSA LUNDY 12. MONROE STEELE - 13. EDWINA KULEGO 14. JULEE WILSON - 15. AMANDA MILLER 16. RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES 17. STYLE, B 18. JUST BLEYZ - 19. EARN YOUR STRIPES - 20. ADVANCE SHIRTING 21. LET THE LYRICS DO THE SHOPPING 22. THE ACCESSORIES EDIT 23. IN MY BAG - 24. SHOEVANA - 25. WEAR AN EARFUL 26. PATIENTCE F - 27. KAHLANA BARFIELD 28. CLAIRE SULMERS - 29. GENEVIEVE ASCENCIO 30. CHRISTIAN JOY - 31. TANIA CASCILLA 32. OYINKAN - 33. MECCA JAMES- WILLIAMS 34. TAMU MCPHERSON - 35. BRITTNEY ESCOVEDO 36. JESSICA C. ANDREWS - 37. ARIA HUGHES 38. GABRIELLE ALICEA & SIMONE ALEXIS - 39. MEET THE EDITOR
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, giving all thanks and honor to God, without him this project would be nothing. Special thank you’s to Genevieve Ascencio, Raymond Gee, Angela Gilltrap, Channing Hargrove, Dom Love and Monroe Steele. To Avery. G, Avery. W, Carter, Destiny, Kaia, Omeir, Owen, Thomas Jr, Tre, Tyrus, Tyshawn Jr. and Tyson, I love y’all. Shout out to the 716!
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EDITOR’S NOTE: December 8th, 2016 was the day God told me I’d be turning The 25 Most Stylish Black Women in Fashion, an article idea I planned to pitch at the beginning of 2017 into a full-blown magazine. How am I going to pull this together? Who's going to help me? Who's going to support this? Is this even worth my time and effort? Question after question ran through my mind before I just responded, "ok." God wouldn't tell me to do something I couldn’t complete, right? So his plan became my plan, and we began to put the pieces together. I wasn’t sure how this would all come together, but my commitment to trusting the vision wasn't going to waver. Every email answered followed up with a “thank you God” and a serious Harlem Shake and every email unanswered, and request decline followed up with sending more emails because it’s no time for vexation when you have a deadline to hit. Today, magazine completed and Harlem Shake still serious enough to be in G-Dep’s “Special Delivery” video; I’m honored to present to you The 25 Most Stylish Black Women in Fashion. This one-off digital project highlights just a small percentage of black women whose strong, smart and stylish voices influence the fashion industry from adding their touch to the pages of InStyle Magazine to influencing Cardi B’s outfit choices! I hope that you will enjoy, and be inspired by the women found beyond this page and that the man upstairs will find this pleasing in his eyes.
- Nigel Isaiah
Jeremiah 17: 7-8 25 Most Stylish Black Women In Fashion
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Even fashion forward women have a dream wardrobe. You know, a closet filled with clothes you’d happily spend the rest of your life wearing. So I ask these ladies what that wardrobe could possibly look like for them with this question, “If you had to spend the rest of your life wearing clothes or shoes from one brand or designer, what brand or designer would you pick and why?”
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GEORGINE SS17 Collection
MORGAN PITTS, Creator of #BlackGirlsWhoBlog & E-Commerce Associate at Gucci @blackgirlswhoblog
"I would choose Gucci because not only did they give me my first, real, "big girl" job, but I also invest so of my time and energy in giving them my very best each day, holidays included. Additionally, Beyoncé is a co-founder of Gucci's very own Chime for Change, a global campaign to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world, with a focus on using innovative approaches to raising funds and awareness for education, health and justice projects; I love me some Beyoncé.”
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CHANNING HARGROVE, Fashion Writer & Editor and Founder of NYC Sample Sale Newsletter SZN 2 Newsletter @chan_inthecity
“Okay, so I have two answers. In an ideal world, I would live the kind of life where I could wear Schiaparelli couture all day, every single day. Elsa Schiaparelli was the first surrealist fashion designer (Read her autobiography!), and her pieces were works of wearable art. Though, the brand that suits my present day life the best is Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada designs for women who are at the same time, both intelligent and whimsical. I would gladly look like that for the rest of my life. And can we talk about the shoes? Every season, Miu Miu uses glitter in a chic, grown-up way that speaks to my soul.”
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LAUREN TAYLOR, Stylist @laurentheodora
“I would definitely say anything from Chloé. Clare Waight Keller consistently created collections that I always wanted to buy. I love their clothes, bags, and accessories. It's hard to find brands that are strong in all areas, and Chloe is always a favorite.”
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JENNIFER JEAN-PIERRE, Photographer & Style Blogger @commecoco
“One designer- oh that's tough cause I don't really wear designer but it would have to be Alexander Wang if I have to choose. Balenciaga is one of my favorite houses and he did some amazing things over there. The Freja booties are still my choice of iconic shoes of life and I love his slouchy t-shirts. Alexander Wang is the perfect balance of edgy and comfy to me.”
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NIKIA JEFFERSON, Columnist & Freelance Writer @chitown_fashion
“That's a tough question since my tastes and preferences seem to change every few years. But if I had to choose based on what's currently on the market, I would go with Gucci. Everything Alessandro Michele is doing right now is super feminine, ornate and over-the-top. Dressing in nothing but Gucci on a daily basis would allow me to channel my inner Iris Apfel. And who wouldn't want to do that?�
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VANESSA LUNDY, Stylist & Style Blogger @vanavain
“Shoes, Converse sneakers because I can style them with anything. And I do. I don't have time for achy feet. Clothes, Dries Van Noten. Such, fun, bold, yet feminine shape and prints. I never want to be too serious with dressing and his designs remind me that I can be playful and chic.”
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MONROE STEELE, Style Blogger @monroesteele
“ This is the hardest question because I am such a fan of so many designers and brands. Everyone brings something different to the table. Rachel Comey is a master at the perfect vintage style denim that hugs your body right. Proenza Schouler is killing the shoe game, coming out season after season with an "It Heel” and brands like & Other Stories are collaborating with folks like Zana Bayne, a champion at leather harnesses and goods. But hands down, the brand I look at and admire from afar but can't really afford is Johanna Ortiz. I could wear everything she has ever created. She designs the most extravagant clothing. I could see myself traipsing around the world from beaches to deserts wearing her designs. I currently don't own anything of hers yet, but I plan on indulging at some point this year. "
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EDWINA KULEGO, International Business Development at UBM Fashion Group @edwinakulegoÂ
"This is definitely a tough question as I have many favorites, but I truly admire the sophisticated and timeless Yves Saint Laurent. Ranging from the ready-to-wear collections to the accessories and shoes; I can always find something that I love. I never have to worry about the fit and quality of the products. From trendy pieces to classics that live through generations, YSL is a favorite. "
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JULEE WILSON, Fashion & Beauty Director at Essence Magazine @missjulee
“I couldn’t possibly choose just one. The magic of fashion is that you can reimagine and reinvent yourself all the time. But, there is definitely something intoxicating about waking up every day to a closet full of Altuzarra.”
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AMANDA MILLER, Merchandising Director at Crescala Fashion Development @msafmiller
“My one designer would be Celine, head to toe. The clean modernity of the shirting, the perfect pants and outerwear are truly timeless. I could wear Celine in any decade, and it would look chic.”
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RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES, Fashion Director/Teen Vogue & Consulting Branded Content Director @rajni_jacques
“I keep it very simple when it comes to my style. If I were to spend the rest of my life wearing one clothing brand, it would be Levis because I live in jeans. Denim is always the basis of my look, so every outfit is built around the type of jeans I am wearing. When it comes to shoes, I go with Vans for sneakers and any pair of chic black boots (Manolos, Louboutins, Dior) for shoes. I'm equal opportunity so I can't pick just one label!”
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25 MOST STYLISH BLACK WOMEN IN FASHION
GIVING YOU THE SKINNY ON ALL THINGS FASHION.
STYLE, B Edited by Nigel Isaiah
LOEWE Panda Mini Leather Shoulder Bag $1,290, MyTheresa.com
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STYLE, B: From The RUNWAY To The STREETS
JUST BLEYZ #GirlBoss vibes and bold Grace Jones shoulders makes the blazer a must have this season *shoulder pads not included*.
JUNE AMBROSE in J CREW @juneambrose
GUCCI Embellished Wool Blend Jacket $4,200, MyTheresa.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY Fringed Wool Blazer $1,925, MyTheresa.com
style with: ALTUZARRA Acacia Blazer $1,624, MyTheresa.com
Boxy accents
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MARK CROSS Small Grace Metallic Box Clutch $2,195.00, KirnaZabete.com
ROGER VIVER Belle Vivier Trompette Patent Pumps $750, MyTheresa.com
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STYLE, B: From The RUNWAY To The STREETS
EARN YOUR STRIPES
JACQUES MARIE MAGE Edith Sunglasses $695, ModaOperandi.com
From multicolors to muted hues, stripes of all colors and sizes are in season for spring!
CAROLINA HERRERA Striped Cotton Silk Midi Skirt $1,933, MyTheresa.com
REMY MA in ALICE + OLIVIA’s Paulette Slim WB Highwaist Pant @remyma
ROCHAS Striped Asymmetric Skirt $1,003, FarFetch.com
DOLCE & GABBANA Dauphine Striped Shoulder Bag $2,275, ModaOperandi.com
ROSETTA GETTY Striped Suede Clog $1,100, ModaOperandi.com
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DELPOZO Striped Wide Leg Trousers $2,200, ModaOperandi.com
MSGM Bouclé Stripe Skirt, $425, KirnaZabete.com
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STYLE, B: From The Runway to The Streets
Advance Shirting Cut outs, sizable sleeves, ruffles and exposed shoulders has taken the button down far from its classic beginnings . MONSE SS17 Collection @monsemaison
MONOGRAPHIE Pleated Long Sleeve Shirt $605, ModaOperandi.com
Try this style: with a dress
BURBERRYÂ Panama Stripe Robe Dress $1,995, ModaOperandi.com
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LOEWE Striped Cotton-Poplin Dress $1,290, ModaOperandi.com
MDS Stripes Slim Smocked Dress $245, ModaOperandi.com
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STYLE, B: Music Talks
“ICED OUT, DRIPPIN IN CHANNEL
“ I LIKE A - LOT OF PRADA, ALIZE AND VODKA”
PRADA, GUCCI, AND ALL THAT” -Trina
GUCCI Dionysus GG Supreme Medium Shoulder Bag $2,290, MyTheresa.com
“ARMANI SWEATERS, CAROLINA HERRERA” -Foxy Brown
- Amil
LET THE LYRICS DO THE SHOPPING
Carolina Herrera Wide-Leg Jeans $754, MyTheresa.com
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PRADA Printed Silk Shirt $1,260, MyTheresa.com
“LOUBOUTIN, FENDI, DIOR ALL THE TIME” -Lil Kim
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Pigalle Follies 100 Pumps $520, FarFetch.com
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The Accessories Edit 22
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SIMON MILLER SS17 Collection Courtesy of Tommy Ton
STYLE, B: The Accessories Edit
IN MY BAG
Be in your world, focused, and on your grind with a bag that can fit over your shoulder, in the crook of your arm and in the palm of your hand.
ALTUZARRA Ghianda Suede Shoulder Bag $2,195, MyTheresa.com
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ALTUZARRA Ghianda Leather Shoulder Bag $2,795, MyTheresa.com
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STYLE, B: The Accessories Edit
SHOEVANA Wear Havana on your heels with footwear inspired by 2017 most fashionable destination, Cuba!


MARCO DE VINCENZO Fringed Satin Sandals $540, ModaOperandi.com
PROENZA SCHOULER Nero Canvas Mules $595, ModaOperandi.com MARCO DE VINCENZO Satin Fringes Sabot, $640, ModaOperandi.com
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STYLE, B: The Accessories Edit
WEAR AN EARFUL Assertive earrings that will do the chatting for you.
ELIZABETH COLE Georgy Earrings $225. ShopBop.com
ELIZABETH COLE Zazu Earrings $338, ShopBop.com
TADASHI SHOJI SS17 Collection @tadashishoji
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PATIENTCE F, Founder & SeniorPublicist at Cream PR @iam_kingpee
“If I had to spend the rest of my life wearing clothes or shoes from one designer, I would choose LaQuan Smith. His designs are always fashion forward and ahead of his time, the quality is excellent, and his clothing just makes you feel sexy. The dresses, the high splits, the curvature is just every damn thing!”
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KAHLANA BARFIELD, Fashion and Beauty Editor-At-Large at InStyle Magazine @kahlanabarfield
“Celine. I’m all about quality over quantity, and everything I own from Celine is timeless and made with beautiful fabrics. The silhouettes all have interesting shapes yet never feel trendy.”
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CLAIRE SULMERS, Editor and Founder of Fashion Bomb Daily @clairesulmers
“Balmain because it's bold, luxurious, and embodies Parisian chic, like me!”
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GENEVIEVE ASCENCIO, Vice President of Digital at Factory PR @thatgenevieve
“This is impossible for me to answer. Style is about evolution and exploration I couldn't commit to wearing one brand for the rest of my life. “
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CHRISTIAN JOY RILEY, Stylist @chrissyjoystyle
“I could easily spend the rest of my life wearing Dolce & Gabbana clothing. I'm a sucker for a great statement jacket, a printed dress and sequins. I always find myself drooling over every Dolce & Gabbana collection that comes down the runway!”
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TANIA CASCILLA, Public Relations Manager at 3NY @darling_tee
“If I had to wear one designer for the rest of my life it would be Saint Laurent. Over the years Saint Laurent has remained on top while staying up to date with the current trends, whether it's their leather jackets, shoes or handbags. You can always count on YSL to keep you looking fresh, so it's definitely a brand I know I can rely on.�
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OYINKAN, Style Blogger @queenoyinkan
“The first thought that came to mind is Diane Von Furstenberg, but then I immediately realized that although I absolutely love DVF, it would be easier for me to wear Dolce Gabanna head to toe forever. From their signature floral prints to the consistent embellishments on apparel and accessories, I can't get enough of it! It's hard not to feel like a Queen when wearing their pieces.”
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MECCA JAMES- WILLIAMS, Stylist and Fashion Market Assistant @meccajw
“Prada. Vintage and current still make my heart drop. I also appreciate Gucci. Alessandro is changing the game with his collections, and I love their recent casting and direction for their Pre-Fall 17 campaign, giving me all the black magic feels!”
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TAMU MCPHERSON, Creator of All the Pretty Birds & Style Director at Out There @tamumcpherson
"I can never choose just one brand, there are too many talented designers and I would be limiting myself to all the fun.”
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BRITTNEY ESCOVEDO, Founder of Beyond8 Event Production Company & President of Pyer Moss @brittneyescovedo
“If I had to pick one brand of shoes, I would wear Alaia's. They are sexy, classic, intricate and beautifully made. My decision has nothing to do with comfort, let's be honest no beautiful pair of stilettos are ever comfortable but how they make you feel is worth the pain.�
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JESSICA C. ANDREWS, Digital Fashion Editor at Teen Vogue & Co-Founder of GlamazonsBlog.com @dressupwithjess
“This is such a difficult question! Right now, I'd have to say Dior because I'm loving every design from their first-ever woman artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Her pieces are powerful and modern yet somehow still classically feminine. But my style changes with my mood! Lately, I'm all about cool, casual looks so I'm really into the new Coach dinosaur sweaters and varsity jackets — and those nights when I'm feeling fearless and bold, my go-to is definitely LaQuan Smith. I could never choose one brand.”
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ARIA HUGHES, Menswear Reporter at Women's Wear Daily & Curator of The Culture Tip Newsletter @ariahughes
“It would probably be Celine by Phoebe Philo. For one, I really respect Philo and the decisions she's made in her career. Also, her mission to create clothes that are as beautiful as they are functional hasn't wavered.”
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GABRIELLE ALICEA & SIMONE ALEXIS, Owners of Online Boutique Acid Cupcakes @erratic_ink & @simonealexis__
G: “I'll say Stella McCartney! Not only are her designs super unique and creative, but her committed to sustainable and eco-friendly fashion is important to me.” S: “I would pick Jeremy Scott as my designer! His pieces are always fun, quirky and great conversation starters. Even if someone might not like one of his designs, most of the time they will spark anyone's interest.”
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MEET THE EDITOR: NIGEL ISAIAH, Freelance Fashion Writer & Editor @nigel_isaiah
“Public School would be the brand I’d spend the rest of my life in. I’m sure I could build my current uniform, sneakers, denim, sweatshirt and statement coat with Dao-Yi Chow’s and Maxwell Osborne’s designs and past collaborations.”
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