Whitiney Mero is a chic New York City fashion designer who clothes herself in machine and hand-stitched body conscious dresses. Mero’s pieces, which range from cow neck to halter to strapless, show off everything a woman wants to expose and withholds just enough to be sexy and sophisticated.
Harriet Rosebud doesn’t just make fancy, colorful hats. The St. Petersburg, Fl. native creates crowns that make statements. Rosebud earned her degree from New York’s prestigous Fashion Institute of Technology and followed her passion to create a line of bold, colorful and jaw-dropping hats for all women to enjoy.
Sia Ann Walker, creator of Rare Honey Art Wear, doesn’t just make clothes. Walker creates art to be worn. The Tallahassee, FL. native fuses her love for art, fashion and color to bring together one-of-a kind pieces inspired by her admiration of Africa.
Coming from three generations of artists and designers, it only made sense for Jimi King to follow in his family footsteps and launch Jimi King Art Fashion. King studied fashion and textiles to create a colorful line that includes headwraps, dresses and jewelry all inspired by his African roots.
In 1999, Michelle Fields opened Michelle New York, a woman’s boutique in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. The retail shop caters to women who enjoy chic twists on classic looks. You can purchase everything: dresses, tops, bottoms, jewelry and even bridal gowns. If this sounds like your cup of tea, stop by the Michelle New York booth while you’re at the ESSENCE Festival.
In high school, Jody Davis earned the prestigous title of “Best Dressed,” which helped fuel the fashionista’s desire to launch her own business, Jody Davis Designs. Located in Washington, D.C., the Fashion Institute of Technology graduate’s designs have been featured on Fox News and worn by Iyanla Vanzant.
are the owners of Wilbourn Sisters Designs. As two of seven sisters who all sew and create, Carolyn and Janice Wilbourn received their love for fashion from their mother. The sisters have made everything from wrap dresses to floor length gowns using different fabrics to to create original, handmade pieces.
