Black Designers Represent on the Runway

Twice a year, fashion folks caravan from New York to London to Milan to Paris for the ready-to-wear shows. Paris Fashion Week wraps this week, sending fashionistas scuttling to their respective corners. The Root asked style expert Harriette Cole to look at what black designers were showing on the runway for Spring/Summer 2011. Here's a sampling.

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Laura Smalls' LWD (Little White Dress)

Photo by Harriette Cole

Now in her third season, thanks to a loving nudge from Andre Leon Talley, Laura Smalls shines with beautiful clothing for elegant women. One of her little white dresses (a trend for spring season) includes a fit-and-flare bodice and a delicate hood.

Captions by Harriette Cole
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Laura Smalls: Evening Wear

Photo by Harriette Cole

Evening wear is a Laura Smalls specialty. This bronze metal shadow striped gown with a mermaid hem drew audible gasps at her show.
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b Michael's Haitian Odyssey

Photo by Harriette Cole

Veteran couturier b Michael decided to dedicate his show this season to uplifting and remembering Haiti. To that end, he used Haitian-inspired prints on some garments, as with this whimsical day dress.
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b Michael's Casual Side

Photo by Harriette Cole

b Michael chose jewelry made by Haitian hands to complement this casual ensemble. The trousers feature a mud-cloth-like pattern.
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b Michael: Pretty in Pink

Photo by Harriette Cole

For an infusion of color, b Michael featured a sweet pink strapless cocktail dress with a veil on one sleeve.
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Rachel Roy's Sleek Silhouette

Photo by Harriette Cole

Rachel Roy's silhouettes this season were sleek, with a bit of menswear inspiration. One outfit here features a cropped trouser paired with a structured bustier over a shirt. The other pairs a printed cardigan, turquoise shirt and caramel menswear shorts. Both manage to be both sexy and androgynous.
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Rachel Roy Dresses Up

Photo by Harriette Cole

For dress-up, Rachel Roy chose sumptuous metallic fabrics cut into the simplest silhouettes.
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The Vessel by Lois

Photo by Daryl Tillman

The Vessel by Lois, designed by former model Lois Samuels, features menswear-inspired minimalist silhouettes with a twist, like this suit featuring cutoff pants.
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The Vessel by Lois: All Business

Photo by Daryl Tillman

Pin stripes on a business dress show the designer's ability to play it straight.
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Bensoni's Subtle Prints

Photo by Yannis Vlamos

The design duo of Benjamin Channing Clyburn and Sonia Yoon created subtle prints on easy silhouettes. A showstopper was the mix of soft animal prints with a long flowing skirt and a sheer menswear shirt.
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Bensoni's Ice Cream Flavors

Photo by Yannis Vlamos

A trendy burst of color came in this flirty dress in bold yellow-green sorbet.
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LaQuan Smith's Whimsy

Photo by Daryl Tillman

LaQuan Smith's fantastical show was inspired by days of old in France: the time of Marie Antoinette. This feisty little tapioca dress is perfect for editorial -- not so sure about the streets of New York City, let alone Chicago or Atlanta.
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LaQuan Smith's Star Power

Photo by Daryl Tillman

LaQuan Smith is hot right now, so much so that he attracted cameo catwalkers such as singer Cassie, wearing this brocade number.
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Serena Williams Hearts LaQuan Smith, Too

Photo by Daryl Tillman

Smith also coaxed Serena Williams into walking his show in a dress that had been completed only moments before she stepped onto the runway.
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Shavonne Cooper's Stairway to Heaven

Photo by Harriette Cole

Years ago, Project Runway designer Epperson staged an outdoor fashion show at Bryant Park, timed perfectly as some of the biggest editors waited to see a show. This year, Shavonne Cooper used the grand stairs of the plaza at Lincoln Center to present five ensembles, including a geometrically cut romper.
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Byron Lars' Body-Con Fashion

Photo by Harriette Cole

Byron Lars is famous for sculpting clothing to accentuate the positives of a woman's body. This double-breasted coatdress does that and more with grace and ease.
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Byron Lars' Flirty Fashion

Photo by Harriette Cole

A flirty lace ensemble presents a new twist on Byron Lars' craftsmanship.
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Stephen Burrows' Classics

Photo by Harriette Cole

Working with his signature fabric matte jersey as well as other fine fabrics, Stephen Burrows designed sexy city clothes inspired by the New York City skyline.
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Tracy Reese: On the Road Again

Photo by Harriette Cole

Travel was the theme for Tracy Reese's Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show. She envisioned going to many global locales and traveling with the only wardrobe, like this little blue dress with beaded circle appliqués and a dash of chiffon at the bust.
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Tracy Reese Gets Her Swirl On

Photo by Harriette Cole

Ink tones are predominant in this Tracy Reese dress that features a water-inspired swirl design.