As the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture comes to a close, what will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression long after the New Orleans Ernest. N. Morial Convention Center doors close are the fashion and hair looks that graced the streets of the Big Easy the entire weekend.
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In particular, the style and natural hairstyles that were present at AfroPunk’s Green Runway fashion showcase—which was dedicated to highlighting Black brands who focus on sustainable fashion—and Naturally Curly’s Texture on the Runway natural hair runway show left audiences beyond impressed.
And because y’all know we like to root for everybody and everything Black on this side, here’s a glimpse at some of the looks you missed if you couldn’t make it down for the festival this year....
AfroPunk’s Green Runway Fashion Showcase
Curated by Haitian fashion designer and stylist Amiraa Vainqueur, the showcase highlighted five different Black owned-brands who incorporate some method of sustainability within their designs and processes.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway- Designer 1: Atelier Ndigo
For fellow Haitian designer Atelier Ndigo who’s from Florida, all the designs are made to order as opposed to just a standard in bulk order like other fast fashion brands tend to do.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway- Designer 2: Zevelyn Jean
Made in small batches in Los Angeles and ethically sources, Zevelyn Jean was founded in 2018 by JaVonnie TaNae as a means for people to express their personal style. Their sustainability method? Using “dead stock” fabrics, a.k.a. fabric that’s been overproduced or unused by other fashion houses.
Featured items pictured above: The long pink blouse, left and the wide-legged khaki pants.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway- Designer 3: Futura By Dionne
For Futura by Dionne, all the designs are made of microfiber and they only produce made-to-order clothing. So no items sitting in excess in their warehouse.
Featured items as pictured above: the green shorts, left and the green top.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway- Designer 4: House of Chelsea B
For House of Chelsea B, their designs are all hand-made and made-to-order as well. Items are also sold as separates and aren’t over produced. Founded by Chicago native Chelsea Billingsley, her mission is to change the narrative about crotchet styles one garment, one item at a time.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway- Designer 5: Maison Veemode
Showcasing a design from her own label, Vainqueur let the sexiness of this lace duster, top and bottom set from Maison Veemode speak for itself while also pluggigng the fact the her secret to sustainability comes into play by ethically sourcing fabrics and garments abroad and then re-tailoring pieces to give it that unique Veemode touch.
AfroPunk’s Green Runway Final Looks
“The future of fashion will be focused on sustainability and saving waste,” said Vainqueur. She also shared that these brands are all size-inclusive and priced at under $500 for each brand. For more information, make sure to check out their official websites.
Naturally Curly’s Texture on the Runway
Brought together by popular natural haircare brand Naturally Curly, the featured stylists who brought these impressive hair visions to life include: Dhairius Thomas, Michelle O’Connor, Jamal Edmonds & Tippi Shorter.
Naturally Curly’s Texture on the Runway Looks 1 & 2
Styled by Tippi Shorter and Dhairius Thomas, these looks put a fun twist on the Bantu knot hairstyle and the combo of braids and loose waves.
Naturally Curly’s Texture on the Runway Looks 3 & 4
Styled by Michelle O’Connor Beauty and Jamal Edmonds, these looks featured a expertly teased frohawk and an elaborate updo that will be a statement no matter the occasion.
Naturally Curly Texture on the Runway: Looks 5, 6 & 7
Also styled by Michelle O’Connor Beauty, Jamal Edmonds, these looks featured an ornate and slick ponytail, luscious long curls, and a half up, half down look that would make even the best of the best of stylist drop their jaws.
Naturally Curly Texture on the Runway: Looks 8, 9 & 10
Styled by Dharius Thomas, Yojanse Jiminez and others, they brought their talents by providing the model in the yellow with an adorned and intricate afro-looking style that’s chic and ornate.
Naturally Curly Texture on the Runway Looks and Stylists
The talented stylists standing in front of their unique works after a long, but beautifully productive day.
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