Fashion shows

There’s nothing more exciting for a new brand than having a big-name star wear your clothes. Just one street style snap is capable of catapulting a little-known emerging designer to new heights of success. Fortunately, celebrity stylists often look to outside sources for the freshest, soon-to-be-big-deal labels, and for those who work with style-setters like Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B, Up Next Designer appears to be one of the most trusted sources.

With a following upwards of 40,000, the Instagram account, which bills itself as “a curated space of young and innovative designers,” has already helped launch a number of small brands into the collective consciousness. Kylie Jenner recently donned a shimmery beaded two-piece by LA-based designer Erika Maish while vacationing in Utah, and English singer-songwriter Jorja Smith wore a printed bodysuit and pants set by Swedish designer Jade Cropper in her latest music video, both of which were … Read the rest

How do we love Demi Lovato? Let us count the ways.

When we don’t have her mood-boosting singles on repeat, you can find us waxing poetic over her unfiltered honesty, her remarkable strength, and the impeccable manner in which she expresses herself through her personal style – all of which are on full display in the singer’s new YouTube docuseries, Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil.

The four-episode doc shines a light on Lovato’s life over the past three years, holding nothing back as she bravely sets the record straight on topics relating to substance abuse, eating disorders, her near-fatal drug overdose in 2018, and her road to recovery. Each episode is raw and incredibly vulnerable, with members of Lovato’s family and team also providing their own candid accounts.

Admittedly, Lovato’s style is far from the biggest takeaway of the series, but is nevertheless worth revisiting. The eclectic mix … Read the rest

Few products capture the spirit of conscious shopping like AAKS’s delicately handcrafted bags. Made by women in Ghana, the bags are designed in a joyful range of colors using expert weaving techniques that speak to a strong cultural heritage. The founder, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, built a sustainable brand that is rooted in empowering women artisans and promoting African craftsmanship.

When asked what being the woman founder of a successful business means to her, Akosua told POPSUGAR, “I love the freedom of creativity that comes with owning my own business and incorporating my passion into my day-to day-activities, plus providing opportunities for other women in my workplace is inspirational to me.”

It only felt right to highlight this brilliant entrepreneur and her impact during Women’s History Month.

With the ubiquity of fleece in all its forms – oversize hoodies, mixed-print jackets, half-zip pullovers (the unofficial uniform of tech bros) – it’s almost hard to believe how unbelievably uncool it was when the fabric was first conceived 40 years ago. What was originally considered merely a practical solution to scratchy textiles has been reincarnated over and over again to become the latest street style staple.

The story of the humble fleece officially begins in 1981, though it actually dates back a decade earlier when a man named Yvon Chouinard, known as the “father of fleece” and founder of a then-little-known mountaineering apparel store called Patagonia, went searching for a synthetic “miracle fabric” that offered the same level of warmth and durability as wool, but was also lightweight, easy to clean, and quick to dry. His wife, Malinda Chouinard, discovered something that held promise: a polyester that was, surprisingly, … Read the rest

The conversation about lack of diversity in the fashion world is long overdue. But in the last nine months, kickstarted by the killing of George Floyd, the dialogue has finally reached a place where companies seem to be listening, and more than that, vowing to change. In terms of retail and consumer behavior, that means a call to dismantle the inequities that exist in everything from hiring practices to casting ad campaigns and creating shelf space. As brands share their plans of action, the bulk of the work seems to fall on the (relatively) newly formed role of Chief Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officer. Considering that racism is prevalent across the industry, the loaded title begs the question: what exactly does a D&I officer do?

With corporate entities in the hot seat amid calls for more diversity, roles centric to diversity and inclusion efforts may feel fresh to some, but … Read the rest

Imagine finding the perfect pair of jeans and falling in love for the rest of your life? That was me when I discovered these Agolde Pinch Waist High Rise Kick Jeans ($178) two years ago. Yes, I’m being dramatic because I spent months looking for the one, and when I slipped into these Agolde jeans, it was quite literally love at first fit.

I could immediately tell they were high quality. The nonstretch denim and waist buttons provide some structure without restricting my movements, and the fabric doesn’t itch or fade over time. Everything from the high-waist fit to the ankle length is designed with style in mind. I have since acquired many other pairs from Agolde, and I haven’t felt the need to experiment with more brands. My favorite way to wear them is with a fitted square-neck top and open-toe … Read the rest

Headbands can be a divisive accessory. On one hand, they’re practical in the sense that they keep your hair out of your face – a godsend in pandemic times – and on the other, they call to mind a certain preppy nostalgia that feels cutesy and, well, borderline basic. Regardless of the latter, I’ve become a newly minted fan of statement headbands. Though I was skeptical at first, I simply cannot deny how seamlessly headbands add polish to any ensemble and, let’s be honest, act as literal saviors on dirty hair days (I see you, updo). If you’ve tried this timeless trend, then you know all too well that there’s just something about a headband that can tie your whole outfit together. Plus, who couldn’t use another easy (and affordable) way to accessorize for Zoom?

In my recent foray into the world of headbands, I’ve tried my fair share of … Read the rest

For those who don’t know Chella Man, he is a 22-year-old artist, activist, author, and actor who identifies as Deaf, trans, Jewish, and Chinese. He recently collaborated and executive produced Trans in Trumpland, a four-part docuseries that sheds light on the Trump administration’s harmful effect on the trans community and he has announced his first book, Continuum, to be released in June. The list of what he is working on to push for representation in our country goes on, and you should absolutely be following his endeavors. His latest project comes during National Deaf History Month – a jewelry collection he worked on with genderless, Asian-led brand Private Policy, with designers Siying Qu and Haoran Li at the helm. (This is not Chella Man’s first foray into fashion as he also collaborated with Opening Ceremony on an inclusive clothing line in 2019.)

Walmart has announced fashion designer Brandon Maxwell will be joining its fashion team as the creative director for the retailer’s exclusive fashion brands Free Assembly and Scoop. Brandon is known for his high-fashion designs that have been worn by everyone from Lady Gaga (he created her famous meat dress!) to Gigi Hadid. He is set to collaborate with Walmart’s teams, from design to production, to develop seasonal men’s, women’s, children’s, and accessories collections for Free Assembly and Scoop.

“Working with Walmart has long been a dream of mine. Like many people across the country who live in a small town, Walmart was the destination for everything where I grew up in Texas, including clothing,” Maxwell said in a press release. “This partnership allows me to bring the experience and joy of fashion to countless people who live in small towns across the country. Everyone deserves to have access to well-designed … Read the rest