The Recital
The Recital
HFR x Janie and Jack
Harlem Fashion Row is in the business of making dreams come to life for black designers thanks to founder Brandice and I’ve been following their work for quite some time. The moment I heard a line was dropping with Janie and Jack I had to be present for The Recital! I have to admit I’ve been a fan of Janie and Jack for years now because just like her mother my little (The Duchess as I call her) is a mini influencer/ fashionista. However, I never heavily indulged in the brand because I felt it was a bit over priced for a look we weren’t necessarily going for; something was missing. So we’ve purchased accessories and a few pieces here and there to complete looks already in The Duchess’ closet. When HFR dropped the designers that would be part of this collab I knew it was a MUST that I not miss or show up late to The Recital.
Rich Fresh. I had been following his for a little over a year now and I am in looooove with his clean tailored menswear that has a signature that isn’t over done, but everyone would always know what you were wearing. I’ve seen his creations grace red carpets, awards shows, and photoshoots. His looks have been seen on gospel artist Kirk Franklin, TV personality Terrence J, Producer/ Writer Lena Waithe, and utilized by celebrity stylist J.Bolin. Moreover I’ve seen Rich share bits and pieces of his very humble beginnings and pay homage to his mother constantly on his social media and I’m always here for a brand that has meaning, passion, and purpose behind it!
Kristian Lorén. Although I wasn’t aware of who Kristian was before her announcement in the show I have to say I appreciated all her pieces for the minis. The pieces were feminine, yet subtle and free flowing. The pink metallic belt bag even caught my eye (and I am NOT a pink girl AT ALL). Her pieces are simplistic enough to be wardrobe staples for your mini fashionista, but also just enough to be worn together and not have one piece over power the other. I will confess I have since followed her and look forward to what she has cooking for the future of her brand.
Kimberly Goldson. If you haven’t known Kimberly before now you should remember her from the collab with Lebron James along with a few other ladies in the industry on the sneaker drop both last year and the year before. I love her drops because they’re always so bold and full of color! Her drops speaks volumes each piece could stand alone, but when worn together it’s a wonder for the eyes and mind blowing. For the Janie and Jack line she was able to do the same, but in a mini version and it came out magnificent. She too got emotional during The Recital as she talked about her relationship with Brandice and all the places she has gone in her career starting from not knowing she could even be a designer because she never saw anyone like her represent and taking the behind the scenes route of the industry to get to where she is now.
The Recital is ran by a mini fashion mob that review and give feedback on the lines as they are present and the designers are interviewed by Zhuri James (Lebron’s daughter) who is fully of personality. Brandice also sheds light on how a representative from Janie and Jack approached her after seeing her on a panel and expressed wanting to do a collab with her because they felt they were missing representation. And it dawned on me that’s what was missing and why I was never fully in love with the brand... it was missing representation. The brand gives very rich vibes and it’s a little stiff if you will, it had potential, but was missing versatility... and what a way for a new debut of a revamp, but to have a Recital!
Silence your cellphones and enjoy the show
