By Bels

Mr. Gregory Favors of G&G Promotions, in collaboration with Regatta Records, presented A Celebration of Style: The Black Affair Fashion Show last Friday at Twelve (Atlantic Station) here in Atlanta. This fashion show event celebrated 7 African-American designers from across the globe in one night of elegance and unique creativity.

The night spun into effect with the lovely Jenelle Salazaar, Actress/Model/Professional Fitness Trainer, as she hosted the show and gracefully engaged the audience as the first set of designers graced the stage with their designs. Although I was running a little late, due to a long wait at the gas station, I was able to still catch the first designer, Gina Renay, as models strutted the stage in your “unique” crochet designs.

Review: AWE!Some Crochet YOU!nique Design & Accessories

I’m not a big crochet fan. I don’t even like crochet blankets (even if my grandmother spent 8 hours making it)! So when the models came down the runway in Ms. Renay’s collection, I was a bit perplexed as to why would someone even spend time crocheting two-peice dresses in this fashion. The designs were a bit reminiscent of the type of outfits you would see one of Stroker’s finest parading around in at 2am, doing back bends on poles and what not. The collection was not wearable at all. For me, fashion should be something an average person would wear out in public and not become the laughing stock of staring eyes. With it being Fall season, I didn’t even see one peice that females could sport in this type of weather…giving all the holes in the garment due to the crocheted designs. But hey, that’s the YOU!niqueness of fashion. As a designer, your clothes represent your vision of what fashion should be. So because of that, I guess I have to respect Gina Renay’s vision.


Review: Ruckage Design Company

The young college student, Darryl Bordenave, presented his take on men’s clothing. The Ruckage line included vests, jeans, and shirt peices that were designed with lots of hand painted colors, broken class, and silver studding. I could see why Mr. Bordenave is called “The Picasso of Fashion”. Eventhough the peices were wearable, it lacked a bit of commonality. Some of the clothing were ok, but I had to ask myself “Could I truly see some man rocking this look?”. I don’t know. But I do see where this guy has talent and maybe the industry need to be on the lookout for him in the future. Ruckage Designs do have potential!

Review: Jecarco

As a native from Chicago, Jecarco definitely has a eye for fashion being that he was born in one of the nation’s top cities to shop in. His designs captured the refined look that most young people desire when wearing clothes. Jecarco designs were casual, timeless, and consistent. His collection included simple colors-beiges and browns, nothing too bold, and styles that were edgy and of high quality. Below is a pic of one of the dresses I adored.

Here’s a video snippet of the Jecarco collection:


Review: Fly Couture

Lemar Parrish aka “The Bad Boy of Fashion was the final designer of the night. His designs contained nice urban peices for both men and women. Being a former model, I could easily tell his influence laid deep. The women’s clothing contained jersey fabricated two peices, dresses, and pant suits. The men’s collection were mostly made up of shirts, jeans, and pants. All of the clothing came together effortlessly and contained a bit of sophistication.


All in all, the show went ok. G&G Promotions did put on good production and the show did bring in a huge crowd. The other collections by Poize Inc., Punk Contour, and Sandra Gray, unfortunately, did not add more magic to the night. Luckily, the audience was treated to the sounds of three artists – Sepsenahki (recording artist), Eric Boddie (spoken word poet), and Mykel (recording artist). Also, ‘Project Runway’ fashion designer and Atlanta native, Michael Knight, gave a brief statement about his upcoming projects (his new fragance – Majk and a new clothing line coming soon). For more information on the fragrance, go to www.mychaelknight.com. I had some video footage of him speaking, but the sound on the footage wasn’t that clear. Sorry!

G&G Promotions was established in 2002 by Gregory Smith and Gregory Favors. The company provides promotion solutions, brand development, brand strategy, and global marketing. For more information on G&G Promotions, go to www.gngpromotions.net or hit them up on Myspace at www.myspace.com/gfavpromotions.