Fashion x Austin ( Austin Fashion Week)

 

In March 2016, I  decided I would be more consistent with blogging.  So I made some short term and long term blogging goals  for Akellochic. One of my many long term goals, was to be able to attend the major fashion shows in the 3 mojor cities in Texas. These are Houston, Dallas and Austin, all run by FashionX. Co. So you can imagine how over joyed I was to receive an email from them to not only attend and do media coverage but to also have VIP access. It truly felt rewarding, and that I had reached a mile stone in my love and passion for Fashion. As the saying goes always acknowledge the mile stones you set and  accomplish no matter how small or big they are. This one, this one was definitely one for my books. 

The show was a 3 day event from May18 through the 20th and was held at the  JW Marriott hotel in heart of beautiful downtown Austin. I was over ecstatic and to say my experience exceeded my expectations is an understatement. The ballroom was on the second floor of the 5 star hotel. In the hallway as you made your way to the ballroom, was the red carpet where guests took flicks standing in front of a back drop that had the event logo and the many amazing sponsors. 

 

The room was filled with guests networking as they sipped to cocktails they fancied. There was also Vendors with different enticing products giving guests the option of shopping as they networked. In the center of the room was the gorgeous runway in its all white glory and a grass green with white flower back drop at the end where the models would come out to walk the runway. To the side of the runway where big projection screens that would show the name of the designer as the models walked. To the very 

Opposite of the runway was the VIP lounge where guests enjoyed free cocktails and wine while networking. 

 

 

The show began with founder and CEO of fashion.co Matt Swinney adreesing the crowd, cracking a few jokes here and there, acknowledging the amount of talent Austin had

and thanking his team. Then it was runway time. Each designer I felt, had ready to wear pieces. I could not wait to head backstage and see how I could get the pieces that spoke to me could make their way into my closet. 

 

    

It was truly an amazing, inspiring and booster to keep following my passion. I felt at home. I want to end by thanking POM PR

for allowing Akellochic to be part of the media at Fashion x Austin 2017. It was truly one for the books. And a huge congratulations to FashionX.co for a every successful Fashion week.  And as always Thank you everyone for taking a read. Until next time stay fabulous, determined and focused

Love 

Lulu 

 

 

   

 

Sisters in power ATL recap

 

On May 13th 2017, I had the pleasure of attending my second sisters in power event. The experience was just as motivational and inspirational as the first event I attended in Dallas Tx. This time however, the event was in Atlanta Georgia. The venue was at one of ATL hot spot called the Havana Club where guests were served the most delicious food, great cocktails and sweet wine for light weights such as myself. 

There was quite a notable  difference from my Dallas experience however. That difference happened to be the inclusion of 3 successful gentlemen on the panel of speakers. This attracted more male audience members. A huge plus in that it made the experience even more socially rewarding. The men on the panel and those in the audience alike brought that male perspective of thinking to the different topics/questions discussed. 

The panel included, Author, Mentor and transformation coach 

Benjamin Raymond 

 

Certified Life and relationship  Coach/ Author  

Stephan speaks

 Basketball wives star,TV personality  

Tami Roman

 Activist, Actor, Grammy award winner  

David Banner

Former American Idol contestant/ Broadway star  

Loren Lott

Business woman/ Show Host  

Julianna Richards

 And last and certainly not the least Radio personality, Superstar Basketball  

Johanna Leila

  

Race in America, the black lives matter movement, black history,  How to be proud of your heritage and not offend other races,  black on black love/crime, love and relationship, starting a business, staying motivated and following ones passion were some of the topics that sparked passion in the room. It was interesting that despite the differences of opinion that some speakers and audiences members had on some of the topics mentioned, there was still that calm common ground that we where all there to empower and uplift one another. And that through our many different backgrounds and walks of life we can still relate and motivate each other through sharing how we overcome the challenges we endure in life. It was truly a life changing experience and It personally made me more self aware than I would like to admit.

 

sis in power

 

 

Lastly, I want to thank you for taking a read, and especially thank sisters in power for the opportunity. And remember the sisters in power movement continues to empower and motivate women one city at a time. So Visit their site and see when they are in your city or close to it. Life can be stressful and sometimes you just need to decompose and hit that reset button. Sisters in power is that reset button 

 

 

Tribe of Dumo Collabo/ An Ankara story

 

Before it was a fashion fad Ankara was typically worn by poor Africans. It was also considered to be a traditional garb for cultural celebrations and holidays. It's now no secret that Fashion enthusiast all over the world just can't get enough of Ankara pieces. celebrities such as Beyoncé (king Bey), Rihanna, Lupita, First Lady Michelle Obama have embraced the Ankara style. In fact it is safe to say that Ankara designs have become so popular that they are now part of main stream fashion scene

 

 

However because Ankara prints tend to be very bold and bright, they are not for the fashionably coy. Which brings me to my post. I collaborated with up and coming Houston sister  designers of 

Tribe of dumo 

 

I instantly fail in love with their pieces when I saw them at African fashion week Houston. Reason being, they have creatively figured out ways to mix polka dots (a classic and fave of mine) with Ankara prints. This not only gives them a signature design that stands out but it adds a new edgy, flirty and urban twist to the traditional Ankara look. 

 

As you can see,  the playsuit speaks for it self in that regard. Love the fact that it can easily be dressed up with killer heels or down with flats which clearly was what I opted for. 

 

How would you guys style this look? And lastly do you think it's culture appropriation or just an inclusion/recognition that Ankara is now part of main stream fashion? Keeping in mind that according to CNN Africa, Ankara has become one of the most commonly exported textile items from Africa. Thoughts? 

As always thank you for stopping by. 

Xo Lulu

 

 Jumpsuit: 

tribe of dumo

Shoes 

choies