August 2014

Fashion sketches from my past….

by Neka / August 19, 2014

I’ve been going through my old fashion journals and found these sketches. Sketching is not my strong suit, but I found as I continued to do it, it became easier. There are all sorts of drawing styles in fashion. I hope one day that I discover my style and become the next Ruben Toledo…but then writing is my passion, so I can’t see how being a master illustrator would happen. It’s something that’s definitely possible though. The pictures above are from when I first started sketching. I didn’t take fashion sketching yet, and these took me so long to do! I made these in my spare time way back in the day, and put them in my personal journal. Of course I’ve taken fashion sketching and can now actually do a more polished rendition. Would you like me too? leave a comment and let me know if you want an “after” look for these “before” pics. ;)

FASHION SHOWS

Taste of the Runway Atlanta Fashion Show

by Neka / August 12, 2014

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Taste of the Runway Atlanta Fashion Show held on August 10, 2014. There was live entertainment, food and of course fashion! The clothing featured were from various boutiques and designers. There was fashion presented by Curve Appeal, Lamaj de Amour, Pzi Jeans, and Red Carpet Boutique. Not only was there Adult fashion, but kids too; Runway Cuties of Washington DC, Angelically Kute, and Kimanni Kouture. There was also live entertainment. Actor and Comedian Rodney Perry made the atmosphere lively. The event had two host; Sherwin XL and MsNikkie of Diva Day International! The culinary delights where presented by Chef Brian Brown, New Orleans Snowball Cafe, Couteaux’s Cajun-Creole Catering, and Chef Screws of Atlanta (just to name a few)! There were vendors selling clothing and even beauty products. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and I can’t wait for another Taste of the Runway!

FASHION SHOWS

The Eclectic Beauty Fashion Show

by Neka / August 11, 2014

It was my pleasure to be invited to such an amazing event! The Eclectic Beauty Fashion Show held on August 9th was spectacular! The show featured 4 local designers; Ashley Jean, Carlos Antoine K Ali, and Daivon Gissendaner. The show was jam packed with fashion, and not just adult wear, but kids wear too. The energy of the show was vibrant. There was a live DJ, Food, and even a special guest; Tupicalo. All of the fashion designers who showcased attend The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur.

Ashley Kumar is a childrens wear designer. Her collection was a cross between India and American style. It’s her love for children that drove her desire to create her kids line. Ashleys’ collection was colorful and versatile. Although it was a kids collection, there were still some adult audience members that wished certain pieces came in their size! Pretty impressive.

No – S2 (No Struggle, No Strength) is a collection created by design duo Daivon Gissendaner. Mr. Priestly attends The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur. He met his best friend and business partner Anthony Benson-Dean in New York. Their goal is to use their God given talents to encourage a nation! The brand itself is a movement to encourage and empower people. Their fashion line is the start of something great!

Carlos Antoine is a designer with a background rich in the entertainment industry. He has worked with Tyler Perry, Towanda Braxton, Cynthia McCoy, and Robert Conner just to name a few. His collection is inspired by women he surrounds himself with; sexy, and fearless! His collection is very lux and modern. His focus is to flatter the form or real women. I can definitely see the everyday woman rocking a Carlos Antoine original!

The Fourth designer is Karimah Y. Ali. Her collection reflected all the rich and clean colors of the Fall season. The overall design of her garments were sleek, chic, and ultra feminine! She described her collection as a unique extension of herself. So what advise does Karimah Y. Ali give to other young aspiring fashion designers? She said…

Take the risk, it’s worth it! I promise!

That’s definitely well said.

All and all, I believe this fashion show was a hit! The collections were lovely. I know this won’t be the last time I will be seeing THE FABULOUS 4 dominate the runway!

FASHION FOCUSED

Editors Letter: August 2014

by Neka / August 5, 2014

Welcome to August,

I’m excited about the future endeavors of Quirky Bombshell. Where should I begin. This month will be filled with me giving great advice to burgeoning fashion designers. QB magazine will feature articles focused on topics that are important to people in careers that focus on fashion. Yep, it’s August and school is in session! Consider this week “textile and fabric week”! The first set of articles I’ll be creating will focus on textiles; how to select the best fabrics for your fashion line, fabric trends, and even how to select the best material for your collection themes! I will also be reviewing some choice fashion collections of the season.

As an editor, I think it’s important for me to understand every aspect of fashion to some level. Photography has always been a secret passion of mine. I have thoughts of maybe taking up some much needed camera work. A few classes here and there might really make a difference. Why am I telling you this? Because eventually I want to be the one behind the camera! Styling is something that comes naturally to me. I do have a background in visual merchandising, and one of my many responsibilities was styling, so yeah that comes naturally. But I always look for challenges in the fashion industry. I’m not afraid of testing my boundaries and discovering new ways to educate and inspire my readers. As I stated last month, a photo shoot is in the making, and I will be incorporating that in my new website look. This is an online magazine after all. It’s about time I start stepping up my “game” and start really showing you what it means to be a Quirky Bombshell!

It’s time to bring more energy…quirk, etc. I don’t want my readers to think that Quirky Bombshell is just about a look. IT’S A STATE OF MIND! There is a certain ebb and flow that contributes to the essence of being a Quirky Bombshell. Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of what this sites about. I don’t want to be as predictable as other magazines. One minute you might see an ultra colorful photoshoot one month, and the next you might see sleek earth tones with immaculate construction. Don’t you see? To understand the Quirky Bombshell, you must be free. Free from all that imprisons you in fashion. She’s not a brand, a constant look, a “bandwagoner”, a shy girl (or woman). No, she understands who she is and will show it no matter what! She GETS what fashion really is about and that is FREEDOM. I’m ready to bring my A-game if you are. I am thoroughly enjoying this summer and all the fashion exposure I’ve been getting. It helps me connect with people online and in every day life.

To my readers; I am lucky to have you come to my online magazine and motivate me to produce the best work I possibly can. That is all for now… for now.