Harlem's Fashion Row Collaboration with Byron Lars, Krystal A. Phillips on HSN

Are you ready for "sweater weather"? I bought my warm-weather favorites from Harlem's Fashion Row in collaboration with HSN. I love that the size range goes up to 3X, so my fashion friends of all shapes can indulge in this one. Perrenial Ms. Fabulous favorite Byron Lars and designer Krystal A. Phillips are both featured in HSN's celebration of African-American fashion designers. Extra-enticing means you can grab their pieces at the HSN price point if the designers have previously been out of reach.

My color obsession for Fall 2024 has been deep fushia. The Harlem's Fashion Row HSN collaboration has abundant this color and other hues. I started with the oversized full Melton coat (top) from Kaphill NYC, which I threw on the first chilly day upstate while picking ugly apples off my tree. For a dressier evening-wear-friendly look, I wrapped in the luxurious brocade coat from Byron Lars and Sheila Gray.

I'm in love with the beautiful textures, like lace t-shirts and the rich prints of the sweaters and dresses of both designers. They elevate essential garment items to make them the statement piece for your seasonal wardrobe. I also can't wait to flaunt the faux leather long skirt as a flashy piece to pair with new boots.

While fashion insiders like me have been longtime fans of  Byron Lars, Sheila Gray, and designers promoted by Harlem's Fashion Row, I love that an affordable platform like HSN has invested in these brands to bring them to a much broader audience. It was a great move for everyone as the styles I loved were sold out quickly but, luckily, replenished swiftly. Grab them before they are really gone!

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Byron Lars and Tasha Smith at ABFF

Fashion, film, and style go hand in hand. How you dress an actor can contribute as much to the character as the performance itself. Actress Tasha Smith made that point and insisted to her wardrobe staff that her favorite designer Byron Lars be included in her costumes when she worked on the show For Better Or Worse. This was all a part of the panel discussion hosted by Brandice Daniel of Harlem's Fashion Row at the American Black Film Festival over the weekend.

Harlem's Fashion Row has been an advocate for emerging talent in fashion for people of color. The organization also celebrates those who have achieved success as an inspiration for others to follow. The panel discussion asked Tasha Smith (now co-starring on one of my favorite style-centric shows Empire) about overcoming obstacles, using what makes you unique and supporting others to succeed with you.

Fashion designer Byron Lars discussed the hard work and perseverance it took to get the most prestigious retailers to make appointments and carry his collection. In the end, good product and incredible design are what ultimately hooked fans like Michelle Obama, the Smith sisters, the Kardashians, celebrities from Angela Bassett to Elle Fanning to Paris Hilton to love his looks. 

He had a mini presentation of his favorite looks from the current season. I loved the sexy, multi-cultural edge that the models were styled with, using handmade necklaces from Sheila Gray and shoes from Machi Footwear.

Winning in the entertainment and fashion industry is tough enough. Entering these fields as a minority in any form is even tougher. The lesson learned from today is to find good people to support you and great people to mentor you. 

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Byron Lars Spring 2015 Look Book Shoot

The Ms. Fabulous team hung out behind the scenes of the Byron Lars Spring 2015 look book shoots to drool over his latest collection.  The designer has had a notable 2014. He presented his spring 2015 collection at Harlem Fashion Row while also receiving the Fashion Designer of the Year award.  Earlier in May, he was also honored with the Pratt Institute’s Fashion Visionary Award.    In chatting with Byron though, he is too humble to let it affect his ego or approach to work (he was even reluctant to let his proud team congratulate him online).

For spring 2015, Byron Lars made a conscientious decision to create a collection with more casual, easy pieces.  He actually cites his recent work with HSN in helping him understand how he could design more every day clothes for all shapes that are still interesting.  That certainly doesn’t mean you should expect shapeless blocks on a hanger from him.  Even more relaxed items, like tunics and shirts have exquisite details and textured fabrics.  He certainly knows how to create a structured diva outfit for a posh luncheon or red carpet.  Now he dresses the diva who can lounge on her couch as well.

The color palette for much of the collection was a season less black, white and neutral pumice.  There were accent colors like cantaloupe and amethyst purple.  There were embellished pieces like the Guatemalan inspired lace blouses embroidered with tiny worry dolls or the intricately textured jacket in native textiles.  I am honored to hear that Byron was inspired by some of my travel photos for those pieces (which were my favorites).   Lace appliques on lace were a pretty combination along with layered laser-cut details on everything from georgette to vegan leather.  A beautiful nature art print and fabrics like multi-colored confetti on black allow those of us who stick to our Gotham wardrobe colors to add some ‘pop’.

I am so excited for spring to come around so I can start working these Byron Lars pieces into my wardrobe.  Yay 2015!  

Photos by Mariana Leung

Byron Lars Spring 2015 - Harlem Fashion Row

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