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[theempressofstyle]

WARRIOR WON| . . . In Yoga, Warrior 1 also known as Virabhadra's Pose; "What's really being commemorated in this pose's name, and held up as an ideal for all practitioners, is the "spiritual warrior," who bravely does battle with the universal enemy, self-ignorance (avidya), the ultimate source of all our suffering". - @yogajournal . . . It has been a definite battle for clarity over the past 3 to 5 years through anxiety, depression & PTSD from toxicity surviving this business & personal battles - when I revisited studying Buddhism (don't know why I put it down in the first place) I quickly realized everything I was carrying was not my own. I became a waste basket for the failures of others. When I learned of the concept of "othering": view or treat (a person or group of people) as intrinsically different from and alien to oneself; it all made sense. Read Toni Morrison's The Origin's of Others. All of the destructive [isms] in the world are people wrangling with their own identity & the unwillingness to share & create space for others to do the same. Humans have an obssessive need to justify their own world by nullifying others in an effort to create value. A multitude of worlds CAN exist at the same time - we shouldn't feel the need to colonize one another. The ultimate violence is to prohibit others from fully realizing there own existence. Thank you @angielmv for documenting the creative process of ME designing ME. . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ... #Repost @esc_artists Made by @report.for.insta ... Escape Artists Collective on Instagram: “#portraitphotography captures during opening night 11/28 of #ResponseAndResiliency recognizing the global campaign #16DaysOfActivism 💜…” __________________________________________ #TheEmpressOfStyle #TheEofS #EmpressStateofMind #TheEofSReadingList #ToniMorrison #Stylist #Designer #CreativeDirector #CreativeProcess #AntiBullying #AntiViolence #StylishandBuddhist #Photography #StayHuman #Yoga #Healing #MentalHealth #IOwnMyRhythm #RhythmofHumanity #SelfAwareness #Artivist #MondayStyle (at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq7aTYfhHeE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=115xgeii4wfzv

[theempressofstyle]

THAT'S A WRAP|🎬 . . . That's a wrap is used to say that the filming of a movie or television show or one of its scenes is finished. Example: It's a wrap, folks. We can go home now. - @merriamwebster . . . Working behind the scenes to support fellow creatives as they take the stage or on film sets, early start times & long hours often leaves one with not enough time to pamper themselves. This past weekend I worked a 4 show weekend as a swing dresser on Broadway (always on call 😉) and not enough sleep to top it all off. Still, have to book my hair appointment with my Crown 👑 manager @jadaisreal_01 (I will book with you soon!) and opted for headwraps with the ton of textiles I had remaining from prior design projects and for hair emergencies such as this. . . . To my Queens & Kings: If you have no fabric, grab some shears and try upcycling the fabric from a printed skirt, dress, blouse or even a tshirt if you have enough yardage. If you cannot bear to slice into your wares, stock up on textiles at your local fabric store or support creators of color such as @TheWrapLife and have it delivered to your door. . . . P.S. Much love to Empress & fellow buddha sista @Afroista & her son after bumping into you both after wrapping a 2 show day. My delirious conversation with you was delightful! 😂 . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ . . . #TheEmpressofStyle #TheEofS #WardrobeConsultant #Stylist #Designer #Dressers #Broadway #WardrobeSupervisor #Film #Television #Theater #Streetstyle #TheEofSTips #DIY #Headwraps #HairInspiration #BlackHair #Sustainability #Upcycling #Prints #StylishandBuddhist https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkQLBxnrmv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w2v4lkefi3cq

[theempressofstyle]

H&🤔 . . . . This is why community is so important. . . You tried it. . . #Repost from @bigtara . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ---------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofstyle #TheEofS #SupportCreatives #FastFashion #Disposable #Sustainability #Community #Business #Entrepreneurs #apologynotaccepted #DoBetter

[theempressofstyle]

BLACK COFFEE ☕ . . . . It's Monday and there is nothing better than seeing Kings & Queens of color winning. I had a chocolate filled evening last night when I watched A Wrinkle In Time. I took a break from creating to support the work of other creators (creatives support & invest not only in high profile names but your fellow independent creators as well. Stop asking for a discount 😎. Imagine we came out for one another the same way we came out to support these productions? Consistency is the key to increased visibility). Black Panther's box office success & Jordan Peele's Oscar win for Best Screenplay is the best way to start off this year. It is a definite caffeine boost to really buckle down on my own work. Thank you to @ava , #RyanCoogler, & @jordanpeele for casting a light on what is possible. Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ------------------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofstyle #TheEofS #DesignYourWorld #Creators #CreatorsofColor #Designers #Film #EmperorbyDesign #EmpressbyDesign #Trailblazers #DefyExpectations #Directors #BeTheChangeYouWantToSee #MondayMindset

[theempressofstyle]

YOGA FOR THE SPIRIT . . . Take a minute to stretch. . . Why do you create? Do you create to fill a void? To acknowledge your existence? How much do you create from ego versus purpose? Is it sustainable? What is your WHY? . . . . I'm blessed to wake to my one year old niece & two year old nephew; I'm currently headed to the city to do work on my projects. This moment early this Sunday morning numbed all the internal whining, and spiritual dragging of the feet, contemplating 101 reasons why I should stay in or simply avoid setting out what I promised myself I'd do. It reaffirmed why all of the bullshit (suffering) I've been through as a creative was in an effort to strengthen and help the next generation navigate and accomplish even more during their lifetime. No matter how "successful" one becomes (the definition of success is relative) do not forget your why. We "sell out" not because we make money - it is when we forget why we started in the first place. . . Namaste. . . Empress Out. . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ --------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofstyle #TheEofS #EmpressStateofMind #CreativeProcess #Creators #DesignYourWorld #Legacy #sustainability #SundayStyle #YoungQueens #YoungKings #Family #community

[theempressofstyle]

It's You. Not Me. . . . "I walk through doors. If I'm not wanted in a place, there's something wrong with the place, not with me." - Geoffrey Holder . . . . We all have a right to our humanity; We are alive to create something to leave this world a little better off than we left it. Make room for others, empower others, & develop yourself. Please be mindful everything you think you own is "borrowed". The only thing you own is your actions. . . . Your existence is a privilege. How you show up is your job. . . . . Slide 2: Getty Images. Icon, renaissance man: costume designer, choreographer, dancer, & actor Geoffrey Holder. . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ----------------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofStyle #TheEofS #Creators #EmperorbyDesign #GeoffreyHolder #TakeUpSpace #Inclusion #HumanRights #Designers #FlashbackFriday #Style #Trailblazer #YouAreWorthy

[theempressofstyle]

COLOR CONSCIOUS . . . . When how you see yourself finally shows up in full color for everyone else. I've been this awesome all the time. Thank you for finally tuning in. . . . Spent my Sunday being full of myself. I recommend everyone do the same. . . . Colorist: @jadaisreal_01 Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ------------------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofstyle TheEofS #TEOS #CrownHeights #EmpressStateofMind #Designer #SundayStyle #hairinspiration #naturalista #AuthenticSelf #Power

[theempressofstyle]

P. S.A. . . . . . Not that you didn't know already. It's #tbt thought I'd just remind you. . . . . #TheEmpressofstyle #TheEofS #TEOS #EmpressbyDesign #ThrowbackIntoYourselfThursday #EmpressStateofMind #DesignYourWorld #Creators #WomensHistoryMonth

[theempressofstyle]

RHYTHM of ARITHMETIC . . . . "The only mofos in my circle are those I can learn from." - @questlove . . . Thank you to @womanorworld for extending an invite to the unexpected. As a creative I am interested in uncovering the parallels between music & design. Music is my safe space to learn, explore, & even attempt to try again something that might have been either difficult or an initial turn off as a youngster. My mission as a designer & educator is to confront "systems" that encourage the mindset of things being "difficult" to begin with. It is my belief that if you are given a safe space to explore you can pretty much do anything. . . . This #QuadriviumSeries at @momath1 presented by @marcustheartyst with Professor Bill Massey exploring the connection between probability & music was the perfect pregame before the screening of Black Panther I was attending later that evening. Live music, math, and dancing? Mix & mingle and meet new people? A great evening for this introvert. As a native New Yorker, I am embarrassed to say I didn't even know this institution existed. . . . An extended thank you to the music powerhouse of @jerobi, @pocketb, @drewbydrums, and @djclean. . . . Slide 1: Welcome to Wakanda -with @womanorworld & @djclean . . . . Slide 2: Grammy Award winning Saxophonist & Educator Marcus Miller, @jerobi, @pocketb, & @drewbydrums . . . . Slide 3: Black Panther tix & tribal bling for the occasion . . . . Slide 4: You know I had to wear my own designs. It was phenomenal to be in a room with remarkable spirits of color and I was even more ecstatic to witness the diverse crowd of individuals eager to learn from them. Saturday, got me feeling Princess Shuri. To all of the participants - Thank You. Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ #TheEmpressofStyle #TheEofS #TEOS #EmpressbyDesign #wcw #EmperorbyDesign #BlkCreatives #CreatorsofColor #Designers #NeverStopLearning #BlackPanther #Wakanda #Jazz #Music #Genius #SafeSpaces

[theempressofstyle]

GUARDIAN ANGEL . . . . Today's #mcm & #EmperorbyDesign is the late Alexander McQueen. All of my button downs were in the laundry except this one; I layered one of my designs on top & chose to pair it with black and white patterned bias tape as a necktie. This look gave me some power to present at a fashion show I was thrown in last minute to produce. It felt like this angel had wings and it served as a reminder I pretty much can do anything I put my mind to. Now that this fashion show is over I can get back to work on my own creations. Thank you Alexander McQueen for staying true to your vision and paving the way for the next generation of creators. Tank: @theempressofstylebydesign Blouse: @AlexanderMcQueen Hair: @jadaisreal_01 Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ #TheEmpressofStyle #TheEofS #TEOS #AlexanderMcQueen #SpringStyle #Creators #NYFW #Designers #Afrofuturism #OOTD #Stylist #CreativeDirector

[theempressofstyle]

CHURCH Recap. . . . So what happen was. . . . EVERYTHING. People were floating Levitating and the whole nine. When you hold your pee for 3 hours cause you afraid of missing your spot if you leave. You know it was epic. I'm grateful they had everyone check their phones because it destroys the art of storytelling. . . . I finally saw the majestic being that is @kelseylu69 in person; the design of her entire performance down to her attire was for the Gods. Harpist Brandee Younger, @harpista, wrapped us in her love of Alice Coltrane, and the importance of her presence in the arena of jazz as a woman of color. To be in the presence of @RaviColtrane and family, beautifully welcoming us to be apart of their world, sweetly sharing intimate family video & experiences growing up with such icons as Alice Coltrane & John Coltrane. The constant theme was that both parents were advocates in creating a safe space for their children to thrive. The Coltrane siblings recreated this experience of meditative patience inside the Dome at @momaps1; it made you aware of your own humanity. I walked away with a potential new friend who sat beside me and the eagerness to learn even more about the #empressbydesign, Alice Coltrane, on my journey as the ultimate queen I am uncovering myself to be as a designer - as a human being. . . . Isn't this what church is supposed to be? . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ --------------------------------------------------- #TheEmpressofStyle #TheEofS #TEOS #AliceColtrane #RaviColtrane #JohnColtrane #Church #SundayStyle #Research #Storytelling #Humanity #BlackHistoryMonth #DesignThinking #Designer

[theempressofstyle]

PLAY YOUR PART People are creative in their own way. You just have to LISTEN and ADJUST accordingly. . . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ . . . . #TheEmpressofstyle #TheEofS #EmpressStateofMind #InTune #communication #Rhythm #creatives #TeamWork #SelfMastery #Patience #Listen #Music #entrepreneurs #Improvisation #Visionary

[theempressofstyle]

BE THE FIRST Our crown has been bought and paid for. All we have to do is wear it. - James Baldwin To the be the first is to be authentically yourself. Take the time to unmute your voice and discover your purpose. Create YOUR LANE. There is only one you. Break free from the shackles of mediocrity and do YOU. . . . . 📷: Stylist, photographer, & artistic director @theempressofstylebydesign . . . 👑: @jadaisreal_01 . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward. ©️ . . . . #TheEmpressofStyle #EmpressbyDesign #TheEofS #JamesBaldwin #Stylist #CreativeDirector #Visionary #Designer #BlackHistoryMonth #Creatives #Legacy #OOTD #BeAuthentic #BeBold #BeYourOwnMuse

[theempressofstyle]

ALL THE RAGE Spent this weekend stumbling back into myself & across films I never knew existed as a young queen. A Rage In Harlem featured a star studded all black cast: Gregory Hines Robin Givens Forest Whitaker Danny Glover Helen Martin Wendell Pierce Just to name a few. A Rage In Harlem was based on a novel of the same name written by Black American writer Chester Bomar Himes. Directed by Bill Duke. Costume designed by Nele Samples I was completely feeling all the style Robin was "Given" in this film. 😂 Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward. ©️ #TheEmpressofStyle #EmpressbyDesign #EmpressStateofMind #RobinGivens #GregoryHines #ForestWhitaker #Harlem #blackcinema #Style #blackwriters #Creatives #CostumeDesign #research

[theempressofstyle]

Have a S'WONDERFUL WEEKEND The fuel to move forward lies within the stories of all those who came before you; if you've become stagnant or even begun asking why about your own path - tap into the reservoir of your ancestors - I am pretty sure things were not EASY. They woke up everyday and still did what they were born to do. The elements as a creative I took away from this performance? Sammy Davis Jr. & Ella Fitzgerald teach us how both men & women can share their humanity on the stage by expressing love and support for one another. Allow your purpose to be your morning coffee. Tap into your magic. Do you. Elevate others in the process. Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward. 🎬: Sammy Davis Jr. & Ella Fitzgerald S'Wonderful 1964 via rockinhillbillies/Youtube #TheEmpressofStyle #EmpressbyDesign #EmperorbyDesign #Creatives #EmpressStateofMind #Humanity #EllaFitzgerald #Design #SammyDavisJr #Jazz #Music #SaturdayStyle #Research

[theempressofstyle]

MUSIC & DESIGN What better way to commemorate MLK Day than with, activist & author Angela Davis, Grammy award winning bandleader, drummer, & composer @terrilynecarrington; composer, pianist, & MacArthur Fellow @vijayiyer, Grammy award winning bassist, vocalist, & composer @esperanzaspalding, bandleader & trumpet player @thattrumpetchic, and journalist Lara Peregrinelli. . . . It was refreshing and rather rewarding to see the elements of my life come full circle at my alma mater @thenewschool to discuss gender equality in jazz. Listening to the struggles of women who choose to sustain a dying artform discuss protecting and preserving their own humanity within a male dominated industry. As a designer my mission is to create safe spaces for others. . . . Angela Davis stated the origins jazz & blues are infused with notes of feminism. Terri Lyne posed the question "Why is jazz so ass backwards?" . . . Jazz is life. . . . Since humans are walking contradictions, I think the better question is why are HUMANS so ass backwards? A question we will be trying to answer till the end of time. . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ . . . . #TheEmpressofstyle #EmpressByDesign #AngelaDavis #Humanity #terrilynecarrington #winterjazzfest #Design #Music #Research #MLKDay #Gender #parsonsalumni #Designer (at The New School)

[theempressofstyle]

TUESDAY. As I post this a woman is talking loudly on the train about buying some real stripper shoes. 👀You know queen.....whatever makes you happy. Gotta love NYC. Go out there and get what is real for you. . . . . Stay Fashion Conscious. Move Fashion Forward.©️ ________________________________ #TheEmpressofstyle #EmpressStateofMind #Stylist #Design #DesignYourWorld #SubwayStories #Storyteller #SelfCare #Tuesday #NotJudging #BeHuman