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Memphis in May Returns in Style

Credit: Accra Fashion Week/Memphis In May International Festival

Note: Though the culture of Ghana is more than some governmental policies, the Memphis Flyer and the author do not support the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and human rights violations occurring in Ghana. For more information on this issue, read “Honoring Ghana, Malawi Troublesome for Some In Local LGBTQ+ Community,” and visit LGBT+ Rights Ghana’s website, a cyber activism blog raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in Ghana and throughout Africa.

Absent for the past two years, Memphis in May International Festival is back and ready to celebrate the culture and history of the Republic of Ghana. While, of course, you can expect the usual smattering of exhibits and educational opportunities, for this year’s festival, Randy Blevins, the festival’s vice president of marketing and programming, is especially excited for two events: Ghana Live! Riches & Rhythms and “Kente & Kitenge: The Fashions of Ghana.”

Ghana Live!, Blevins says, “is going to be a very entertaining evening of authentic music from the nation of Ghana.” The Thursday night show at the Orpheum will begin with performances by the National Dance Company of Ghana, telling the story of West Africa, and will conclude with a performance by Okyeame Kwame, one of Ghana’s leading highlife musicians. “The highlife music,” Blevins says, “is that colorful, kind of calypso sort of sound. It’s very upbeat and makes you think of a tropical paradise. You’ll bounce right out of the Orpheum.” Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.

As for the “Kente & Kitenge” fashion show on Saturday, Blevins says, the Memphis in May Festival has not had a fashion show, at least since he’s been with the organization. Organized in partnership with Nana Tamakloe, founder of the popular FashionGHANA blog and of Accra Fashion Week, the show will feature, as Tamakloe says, “designers that are very Ghanian-centered with a more modern twist — in fact, I’d say more of a futuristic twist. We are looking at the future of African fashion.”

 The four designers, who were also featured in the Accra Fashion Week, include Broots Fashion, FashionGHANA, Style by Magbrien, and Red Cotton Boutique. Broots Fashion, a relatively new brand operating in Ghana, blends African print with funk. “When I say funk,” Tamakloe explains, “I’m literally referring to American funk, like when you go back to the ’70s. They’re taking that and blending it with the African culture, and they have this whole retro people-power thing behind their brand.” Meanwhile, Style by Magrien focuses on more high-end, couture clothing, and Red Cotton Boutique creates “free-flow” pieces for “the mature woman.” “Most of their clients are diplomats and businesswomen,” Tamakloe adds.

The FashionGHANA collection, called the “Direction Collection,” is by Tamakloe’s company of the same name. The collection is sort of a blueprint for designers to take inspiration from when creating pieces for mass production. “It comes out of the experience of trying to advise designers who showcase at the Accra Fashion Week,” Tamakloe says. “Most of the artists are caught up in the art, which is nice, because they’re very artistic. … But we’re trying to advise them to keep their creativity in a way that keeps a minimal end of production [i.e. by keeping costs down through simpler, more stream-lined designs].” In doing this, Tamakloe hopes, more Ghanian designers and African designers, in general, will have access to a larger market and influence. 

Overall, since starting the FashionGHANA blog 10 years ago after working as a music-producer-turned-modeling-agent in the U.K., Tamakloe’s goal has been to promote African and Ghanian fashion. “When I came to Ghana, I realized there was so much that could be done for the fashion industry,” he says. “We’re looking at a time when Instagram was not there, so many creators were unknown. FashionGHANA was a window into African fashion as a whole. … We were the first African blog to receive one million followers on Facebook.”

Tamakloe will be in Memphis for the “Kente & Kitenge” show and says he is excited to celebrate the 10th year of FashionGHANA in Memphis. “It’s a beautiful coincidence that this is happening,” he says.

Tickets for the fashion show at the Hilton Hotel East, Saturday, May 7th, 11 a.m., can be purchased online for $65 and will include brunch and champagne. For more information on this year’s Memphis in May and its accompanying events, visit memphisinmay.org. 

Some other events and exhibitions of note include:

  • “Where I Come From,” exhibition of work by Ghanian artist Theresah Ankomah, whose creations allow her to reflect her origins and story. Register online for the opening reception on May 7th at 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Urevbu Contemporary, on display Thursday, May 5th-May 31st
  • 2022 Black Star – Black Tie Gala, celebrating the Ghanian history and culture with an exclusive menu, dancing, and entertainment. | Renasant Convention Center, Friday, May 6th, 6:30 p.m., $350/ticket
  • Durbar Ceremony, at which His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, king of the Asante Kingdom, will address the public in this traditional ceremony, including a procession and dancing. | Beale Street, Saturday, May 7th, 1 p.m., free
  • Cuisine of Ghana, a full five-course dinner created by visiting Ghanaian chef, Jove Ansah. Reservations must be made by calling Chez Philippe at (901) 529-4000. | Chez Philippe at the Peabody Hotel, Saturday, May 7th, 7 p.m.
  • Taste of Ghana, an evening of Ghanaian music by Obruni Dance Band, authentic small plates and soups, shopping from artists and craftsmen, and listening to and sharing personal stories from the local Ghanian community. | Museum of Science & History, May 7th, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., $20/youth, $35 adult
  • Indie Memphis Film Series, screenings of films as part of an ongoing “Global Lens” series. Featuring The Burial of Kojo, Sankofa, and Queen of Glory. | various locations, Wednesdays, May 11th, May 18th, and May 25th, 7 p.m., $12
  • “Beautiful Metals of Ghana, Adornments, & Wearables,” exhibition featuring metal objects exploring the culture and craftsmanship of Ghana. | Metal Museum, on display through May 31st
  • “Contemporary Art of Ghana,” exhibition featuring contemporary works by artists from the Artist Alliance Gallery, Accra. | The Goodwyn Gallery at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, on display through May 31st
  • “Every Human Being is a Human Being,” exhibition exploring Ghana’s role and contribution to trans-Atlantic slavery. | National Civil Rights Museum, on display through May 31st
  • “Isaac Hayes: Black Moses Gives Back,” exhibition showcasing Hayes’ unique dashikis collection and humanitarian work in Ghana. | Museum of Science & History, on display through July 31st
  • “Palms & Plants of Ghana,” live exhibit of flora from Ghana, including rare Sansevieria, Euphorbia, and Kalanchoe. | Memphis Botanic Garden, on view through the season; no admission required.
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Fashion Fashion Feature

Reno Warmath’s Unaesthetic Designs

The “Fake Friends” limited release (Credit: Reno Warmath)

Though he now resides in Los Angeles, California, Memphis-born musician and designer Reno Warmath says his hometown was an influence on his creative life. Like many of the Bluff City’s creative types, he is not content to confine himself to only one art form. He is a designer, a musician, and an entrepreneur, and his newest work — Renaissance art-inspired fashion — is available at unaestheticlosangeles.com.

I spoke with Warmath to find out about his fashion company Unaesthetic’s inaugural release, the “Fake Friends” collection. 

Memphis Flyer: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Are you from Memphis?

Reno Warmath: Yes, born and raised! My name is Reno Warmath and I’m a graduate of Christian Brothers High School and the University of Memphis Music Business program. I left Memphis after graduating college and ended up in Los Angeles pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Since coming to L.A., I’ve had the opportunity to work on shows like For All Mankind (season 1, Apple TV) and Raised by Wolves (seasons 1 and 2, HBO Max) as well as starting a few projects of my own, one of which being Unaesthetic. 

We’ll get to Unaesthetic in a bit, but first, have you always been interested in fashion? 

The idea of being involved in the fashion world didn’t really come on my radar until my 20s. I was always interested in graphic design and creating visual media, but I never thought these skills would translate over to fashion. It was really when I started becoming aware of what Virgil Abloh was doing with OFF WHITE and seeing what other brands like Born and Raised or Palace were creating that I realized this space was for me. In my eyes, it’s more about creating compelling media to accompany the clothing. Designing clothes is just the first step — how can I use my brand to tell a story, maybe through photos, cinematically, or even live events? We live in a time where anyone can get into the fashion game. It just takes the courage to put your ideas on the table and see what you can create.

I know you’re also a drummer. Has making music influenced your art-making and fashion ethos? 

Believe it or not, I’ve been playing drums since the age of 1. Drumming has just become a part of who I am and it definitely has an effect on everything I do creatively. I think the main thing I’ve learned from playing drums all those years is that you only get out what you put in, and I’ve applied that mindset to my brand and all of my creative ventures. Drumming also gives me an outlet to free my mind and just reset my thinking. I’m definitely the most creative designer after a few hours of playing the drums.

The “Fake Friends” limited release is inspired by the Kiss of Judas by Giotto di Bondone. (Credit: Reno Warmath)

Can you talk a little bit about what beauty and aestheticism means to you? 

Fashion and beauty have been, for such a long time, synonymous with one another, but I think traditional beauty is not what it was a decade ago. Beauty today is not a standard, it is more about individualism and the idea that every person has their own unique beauty or style. This concept has given birth to so many new streetwear brands that all have their own identity and are being taken seriously in the fashion world. Streetwear brands have runway shows now, it’s wild. 

How did you get linked up with Unaesthetic? 

The idea to create Unaesthetic came to me when reading a book called Philosophies of Art & Beauty: Selected Readings in Aesthetics from Pluto to Heidegger. The word “unaesthetic” got stuck in my head. I knew immediately I wanted to create a brand around this concept. I had already been toying around with repurposing Renaissance art works into modern designs but I had no real outlet for the creations. It took about a year and a half of research into the manufacturing side of creating a clothing brand and actually developing a visual identity for the brand before I decided to launch. 

Can you tell me a little bit about the “Fake Friends” collection?

The “Fake Friends” collection is Unaesthetic’s inaugural release with the main goal of establishing the brand’s concept. Modernized Renaissance street wear. I had a hard drive full of design ideas to choose from, but I felt the Kiss of Judas design really conveyed everything the brand was about. It was a play on the Renaissance period, religion being a major undertone, and presented the brand’s visual style being the very cryptic, Greek/Roman re-revival feel, so to speak. The rest of the collection consists of staple pieces featuring the brand’s Angel Logo. While the staple pieces will be revisited in future collections, the design-centric pieces will not be reproduced. 

Why did you gravitate toward the Kiss of Judas? 

My design workflow usually starts with me sifting through tons of Renaissance artwork and setting aside the ones that visually stand out to me. I try to look for pieces that I know I can extract a lot of various elements from. I then try to find some ironic meaning behind the moral of the work. For the Kiss of Judas, the concept of “Fake Friends” really jumped out and I thought that would be an interesting take. The painting by Giotto [di Bondone] alone tells such an interesting story. The subjects, Jesus and Judas, feel almost isolated while the chaos is circling around them. Giotto uses simulated motion and the bunching up of characters to make this scene feel very claustrophobic and chaotic. I loved the idea of isolating the central characters and placing them in a more serene environment as if they are floating in time and space. It’s a juxtaposition that you would only get by connecting my design to the original artwork.

What made you want to utilize Renaissance art in the collection?

I’ve always been drawn to the artwork of the Renaissance era. The work that came out of that specific area at that specific time is really just culturally fascinating. Every time I approach a painting to begin work I always dive deep into the historical context of that work and look for ways to tie it into my redesign. There is so much backstory to every piece of art from this era and I’m constantly learning new things when working on these designs. I really encourage people to take a look at artsandculture.google.com — it’s amazing the amount of data that has been digitally immortalized from this period. 

Where would you like to see your fashion go in the future?

Fashion is just the beginning. Unaesthetic is a cluster of ideas all centered around a theme. It’s not just a clothing brand, but a vessel for creativity that happens to start with clothing. The end goal, who knows. I’m currently working on narrative-driven cinematics for the brand as well making a push in the live event space. At the end of the day, I want to see how far I can push this thing. The more boundaries I can break, the better.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

I would love to give a big shout out to Bad Timing (549 S. Highland Street, Memphis). Those guys are really cultivating the streetwear scene in Memphis and it’s awesome to see. If you’re in Memphis that shop is a must stop. I’m also working with another L.A.-based brand, 1-off Amore, founded by a fellow Memphian, AD. We are planning a one-of-a-kind runway show this summer here in Los Angeles. More information will be released via Instagram @unaestheticlosangeles.

(Credit: Reno Warmath)
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Fashion Fashion Feature

Lina Dweik, Redefining Modesty

“Just because you’re covered, it doesn't mean that you can’t express yourself,” says designer Lina Dweik. (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)

Memphian Lina Dweik launched her fashion brand in June 2021, and by year’s end, she has had her work shown in the Turino Fashion Week in Italy, received an official proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, and is set to showcase her collection at Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) in 2022.

Dweik always harbored a passion for fashion. “It really started off ever since I was young, feeling a little left out in the fashion world,” she says. “I’ve always liked high-quality fabrics and elevated designs. At the same time, I wanted to remain modest. I always felt a little isolated. It was either high fashion that was revealing or very modest clothing that was so bland, so out-dated.”

That being said, Dweik never really imagined herself designing clothes professionally. In fact, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently working toward her master’s in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral science at the University of Memphis. But, she says, “I’ve always been into sketching things I wanted to see or to wear.” And with that spark of inspiration and a desire to “dabble” in the fashion world, she applied to 2020 Memphis Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Project, where designers have six months to make their designs runway-ready.  

Unfortunately, with MFW planned for March 2020, Covid intervened. “It wasn’t your typical runway. We had to put our clothes on hangers and not models,” Dweik says. “It was still a great experience. Those six months showed me that this was something I really wanted to continue as a career.”

For her first collection, which she designed for MFW and is now for sale on her website, Dweik says, “I was really inspired by all things luxurious, and that’s why it’s called the empress collection. … For that collection I was really inspired by the women being so majestic and so royal.” 

Dweik (left) with a model (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)

In the collection, Dweik blends the use of delicate high-end fabrics like silk and satin with structured cuts that emphasize a feminine boldness. The colors are regal with jewel tones and pastels, embroidered in intricate patterns that don’t shy away from drawing attention while still remaining modest such that each design is opaque and makes the wearer feel covered. “The whole brand purpose is to redefine modesty,” Dweik says. “Just because you’re covered, it doesn’t mean that you can’t express yourself, that you can’t express your personality. So with this collection you can pick and choose what reflects your personality.”

Dweik’s goal with each of her garments is to make the wearer “feel glamorous, empowered, and spoiled. … I think that goes back to my interest in psychology. I have this interest in helping people,” she says. “My whole reason for starting this brand is wanting to help women like myself.

“I want to break misconceptions, even in my own head, that modest wear is only for the Middle East. But moving so often, living in the U.S., Canada, overseas, I’ve come into contact with numerous women from different religions, races, backgrounds, and they have that same mindset of wanting to dress modestly.” 

Modesty, to Dweik, has no borders, so it’s no wonder why she was asked to be a part of the Torino Fashion Week this November. Due to Covid, the fashion week was virtual, but Dweik had the opportunity to send her garments and models to Italy to film her collection though she couldn’t attend in-person herself. Even so, because of her involvement in the Torino Fashion Week, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris awarded the designer a proclamation for representing Memphis as a creative hub.

Lina Dweik received an official proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris for representing Memphis as a creative hub. (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)

“Living here for so long, for over 20 years, Memphis has a special place in my heart,” Dweik says. “I really wanted to show that Memphis is a beautiful melting pot of cultures, and I wanted to emphasize that through how diverse the designs are. … We got great feedback from women who don’t look like me, and it was beautiful to hear them saying thank you for doing that and for showing the beauty of modesty and starting the conversation.”

Her next collection will be released in fall of 2022, but before then, Dweik is hopeful for her first actual runway during Memphis Fashion Week in April. 

For more information, visit linadweik.com.

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Fashion Fashion Feature

Memphis Fashion Week: Where to Go and What to Look For!

CREDIT: KP Fusion

Memphis Fashion Week is always an impressive event, yet this year will be different — in a good way. Fashion lovers, influencers, and the local fashion industry will get a closer look at the design talent of Memphis. As the energy is building in celebration of Memphis’ bicentennial, Memphis Fashion Week is magnifying the intensity by highlighting local design and fashion with this year’s lineup of shows and events.

“Memphis has always been at the center of innovation and creativity,” says Karina Benziger, co-chair and designer liaison of Memphis Fashion Week. “Fashion is no exception, and each year we are amazed at what is coming out of this region. We’re thrilled to have even more local talent in our Featured Designers, as yet another way to recognize and celebrate our city’s 200th anniversary.”

The countdown is on! Memphis Fashion Week events start on Thursday evening. “Fashion Night Out” kicks things off with a party for a cause at Crosstown Concourse. The momentum continues with the Scout Guide’s Soiree at the new Hu. Hotel with sunset views and stylish influencers and a veritable Memphis Who’s Who.

KP Fusion

Designer: Mary Ambrose with Siss Viss

Friday, Memphis Fashion Design Network, nonprofit organization benefitting local design talent, hosts its Trunk Show at Crosstown Concourse. The night continues with the LRK Featured Designer Runway Show, as guests will view collections from noted national designers. And don’t miss the highly anticipated Saddle Creek Emerging Designer Runway Show.

The Emerging Memphis Designer Project was constructed for local emerging designers to have a platform to present their pieces to a wider audience. Memphis Fashion Week works with selected designers through a seven-month process to educate and promote local designs. This year’s featured designers — TIENA, Tangie Seay, and Mary Ambrose (pictured below) — will be among those showing their collections during the Emerging Designer Runway Show.

What else is happening this week? Follow Memphis Fashion Week on Instagram @memphisfashiondesign and memphisfashionweek.org/events for a more detailed lineup of events and shows for the entire MFW 2019 schedule, including what to expect — and what to wear.

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Memphis Fashion Week’s Opening Night

Last Friday at Memphis Fashion Week’s opening night show, many gathered to feel the energy and magnitude of Memphis and its fashion industry. Abby Phillips, founder of MFW (now in its 7th year), and her talented board elevated the most fashionable week in the city by taking the headliner show to Graceland’s Presley Motor Museum. The feels were high, retro, and vivacious, and the crowd exuded a stylish and magical grit and grind that is only something Memphis can do.

Collections from four headlining designers were shown this year with equally magnificent and awe-inspiring collections. The opening began with local fashion designer and her brand T I E N A followed by Daniel Maganta, This Is Sloane, next Nigerian designer Ituen Basi, and Rachel Roy.

runway images and style images are courtesy of Ziggy Mack

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Fashion Fashion Feature

Shop Local Downtown

This holiday season, we’re encouraging our readers to support local businesses by shopping right here at home. Consider these Memphis-area establishments for your gift-giving needs.

Sachë

Your giftees will sport their love for our city in style with Memphis-inspired T-shirts designed and screenprinted by the passionate people at Sachë. With 901 designs, skyline styles, and shirts supporting our grit-and-grind Grizzlies, these unique tees will please even your hard-to-buy-for friends. And “Hey, you guuuys!” we love this Goonies/Grizz mash-up; truffle shuffle optional ($25). Available at 525 South Main or sachedesign.com.

Stock&Belle

At this lifestyle store, shoppers can find men’s and women’s clothing, home goods, and made-in-Memphis items from Letters&Co, Rowdy Dept. by Kyle Taylor, Embrace Your Inner Memphis, Kreep Ceramics, and more. We’re fans of the tumbled marble coasters from ARCHd, creations of Memphis-born sisters Kristen and Lindsey Archer. A variety of coaster sets ($29) showcase some of the city’s most iconic views and spaces. Visit Stock&Belle on Facebook, instagram, or 387 S. Main.

Lansky Bros.

Dedicated Elvis fans will love this fashionable pair of Blue Suede Shoes ($155). The longtime Memphis retailer offers these and other Elvis-inspired garments for men, as well as stylish activewear, polos, and more — for both men and women. Pick a gift from Lansky, and the recipient will “Thank ya, thank ya very much.” Visit Lansky Bros. at 126 Beale Street inside the Hard Rock Cafe, 149 Union Avenue inside The Peabody Hotel, or lanskybros.com.

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Summer 2014 Style Guide

Wearing the featured pieces …

The maxi dress, the floral patterned dress, and the sashed tunic are all easy to pack and easy to wear. The kimono cardigan works well with a simple tank and cut-off shorts or over a bathing suit. The crop top, cut elegantly, can complement any high-waisted bottom or can be layered over a fitted or slim-cut dress of any length. Wear the dramatically wide-brimmed sun hat with your beach outfit or any feminine outfit, including the featured vintage floral patterned dress. Complete the look with a pair of sunglasses, wedges, or sandals.

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Spring Fashion Trends

Bold, expressive patterns were all the rage on the spring runway and were presented in a variety of ways, including typography, die-cuts, and woodblocks. A highlight of the runway season was a color-exercise-inspired pattern used throughout Chanel’s collection. The pattern used “150 different tones” and came from a 19th-century sample board by Royal Talens, a company that produces oil paints for artists.

Prada continued the artist-inspired trend by using a parade of oversized portraits on dresses, coats, and bags and by openly crediting the six artists who painted the portraits. Crediting textile designers and artists is a rarity in the apparel industry and exemplifies just how important the artist is to this spring’s trends.

Florals are an essential part of any spring runway, and this season, florals seem to fall into one of two camps: soft, romantic, hand-painted florals or bold, abstract, flat florals.

One of the standouts of the season was the Rousseau-inspired jungle florals at Hermès. The hand-painted florals were used in a slightly oversized manner and were the highlight of the simple silhouettes. Dolce & Gabbana took the trend in a slightly different direction, inspired by ancient Grecian motifs. The collection had a very romantic, dream-like feel.

Clean, crisp vectorized florals were used by several of the big names as well. Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors used mid-sized florals in simple two-color patterns, while Marni and Emporio Armani layered multi-colored flowers and foliage to bring depth and dimension to the patterns.

We also saw color palettes being used in two extremes: muted tones and pop-art inspired brights. The pop art influence seen in pattern styles had a clear influence on color palettes and is a way for more conservative brands to incorporate the trend. Reds, yellows, oranges, and blacks were seen at Alice + Olivia, Céline, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Muted, desaturated palettes were also seen. Antonio Marras featured soft, desaturated landscapes, while Jeremy Laing and Céline applied the palettes to abstract textures and nature-inspired motifs. But big and bold is carrying the spring forward.

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Fashion Fashion Feature

Be Bold!

CREDIT: Chad Mellon

Spring is in the air! Sure, the Memphis weather gods will probably throw in a handful of cool days over the next few weeks, but for now, we’re gearing up for fashionable strolls and riverside lunches.

Capping off the first month of spring, Memphis Fashion Weekend (March 30th-31st) will bring full collections of local and national designers to Jack Robinson Gallery in downtown Memphis and support ArtsMemphis. We sat down with Memphis Fashion Weekend organizer Abby Elzemeyer to get the scoop on spring trends. Take note, fashionistas.

Flyer: What runway trends do you hope to see on the streets of Memphis this spring?

Elzemeyer: There is definitely a lot of vibrant color in the spring and summer collections this year. Feminine fabrics like lace and florals are back this year as well. We’re also seeing some ’20s-inspired styles like drop-waist dresses.

Are there any trends that you think speak to Memphis’ unique style?

I love that Memphis has a spirited but unassuming nature, and I see Memphis fashion following along that same course. Here, fashion lovers enjoy being unique in their clothing and accessory choices, embracing trends in a classy and down-to-earth way.

Pastels are on their way back in. How do you recommend wearing pastels to avoid looking too washed out?

Choose a color that is complimentary to your hair color and skin tone. For example, if you have a darker skin tone, you have more freedom with white and pastels than others. Redheads look great in pastel purples and blues, while those with fair skin and light hair look great in pastel pink.

On the flip side, neons and bright colors are also in vogue. How can you work a bold statement color into your wardrobe and still maintain a sophisticated style?

I think statement pieces are just that: pieces. Whether it’s a bold blouse paired with a classic pair of pants or neon accessories worn with your little black dress, less is always more. Choose one, maybe two, bold pieces like neon, and mix it with classic staples for a fresh and trendy look.

Which designers do you have your eye on this spring? Any local designers?

We like Brave Jewelry a lot. They’re local. We’re also looking at Baroque Revival, Myra Nash Handbags, Katie Kalsi Handbags, and Annie Griffin. She’s from Memphis but lives in Atlanta now, and she has such great layering pieces and dresses. It’s the kind of clothing that works on any body shape.

For those of us who like to keep things a little more conventional, what are some of the most wearable trends?  

Soft neutrals are a very strong trend this spring and summer as well as the vibrant colors. If bold is not your thing, then you can certainly add soft and feminine accessories to a neutral outfit like a pale pink clutch, floral heels, or a bright necklace. Even adding a bit of color to your cheeks and lips can spruce up the look of a classic outfit.

For more information on

Memphis Fashion Weekend, go to

memphisfashionweek.tumblr.com.

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Fashion Fashion Feature

Ten Trends for Spring

Spring 2011 fashion takes us back to the future: the 1970s.

Yes, it’s the return of disco and flamboyance and playful excess. And those trends were well in evidence in most of the spring shows. A few examples:

The Maxi Dress: Long and flowing, layered and multi-hued, the maxi dress is returning full-circle this spring. It’s being combined in some fashion-forward circles with another seasonal trend: sheer fabric. Let the swirling begin.

Lace, Crochet, and Macramé: Lace influences for spring 2011 are more on the classic side, with quality antique-style fabrics the key, especially in dresses. You won’t see as much all-over, stretch lace but more unique takes on smaller pieces — mostly in white and off-white.

And in keeping with the season’s return to ’70s-inspired looks, accessory pieces, vests, and small accents are made in crochet or even macramé. Groovy, baby.

Tassels: Sometimes a little detail is all it takes to change the look and feel of a garment. This spring, one of the most popular trimmings signifies the exotic. Tassels are adorning everything from handbags to shoes to dresses and hats. It’s a fringe benefit.

Bell Bottoms: Get ready. With skinny pants and jeans so common they no longer make a statement, it was inevitable that an opposing style is emerging.

And with the comeback of all things ’70s, it’s no surprise that designers are turning to flared pants and bell bottoms. Expect to see most pants get wider and more flowing.

Tail Hems: Remember disco gowns? One of the signature looks of that era were dresses with tail hems longer in back than in front. Now they’re back. Love to love you, baby.

Stripes: Stripes are not unusual for spring fashion, and 2011 is no exception. In this year’s version of the long-time staple, stripes tend to be broad, dark on white, and have a nautical feel.

Crop-Tops: In 2009, the crop-top look was trendy, and this year, it’s coming on even stronger, especially for hot weather’s anything-goes-as-long-as-it’s-cool look. Great for festivals and outdoor, afternoon parties.

Cat’s Eyes Sunglasses: With the warmer weather comes the need to update your sunglasses with an on-trend style. This spring, the best accompaniment to a vintage-inspired look is a shape that screams glamour. From the very subtle to the extreme, cat’s eyes have it.

Clogs: They’re a shoe trend from 2010 whose elements are still impacting 2011, particularly in certain countries. Clogs are peaking now as a trend, so there should be some great bargains to be had for a single season’s wear.

Kitten Heels: More comfortable, yet traditionally less popular than their higher-heel counterparts, kitten heels work particularly well when dainty, pointed, and either retro-inspired or minimalist. When it comes to this style in 2011, it’s all about the theming. For spring, kitten-heeled sandals are also an option.