2018 September

Ashley Stewart Crowns ‘I Am Ashley’ Winner

September 21, 2018

Last week, Ashley Stewart crowned its “I Am Ashley” ambassador search winner.

For the second year, the leading fashion brand conducted a nationwide #FindingAshleyStewart tour in search of an ambassador who embodies the brand’s ethos: kindness, resilience, confidence, community and of course, fashion.

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: A view of venue exterior during Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

After a seven-month search, which included tour stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Harlem, Dallas, and several other cities, Tiffany Gosa-Flamer of Chester, Pennsylvania, took home the title.

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: (L-R) Kendra Powe, Sharonda Gradberry, Chelsi Moree, Tiffany Gosa-Flamer, James C. Rhee, Mary E. Allen, Raquel Wells, LaShawn Kinley and Diane Diaga attend Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Tiffany Gosa-Flamer attends Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

Held at Kings Theater in Brooklyn, the finale showcased eight finalists vying for the chance to win the $10, 000 prize package, a new Ashley Stewart wardrobe, makeover, tour-sponsored gift prizes, a photo shoot, and participation in features across Ashley Stewart media platforms for one year.

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Loni Love (L) and La La Anthony speak onstage during Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

The evening was filled with inspiring stories from the contestants, good music and fierce fashions. Hosted by Loni Love, comedian and co-host of the daytime talk show “The Real,” the two-hour show was an empowering celebration of women.

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Soledad O’Brien appears onstage during Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

Media maven Soledad O’Brien and radio personality and actress Lala Anthony were also in attendance on behalf of the brand to present close to $150,000 in charities and individual scholarships to several students across the country.

Plus, the event featured amazing ’90s throwback performances by MC Lyte, SWV and Naughty by Nature.

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: SWV perform onstage during Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 at Kings Theatre on September 15, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Ashley Stewart)

finding-ashley-stewart-finale-brown-girl-gumbo

Me with my friend Shelley at the Finding Ashley Stewart Finale in Brooklyn, NY.

“Becoming Ashley Stewart 2018 means that I have a great opportunity to empower girls, teens and women across the nation, and share my story of how I turned my life around,” said Gosa-Flamer. “It’s a true privilege and honor, and I’m proud to say that ‘I Am Ashley’.”

Do you shop at Ashley Stewart?

Curls, Kinks and Waves Take Centerstage at ‘Texture on the Runway’ Show

September 13, 2018

Last week, all the kinky, wavy and curly-haired girls descended on Gotham Hall for Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway New York Fashion Week fête. #BlackGirlMagic was in effect and on full display.

The hot-ticket runway show featured popular natural haircare brands Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol’s Daughter, Crème of Nature, Mielle Organics, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice who showcased intricate, eye-catching textured styles achieved using their products and original techniques. While fashion wasn’t the main event, it was still front-and-center with fabulous designs that aesthetically matched the mane attraction.

Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and TV personality, Amara Le Negra, kicked off the Sally Beauty-powered show and let guests know that they were in for an exciting, memorable evening. The two-hour show was filled with uber creative, unique sets that spoke to each of the brands’ culture and ethos. With a New Orleans marriage-themed show by Cantu and a dance-inducing, mother-daughter inspired set by Carol’s Daughter, the stage was undeniably lit!

From thick, cornrow braids that effortlessly flowed into a blunt-cut bob to locs styled akin to unicorn horns to a towering, curly mane – innovative styles that complemented textured hair were centerstage at the fourth annual event. Watching gorgeously melanated models strutting their stuff on the runway in a room filled with scores of beautiful women of color was a special feeling that’s elusive in fashion.

My cousin, Nicole Rogers and I at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.

Texture on the Runway is a can’t-miss show for many Black women because it celebrates our hair and all its various textures, which is often shunned in fashion—especially during high-profile events like New York Fashion Week. The show doesn’t only let the fashion world know that textured hair is incredibly versatile, but it’s also big, bold and beautiful!

naturally-curly-amara-la-negra-texture-on-the-runway

Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and reality TV personality Amara Le Negra at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.