Hip-hop and high styles on West 125th Street

By RENEE MINUS WHITE
Fashion & Beauty Editor

Whoops, hair it is! The look is big hair, tight tees and often short, slithery or full skirts and high “fly” heels at Harl3m Ink’s fourth annual Summer Stage Fashion Show, held last Sunday at the Harlem State Office Building’s Plaza.
It all works when the models are young and pretty. However, these looks are not for fuller figures, even though there were plus-size models in the show.

The sun was hot, but depending upon your spot, the afternoon’s cool breezes were enjoyable. In between fashion sets, some star rappers put the word out! Founded by Rev. Al Sharpton’s daughters Ashley and Dominique Sharpton, Harl3m Inc. produced a fabulous variety show! When the DJ played Michael Jackson’s “I Wanna Rock With You,” the already cheering audience burst into song in memory of MJ.
Hosted by Antonique Smith, star of Searchlight Pictures’ “Notorious,” and celebrity stylist Wouri Vice, this new age-inspired fashion show featured 19 segments. For their audience mix, there were styles for everyone and labeled scenes mixed with fashion and drama. Look out for designers Deranie Henderson and Styles by Chimere.

Some great hairstyles were by Jacee Allmond of Pizazz Salon, 333 Lenox Avenue, NYC. For work, there were men’s and women’s chic pants and skirt suits and outfits. For night, the gowns with tulle touches and bare jumpsuits were sexy.

Featuring 60 hand-selected models and 10 talented designers, the show was very entertaining.“We lost great legends, but don’t tell your children who they can’t be. Tell them what and who they can be. This show just shows you that all young people are not out here selling dope. Many are trying to build great lives,” preached Rev. Al Sharpton. His daughters Dominique and Ashley received keys to Harlem.

Historically, fashion has been a pivotal part of African-American culture, especially in Harlem. Over the past 10 years, Harlem has become home to a variety of big brand names and smaller entrepreneurial brands. Harl3m Ink utilizes Harlem’s fashion cache and molds the style that defines today’s urban market.

For Harlem residents, fashion fans from surrounding boroughs and stylists from the tristate area, Harl3m Ink’s fourth Summer Stage show was made possible by District Leader Teresa Freeman-Timmons, Rev. Al Sharpton and the continued support of Harl3m Ink’s staff, designers and models.

Vanessa and Angela Simmons received an award from Sister to Sister for their outstanding presence as role models in the community. Good Show!