CatchTheDesigners.com

Join me in celebrating diversity by exploring Catch The Designers, a Macy's affiliated website dedicated to showcasing the works of Black, Asian, and Latino designers. The latter two sections are coming soon, but the Black Designers section is up and running. It includes designer profiles, interviews, trends, and more.

Featuring some of the hottest black designers including: The founder of Def Jam Records and new menswear line Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, Russell Simmons, bridal designer Therez Fleetwood, master tailor Gentleman Jim McFarland, and menswear designer Shaka King.

www.catchthedesigners.com is an online community providing a 'behind the runway' look at the diverse designers impacting fashion today as well as the influences that impacted them.

Threads of Time, The Fabric of History Profiles of African American Dressmakers and Designers 1850 to the Present

Therez Fleetwood is making history again! She has just been added to the third edition of The Threads of Time, Fabric of History, by Rosemary E. Reed Miller. http://www.toastandstrawberries.com/

This book is an important addition to the small body of works celebrating the struggles and achievements of African-American dressmakers and designers and their connection to American history. Most Americans do not know about the dedicated women who had much more influence on our society then the excellent work their sewing produced. Threads of Time uncovers hidden treasures as it reveals the brilliant imagination of black women designers.

In The Spotlight

Spring/Summer 2007 - Wedding Dresses magazine spotlights Therez Fleetwood as one of 12 designers who have becomeAmerican classics.  Their designs are influenced by their cultural backgrounds.  Whether they choose to flatter a certain body type or are inspired by the fabrics, colors or embroideries,  their designs are more beautiful because of it.

Black Style Now

Black Style Now at The Museum of the City of New York (Sept. 06 - Feb 07).  A ground breaking exploration of hip-hop culture and the black fashion revolution. A bold exhibition that explored the African American contribution to fashion and design and the transformative impact it’s had on contemporary culture. The exhibit was dynamic and diverse, bold and colorful, a sweeping collage of clothing, accessories, photos and other items that symbolized the entrance of black style into the mainstream.

The 2007 Fashion Icons

The 2007 Fashion Icons Fashion Show was held was held on Feb. 24, 2007, in Atlanta, GA, in honor of Black History Month and showcased the African-American influence in the fashion industry. The fashion show was the culmination of the Pepsi and Macy’s South celebrations and featured leading African-American designers including Master Tailor Gentleman Jim McFarland, menswear designer Shaka King, bridal designer Therez Fleetwood, and shoe designer to the stars Etu Evans.The entire event and the rich history of these designers will be documented and celebrated year round on a web site honoring African-American designers and their influence on fashion today.