Coco, Breezy, Stevie Boi and the specs phenomenon

(originally published for Platform 4 magazine @platform4mag) 

Tinted eyewear has long been a wardrobe staple in American popular culture. From Michael Jackson’s iconic aviators to Lady Gaga’s studded specs on her debut album cover, sunglasses make a statement unlike any other accessory can.

And young designers are in the forefront of making eyewear that is much more than just sun-shield.

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So Glossy: Rachel Roy, entrepreneurship, and how to turn passion into profit

Like me, you probably have a few aspiring entrepreneurs in your circle. Some friends with side hustles that capitalize on highly-demanded skills like web design, and others grinding out a lifelong passion in fields like culinary arts, fashion, and music in hopes of making their destinies manifest. In fact, you’re probably an aspiring entrepreneur yourself. 

But what will it take to live out these dreams? What will it take to establish yourself as a budding, important voice in your field of choice? And to (don’t forget) profit from it?

 For fashion designer Rachel Roy, it meant getting her start at an already-established but still young company, Rocawear. It meant rising in the ranks, shaking up the company creative culture, and making her mark as an innovator in the company. 

In 2005 the California-native, born to an Dutch mother and Indian father, launched her own line, ‘Rachel Roy’. And it didn’t take long for the big names to take notice. The First Lady, known for fashion poignancy, has worn Rachel Roy at major political events. Iman, Kate Hudson, and Penelope Cruz have also dazzled in her gowns. 

Michelle Obama in Rachel Roy

To this day, she’s in the driver’s seat of her own brand. She uses her twitter account (@Rachel_Roy), which doubles seamlessly as personal and professional, to tweet pictures of stars out and about wearing her clothing. She always includes a link of where to buy the look on her site in the same tweet.

Her personal interest and fervor in translating looks from couture to your closet builds upon the brand that she has already created: an everyday American woman who LOVES clothes and just so happens to be stellar at designing them. She hasn’t lost that edgy, but still personal touch.

She even collaborated with iconic basketball star Amar’e Stoudemire to create a limited edition collection of designer casual wear (Amar’e + Rachel) for all of us all-woman, all-basketball stans. With this project she leveraged her prior experience with a streetwear brand to create an innovative line of sexy, fun courstide must-haves that make any girl standout. 

Look from Amar’e + Rachel

The takeaway and action plan:

So what do we all, as aspiring entrepreneurs, have to learn from Rachel Roy?

1. Be on the front lines of building and sustaining your brand

2. Think of tangential fields where you can reach new and excite old markets (like Rachel did with Amar’e +Rachel)

3. Practice passion. If you love it (whatever ‘it’ is), then know everything there is to know about it, and practice it - everyday. 

Here’s to finding your hustle and perfecting it! 

Gloss or Toss? Kelly Rowland at the X-Factor auditions in London

What she’s wearing: Versace Spring/Summer 2011 midi dress

Why this works:

The length. The cut just below the knee says class and sophistication. Plus, it helps make her waist look smaller and gives a little more shape to her hips. Always a win!

The print. The vertical lines elongate her frame instead of widening it (like horizontal lines would!)

The accessories. She kept it simple. The bangle and earrings are just enough. Especially in the summertime. Accessories should look effortless. If you’re going to go with a heavy print, keep the accessories to a minimum. The inverse is true: If you’re going with a simple, monochromatic dress, choose a statement accessory. Her shoes could’ve been a bit more interesting, but she’s got it right with the color.

Where it doesn’t:

The wig. The bone straight look is perfect here, but is it just me or is the bang a little off?

Overall, good job Kellz! She’s been on point lately.

I say Gloss! What do you think?

‘Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest’

Money just changed everything, I wonder how TCQ without it would go…?

‘Beats, Rhymes & Life..’ in select theaters NOW.