February is the first fashion month of the year chock-full of fashion weeks hosted all around he world. It's the month that holds all the trends that will prevail in the fall. We had the amazing opportunity to attend some amazing shows all over the concrete jungle. Trends like capes, leather and puff pieces are on the horizon for the later months. Romeo Hunte, Fe Noel, JUST IN XX and Rene Tyler are just a few of the collections we can't stop thinking about as they have us ecstatic for fall.
Ahead, find our trend report based on what we spotted on the runways during NYFW.
Trend: Ponchos & Capes
Gabriella Hearst, Brandon Maxwell
Gabriella Hearst: TeenVogue -- Brandon Maxwell:
Consider the cape and poncho your new coats for fall. You heard it right – the 2000s trend is back and ready to warm your fashionable hearts. Best of all, there are options for everyone in every style group. If you're more Sporty Spice, you can opt for a cozy knitted poncho. If you're more Posh Spice, you would be more comfortable in a sleek cape paired with an equally chic bottom.
Trend: Glitz & Glamour
Romeo Hunte, Tom Ford, Area
Romeo Hunte: Courtesy of Purple PR -- Tom Ford: Refinery29 -- Area: FootwearNews
The runways were dripping with diamonds, metallics and so many more shiny pieces. It seems like the goals was to light up any room you step in with extravagant jewels. Romeo Hunte reimagined the biker chick with elevated fringe while Tom Ford went straight Hollywood glam with bows and a high slit. Then there's Area's take on a funky but fun romper.
Texture: Leather
The Arlo Studio, Self-Portrait, Coach, Son Jung Wan
The Arlo Studio: Courtesy of Global Fashion Collective -- Self-Portrait: Vogue -- Coach: Marie Claire -- Son Jung Wan: Courtesy of Deborah Hughes Inc
There's nothing more classic than leather and much like this season the buttery texture will be heading into fall with us. Try to find more opulent staples like jumpsuits, dresses and skirts. While we all love a good moto jacket, we want to amp it up come fall. We especially fell in love The Arlo Studio's olive green jumpsuit because it's simple and uncomplicated. If you want to baby step your way into the texture, cop a leather trench coat as you can easily couple it with so many looks.
Color: White
Baja East, Sukeina, JUST IN XX
Baja East: Vogue -- Sukeina: Haute Fashion Africa -- JUST IN XX: Courtesy of Agentry PR
White is a controversial hue during the fall months with old ancient myths saying you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day. In actuality, white is even more hot and trendy after September. Whether you dress in head-to-toe white or choose one standout piece, you will stun everyone. White remains an effervescent color that is a perfect image of modern minimalism. Baja East, Sukeina and JUST IN XX's collections are the proof.
Trend: Puff Pieces
Christian Cowan, LaQuan Smith
Christian Cowan: Flaunt -- LaQuan Smith: Essence
Christian Cowan and LaQuan Smith weren't the only designers showing off some major puff pieces but these two looks were definitely our faves. We believe it's because both designers aim to help women feel sexy and comfortable in their own skin and that includes staying warm stylishly. We can look forward to pieces in all shapes, sizes and staples. For example, do you see these puffer boots!? *insert fire emoji*
Loved to See It: Fe Noel's NYFW Debut
Essence
Fe Noel made her New York Fashion Week debut this February and it left us speechless. The energy leading up to the Grenadan artist's show was nothing short of magical as her family, friends and sea of supporters filed into Spring Studios. The show started with a heart-wrenching, bass jumping film featuring the Caribbean designer's roots.
The premiere of the collection, "Daughter of the Soil", showcased models mostly of the melanin persuasion in romantic and feminine garments. From flowing silk dresses to printed robes to coordinate sets that made you want to jet set to the islands immediately, we were left in awe of Fe Noel's artisanship, intentionality and grace behind this collection.
Loved to See It: Body Positivity!
Rene Tyler, Chromat
Rene Tyler: Courtesy of Oxford Fashion Studio -- Chromat: Flaunt
Rene Tyler and Chromat gave us so much life with their inclusive collections. Seeing women that reflect the world we live in is so important in fashion. The average woman is a size 14 so to see collections that embrace women of all sizes speaks volumes. We have more progress to make but it was enlightening to see two collections dedicated to the diversity and inclusion. Rene Tyler served up classy sex appeal while Chromat gave us our next athleisure vibes.
Exclusive Interview with Son Jung Wan
Photography by Dani Elle Moore
xoNecole's Joce Blake was invited backstage to preview the eclectic collection of Korean designer, Son Jung Wan. She told us she was inspired by classic romance and primary colors. According to SJW, she worked with bold colors and constructed silhouettes to showcase a collection featuring artful plays with volume, texture and seductive color.
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Featured image by Getty Images
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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