BY LATIFA PINNOCK

I don’t know about you, but my closet can easily be separated into four different categories: casual, dressy, sweats and of course, blazers, they definitely need their own category!

These bad boys are arguably, the most versatile piece of clothing, and given the fact that you probably own one, or five classic blazers you probably know how easily a blazer can elevate your look.

Truth be told, blazers are a lifesaver, and there are so many ways to style them, no matter what look you’re trying to achieve, you can create a variety of looks, pairing your blazer with items you already have in your closet. Your favourite pair of denim, paired with a bright coloured blazer, matching pumps, and a tank top/ wife beater, would be a stylish yet comfortable fit for date night.

How about that floral summer dress that you bought 6 months ago? Casual Fridays at the office will never be the same again! That floral dress, yellow blazer and wedged heel, will have heads turning everywhere.

With fall slowly approaching, fall fashion trends are on display, and though trends come and go every season, the blazer is one of the few trends that can be styled more than one way. It is a must have for any season and everything you need to style your blazer is right there in your closet.

These multi-style beauties have taken on a league of their own. In 2020 they introduced the very fashionable, blazer dress, in a multitude of colours, and let me just say, bravo to the original creator(s). Blazers have never looked so sexy, and that classic blazer cut adds class and elegance to a very simple fit. The blazer dress is a must have item, and can also be repeated to create different looks.

This fall you can expect to see more neutral colours, prints will also be quite popular as well, and when in doubt, go for a full suit. Suits are perfect for any occasion.

Before the blazer, suit jackets were very popular, even for women. They provided a more tailored look and they were usually worn as a coordinate, with a matching pants/vest. Suits are for both formal and business events, where the choice of colour will convey the tone that you are trying to reflect, whereas blazers are more casual in look and fit, providing you with more room for breathability and layering. Even the details tend to be more casual: metal buttons, contrast stitching, and a ticket pocket, they are tailored to fit like a suit jacket and they are more affordable.

If you haven’t hopped on the blazer trend, simply because you don’t own a blazer or you weren’t quite sure how to style your blazer, I hope these little tips have inspired you to give it a try. If you are into thrifting, you can find dozens of options for under $30, and when thrifting, there is no telling what you will find.

However you decide to do it, just have fun with it.

BY LATIFA PINNOCK

The great Denzel Washington once said, “When you do not understand something, you label it, and condemn it.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world, free from judgment and condemnation, a world in which freedom of expression does not sustain scrutiny or backlash?

Truth is, it is not what you grow through that defines you. It is how you perceive and handle it that leaves a lasting impression about your character.

One of the safe havens for freedom of expression is fashion!

The evolution of fashion has found its era in the year 2022. By that I mean the fashion industry has never before been so transparent. Not only are brands being more open regarding public interactions, they are creating next level designs, and amazing product content. Fashion as we know it has hit a remarkable phase, and it will only continue to evolve to levels beyond our imagination.

As a creative designer, I am always looking for ways to expand and elevate my brand, and 2022 is definitely the year I can say that I have found my niche. Not only did I showcase style at my recent fashion show, I showed off versatility through art.

In 2022, I can honestly say that fashion and style has reached a new level, and I am loving all the inspiration. Designers are taking old ideas, adding a new fashion industry is currently one of the most competitive and profitable industries.

If you pay close attention to runway styles, you will notice that it is looking more like an art show than a fashion show, and social media has given us a front row seat to all of the latest styles and trends as soon as they hit the runway. Social media is the greatest influencer on the planet, and it has impacted the fashion industry in a delightful way. Fashion has always been at the forefront of innovation, and today fashion technology is growing at a faster pace than ever.

My advice to any entrepreneur or individual looking to start up a business that is not within the fashion industry is to do some research on fashion and technology to see how you can incorporate fashion into your business plan. Fashion can be incorporated into any business, and it will keep you one step ahead of the game.

Hooters gained popularity based on their waitress’s uniforms, and even though many might argue that it is all about sex appeal, the uniforms were fashionable then, and still are today.

One of the most common phrases used to boost someone’s self-esteem is “Be yourself.” It sounds so simple, but sometimes being you is one of the hardest things to do. A great way to start is expressing yourself through your style, and social media is a great tool to display freedom of self-expression.

“Fashion comes and goes, but styles last forever”

Coco Chanel

BY LATIFA PINNOCK

“Every moment in life is precious and can never happen again.” Zelig Pliskin

Ever since I stepped into the fashion industry, having a fashion show was always something I wanted to achieve, and on Friday June 17^th, 2022, I did that.

The event was held at the beautiful Grand Bizarre Beach club. It was kept outdoors, and it was the club’s grand reopening since the pandemic. The show was produced by the Toronto Fashion Academy, who provided some of the models, hair and makeup. I also had the pleasure of sharing the runway with a talented male designer, and stylist Mr. Kassius.

When I was first approached to do the show, I had no idea what pieces I wanted to make for the show, but one thing I was sure about, was that I was going to use this fashion show, to show my versatility.

I decided to do 12 pieces, there was less than three weeks left before the show, and I still had no clue what I wanted to make. Exactly two weeks before the show I created my first piece. It was the first of two pieces and these designs were going to be the show stopping, statement pieces. I was so excited when I finished the first piece, it looked like art, it was perfect, and it was exactly what I envisioned. Once my statement pieces were completed, I created the others designs with ease.

After a month of planning the show, my big day was finally here, and I was ready! I brought everything that I could think of, just in case there were any outfit malfunctions. I even brought my portable sewing machine. Now if that’s not a recipe for success, I don’t know what is.

When I got to the venue, I met with all the models for the first time; they were all so beautiful, and very compliant. Things were running smoothly and I was quite calm. Apart from a few outfit switches, we were right on track. The models did a quick rehearsal and it was show time.

One by one all 12 models walked out in my designs. It was a very proud moment indeed. I stood in the background smiling from ear to ear, like a proud mother watching her children. The show only lasted about ten minutes, but a lot took place in those ten minutes. Fucha Couture was being screamed over the microphone. People, who had never heard of my brand before, were there, witnessing one of the most important days of my life. The show was vibrant, artistic, interactive, and everything I could have imagined my first show to be.

Finally, my moment! The DJ called my name “Latifa Pinnock.” I walked out confidently across the runway, took my place in front of the models, waved to the crowd and applauded the models. We all walked off the stage and we were all smiles at the end of the show.

“Life is a mountain,

Your goal is to find your path,

Not to reach the top.”

Latifa Pinnock,