fashion

Fashion Publicist,Stylist, Runway Model Image and Wardrobe Consultant, and owner of House of Style by Monique; Monique Obeze who has worked her way to high levels in the Fashion Industry by engaging her efforts in multiple lines of work from New York’s Fashion Week to Atlanta’s Examiner chats with me about her views on the lack of African American’s in Fashion Week, what she looks for in a model, and characteristics one must have to be successful in the Fashion Industry..

SM: Where do you find inspiration from?

MO: Being a native New Yorker, it’s not very hard at all to find inspiration when you have a creative mind…I find inspiration on the streets as I watched people go about their daily routine, through architectural landscape, sculptures, movies and the usage of bold colors in graffiti on the walls. Inspiration can be found any and everywhere that’s the beauty of it all!

SM: What do you look for in a model?

MO:I look for confidence in their personality and stride, without it, it can affect your presentation/fashion show. Ideally; you need a strong walker to open and close a show!

SM: What are your three most favorite things to do?

MO: I like to cook; I’ve been doing it since I was seven years old. I love seeing my family enjoy meals that I prepare… cooking is something that I find relaxes me; I could never get tired of doing. Shopping is second, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I have to buy something for myself to feel good; just the thought of purchasing an item for a close friend or family member to enjoy is therapeutic makes me feel good to see people I love happy. Third and final one would be a fun night out in the city with friends or family. What girl doesn’t enjoy getting dolled up to paint the town red!

SM: Describe a time where you were nervous out of your wits.

MO: I recall that moment being my very first styling exhibition in Atlanta, GA. To this day I still experience moments of nervousness, you can never tell how well things will turn out the day of your event. Regardless of how well it was planned for. This is just something that you learn in time comes with the territory.

SM: Who is your favorite designer?

MO: There are so many designers that I favor currently that are blazing the trail in the industry right now…. Tom Ford is certainly one of them that stand at the head of the class. He has really come into his own with his signature design aesthetic, if you’re really into fashion, you can immediately recognize his work, it exudes and edginess with sex appeal. It’s exciting to see what he has been able to achieve over the years with Gucci and now his own brand; I look forward to seeing more. Donatella Versace is another all-time favorite of mine, she epitomized the true meaning of “started from the bottom,” first starting out in her early days as a Muse/Wardrobe Stylist under her older brother, the late Gianni Versace, she was able to find her niche yet stay true to Gianni’s vision by fusing bold colors with skin tight pants and short sequins mini dresses. Utilizing animal prints when no one else would. It is those risk-taking great ideas that have helped her to carve a name for herself which has made her a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry to this day.

SM: What are your views on the lack of African American Models during New York Fashion Week?

MO: It is unfortunate that we as a community lack the very essence of showcasing a diverse group of men and women during fashion shows. Knowing, that the world in which we live in was created with people from all walks of life, shapes, sizes and color. Ultimately, I believe the media and manufacturers are to be held responsible for this. After all, they are what predict and ultimately determine what society perceive what beauty is to be, take a look at most major publications cover around the world. They are primarily dominated by thin Caucasian skin models… yet African American consumers is and will continue to be the main contributors to this billion dollar industry! A few years back, legendary Model Agent/Fashion Guru, Bethann Hardison and Fashion Designer, Diane Von Furstenberg organized a forum to discuss the lack of color displayed on the catwalk, in an effort to petition to every major design house to bring diversity back to the runway. Today, there are only a handful of “breakout
models,” like; Supermodel, Chanel Iman that have had mainstream success. My beliefs is, this issue will continue to exist until the fashion industry changes their perspective And the way they have been doing things since the beginning of time as a whole, one man cannot take on an entire army.

SM: What are four characteristics a young designer/stylist must have in order to become successful?

MO: I believe anyone that desires to be a part of the fashion industry must have leadership qualities first and foremost, second a trailblazer; the willingness to pave their own pathway not wait for others to hand them to you. Third, possess artistic or creative ability to develop their niche. Finally, strong will, the fashion industry is tough as is, it’s not design for the weak because there will be many obstacles along the way. But it’s how one handles each encounter determines whether or not if they’re equipped to be in this industry.

SM: What celebrities have you worked with?And can you remember the vibe you felt while working with them?

MO: A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working with VH1’s Reality Star, Risky Bizness of “Real Chance at Love” on a photo shoot, she was very sweet, cool and extremely cooperative, nothing like I imagine her to be. You hear so many horror stories of how some celebrities displaying diva and devo like demands and tantrums, Risky broke down every misconception of that which turned out to be an awesome experience!

SM: Where do you enjoy spending time (fashion wise) the most? Atlanta or New York?

MO: As much as I miss at times visiting certain hot spots in Atlanta for great finds, there’s nothing like home. New York is where it’s at. The energy alone captivates you, there’s no other place I have personally experienced like it in all my years of being in the business.

SM: Do you find yourself schooling your daughters on the essence of fashion, or have they begun to pick up on it themselves?

MO: I’ve never had to impose my views or aspirations on any of my daughters at all, fashion is in their DNA, they all love fashion. However, I did feel compelled to teach them basics of operating and maintaining a business; in the event of one day deciding to take over the family business and/or start their own. Now that they’ve been exposed to each facet of the industry, we can exchange dialog even more and share each other’s thoughts and ideas down to my youngest that is eight years of age which I find to be pretty cool!

SM: Name one place you want to visit.

MO: Paris, France I plan to visit one day soon simply because they’re second in line behind New York with keeping their finger on the pulse of fashion.

SM:Lastly, what is one motto you live by to this day?

MO: “Never burn bridges unless left with no other alternatives.” Building and maintaining relationships are vital in any business. Subsequently, there may be a time when a helping hand is necessary. I am a firm believer that if you nurture your relationship with colleagues, consumers and companies your business will grow which is vital to creating longevity and a successful business.–

Check out Monique Obeze on houseofstylebymonique.com And Follow her on Instagram: @Mo_obsessed and Twitter: @hosbm 🙂

Making sure that every strand is up to par with the rest of your hair color is the thing of the past. Pastel color hair has been popular for about 2 seasons, but purposely dying your hair purple for the purpose of a up-do is the thing to do…