There are hair shows, and there are fashion shows, and never the twain shall meet.
Oh, yes they shall.
Angela "Angel" Burt and her company, Angel Face Beauty II, presents the Nubian Natural Hair and Fashion Show: Fashion, Film and Fundraiser. This inaugural undertaking will "combine the beauty of the exotic ethnic-hair movement ... with high fashion."
Themed "Embracing Your Natural Beauty," the event will take place Feb. 20 at the Metroplex, 10800 Colonel Glenn Road. Festivities will begin with a VIP reception from 5-7 p.m., featuring the music of Rodney Block and fashions from resale boutique Shop My Closet.
The show, scheduled for 8 p.m. and hosted by rapper Big Piph and singer Bijoux, will feature clothing by Bruce Davis, Bernice Osei-Danquah, Ruby Moore, Greta Wallace and Anna Taylor. Also featured will be the hairstyling talents of Likita Stout, Sole Harmony Beauty and Wellness Spa; Amanda Travis, J.C. Penney Salon; Tasha Williams, Tasha's Beauty and Barber Salon; and independent hairdressers Karia Daniels and Brittany Warren. Natural hair enthusiasts will be on hand to debut their hair products.
Tickets are $35-$50 at Eventbrite.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit James 127 Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Taylor. The foundation helps save Kenyan women from a life of poverty by way of sewing and jewelrymaking training.
Burt, a former model who specializes in makeup and who gave up perming her hair eight years ago, has worked on other local shows, including Designers Choice Fashion Preview. She says this show is "something that's been on my mind for a long time now."
"Fashion's always trending, right? And natural hair is trending too," she says. "But I think natural hair is a trend that's here to stay."
Show attendees will also be treated to a trailer for Natural Woman: A Sankofa Project Production. The short documentary addresses the psychological and philosophical implications that occur when black women decide to stop straightening their hair and wear it naturally. (The film will be screened at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing, 1001 Wright Ave., and sponsored by the Arkansas Black Independent Film Festival.)
Clothes, Cuteness
and a Cause
Last year's edition of The Fashion Event was held in the spring, but this year's fundraiser for Easter Seals Arkansas will bring some life to the dead of winter. The ninth annual event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Feb. 26, in the Grand Ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza.
Chaired by Jacquelyn Harrison and co-chaired by Lauren Mannatt, the event promises silent and live auctions, a photo booth, music by Boom Kinetic, gourmet appetizers and spring fashions from 14 local stores, including Vesta's, Dillard's, and presenting sponsor Wal-Mart. The featured live-auction item will be "a closet full of clothes for men and women," says Tina Leoncavallo of Easter Seals.
Professional models, along with children and adults from Easter Seals such as Al Hunt, Lyn Copas and Haven McCormack, will showcase fashions before what is usually a packed house.
Proceeds go to help Easter Seals serve children and adults with disabilities. Tickets range from $50 general admission to $1,000 for VIP table sponsors. Go to easterseals.com/arkansas or call Kathryn Norton at (501) 227-3706.
Color(s) of the Year
Pink for girls, blue for boys. Or at least this was what came to mind when Pantone, the country's noted color authority and trendsetter, announced in December that its Color of the Year for 2016 would actually be two colors, Rose Quartz (pale pink) and Serenity (baby blue).
Rose Quartz is described as "a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure," while Serenity is "weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." Hey, just put either color with black.
Prom dreams
That Prom Girl, the Little Rock-based agency that provides clothing, accessories and grooming to high school seniors who otherwise couldn't afford to attend their prom, is getting cranked up again for the 2016 prom season. Donations of new or gently used dresses, shoes and jewelry, along with unused makeup, are being sought. Contact Cynthia Woods at (501) 416-0031 or Subrena Howard at (501) 416-9957.
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High Profile on 01/31/2016