While some emerging fashion designers spend their first few years in fashion experimenting with various concepts and themes, that is not necessarily the case with designer Bukky Are. Are, owner of House of Versatile Styles, has a clearly defined voice as evidenced in the Fall 2011 collections she presented at the just concluded New York Fashion Week. For Are, the HVS woman has a poignant story. It is a story of elegance, effortless classiness and sophisticated chic; all told through the fusion of the best of African fabrics and contemporary design.
On February 17th, 2011 in New York, at the unveiling of her new collection(s), Are who teamed up with FSL Cosmetics and handbags by Olas Handbags, began the evening’s presentations with her HVS De Luxe Clothing Collection; which comprised of a variety of stunning mini-dresses and skirt-suits; all flawlessly designed using prints such as 100% African wax, embroidered lace and shimmery sequin fabric. The chromatic themes of the collection showcased an interesting mix of dynamic colors ranging from hot pink to lilac, royal blue and even classic black. Attention to design details was also evident as each piece shown had an overall polished classic finish. Dresses were dramatic yet functional taking the HVS woman from a cute day time look to head turning evening wear.
The presentation evolved to incorporate HVS’ Curve Collection, a full figure line that accommodates women of various shapes and sizes. Are completed her presentation with earrings from her new HVS Accessories Collection. The Accessory collection, already garnering major attention in the jewelry industry, was beautifully paired with the HVS De Luxe and Curve Collections.
~by Elfonnie Inokon
~Courtesy photo
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
