Fashionistas got a taste of sustainable garments when the Carousel on Bloomingdale’s first floor was transformed into “Style Kingdom.” During a week-long series of events, some notable fashion designers of color hosted their own special evening of shopping. Style Kingdom also honored the opening of “The Lion King” movie and displayed the featured designers in their Lexington Avenue show windows.

STUDIO 189X

Actress ROSARIO DAWSON and her business partner ABRIMA ERWIAH (niece of legendary 60s model/businesswoman Naomi Sims) showed off their Studio 189X label of sustainable clothing which is produced in Ghana. The label’s core ingredient is organic cotton and this pair of enterprising young designers were recently honored by the CFDA (Councill of Fashion Designers of America) with their Lexus Fashion Initiative 2.0 Award. The top prize came with an $80,000 award geared to new fashion businesses that further sustainability in the fashion industry in a profound way. Studio 189X beat out 5 other finalists for this prestigious honor. Between pulsating African beats, from DJ Uproot Andy, and light bites from Africa Chop House, guests shopped for meaningful clothing, like the Sky blue and Navy blue dots Hand Batik Silk flared dress, among them.

FE NOEL

On the previous night, Caribbean calypso and soca music pierced the air as featured designer FE NOEL, who comes from Grenadian roots, and her `Carnival’ possee got down for a quick “wine-up” in the middle of the event. Her clothing has a definite Caribbean sensitivity with soft flowing fabrics in a burst of vivid color and cut-outs. She’s been able to bottle that Caribbean flavor into some intriguing and glamorous clothing. Fe has also started the Fe Noel Foundation; a program for young girls who are passionate about entrepreneurship.

CELEBRATION

Fe has developed a large following and clients since her debut at Harlem Fashion Row showcase in 2015. Her business has grown by leaps and bounds and welcomed the celebration launch of this new collaboration with Bloomingdales. Among those spotted enjoying the Thursday night celebration were: Beyonce’s Publicist, Schure Media’s CEO Yvette Noel-Schure; Hairstylist to the stars Ursula Stephens; Consultant Umindi Francis; Grenada Tourist Board Director Christine Noel; celebrity photographer Colin Williams; Harlem Fashion Row’s Brandice Daniel; St.Lucia’s Tourism Official Lorainne Saint Jude, Fashion Addicts founder Chantel Beaumont and Fe Noel’s publicist J Dot.