RECAPPING AFW SEASON 4 DESIGNERS

There would be no AFW without our amazing designers.

Each with their own background, expertise, and artistic journey, it's our pleasure to introduce these spotlight designers from AFW Season 4.

MONE HILL FIE BRAND

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Astrology has been a hot topic since the 1960s, but did you know that you can physically “rep” your sign?

Designer Mone of New Orleans showed event goers her artistic expression of astrology when she showcased her “Zodiac Collection” at AFW Season 4 in 2020.

“Fie” stands for “Fashion is Everything.”

The sassy Scorpio illustrated each piece by the power color, personality trait and style of the 12 astrological signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

The passionate sun, moon, and stars lover walked us through her creative process and why she chose the Zodiac to creatively express herself.

“We’ve been through so much in the last year or so. I got heavy into science and started studying the zodiac signs. Each garment represents a different zodiac sign and the power color of the zodiac," she explained.

"When meeting and dealing with new people, and building relationships, I’m always trying to understand them on a different level based upon their zodiac sign or chart. So, I was like, 'You know what, I’m going to do a zodiac collection.' This is what I am into these days, so why not put it on the runway? These girls bring those ideas to life.”

“My friends are Libras, Cancers and I am a Scorpio. I pretty much got their perspective on their attitude and their way of life. My dealings with different zodiac signs are how I formed my collection.”

“I’m not a person who sketches, sometimes I write it down...but this one was straight from the heart. I just went into the fabric store and was like, ‘You know what, this is the power color.’ I grabbed the material and I went home and just constructed it from scratch.”

"I participated in AFW3 in 2019. The only difference between last year and Season 4 was that Season 3 was one big show. You could have everyone come at one time for the entire show instead of having to miss out on people...or this designer that showcases at a different time, and another designer showcasing later that night. But it’s a good thing. I found it to be more organized because you have that leeway with designers going on at different times."

"Sometimes throughout the year I get discouraged and wonder if I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing or 'Is this the right thing for me?' Then, I get here, and everyone tells me how beautiful my designs are... and the whole time I’m scared to showcase because I think something won’t be right, 'I’m missing this,' or 'I couldn’t do this,' or 'I didn’t have time to do that!' I get here and no one sees those imperfections. You can connect with different photographers, models, publicists, or anyone who is into art. That’s what I like the most about Acadiana Fashion Week, the reassurance that I am on the right track."

Mone will not be on stage for Season 5, but she will be attending to enjoy the festivities and to meet fans of her work!

You can check out her style at www.shopfiebrand.com IG @fiebrand

HASHALL K. PAYNE HKP

HOUSTON, TX

Breaking free, yet making it look mod-ish was HKP’s edgy statement at AFW Season 4. Designer Hashall K. Payne launched the “Chains Collection.” The collection pays homage to the time-tested idea of being released from all of that holds you back, and turning it into something beautiful.

Notable elements in her collection were vibrant green leather and light grey chain straps with a sporty feel. The New Orleans designer has been sewing since she was 7-years-old and says her personal style is edgy and chic.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Hashall managed to find creative inspiration from her surroundings. “Whether it’s a leaf falling from a tree or a car passing by, I take that and turn it into anything I make,” she mentioned.

Her inspiration from the everyday gave AFW ultramodern tailored pieces featuring leather joggers, two-piece sets, oversized jackets, tight-fitting bodycon dresses and a grey split-thigh pencil skirt.

“I spent just about a month and a half on each piece. Then, I took about a week and a half on each piece to perfect it. Now that I've finished I feel very happy and relieved,” she said about AFW Season 4.

Her brand showcased in the Austin and Greenstreet (Houston) Fashion Weeks, but AFW 4 was her first time showing in Acadiana. “I love the atmosphere, it’s very vibrant and everyone was very welcoming, easy, and pleasant. I really enjoyed my whole experience here. At first, I was really scared and now I am really excited and ready to see what’s next.”

You can catch HKP's signature looks at this year's AFW Season 5.

Hashall K. Payne

RACHEL ANN RACHEL ANN BOUTIQUE

NEW ORLEANS, LA

She’s new to designing, but definitely not new to the runway. Rachel Ann is a former model turned designer for Acadiana Fashion Week. Her collection of shaggy faux fur, puff sleeve blouses, embellished skirts, and array of vibrant colors kept everyone near the runway wanting more.

She is based out of New Orleans and her boutique describes her personality: fun, bubbly, and vogue-ish with a hint of glam. She closed out her show by sharing her victory walk with her Mom, both wearing matching long-sleeved, pink and purple iridescent sequin blouses.

Rachel shared with us that opening a high-fashion boutique has always been a dream of hers. “I love styling and coordinating different pieces for all my clients. I mean...don’t we all love being fashionable? I am here to help my clients with just that and I will do whatever it takes to help them to find that perfect outfit. I want every woman who shops with me to embrace and feel the phrase, ‘Confidently Beautiful.'”

Rachel credits her creativity with the company she keeps. “I wish I could take credit for everything, but I feel most creative when I’m surrounded by individuals who help me to think outside the box and motivate me to continue to do better. You are who you are because of who you surround yourself with. I’m so thankful for the people in my life that push my creative side and let my inspiration shine.”

Rachel is a 2018 & 2019 AFW model alum, and this year was her first year participating as a designer. “Despite the pandemic, this year at AFW has been just as exciting as the previous years that I’ve participated in! I’m so thankful that AFW was able to happen,” she mentioned.

When asked about her design process, she describes herself as always being prepared. “I buy pieces that can work together and pair designs as they come in. When it comes to a runway show, it makes it easy and quick for us to style the appropriate items together to create the ‘WOW’ factor that designers search for.”

Personally, we can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for AFW Season 5

Currently you can find Rachel Ann’s exclusive shop online.

www.rachelannboutique.com

Instagram: RachelAnnBoutique

Facebook: RachelAnnBoutique