THE STYLE REPORT

BELLA THE STYLE REPORT

DESIGNING DUOS ∙ LINKED TO PERFECTION ∙ FIERCE FASHION ∙ FUNCTIONAL OUTERWEAR TRANS VISIBILITY ON THE RISE ∙ SUSTAINABLE FASHION WINNERS

Designing Duos

By Mindy Gura and Paula Orlan (Additional reporting by Natalie Shaw)

When looking for upand-coming fashion designers to feature, we were elated to find not one, but two sets of talented identical twins! As twins ourselves, we know the power of a duo. These stylish pairs are true forces to be reckoned with, for sure. Get to know them, their collections, and all the wonderful ways they give back to the community.

M DPiper Twins eet identical twins Danielle and Chantelle Dwomoh-Piper— New York-based designers, models, bloggers, and influencers. Since the start of their journey in fashion, they have been featured in numerous magazines and on TV shows, and their talent has been recognized on a wide array of media platforms. Celebrities such as Lupita Nyong’o, Kelly Rowland, Jojo, Towanda Braxton, and others have been spotted wearing their designs.

Born to a Caribbean mom and an African dad, the DPiperTwins embrace their roots and display it in every collection through a bold and vibrant combination of colorful African print designs. They were born in New York but raised in Ghana and later returned to the United States to pursue their dreams. They graduated from The High School of Fashion Industries, as well as the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology with their bachelor’s degrees.

As part of their efforts to give back, the DPiperTwins have raised funds for several non-profit organizations. They have also participated in multiple charity fashion shows, recently spent their birthday at New Life Orphanage in Ghana and New Year’s at a Village in Ghana where they bestowed numerous gifts to children. They hope to one day create their own non-profit organization to help further their goal of bringing smiles to the faces of people globally through their joy of fashion.

BruceGlen Twins

Bruce and Glen are identical twin fashion designers and pastors earning their name—The Fashion Preachers. While pursing a career in fashion design, they were invited to The Rock Churches, which lead to a 12-year journey pastoring the Manhattan branch of the churches. Preaching at The Rock Churches by night and pursuing a design career by day, these talented twins worked for celebrity brands and also started their own businesses: BruceGlen, a leather goods company; and Put to Flight, a freelance design agency.

Simultaneously, the twins built a loyal social media following in fashion and as ministers. Their message is simple: God wants to make the dream that He put inside of you come true. “As we get to know Him, we will discover how to make our dreams a reality.”

BruceGlen

Freja Bracelet $30, Epifene.com

Highgate Choker $90, YamNYC.com

Signe Necklace $30, Epifene.com

Danielle Hoo $145, YamNYC.com

Olivia Mule in Zebra $655, BrotherVellies.com LINKEDto PERFECTION

This season’s go-to accessory is all about chains. Have fun and experiment with this trend that can be worn in so many ways. The added detail can be seen on bags, heels, and through jewelry designs that are sure to add a statement to any outfit.

By Jonathan Calixto

Patcharavipa Row Pavé Diamond Gold Ring $2,480, MatchesFashion.com

The Itohan Hoops $79, OMATheLabel.com

Aquazzura Bond Girl Chain-Trim Pumps $1,253, FarFetch.com

CANDICE Mini-Floral $65.99, ShyDiva.co

FASHION From multi-use jewelry to the answer to your mask woes, these companies have taken fashion to the next level. While it’s fine to blend in with the crowd, these three innovative fashion brands certainly stand out, and we’re here to tell you why.

By Amanda Mactas

PRETTY CONNECTED

Friends and founders Seble Alemayehu and Fei Z. Biratu launched Yenaé back in 2018 in order to bring the story of Africa to the world. Both were born in Ethiopia but now reside on different continents—one in America, the other in Ethiopia—but both had a desire to share Africa’s rich culture in a unique way. Yenaé, which is derived from the Amharic language, means “mine” and symbolizes the friends’ desire to share their experiences with their customers. Their jewelry is made from recycled materials, including brass, sterling silver, 14-carat gold, and rhodium, as well as ethically sourced gemstones from Ethiopia. Not your typical jewelry brand, Yenaé stands out in multiple ways. While the jewelry is inspired by African culture with a modern twist, it speaks to the wearer in many ways, namely, most of the jewelry can be worn in different ways, ensuring the customer versatility with their purchase. Additionally, curated stories are offered with each item, passing on local and traditional knowledge from the provincial historians and storytellers the company works with. Yenae.com Lara Eurdolian, founder of the award-winning blog Pretty Connected, launched her accessories line of the same name a few years ago and can now add fashion innovator to her already impressive resumé. The brand came about when Lara couldn’t find fashionable and functional camera straps to don on her many excursions, so she

YENAÉ

created her own. What began as a multi-use strap for cameras, water bottles, and purses has now garnered a huge wave of fans utilizing it as a handy-dandy mask strap. Both gorgeous and sturdy, the chains come in an array of colors and styles, double as chic necklaces, and introduce ease into our new mandatory accessory.

Pretty Connected also sells empowering rings, cell phone cases, and other accessories that you shouldn’t wait to shop. Plus, 15% of all sales are being donated to worthy causes such as the Ahmaud Arbery Fund, No Kid Hungry, and Feeding America. Shop.PrettyConnected.com SPILTMILK EYEWEAR Tired of luxury eyewear brands that were too serious and too exclusive, founders Judge Khanna and Saif Ghobash came together to create a brand that evoked humor and included people from all walks of life. Born to help wearers evoke self-confidence and live in the moment, SpiltMilk Eyewear is comprised of showstopping designs and colors that are truly unique.

You won’t find other brands with styles like these. Each pair can be adjusted to fit every person like a glove, thanks to the combination of titanium and metal they are handmade with in Japan. Each design is inspired by a different luxurious destination, from Bali to Phi Phi to Aspen. Maybe most playful of all, each pair comes in a matte black milk carton design that you won’t want to wait to open. SpiltMilkEyewear.com 19

Daily Paper Cargo Coach Jacket Beige $162, DailyPaperClothing.com

Functional Outerwear Over the last few months, casual wear has become a staple part of men’s wardrobe. Here are some ways to elevate your style for fall thanks to a hint of trendy and stylish layers, from jackets to accessories and more.

By Jonathan Calixto

ReadyMade Hoodie in Stone $138, Brwnstne.co

Heron Preston Logo-Tape Belt Bag $410, FarFetch.com

WANT Les Essentials Reagan Crossbody Bag $124, FarFetch.com

Long-Sleeve T-Shirt $305, HeronPreston.com

Balmain Printed Logo Track Pants $448, FarFetch.com

Feng Chen Wen Fall 2020 Menswear

TRANS VISIBILITY ON THE RISE

By Jonathan Calixto Photography by James Michael Avance

arcia P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two iconic transwomen in LGBTQ+ history, began a movement in 1969 that would continue for years to come. While there is no exact trace of when M the trans rights movement began, what is certain is that the transgender community has always been part of the oppressed but also loud voices advocating for change.

While not widely known, some earlier events of transgender visibility in history include the 1966 Compton Cafeteria Riots, in which trans women took a stand against discrimination and police harassment. That was yet another historical mark of the resilience and importance the trans community has symbolized in the movement for equality.

Today, one of the modern voices helping push the transgender agenda forward is Miss Peppermint. She is an actress, singer, activist, and has been recognized as the first transgender woman runner-up on the ninth season of VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Before becoming a household name, Peppermint had early beginnings in Hershey, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware. The limited exposure in those cities would eventually lead her to the Big Apple in hopes of finding, what a trans military ban, a recently organized sports ban, and attempts

she calls, “my people.”

Indeed, New York City would become an influential part of Peppermint’s personal and professional growth. She attended sexism, and LGBT-phobia. I consider myself a part of their

art college by day, and was brightening up the NYC drag scene by night. This would become Peppermint’s crash course into queerness. “I didn’t realize how poignant that would later prove to be,” she explains. “I was working side by side with legends and trailblazers.”

Stardom found its way to Peppermint when she was thrust into the spotlight in 2017 when she was announced as one of to get policy changed. Accept the notion of intersectionality. I

the castmates on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Preparing for such an important competition for drag queens was challenging, recalls Peppermint. “Most of the pressure I felt was from wanting to represent trans queens well during the filming of the show.”

To her surprise, people were unaccepting of her as a valid trans woman after the show aired because she was doing drag and looked “passable” enough as a woman to them. This conflict is that there is no ‘one way’ to be. There is no ‘finish line.’”

experienced in many industries, and not until recently, June 15, 2020 did the Supreme Court rule that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

the trans community has miles to go for equality. “Practically every public or official mention of the word ‘transgender’ by the current administration is related to removing access to something—besides the never-ending ‘bathroom’ debate. There’s at denial of healthcare for trans people, just to name a few.”

Witnessing how trans rights are being targeted, Peppermint recognizes it can be tough, citing that the constant fighting and attacks definitely take a toll. Through this she remains hopeful for the future. “As a woman who is black and trans, I come from a long line of people who endured and fought against racism, journey toward equality.”

When identifying ways in which allies and members of the community can be active, Peppermint points out the importance of social media. Her advice: “Follow Queer activists, people marching in the streets, and the people fighting in the courts personally believe it is not possible in any way to achieve LGBT equality without also fighting misogyny and racism.”

As Peppermint continues to pave a way inspiring members of the LGBTQ+ community, she shares advice once given to her: “One thing that was extremely helpful when I was sorting through the pressure of my transition was hearing from a very wise woman Even with these advancements, Peppermint acknowledges that

This fall, Peppermint’s goal of continuing to share her story in hopes it can help others will be upheld with the release of a new album, “A Girl Like Me: Letter to My Lovers.”

CURIC&CURIC

WINNER OF THE INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDS 2020 By Julie Freeman

Once again, the Independent Handbag Designer

Awards (IHDA) saw a lineup of up-and-coming

“It bag” designers from all over the world. And this year’s BELLA Audience Fan Favorite bag, the

Blue Dahlia, belongs to not one, but two of them:

Marija and Ivana Curic, identical twins and the creators behind Curic&Curic.

Leaving their hometown in Croatia for a post-graduation gap year 14 years ago, the sisters had high hopes for their future. Little did they know, this decision would one day lead to owning a NYC-based fashion brand. Eager to learn from the infamous New York fashion world, the two graduates dove into internships in fashion and PR.

“Back in 2006, fashion in Croatia was not major,” explains Marija. “We saw an opportunity to learn from the best in NYC. It is tough being a foreigner and starting from zero. It was just the two of us.”

The identical twins grew up knowing they were destined to work together—but not before going their separate ways first. After studying law together in Croatia and moving to New York, Ivana continued to pursue a master’s degree in law, while Marija enrolled in a graduate design program.

It was during her early years as a law student that Marija started to create her own bags handmade of recycled materials. Her love for art and painting followed shortly thereafter. Many years after moving to the U.S., the sisters decided to break into the design business, combining their knowledge and skills. Ivana’s business-oriented, realistic perspective grounds Marija’s artsy, dreamy mindset, making for a perfect business dynamic.

Their label, Curic&Curic, offers unique eco-friendly designs, aiming to save the environment by using scraps of fabric and turning them into oneof-a-kind pieces. Customers can send in used vintage denim or leather, and select custom, hand-painted designs for a revamped item. Sustainability stands at the forefront of Marija and Ivana’s brand, which was founded in 2017. After learning that the fashion industry is a big contributor to world pollution, the pair knew they had to make a change.

“Our parents taught us to never waste anything,” says Marija. “We think the future of fashion lies in eco-friendly designs, and hopefully our customers recognize our efforts to stop unnecessary waste.”

As a next step, the twin designers plan to add vegan leather to their materials.

Much like the rest of the Curic&Curic collection, the Blue Dahlia was created with the same core mission in mind. The winning bag is completely handmade from repurposed pairs of old jeans— three different denim washes, braided separately and sewn together over a cardboard-based lining and eco-friendly glue. Besides using fabric waste, the bag was created without the use of electricity, making it a truly sustainable masterpiece.

The infinity-braided, 3D denim look is an ode to fashion icon and painter, Frida Kahlo. “She is my forever inspiration,” says Marija, “not only her paintings, but her whole style—including her braids.”

While Marija and Ivana complement each other perfectly in their creations, they do not necessarily have the same taste in fashion. Marija loves bohemian-inspired designs with bold colors and eye-popping accessories. Ivana on the other hand, likes to keep her wardrobe minimalistic and classic. Their winning combination is a line of timeless and chic yet colorful statement pieces, best paired with basic staples like a white T-shirt.

For the Curic sisters, winning the IHDA is a dream come true; after entering the contest in 2016 with no luck, seeing the Blue Dahlia make it to the final round in 2020 was a surreal experience, they say.

Going forward, the twin duo is focused on merging two passions: creating sustainable fashion while inspiring women of all ages to feel beautiful and unafraid to stand out in a crowd. In the name of female empowerment, Curic&Curic’s ultimate goal is to create an eco-friendly handbag line. The Blue Dahlia is just the beginning.