FASHION FOCUS

Natasha

Fagans

THE INCLINE OF SPORTSWEAR IN FASHION COMMERCE AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR BRANDS

Sportswear Big Business is by far dominating the fashion industry. It has become quite the norm for consumers all over to spend the highest dollar on a nice sweatsuit or trendy tracksuit. Long gone are the days of purchasing athleisure just for the gym or sports activities. While there are a significant amount of people exercising at home, comfortable wear is the everyday “go-to” fit. Some independent/ start up sportwear brands saw nearly 500%+ increases in sales this past year alone. Nowadays, the average workday or business meeting is in the living room on a laptop, and as a result yoga pants and basketball shorts have become prevalent wardrobe items for almost any industry professional that works remotely. Some statistics even show that the sportswear apparel market valued at over $105 billion in 2020. These numbers are expected to double over the next ten years. One of the main reasons for the increase in interest of the consumer is the multi seasonal functionality of most sportswear. Purchasing clothing that can be worn all year around makes more economic sense, especially for families with multiple children. Dress codes may be a thing of the past soon, but trends that fit any season of the year will never go away. Influencers, especially on social media, have played a key role in helping larger brands make their clothing look sensible to the everyday consumer. Sportswear lovers are more likely to invest in clothing that is durable, inclusive and high in fashion demand.

Spending money that makes “cents” is always the way to keep consumers coming back, but that doesn’t stop the luxury brands from mashing the gas in prices and collabs. From Gucci and Louis Vuitton to Alexander McQueen, high line luxury has not held back its entry into the market. This forces the lower end brands to stay current in order to survive the ever-growing market. Independently owned brands have also become extremely popular with the creation of private brands that have luxury qualities. What does the future look like? I’d say, if these leading brands understand and keep up with the industry demands of the times, sportswear fashion shows no end in sight. Authentic style is important but paying attention to the target consumers is the only way that any brand, especially an athleisure company will remain relevant in a nonstop growing market. Natasha Fagans @nmfagans

SNEAKER FORECAST FOR APRIL 2022

APRIL 2 - RETRO 1 HI ’85 “GEORGETOWN” APRIL 9 - JORDAN 5 “JADE” APRIL 9 - ADIDAS YEEZY 350 v2 ZEBRA APRIL 16 - YEEZY FOAM RUNNER “SULFUR” APRIL 27 - RETRO 5 “EASTER” APRIL 30 - RETRO 13 “NAVY/ BLACK” APRIL 30 - ADIDAS YEEZY 450 “SULFUR”

Ericka J.4242 April 2022 April 2022

Johnny Brown

Johnny Brown who we also affectionately knew as “Bookman” from the sitcom “Good Times”, the actor, comedian, and musician was reportedly at his doctor’s office having his pacemaker checked out, and at some point, while he was there went into cardiac arrest, collapsed and died suddenly. Brown was 84 years old. There was such an outpouring of love from those in Hollywood who had the opportunity to work with him, inclusive of but not limited to Janet Jackson who played “Penny” on Good Times, Holly Robinson Pete who worked with him in “Hangin with Mr. Cooper”, Stephanie Mills who did her first Broadway Show “Maggie Flynn” with his daughter, and Kim Fields, as well as gospel icon Kurt Carr. He leaves his legacy to his wife of 61 years, and 2 children. I’m such a fan of Good Times and still watch it till this day

Traci Braxton

Traci was the middle Sister of The Braxton Clan and part of the cast of “Braxton Family Values”. On March 12, her sister Toni Braxton, announced her sister had transitioned as a result of a yearlong battle with cancer. She had privately been undergoing a series of treatments for Esophageal Cancer. Outside of singing with her sisters, she has released her own solo albums, made some acting appearances, and she and her husband Kevin Surratt joined the cast of the reality show “Marriage Boot Camp”. Traci transitioned surrounded by her family and friends; she was 50 years old.

The Color Purple

Warner Bothers has announced the cast of the upcoming remake of the movie “The Color Purple”, the original novel written by Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize novel. This star-studded cast includes, Louis Gossett Jr., Tamela Mann, David Allen Grier, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Deon Cole, and Stephen Hill to name a few. Warner Brothers’ picture is set to start filming late March, and is slated to release in December 2023.

LaShun Pace Rhodes

Atlanta native, world renowned singer LaShun Pace Rhodes, passed away on March 21st, at the age of 60. Pace was on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant but unfortunately succumbed to heart failure. Her voice was so powerful and along with her 8 sisters, “The Pace Sisters” definitely made their mark in music history. She got her start with her sisters and went on to also pursue her solo career. I have followed their career since its start, and I can honestly say their sound was so harmonious and very distinct. Most recently, Tik Tok sensation can also be added to her resume, as her song “Act Like You Know” has been featured a gazillion times! Gospel music has again suffered a major loss with this one, another golden voice has left in the physical but her music is legendary and shall remain,

News and let’s absolutely look out for her daughter Aarion Rhodes she is quite the singer herself, like her mom. Tyler Perry spoke very highly of her and his experience working with her since his stage play “I Know I’ve Been Changed”, and how they remained friends until her death. He even granted the matriarch of the Pace Family “Mother Pace” her dying wish to own her home, so he purchased her one in 2020. While we mourn this loss, This Queen’s voice shall continue to resound throughout the earth!

Deitrick Haddon

D’Haddy is back with brand new music “God Made” as well as an amazing music video! Y’all have to check it out! Go download it! Thank me later! This guy is unstoppable, and, on a mission, he just keeps cranking out great music! We love it and we are here for it! Lord knows I felt the lyrics!

Lawrence Flowers & Intercession

Here me clear! Lawrence Flowers & Intercession is honestly one of my favorite groups and he’s one of my favorite artists! I am legit still rocking to his previous projects to this very day, and here he is bringing up more! His new single “Calculated” has already hit the Top of Billboard Charts at #1 for the first time, whoop whoop, and I’m so happy, very well deserved! “Merge” is the title of his album, download it all! Thank Me Later and go grab his other projects too, get the entire experience!

Tyrae Brown

On March 31st DMV’s own Tyrae Brown has released his sound with his new EP titled “Thinking Out Loud”, on his label Brownsville Music, his single “Heaven” is the lead single. He has served some of DMV’s major churches, New Psalmist Baptist Church, Mt Ennon Baptist Church, and Celebration Church. In addition, he has worked with some of gospel music’s major artists including Tamela Mann, Earnest Pugh, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, to name a few. As extensive as his resume is with other artists, he’s continued to chart his path creating his own original music and charting! The single is very musically infused mixed with jazz and soul, IT’S ALL THERE! Available now at all digital media outlets, support our own y’all!

Johnny Brown

Traci Braxton The Color Purple LaShun Pace Rhodes Deitrick Haddon Lawrence Flowers & Intercession Tyrae Brown

“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com Grace&Glory 43