FASHION FOCUS

Natasha

Fagans

SPORTSWEAR FASHION NEWS:

Has The Platform Sneaker Trend Run Its Course?

The world of sneakers has found its permanent spot in both runway and street culture for many years. The late 80s and early 90s are still very much influential eras for today’s sneaker fashion from low to high end brands. Whether it’s a flamboyant hue for a simple fit, an intentional pattern clash, or a classic finish to a comfy sweatsuit, sneakers are almost guaranteed to be the first focal point of attention for any fit. Sneakers have become one of the best ways to express originality and style. Nowadays, even brides throw on a pair of Air Jordan 1’s for the wedding reception because it’s widely known that sneakers split no differences with functionality. In fact, Air Jordan releases remain the highest anticipated sneaker releases on the calendar every year, even over Yeezy.

For many years, sneakers were considered just athletic or casual alternatives, but more and more they are reaching beyond their existence as just a gym shoe. Classic sneakers like Air Force 1, Stan Smiths and other low top sneakers dominated the industry with their “dress up- dress down” abilities for the last decade or so. Even Gucci came out with a classic that resembles the silhouette of the iconic Stan Smith sneaker.

Around 2017, the footwear fashion industry welcomes back the platform sneaker. Balenciaga completely and quickly dominated the thick sole trend while Gucci, Alexander McQueen and some others added their twist to the party. But what sneaker really gave Balenciaga a run for its fat sneaker money? Take a wild guess… Yep! The iconic Allstar Chuck Taylor! Completely unpredicted and preferred by minimalists and trendsetters, rarely ever did this shoe stay on the shelves after any given release day. This made them a super easy come up for resellers. women. They work for both the gym and the grocery store regardless of the weather. These are probably not the most “fashion forward pieces,” but relevant still.

- ALL THINGS OVERSIZED (unisex) • Be on the lookout for those nostalgic features in almost every brand like Nike, Adidas and Puma coming this Spring. Comfort is the key in today’s trend.

The question is… Has the platform sneaker reached the possible end of its road for current sneaker culture? With the growing embrace of personal style and uniqueness, sneaker trends are lasting much longer than times past. It’s highly doubtable.

SPORTSWEAR AND SNEAKER FORECAST

What are some athleisure trends and sneaker releases to look out for in March? - THE TRACK PANT • The comfort of pajamas but the look of running gear… Track pants are another trend that is most likely never to phase out. New colorways are on the way as we enter into the spring months for sure.

- SWEATPANTS • Yeah right! Are we even going to go there? Whether it’s elasticized cuffed bottoms, or slim fit joggers. . . Imagine life without basic cotton lined sweats…. Nah, I don’t want to either

MARCH SNEAKER RELEASE CALENDAR

*source: www.23isback.com and www.houseofheat.com* March 4: Yeezy 350 V2 “MX Blue” March 5: Air Jordan Retro 6 White UNC March 6: RESTOCK Yeezy Slide “Pure” March 6: Yeezy Slide “Ocre” March 6: Yeezy Slide “Onyx” March 8: Women’s Retro 6 – White/ Mint March 11: Air Jordan retro 12- Playoffs March 19: Retro 13- White/ Yellow March 24: Retro 8- Rui Hachimura March 25: Retro 5- Jade March 30: Yeezy 700 V1 “Wave Runner”

- ALL THINGS SPANDEX (women) • Tanks, sports bras and tights are the go-to for most Natasha Fagans @nmfagans

Ericka J.4646 March 2022 March 2022

Dionne Warwick

Legendary Singer Dionne Warwick is coming into 2022 blazing with a new single “Power In The Name” featuring Krayzie Bone from the rap group. Bone Thugs & Harmony and artist Nomad (Damon Elliot). The song is a great mix and balance of old school, new school, hip hop, soul and of course gospel. I love it, it will definitely have your head boppin’, feel good music. Let’s not forget her single she dropped at the end of 2021 “Nothings Impossible” featuring Chance The Rapper, she’s definitely keeping herself going, she’s now 81 and not done! Yes Queen!

2022 Black Music & Entertainment Walk Of Fame

Big Congrats are in order for a few giants in the music & entertainment industry. Bebe & CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence, and Yolanda Adams were inducted at this year’s ceremony. In addition, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy Jr., Cicely Tyson, and Ray Charles were honored as foundational inductees. Tyler Perry was inducted as Mainstream Mogul, these and the other honorees are all well-deserved recipients.

Bishop Noel Jones

It’s official the long-time eligible bachelor Bishop Noel Jones, she said “YES”, and they are getting hitched! If you follow his ministry or had a chance to watch the reality show “Preachers Of LA’” you are well aware of his long-time courtship with Loretta Jones, and the fact their courtship spans over two decades. He was previously married for 20 years to Ruth Jones, and they have three children from that union. At 72 years old, Bishop admittedly, publicly said, right before his proposal, “I thought about should I, at my age get married?” Social media as you can imagine, immediately dissected this relationship and proposal and it went viral in no time! The proposal is on you tube if you would like to view it. Bishop Jones has allegedly dated many women, from reality stars to movie stars, to athletes, and Loretta has remained through it all! Now. She finally becomes Mrs. Loretta Jones aka Lady Jones! We will stay tuned for the nuptial announcements, Congrats! News

Karen Clark Sheard

Motown Gospel has signed First Lady Songstress Karen Clark Sheard, a partnership with Karew Records, and we can look for new music from Lady Sheard this year! It has been a decade since she’s released a solo project. This is exciting I can’t wait! Stay Tuned!

David Frazier

David is one of the greatest songwriters/producers of my era and he’s still thriving. He’s noted for being the pen behind a lot of Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s hit songs, “Power Belongs to God”, “I Need You to Survive”, “How Much We Can Bear” just to name a few. Another one of his hits with Bishop Hezekiah Walker was “Second Chance” that originally featured Monique Walker, former wife of Bishop Walker. Frazier has repackaged the song and added a new sound to the lead with BET Sunday’s Best Winner, Y’Anna Crawley. In addition, David has also released a 40 Day Devotional Journal, “The Fearless Woman”.

Eric Waddell

Baltimore’s Own choir master, Eric Waddell has been all over pushing his new single “God Wants To Do” featuring Ron Summers. It absolutely speaks to the spirit and encourages the heart, God wants to do something special with you, something new, something different! Available now at all digital media outlets!

Maurice Griffin

You may have seen him on BET’s Sunday’s Best, but this guy has not stopped since, despite health scares and a testimony to go right with it, he declares about his healing everywhere he goes. Maurice has a new project titled “Life After Sunday”, his #1 single, “Love Peace Happiness” features Baltimore’s Own “Mo Horns”. Maurice is on his way to Baltimore this month, to celebrate his newly released music. Check it out!

Dionne Warwick Bebe & CeCe Winans Yolanda Adams

Bishop Noel Jones Derrick Lee Karen Clark Sheard

David Frazier Eric Waddell

Derrick Lee

Skillful maestro, music director of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, Derrick Lee transitioned on February 19, 2022, in Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN. BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, is the longest running gospel show to date, the show lasted 35 years. Lee was the songwriter, musician, producer, then music director, even once the run was over at BET, Dr. Bobby Jones took his show to Impact TV, “Bobby Jones Presents” where Lee continued his reign as music director. Take your rest Maestro! “Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com

Maurice Griffin