As a runway coach for young ladies and beauty pageant contestants around the world, I stress that confidence and a successful attitude are what makes a woman stand out from a crowd of contestants.
I have also found that the dresses in the b michael AMERICA RED collection help women accomplish these goals.
When I met with b Micheal in his atelier in New York City, he shared how his ready-to-wear collection brings the elegance, refinement, and fit of his haute couture pieces right to the rack.
Dresses that go elegantly from day to night
“The way we live today, it is so important to have clothing that takes us elegantly from day to night,” the storied clothier, who also designed the costumes for Whitney Houston in Sparkle, tells theGrio.
“This is a ready-to-wear collection that follows the real traditions of couture,” b Micheal further explains, saying, “we worked very hard to make each dress conform as though it is measured for your body.”
His diligence and dedication to this collection can be seen immediately in his studio environment. Filled with industrial sewing machines, a working table and women working on patterns, adjusting seams, and spreading materials, this Fashion District loft is the central nerve center for b Michael AMERICA RED.
It is the creative mind of b Michael that generated the refined details, soft shapes, and amazing tailoring of his RED collection. Each dress says, “I can bring home the bacon and the sexy,” the perfect mantra for his description of the “modern-chic” woman.
Yes, b Micheal also knows how to dress her.
Timeless chic of b Michael AMERICA RED
This collection includes sharp shades of turquoise, potent tones of blush, ecru and several unique fabrics, such as textured silks and woven yarns that are still light and comfortable. While his latest collection is for Spring and Summer, b Michael AMERICA RED’s offerings are truly seasonless — as in, for all seasons — as well as timeless.
The hourglass and A-line silhouettes of b michael AMERICA RED — shapes that are emblematic of true American fashion — are enhanced by feminine collars, well-placed darts, subtly sweeping necklines and hems hitting just at the knee.
When you saunter in a dress from this collection, you actually feel like you are flirting as you walk. Audrey Hepburn would have sported one of these frocks in her prime, or a young Diana Ross. Even her daughter Tracee would choose b michael AMERICA RED for the desired look of fun, opulent elegance.
What does the courtier think of these lady-like details?
“They are bringing the couture sensibilities that I think make the collection more special,” says b. Michael
Couture meets ready-to-wear in RED
Couture, a word that has lost the meaning of handmade quality for some brands, for many just means expensive. But, as a runway model, I have had the luxury of feeling the fit of gorgeous, handmade clothes. The use of darts, seams, and raw skill that mold designs to your body, hitting you in the perfect spots to show off your curves — that’s what gives you that one-of-a-kind “this dress was made JUST for me” exhilaration.
With ready-to-wear it is almost the opposite. A designer must expand his pattern, and make simplified construction choices to suit a wide range of shapes for each size. It can often mean the simplification of fit and a lack of that detail that enhances a woman’s form.
Yet, b Michael, who has been a couturier for over 25 years, has worked very effectively to blend these two polar opposites in this season of dresses.
His b michael AMERICA RED collection miraculously gives you ready-to-wear looks with a couture fit.
Making sure RED is made in America
In addition to bringing couture quality to the table, b Michael is spearheading yet another path by remaining committed to ensuring that all his clothes are designed and made here in America.
Since 1999, when b Michael launched his own line, b has stayed true to creating jobs for garment workers in New York City and supporting the heart of the U.S. fashion industry. Hence the addition of “AMERICA” to the b Michael brand name.
He adamantly states, “It can be challenging, but it is necessary. I want to support our economy, the industry and to keep a close eye on the quality and interpretation of my designs.”
“In 2011, approximately three percent of the clothing sold in the U.S. was actually manufactured here, according to a report from the American Apparel and Footwear Association. In 1960, that number was 95 percent,” Mark-Anthony Edwards, Co-Founder and CEO of b michael AMERICA said in a statement.
“I want to support our economy, the industry and to keep a close eye on the quality and interpretation of my designs,” b says.
Trying b michael AMERICA RED on for size
“I wanted these dresses to make you feel like it’s a new season,” b says about his latest selection of garments. The designer wants all women to feel “fresh” and “pretty.”
“Make a statement,” he offers about his smartly designed clothes.
The Halo Collar Empire Dress in turquoise is refined and elegant. (It can be seen in the gallery that accompanies this story.) The color is a perfect mix of bold and sweet.
I loved the Sweep Dress with black and white spot-textured fabric. The dropped waist elongates the torso and gives a flattering shape, while its flared cut inspires a dance floor twirl, even while walking down the street.
I also tried on a sleeveless bi-color dress and bolero jacket in silk shantung. It’s a great example of the high-level thinking this couturier expresses in his craft.
The cut, stitching and colors of the dress work perfectly in tandem. The dress presents a strong visual shape with front and back white shell-toned panels, while reducing your waist with side panels of navy.
It is this season’s slimming dress that also makes you proud of your curves.
b Michael: Giving back as he expands his brand
Not content with the feat of growing his label from couture to ready-to-wear, b Michael also believes you have to lead by example and be committed to making a difference. This mindset extends to his philanthropic endeavors to support organizations that educate and empower young people. He is a major contributor to the Cicely L. Tyson School of the Performing and Fine Arts and champions the very special DreamYard Project, which uses the arts to nurture and inspire K – 12 students in the Bronx.
Speaking proudly of his achievements, the designer also touted the debut of the b michael AMERICA RED collection at Macy’s stores nationwide. He’s actually planning to travel to various stores and to hold consulting sessions with customers, helping every one get the best fit, achieving the perfect look. “It is a great opportunity to expand the b michael AMERICA brand and continue to reach a new customer,” b says of bringing chic women everywhere his personal touch.
I know this for sure: every woman should have the opportunity to express a personal style that sets her apart. This collection delivers that winning confidence, imparting a successful attitude, that is central to having that flair. Having had his designs worn by women ranging from Beyoncé to Cicely Tyson, Angela Bassett, Cate Blanchett and more, b Michael knows how to deliver universally fabulous, timeless style.
The b Michael AMERICA RED Collection is available in select Macy’s stores nationwide.
Photos by Cam Camarena. Additional reporting by Michele Wilson. Michele Wilson is the CEO of Taylored Productions.