Marcell Von Berlin - Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Fashion remains one of the greatest 'loves' and sheer pleasures of my existence--and excites me in ways that make me giddy and enthralled all at once.  Such was the reaction to my introduction to designer label, MARCELL VON BERLIN.

Founded in 2012 with ready-to-wear collections for men and women, the label stands for progressive looks, reflected through powerful silhouettes and unique statement prints.  Based in Berlin, the label embodies electric energy and urban charm with a street-style emphasis.  But ready-to-wear isn't all the label offers. Designer Marcell Pustul is a visionary who also creates custom made couture pieces.  The result? Both lines offer impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. 

 

Since its relaunch in 2018, the brand has expanded nationally and internationally, making its New York Fashion Week debut recently. On February 18th, the designer released his Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection titled “Fashion Remains.”

“Fashion Remains” is a reflection of Marcell's experience in Los Angeles during the pandemic. The FW21 collection expresses strong optimism towards the new normal. The message of the collection is in this strange new world lies the belief in the strength of fashion and its yearning for return.

 

Shooting on ruined building on the rough cliffs of Malibu evokes standstill, as if the entire world is holding its breath (“the new normal”). The collection moves in this ambivalent, intangible realm - a realm between something rooted in our world as we once knew it, and yet completely different. 

Watch the stunning digital NYFW show here and prepare to experience some of my aforementioned giddiness, too.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: MARCELL VON BERLIN, F/W 2021

MARCELL VON BERLIN collaborated with Fashion Director/ Stylist Nicola Formichetti. 

 

 

 

{Hairstory}: Tribal Braids x Life Lessons

I can barely recall a time, absent young childhood, when my hair wasn't top of mind.  Whether it was the leap from virgin to relaxed hair; my first chop--a chic bob that would become a favorite go-to style over the years; keeping it healthy while living miles apart from my trusted stylist during college and law school; enduring the upheaval that workout sweats wreak, and on and on, it's always been (and remains) a consideration.  And allowing myself to embrace myriad styling options (albeit gradually) has become invaluable.

A couple of years ago, I switched gears from my minimally relaxed routine about three times a year (to help with manageability) and stopped applying any chemicals, despite how slight the previous applications had become.  It wasn't intentional initially, but as time passed, I decided to go with the flow.  During that period, I also released my previous resistance to extensions, weaves, and the like, and jumped on the "sew-in", clip-ins bandwagon for additional versatility.  And, most recently, I opened my styling options to the easy, carefree world of braids.  In full candor, it was a somewhat unexpected adjustment that caused me to reflect more deeply about how I view myself, my personal aesthetic, embracing change and the freedom to express myself as I see fit on the hair and beauty spectrum.

I must say I was delightfully surprised at all of the positive and affirming feedback my new look garnered and how it truly served to help me settle into my new hairstyle.  Because let's face it--hair is a big deal.  Whether you're deciding on texture, styling options, healthy maintenance, battling hair loss or diminished density due to improper care, illness, aging, etc., our hair is our crown of glory and is forever attached to our self-expression.

Back to my foray into the world of braids (beyond my previous, simpler, but no less lovely, cornrow styles), I decided to go for the tribal braids with inspiration drawn from Bo Derek's famous look in 10.  My motivation was lifestyle ease, especially regarding those style-crushing workout sessions I mentioned earlier, coupled with my admiration for the sheer beauty of the style as worn by other women.

I said farewell to my braids on last night after my six week stint and can say that along with my hairstyle change came a greater self-appreciation and open-mindedness to express myself in ways I deem beautiful and authentic.  I fell in love with this new expression of myself and added another notch in my hair story.  See of more of my tribal braids looks here. :)

Happy Living!

P.S. What is your hair story?  Have you ever made a bold change to your hair?

{MAN/WOMAN} MAN Show Autumn/Winter 2019

I momentarily re-entered the world of my dreams during a recent jaunt to NYC.  The dreamland of which I speak was taking in the MAN Show AW19 Collections from MAN/WOMAN, held in New York from January 22-24, 2019.

Despite a full day in the office and freezing temperatures that beckoned anything but being a journalist about town, I would not be deterred from my date with fashion on the cusp of the now running New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Arriving at Spring Studios was its own moment, taking me back to fond memories of my first NYFW coverage a few years ago during NYFW Spring/Summer 2016.  And the thrill only catapulted as I emerged from the elevator and walked into the collection of collections representing MAN's collective of designers hailing from around the world.

Proudly uniting the best-of-the-best in the global fashion community since its establishment in 2012, MAN/WOMAN has been dedicated to fostering an intimate community of fashion talents from around the globe - welcoming top tier brands, designers and press at their shows in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

It's likely no surprise that menswear is typically not my thing (for obvious reasons), however covering this designer collective was as engaging and arousing as any woman's collection, because ultimately, in the eye of a fashion lover, fashion and design are fashion and design.

With the Canadian designer of Viberg Boot

As I weaved in between racks of styled pieces and displays of everything from shoe wear, to leather accessories, I was enthralled with the rich display of colors, textures, fabric and style from the myriad designer collections represented. Highlighted brands included Fred Perry, Veja, Tanner Goods, Sperry and Oliver Spencer.

And menswear never looked as good, making for...

Happy Styling!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2017 Highlights

Happy New Year! Embarking upon another year has always been a source of excitement, hope and anticipation for what's to come.  As 2018 continues to unfold, I'm pressing the pause button to reflect and share some of the amazing highlights that 2017 brought to D.M.R. Fine Foods.

There's a heightened sense of gratitude that occurs when I realize just how amazing this past year has been.  On virtually every front, I was so blessed to create, curate, and share my passions in both familiar and new (for me), exciting ways!

If you've been along for the ride with me until now, multiplied thank yous!! And if you're newer to D.M.R. Fine Foods, welcome!  I look forward to you settling in and staying awhile. :)

So without further adieu, here's our best of 2017, starting with a short video stream of some favorite moments (recommended: watch in full screen mode).
Travel ~
My year in travel was probably my biggest in recent memory.  I literally started the year in the midst of a winter getaway to Rome, Florence and Paris and got to take in these favorite cities (and fall in love with them) all over again.  Within a month, I was off to warmer terrain in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enjoyed a lovely return visit to St. Croix.  My journeys continued to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Phoenix (including one amazing day trip to the Grand Canyon) and finally, my perennial favorite, NYC.  Travel is such a source of joy and discovery and refreshing for me, so a year heavy in taking in destinations near and far couldn't have been better.


Food ~
2017 was by far the most exciting year in food to date!  I started the year sharing recipes inspired by travels, like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, soon followed by a phenomenal virtual potluck with 27 other food bloggers in honor of Black History Month!! It was a one-of-a-kind showcase of global black culture--through the lens of food, including my Curry Chicken Pot Pie feature.  More goodness followed with recipes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Cherry Upside Down Cake, Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Braised Short Ribs and more!

Beyond my kitchen, my food journey was also inextricably linked to my travels, and I had the pleasure of taking in unforgettable local eats and restaurants, such as this and this and this.  It was another delicious year, indeed!

Media ~
Beyond sharing here on the blog, my recurring column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, digital and social media, I was immensely blessed to add both television and radio to the fold.  From a radio interview on the food and culture scene in St. Croix, USVI to several appearances on CBS46's Atlanta Plugged In morning show, I couldn't have been more thrilled for the opportunities to share my food and lifestyle passions with broader audiences.

The year brought continued successful collaborations that included media relations and social campaigns for the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Lucia Department of Tourism, Davio's Northern Italian Restaurant, PopSugar, and more.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
Fashion found its way center stage through style files on Trench Coats, the Met Gala Red Carpet and the exceptional Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show.

And lifestyle inspiration spanned fall tablescapes, to holiday-themed decor, and more.

Thank you for allowing D.M.R. Fine Foods to share with you and may you be inspired to live "the good life" like never before!

xx,
Dawn

{Style Files}: Ragtrade Atlanta Runway Show 2017

On a recent Fall evening, the Atlanta fashion scene came alive under the canopy of Ragtrade Atlanta's 2017 Runway Show.  Providing a showcase for four of the top emerging designers in the industry, the evening boasted head-turning collections and endless style, while culminating a week of fashion.

As an avid fashion enthusiast, the runway show delighted me from start to finish.  Hearing the designers speak to their journeys and inspirations, followed by the presentation of their runway collections, cloaked the evening in a beautifully intimate, yet grandeur, setting.

From women, to men, to holiday, to casual chic, and beyond, the show delivered one stunning look after the next and met the applause of the full house of fashion lovers in attendance. A fitting finale for an amazing week of fashion.

Happy Styling!

{Style Files}: How the Met Gala 2017 Red Carpet Was Slayed

Zendaya, Dolce & Gabbana

Raindrops on roses...whiskers on kittens...bright copper kettles...and Met Gala red carpets.  These are a few of my favorite things.  And last night's red carpet fashion came through in the oft-predictable, glam-slam style that fashion enthusiasts have come to know and love.

LaLa Anthony, Thai Nguyen Atelier

Kylie Jenner, Donatella Versace

I could barely contain myself as Instagram posts and streaming footage, coupled with television coverage, began offering up the starlet looks of the evening.  This year's gala, in honor of Commes des Garcon, brought anticipation of the over-the-top whimsy and flair of many a Met Gala gone by.  But most consistently, it was sighting after sighting of sheer...beauty.  You know the kind of fashion that makes you (okay, that makes me) want to holler?  Yes, those feelings were definitely in operation as I pinned, tweeted, insta-storied and snap-chatted some of my favorites. 

Halle Berry, Donatella Versace

Jennifer Lopez, Valentino

Priyanka Chopra, Ralph Lauren

These looks are the ones that I found to be most stunning and worthy of a little Monday night distraction, even as I told myself that I didn't have time for it.  (But as life has proven, we somehow make the time for what we truly want.)  I wanted all the fashion slaying--and it was served.  Artistically and beautifully so. From fairy-tale, to seductive, to old-world glamour and elegance, to edgy chicness, the style gamut was in full display. 

Cassie, on aura tu vu

Lori Harvey, Dolce & Gabbana

Which is your favorite?  For more Met Gala fashion inspiration, go here.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

{Be Inspired!}: Spring Fling

Although today began on a rainy note, I'm counting on the old adage, "April showers bring May flowers", to prove truer than ever.  I'm anticipating the growth, life, renewal, beauty and full on 'bloom' that Spring represents, as new beginnings and a healthy dose of inspiration beckon me to embrace the gift of life like never before. 

I'm having a fling with Spring--and sharing some of my favorite seasonal inspirations ala my favorite go-to to help you do the same.  As you might have guessed, my girly girl sentiments shine through. :)

I'd like to know how you're embracing the season and staying inspired.  Share with me and let's inspire one another!

Here's to...Happy Inspired Living!

{Style Files}: All Things Trench Coat

For those who know me, they will attest that having a sharp outerwear wardrobe ranks high on my style aesthetic.  From capes, to vests, to coats, to blazers, and more, the right pieces can totally make your look--or even be your look.  (Yes, I ascribe to the 'wear your coat' philosophy.)  Even the most casual and mundane looks can be instantly elevated into style perfection with the right outerwear.  And nothing could be truer when it comes to the world of trench coats.  I like to think of them as quintessential style pieces that belong in everyone's (especially every style maven's) closet.

 

From my earliest days romping around in my London Fog trench (anyone remember those?), until now, I've seen the trench maintain its long-held--and rightful--place in the fashion and style arena as a classic wardrobe staple.

And with the Spring season just around the corner, there's never been a better time to bring this style favorite to the forefront of your wardrobe.  To further rouse your inspiration in that direction, I've rounded up a few helpful tips and tutorials to take your trench wearing savvy to next level fabulosity.

 How To Tie a Trench Coat (Instyle)

Trench Coat 101: Details (Popsugar)

16 Ways to Style Your Travel Trench (Travelista) 

Parisian Chic Trench Style Tips 


Happy Styling!

Photos (excepting 1st image) courtesy of Pinterest

{Style Files}: Cape Life

My favorite season happens to be on the horizon, with not many days to go before its official debut.  Judging by the crisp, refreshing temperatures, warm and cozy fare, and rich style and beauty trends, I'm guessing I'm not alone in my sentiments.  Fall is definitely a star season that beckons to be celebrated.

As the warmer temperatures give way to the cooler, breezy weather, it presents the perfect opportunity to don seasonal looks accented by scarves, hats, boots, and one of my personal favorites--capes.

Chic and purposeful all-in-one, adding a cape to your wardrobe mix provides instant style elevation and transforms even the most understated wares into something truly special.  Below are some looks that are inspiring me to wake up my 'Cape Life' once the season finally settles in.  Whether worn long, short, in the coat, sweater, or somewhere in between variety, you can't miss with a well-worn cape.

 

Here's to Fall...and Happy Styling!

P.S. Want more fashion and style inspiration? Follow me here.

Credits: Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5