Model wearing the David Ford Collection
On January 26, 2017, I attended a release party/mixer for the David Ford Collections, a line of stylish customized eyewear that is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, whose mission is to "Provide fashion products to enhance every visual image."
The party was lit! By the time I arrived at the swanky, intimate Spaces&Co. where the mixer was held, it was already in full swing with models walking around showing off different styles of the glasses, music was going and guests mingled with each other and around the food area and the station where we could try on the luxury frames.
A home grown brand, the eyewear is manufactured right here in Cleveland and I loved how the designer/owner David Ford put on for the city! Hosted by DJ Big Heff, the brand used local models, and had live performances and special appearances by so many local artists and socialites it was a like a small Cleveland entertainment based Who's Who convention lol.
The designer David Ford took the mic and shared with us a little information about himself, the glasses and his business and then introduced a few very special guests for the night including London (Londy) Arrington, a young actress, singer, and model who played a younger version of Cookie Lyon on Fox's Empire television series. Londy will debut her own line of frames for kids under the David Ford Collection entitled "Londywear" in spring of 2017.
It was a great event and I'm glad I went! It made me want to find out more about the brand and I look forward to seeing what they will offer in 2017! What do you think of the glasses? Please comment below, like and share!
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Kimberly Alexander
I had my very first shoot of 2017 last week! I worked with Kimberly Alexander, the super talented Cleveland based jewelry designer after visiting her home studio and spying a vintage liquid gold off- shoulder jumpsuit. I squealed with delight when she tried it on for me and it looked amazing against her skin! I still don't know how I did it, but I somehow managed to coax the super shy Kimberly into starring in and photographing her own photo shoot.
We wasted no time planning the shoot for the following week inspired by the infectious rap tune, "Bad and Boujee" and the accompanying video by rap group Migos. We built the mood, the attitude and the styling around the song, combing vintage glam high fashion with a contrasting outdoor setting and had the shoot right in the middle of the hood (East 93rd and St. Clair)- gold one piece and purple shag fur be damned lol!
We set up shop in the street- Kimberly with a point and shoot and a tripod and me with my Android and iPhone, taking photos and video. It was around 10:30 am and cold as hell so we moved fast and worked quickly to finish up our last shots in the neighborhood Arab store further down the street.
I love how we both edited the photos according to our individual aesthetic. Kimberly's main focus was on her own hand crafted jewelry she rocked in the shoot- the gold coin headpiece, the spiked choker and earring, her ring and black cuff. She added a moodiness when editing her photos that made them look like they were kissed by a vintage sun. I focused on the overall glam styling of it all and amplified the vivid colors and attitude with an editing app on my phone.
The shoot was fast paced and fun and it got my creative juices going! I plan to collaborate and have a photo shoot every month this year if possible, not only just to work with other people- but to constantly try new things and consistently stretch fashion styling muscles. If this shoot was any indication, this year is off to a great start!
Enjoy the behind the scenes video below, even though Flipagram would not let me be great and put the song on top of it lol... What do you think? Please like, share and comment below! 
Photo: Bohanon&Co.
Ashley Bohanon (gold pants) and Bohanon&Co. models.
Ashley Bohanon is the creative director and designer for her eponymous fashion line Bohanan & Co. based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Designing since high school, the former model turned designer had a stellar year in 2016, showcasing her luxury women's wear in countless fashion shows across the state. Bohanon's glam separates stand out on their own and were styled in so many different ways that the same pieces looked fresh and new every time I saw them on various runways and in photo shoots. Ashley took the time out to answer a few Fly Questions via email...
WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? I’m the Creative Director and Designer of Bohanon & Co., a luxury womenswear label. I decided to start the brand in June 2016 by showing my summer collection at the Battle of the Teal Talent Show. From there, I continued to present my collections at local fashion events. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DESIGNING? I started the brand in the summer of 2016. I studied Fashion Design at Ursuline College where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2013. The brand is new but I’ve been designing since high school. Until now, I didn’t feel comfortable giving myself the title of “Designer” WHEN DID YOU GET YOUR “BIG BREAK”? I feel like the “Break” I got was in June 2016 when I presented my collection at the Battle of the Teal Talent show. That show broke the ice for me and helped me get over my fears. Each event or show after that has done the same for me. I’m creating buzz around Bohanon & Co. I’m also learning the business and the market. I don’t feel like I got my “big break” just yet.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRESS?
I would love to dress Laura Govan, Teyana Taylor, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Anna Dello Russo. These women have impeccable style, a lot of grace, and embody seduction. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SHOW? Preparing for a show and designing a collection requires organization. That’s key. Knowing what’s going on in the industry and your market is vital as well to ensure that the message you’re trying to portray gets across. WHAT ARE YOUR GO TO PIECES? I love a pair of skinny’s (jeans or pants), a tailored blazer, a pair of heels, mascara, and a bold lip.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
My style is based on my mood. Sometimes I go for a relaxed look with an oversized top and skinny’s, or sometimes I get sexy with bodycon pieces. Either way, my look is always effortless. FAVE DESIGNER OR FASHION HOUSE? I have so many…Marc Jacobs and Alessandro Michele are creative geniuses. Dontella Versace is an icon. I’m really feeling Vetements right now because they are changing the way women dress and bringing something different to the fashion industry. Zuhair Murad is an all-time favorite because the house always brings elegance and glamour. WHO ARE YOUR TOP 5 STYLE ICONS? Sarah Jessica Parker Rihanna Ginger from the movie Casino Laura Govan Wendy Williams
IS THERE A MOVIE OR VIDEO THAT YOU REALLY LOVE THE FASHION?
My all-time favs: The Devil Wears Prada The First Wives Club Casino WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? Continual building of Bohanon & Co.’s foundation while designing my spring collection that will launch in April. WHERE CAN WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WORK? IG @BOHANON.CO TW @BOHANON_CO FB: BOHANON & CO. And shop www.etsy.com/shop/BohanonAndCo |
About the BlogThe main goal of this blog is to connect my readers to everything dope, fresh and stylish- All the Fly Things. Archives
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