“To be fashionable is to be uncompromising to the things you love… “
- Sistahs Harlem New York
What do Alicia Keys, Cody Chestnutt and Jada Pinkett Smith have in common with Common? Apart from all being very fine people they all share a love for the phenomenon that is Sistahs Harlem New York. With a passion for fashion and sheer determination, Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber took it in to their own hands to make a name for themselves. Starting in 2001 they have already dressed some of the most prestigious entertainers, and their collections of street couture continue to creatively grow from strength to strength. Coming soon are a line of Accessories and a Brothers Harlem New York and it looks like these Sistahs are set to make a very chic mark in the world that is fashion.
MFL: How do you decide upon the theme for each collection?
Carmia: There are many things that inspire a collection. Music. Friends. Family. Colors. Laughter. Books. Politics. We love to empower women (but we are not limited to solely empowering woman (smile). We love to educate. Our collections always have an educational lesson about something or someone. Our last fall collection was entitle Le Femme Du Monde ( High Society Woman) Our muse were Margaret Sanger, Assata Shukar, Zora Neal Hurston, Amy Tan, Tina Turner, all these woman, so different yet so influential and magnificent. We wanted to celebrate them. Our latest spring collection Afro-Cuban: The Africa in Cuba. We wanted to explore the African heritage in Cuba. Very festive, very colorful . . . Sometimes we sit over coffee and brainstorm; other times I may have an idea and I’ll call Carmen and say, “hey what do you think about this idea or vice versa. We may be having a conversation about trees and a new idea may be born.
Carmen: Themes are usually chosen by what moves me or what’s important to me or us as a team. We also like to bring some great knowledge through clothing even more we like to bring awareness to the forefront without it being “in your face”.
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