Designer Spotlight: Berry Martin Paris FW
“We are our ancestor’s wildest dreams.” – Brandan “B Mike” Odums
Black people have a history so rich it’s engrained across diasporas into the soils of nearly every nation. We celebrate this richness across the world in a myriad of ways, with culture and art being the chief among them. But when we marry culture with art, we get extraordinary displays of our history. This ideology has been the creed of Catou Wear LLC. Berny Martin is the founder and owner of the haute couture brand that was recently showcased at Paris Fashion Week.
Berny Martin utilizes the collection “The Enchanted Fantasy Ball” as a vehicle of storytelling that tells a rich history of Black Americans through fabrics. From West African roots to the Trans-Atlantic slave Trade, chained up and dropped off at various boat stops, people of the African Diaspora have made the best and brightest of the darkest situations. Creating art and innovation has become a fantastic symbol of the excellence that Black Americans possess
“My inspiration is Black Excellence, and most of the fabrics are from various countries in Africa and some of the clothes were made in various countries. When I am referring to Black Excellence, I am referring to the culture of being an acknowledgment of great accomplishments.”
The many accolades black people have accomplished through years of oppression and racism, tribunal, systematic, and otherwise, is not a story that can just be told through books but through art, entertainment, and fashion! Fashion has always regurgitated history. A rhetorical snapshot that has relayed more than words even have the capability of conveying. But while fashion can tell the past, it can also tell the future. Not just where Black people came from but where we’re going. The capabilities that we have beyond triumphing struggle. Perhaps even a future that our ancestors thought was only in fantasy books, one might say, their wildest dreams.
Le Catou Wear’s Paris Fashion Week collection, “The Enchanted Fantasy Ball,”
Images via Driss Hadria
Pink in Power
This Pink gown is absolutely stunning, planted in front of an array of flowers like a peony sprouting out of a bouquet. There’s something about this dress that just screams power and influence with a sexy sweetheart neckline. A majestic force of nature, this dress is feminine and elegant with its silk threads weaved for royalty.
Salaciously Red
This red one-of-a-kind suit appeals to those who enjoy wearable art! Much more than a canvas, the model brings the red suit to life. Salacious in hue but luxurious in fabric and cut, this couture suit is brandishingly bold and sure to say so much more about a person than words ever could. Plus, the silver damask brocade embellishments certainly add to the conversation.
October Vibes
If you think black and orange are solely tied to Halloween this season, think again because this fabulous gown and pantsuit prove otherwise. This irresistible pair is perfect side by side, but each piece can truly stand on its own. This black ultra-deep busted gown with a cascading mermaid train is flexible on occasion and a showstopper, no matter the setting. The orange shiny metallic dripped pantsuit screams “I dare you to look”.
Champagne Wishes
This champagne-colored gown has a dropped bodice that falls into a draping hemn sweeping the floor. No matter the occasion, grace the presence of everyone in a room with a dress like this and while you are at it toast to champagne wishes and caviar dreams.
Pearly Pantsuit
Stunning is the model that wears this pantsuit. The pantsuit itself is a classic, flared around the hemn lines to emphasize the silhouette’s uniqueness. Creamy pearl-colored sequins fall off the garment like petals falling off a delicate flower. This unique one of a kind pantsuit will be a great addition to have in your closet.