LeGrand Leseur. Originally debuting in 2014, he’s not one to shy away from the camera. Since our first encounter, I’ve had the opportunity to watch this gentleman flourish. From celebrating birthdays to sharing in his accomplishments, he’s remained the same, yet a bit wiser, a bit more seasoned. For those unfamiliar, check out our previous feature. Without further pause, let’s jump into it.

Wassup with your new installment of glasses and suits?
I partnered with a new factory to help produce my latest designs of sunglasses. The style of my sunglasses is something I always try to reflect off my suit designs – to make items people do not have or know they want yet. It’s a lot more fun that way to me. My newest collection was going to be heavily floral patterned and bright colors but with the pandemic going on, I wasn’t completely feeling that. I am in the process of finishing the collection for suits and shirts but I’m not sure which way I should lean quite yet. 

I may sound bias talking about your suits and the energy they give off. What’s been the response to them? What are people saying?
People love them! And I’m not saying that because it’s my brand. Myself, and others that wear my products, are stopped in the street all the time for compliments. People are always surprised to see something different and it catches many people off guard but in a good way. I was in Barcelona in January for a bit, eating at a restaurant and the waitress just kept asking about my glasses the whole time. People really become obsessed which means the style connects with people. 

Do you see a trend with suits, provided we’re able to go back outside?Honestly right now, we are in a very strange time. One of the leading countries in suit design and construction, Italy, has been in mandatory quarantine for a while now. With so many fashion houses under lock down over there, the trends that normally would come out are on hold. I think actual fashion trends aren’t going to be a thing for another 6 months or until we can get outside at least. People in the fashion world inspire each other. With a lack of people outside as well as multiple fashion weeks canceled, I don’t believe there is no need to worry about trends right now. The average joe with a white-collar job who had to wear a suit every day is now stuck inside wearing pajamas the whole day. It’s wild and there is no end in sight for this shit. 

Has fashion died now that we can’t go outside?
I don’t think it has died, but the problem has become what’s important? People can’t feed their families and you expect them to buy a purse for $1500? The prices for high fashion has ballooned so much that I don’t see how companies and designers now are turning much of a profit. The bubble is going to pop. I think smaller or, I should say, local brands will do better now because they do not cost as much and normally have lower overhead. Fast fashion and lower priced streetwear will do very well now too. With the lack of trends coming out right now, fashion will be on the back burner for a little bit even after the pandemic is over. For many people fashion is fun and isn’t a necessity. I think that mind state during the pandemic is going to hit home harder and harder with each day that passes in this mess. 

Given that we’re under quarantine, how has COVID-19 affected you?
Well I am a very social person so being stuck inside for so long is messing with my mental a little. I get grumpy to be honest. I miss parties, concerts, functions, and fundraisers. Luckily, I have a pretty awesome support system that consist of family and close friends. Honestly, this shit sucks. I want to go to a rooftop bar and just lounge out. 

Fashion tips for people during this time?
Clean out your wardrobe now. Get ready to be fly as hell coming out the gate when this is all over. The first nice week of the year after quarantine is over is going to be the best time to go out and peacock. In the meantime, just be cozy. Fashion doesn’t matter without an audience. 

What are you doing with your Quarantine time?
Stuck inside has left me no choice really than to be digital as much as possible. I have been editing photos online for my sunglasses line. I have written a screenplay and started two others. I have also been working on my online also called Classic Entourage Mag. 

Who’s your favorite designer?
That is a tough one. I don’t look at other designers very often in my field. Sort of, like when hip-hop artists say they have been listening to jazz when they are writing their album. I don’t like to be influenced by anyone when I am creating. That being said Karl Lagerfeld before he died was pretty awesome. His work is great but his personality was so big and that’s what I loved about him. I also admire my mentor Vicky Tiel! She did stuff for Elizabeth Taylor and Oprah. She is really wonderful. 

For more information visit www.legrandleseur.com

Photography by Riza and Sikatheart

By: Tanya T. Morris of Mom Your Business

The Fashion District Philadelphia (true Philadelphians will still call it The Gallery.) opened today redefining the retail of Philadelphia with some Philly Flavor.

The 900,000 square feet of space features a robust lineup of dynamic stores including Nike, Columbia and H&M, but the Philly Flavor is what makes it great! Tiffany’s Bakery a hold over from The Gallery, Chickie’s & Pete’s headlines the back food court but the Uniquely Philly area focused on small businesses is what it’s all about. The District collaborated with The Enterprise Center, a local organization that seeks to better position high-potential , minority and female entrepreneurs in the economy.  The collaboration is a curated collection of local small businesses with authentic Philadelphia offerings to the District. The four inaugural tenants are:

American Hats LLC: a family-run business that utilizes high-quality materials to offer an assortment of hats to women and men.

Dolly’s Boutique: From daywear to formal attire, Dolly’s Boutique caters to working women.

The Sable Collective: A destination for locally sourced, female-owned brands in clothing, jewelry, housewares and body care.

South Fellini: The City’s go to place for quirky Philly-themed gear that appeals to both Philadelphians and tourist.

Another exciting way the mall is fostering its diversity is by leasing space to REC Philly, a start-up co-working and makerspace for artists and creatives. REC Philly started in a basement in North Philadelphia. The new facility will house recording studios, visual labs, a podcast studio, rehearsal space, production rooms, meditation rooms,  private conference rooms, and a creative coworking and 200 person event space.

The District has a lot of art installations and other things unique to Philly, there are a lot more activities lined up for the weekend including fashion show so go check it out.

Tanya T. Morris is the President & Founder of Mom Your Business, the organization connects mompreneurs to resources & opportunities that lead to success in business and in life. A former reporter for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Philadelphia Tribune Ms. Morris is a contributor and editorial advisor for Main Course Philadelphia. 

by Jamillia Kamara

On a brisk Sunday evening, Michelle “The Stylist” Edmonds hosted the first annual Fantasy Hair Gala at the African American Museum. Michelle is a self-described “hair artist” who has dedicated her life to inspiring hair creations, styling, maintenance, and health.

Her vision for the Fantasy Hair Gala was simple. Edmonds “wanted to create a black tie event where fashion and hair could be celebrated.” To this end, Michelle and her team succeeded. The show opened with an impressive dance routine performed by the young ladies of Bodies in Motion. They effortlessly showcased their flexibility and confidence with a series of high-energy, perfectly timed moves that would make even the most uptight grandmother wiggle. My stiff, non-dancer body needs to take a lesson with them at some point.

The night continued with two fashion shows intermixed with an additional dance routine. The first featured models donned in eclectic forms of bubble wrap, complete with neon accents. Who knew the possibilities for a simple packaging tool could span pencil skirts, Marilyn Monroe inspired dresses, tube tops, and bandeau wraps?!

As a former playground champion of I Declare War, the second fashion show was my favorite. This segment gave me flashbacks to the massive amounts of gobstoppers I collected as prizes for my card game winnings. The cards were creatively used to dress models of all sizes. If that was not enough, the power portrayed in each high fashion hairstyle was indescribable. You had to be there.

Each model showcased an exquisite display of hair artistry to complement the fashion they featured. Most memorable was an asymmetric bob slayed by a model with a killer “dress of cards.” Color blocked with fiery red, the striking black bob stole the show and the accompanying dress easily consisted of four card decks.

Edmonds has high hopes for the 2nd Annual Fantasy Hair Gala. As she reflected on the night holding a congratulatory bouquet of assorted spring flowers, Edmonds smiled proudly. “This was a learning experience for me…hair is my life. It is a part of everything I do. Next year, [the show] will be better, and I am excited about what is to come.”

Connect with Michelle on her website at https://squareup.com/market/michelle-edmonds, or on Twitter at @newlyfe1121.

Photography by Ebony Lavone