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humbled, honored, and most grateful to serve...🙏🏾❤️👑
#womenilove #womenwholoveme #Beautifulpeople #whatsclothesgottodowithit
#theJOYisinthejourney

humbled, honored, and most grateful to serve...🙏🏾❤️👑
#womenilove #womenwholoveme #Beautifulpeople #whatsclothesgottodowithit
#theJOYisinthejourney

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!

A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!

I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at @essence. Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me. @darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?

Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.

Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream

Queen Mother and her heart beats..👑🐰🌜💙🙏🏾🥹 9/3 - 1/3 #missingmymommy #QueenRabbitMother #mostPreciousOneofAll #myheartbeat💙 #myheartbeats❤️

what a room... @frederickanderson_designer my gratitude abounds 🙏🏾💙
#grateful #creativesgather

March... grateful 🙏🏾❤️
#theJOYisinthejourney
@audrasavannah @clapsflatiron @raisaflowers @patchedgal @theophilio @voluptuary888 @alexisbittar @marcohall @amir @msblm

When 2 of your GRANDEST and most gracious clients occupy the same space that also features your @essence 55 cover, the heart FLOODS... 🥹 🙏🏾

ps most celebratory videos/photos were snagged from others,except for the last 2 images of @missjillscott as seen thru my eyes 😍 -I was too busy working to making sure both looked and felt beautiful❤️
#humbledhonoredgrateful #onceinalifetimemoment#styledboth #blessingsabound

When 2 of your GRANDEST and most gracious clients occupy the same space that also features your @essence 55 cover, the heart FLOODS... 🥹 🙏🏾

ps most celebratory videos/photos were snagged from others,except for the last 2 images of @missjillscott as seen thru my eyes 😍 -I was too busy working to making sure both looked and felt beautiful❤️
#humbledhonoredgrateful #onceinalifetimemoment#styledboth #blessingsabound

When 2 of your GRANDEST and most gracious clients occupy the same space that also features your @essence 55 cover, the heart FLOODS... 🥹 🙏🏾

ps most celebratory videos/photos were snagged from others,except for the last 2 images of @missjillscott as seen thru my eyes 😍 -I was too busy working to making sure both looked and felt beautiful❤️
#humbledhonoredgrateful #onceinalifetimemoment#styledboth #blessingsabound

When 2 of your GRANDEST and most gracious clients occupy the same space that also features your @essence 55 cover, the heart FLOODS... 🥹 🙏🏾

ps most celebratory videos/photos were snagged from others,except for the last 2 images of @missjillscott as seen thru my eyes 😍 -I was too busy working to making sure both looked and felt beautiful❤️
#humbledhonoredgrateful #onceinalifetimemoment#styledboth #blessingsabound

When 2 of your GRANDEST and most gracious clients occupy the same space that also features your @essence 55 cover, the heart FLOODS... 🥹 🙏🏾

ps most celebratory videos/photos were snagged from others,except for the last 2 images of @missjillscott as seen thru my eyes 😍 -I was too busy working to making sure both looked and felt beautiful❤️
#humbledhonoredgrateful #onceinalifetimemoment#styledboth #blessingsabound

why not...
#smile #welcomeblackhistorymonth♥️🖤💚🙏🏼 #theJOYisinthejourney🙏🏾❤️

why not...
#smile #welcomeblackhistorymonth♥️🖤💚🙏🏼 #theJOYisinthejourney🙏🏾❤️

Happy Birthday @iamsusanltaylor. I celebrate you today and always! 😍😍

There are moments that are unforgettable. This image of a living legend wearing a dress I designed for @essence anniversary, styled by the incomparable @mspmacklin, shot by @mickalenethomas 😍😍😍Get @reshare_app • @essence Today, we celebrate the truth and the spirit. A woman whose words have affirmed generations and whose spirit has been a light to our path for eight decades!

Ms. Susan L. Taylor, you’ve spent a lifetime reminding us who we are. Through your words and your wisdom, you helped ESSENCE Magazine feel like a home. A place where Black women could exhale, be affirmed, and see themselves reflected with care and intention. A reminder that Black womanhood is layered, divine, and deserving of care.

At 80, your light is still teaching, still grounding, still giving. We celebrate you loudly, lovingly, and with deep gratitude.

Happy Birthday, Susan L. Taylor! The legacy is living.

Photos: Mickalene Thomas

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

Yesterday's JOY...
witnessing cousin @benjieewimberly being sworn in as NJ's LD35 Senator
and celebrating with family! #proudcousin #senatorwimberly #ilovemyfamily #madefromCotton❤️

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails

I felt pretty... 12.21
#celebratinglife #holidayJOY #wearingmystuff #vintageGHOST #furrydetails