ORCHID – Blog

ORCHID was started as a combination of Social Justice and Fashion. I started my journey in Fashion over 2 decades ago and found it exclusionary and very white even before the upper echelons of it which is still to this day exceedingly so. In the past 5 years or so models have become more diverse and we see some small additions to Senior Editors of colour but the Industry has a LONG way to go with equal opportunities for all of us. This Blog is a combination of Social Justice Issues and some Fashion News.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/truck-drivers-sentence-lowered-10-years-originally-receiving/story?id=82010219 I start with an egregious miscarriage of justice – whilst there are sadly countless ones of them out there this one garnered national attention and after millions signed a petition the 110 year sentence was reduced to 10 years which is more than many murderers receive. Had he been white would he have received the same treatment? And while one might say old news – this happens far too often without us knowing or hitting the spotlight.

Mass Shootings – An American Pastime

Mass Shootings have seemingly now become an almost everyday part of American life. Not even the Grand American Holiday – July 4th was without a large shooting with multiple casulatiles. In The United Kingdom all it took was one and laws and new regulations were instituted. However sarcastically a Supreme Court is too busy eroding rights which have been around for years with Roe v. Wade a law which has existed for 5 decades!!! just overturned. It woudl be one thing if this were a law that was passed 2,4, or even 10 years ago but 50!! Kicking the right to abortion down to the State and the decision immediately outlawed abortion in many states. There was a leak of the decision earlier in the year so at least our minds were somewhat prepared for the possibility. We live in crazy times not just Roe v. Wade but gun violence and mass shootings are now an everyday occurrence.

Of all the sad losses and injuries I highlight this 2 year old little one who was orphaned https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/06/us/aiden-mccarthy-parents-highland-park-shooting/index.html

Supreme Court – Roe vs. Wade and More

A summary. It would be different had they overturned a position taken 5 or so years ago but a whole two decades!! . Justice Thomas has also said same sex marriage and other items are next..

Paris Couture Week AW 2022

Maison Valentino – AW 2022

Delighted to see a great casting job here and at a few others with age and size added in.

Maison Valentino AW 2022 Couture

orchidmagazineofficial – an excerpt from our Instagram

Ottimo casting! @marineserre_official sent a bevy of ages, supermodels from the past, shapes and races down the runway #cordulareyer #ajumanasenyana #brandiquinones and Madonna’s daughter #lourdesciccone #erinwasson #parisfashionweek #womenswear #fashion

Marine Serre Men’s and Women’s – Paris Fashion Week

Paris Couture – Imane Ayissi

Originally hailing from Cameroon – Mr. Ayissi is a mainstay of Paris Couture Week and the only black designer to do so. His collections are always chic and sophisticated and draw heavy inspiration from Africa.

Green Trend FW 2022 at Paris Couture Week

From left Zuhair Murad, Zuhair Murad, Zuhair Murad, Giambattista Valli , Giambattista Valli

From left Chanel, Chanel, Valentino, Valentino, Valentino

Britttney Griner Sentenced to 9 years in Russia – Meanwhile in America.

The Brittney Griner situation is a travesty and an outrage. However right in America there are gross miscarriages of justice including this one here. Not to mention countless mostly black and brown people languishing in jail for small possessions in places where weed sales are now legal.

UK Jewellery Festival 2022

September 2022. We were pleased to attend a live trade show after all the government restrictions . There was wonderful catering and people shook hands upon meeting. There were a few interesting brands here are some images of emerging designers.

Emerging Designer Kathy Chan

Selections from Emerging Designer Aleyna Badat

Little Mermaid – Disney casts a Beautiful Brown Actress – met with a racist Backlash

Better than any comment I could write I believe these posts from across the internet sum up the deplorable situation best.

Another Social Justice Travesty – Victim of Sex trafficking kills her Trafficker – and is asked to pay Compensation

Just shocking. Now had the victim been white this is highly unlikely to have been the outcome.

Queen Elizabeth’s Beautiful Fashion

There are mixed feelings towards The Monarchy even in Britain. However the overwhelming majority of us British people grieve for this amazing lady who has been a part of our life for 70 years. This is a time of profound change even without a stable figure for 7 decades departing. Of course things will change with the future Commonwealth. However now is a time for mourning in the United Kingdom. I will miss her outfits and was moved to tears yet again as I selected these few photos. RIP Your Majesty – worked up until the end. Swore in our new Primeminister and 48 hours later departed the world.