JUNNY FW19 COLLECTION | BETWEEN SUMMER’S LONGING & WINTER’S COLD

Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” threw down a marker for the poetically named “Between Summer’s Longing and Winter’s Cold. ” The creatively exuberant, debut collection of Harlem based, former media executive Junny Ann Hibbert.  Junny’s inclusion of the vibrancy of her Harlem cultural roots, in conjunction with her collaboration with other local artists of all stripes was fed into a presentation of her collection that was more refreshed museum installation, than catwalk.

Collaborating with fellow designer and creative colleague Rodney Patterson, the atmosphere within the room (Harlem Commonwealth Council.  A community based, personal and professional empowerment organization.) was one of obvious excitement, familial warmth and vocal appreciation.  “Wow!!!” was the mantra of the evening, rippling through a mixed crowd of supporters (bearing gifts of flowers, champagne) and new viewers of Junny’s bold, first step into the fashion world.

 Surreally reflected, if that were one’s choice, through the numerous faux 17^th Century mirrors lining the walls, was a vibrantly colored, visually and culturally reflective, collection.  The collection became a perfect reference to the vast, powerful river of African-American history, multiculturalism and Junny’s own Jamaican roots that pulses and empowers the dynamic, current Harlem community.

Lighting design, perfect.  Music, hip and dynamic.  Flowers, Perfectly fragrant blooms. All contributed to viewing a symphonic explosion of colors, fabrics, and shapes.   Trans-seasonal, fresh and glamorous designs, oscillating across Van Gogh yellow backdrops.

Over-sized bows, Masai print breeches, lace and African tie-dye caftans, mixed with deconstructed tweed, forest toned opera capes and glittering brocade.  All perfectly draping from mannequins topped with by-gone referenced head wraps. 

Cross-culturally glamorous, you bet!!

When asked as to “why the title”???   Junny immediately and frankly revealed...”it’s where I live.  Somewhere between”