By Amanda Ringel

2020 Arts & Culture Issue

Created by Independent Handbag Designer Awards’ founder, Emily Blumenthal, The Charmsters are a close-knit tribe of animated influencers that are ethnically diverse and represent the next girl-power generation looking to have their voices heard. The DNA of The Charmsters is in the diversity, inclusivity, and girl empowerment for all ages. This realistic and non-stereotypical girl squad fills the void lacking within the media, tech, food, fashion, and toy landscape that is long overdue, especially in the current climate.

The Charmsters are STEAM-based, each encompassing skills based in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. There is a Charmster for everyone, validating the fact that representation matters on all levels. Despite their differences, The Charmsters have one common goal and that is to succeed as a team, which is why they bring joy and smiles wherever they go. These animated characters are the antidote for what 2020 has brought us so far.

Siempre es para mi un honor presentar mis colecciones en mi pais, Republica Dominicana. Esto claro no seria posible sin personas que creen en mi y que me han apoyado a lo largo de esta loca pasion mia. Muchisimas gracias al equipo de Oh Magazine y en especial Carmelsy Confesor por siempre apostar al talento local. Besos! 

Lalla Bee

The final designer, lalla bee, who returned for a second StyleWeek season, gave the audience a look inside a modern “Downton Abbey,” with gorgeous brocade dresses in bold colorful prints and deep purple, silver and black, plus a Caribbean blue paired with lime green, all topped with delicate fascinators and big hats, of course. These gowns would certainly turn heads at any garden party, but be careful if planning to wear lalla bee’s designs to a wedding; they’re so beautiful they just might upstage the bride. Then again, lalla bee is meant for the woman who commands confidence, so go ahead and go for it.

Lalla Bee

After a short break, where we were able to get out of our chair and walk around the accessories showcase again, out came designs from Lalla Bee. It started with an intro video that was enticing and really showcased the designer’s inspiration and path to creating the pieces.

The video ended with the designer saying “I just want to create something beautiful.” Then, out walked a model wearing a floral red dress and it was dress after dress from then on out. All of the dresses had an intricate design element to them—some were long, some short, some fitted and some poofed out. Each and every one was so beautiful—just like the designer wished they would be!

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Lalla Bee

Dominican Republic native Melina Cortes-Nmili is the founder of Lalla Bee clothing line, which includes collections of vibrant, beautiful dresses and gowns that transcend trendiness. The Boston-based designer opts for classic, timeless looks that are more contemporary. This collection includes bright floral prints, flattering silhouettes and ethereal mermaid and ball gowns that float down the runway. We especially love how this successful designer mama picked up her sleepy son from the front row and carried him for her walk down the runway.

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