Written by GSyndicates’ designer recalls the foundation of the brand’s revolution.
If you have been following GSyndicates since its inception, you will recall the debut of GSIA (GSyndicates Iowa) in 2013. Today, GSyndicates™ is a curated collection of private label and exclusive brands with common style threads – a fashion syndicate designed by Founder, Shenica R. Graham.
The new year is upon us. GSyndicates has been a best kept secret since 2013. Before we introduce the all-new GSyndicates, let’s take a look back at our top 5 best designs of the near decade. Follow along as we count them down.
#5 – The GSNY Butterfly Mini Shirt
Rounding out the top 5 is the Butterfly Mini Shirt by GSNY. Hold on to your hemline, folks. The Butterfly Mini Shirt is the long and short of comfortable Style. This is the best wearable chic since reversible jackets. While you won’t want to turn this one inside out, you can easily transition from office to night owl with this one of a kind fashion standup.
For comfortable day wear, position the hemline around your upper hips or waistline. For nighttime flair, lower the hemline to make a mini dress. That’s two looks for the price of one!
#4 – The GS Impress Necklace
Holding up her swag banner at number 4 is the GSyndicates Impress Necklace. It has all of the impressive impact, without the heavy metal. This signature piece offers a stylish alternative to fashion jewelry composed of non-precious metals, to which some people have allergies. This piece is constructed of a leather-look material, which gives each element a nice sheen. Black beads connect the tear droplets to the neck base. The enclosure is made of velcro, which keeps the piece secure when worn, while offering an easy mechanism to fasten and remove the piece.
The GS Impress Necklace is handmade in the USA of unique and non-traditional materials that create a stunning piece to complement your best looks.
#3 – The Marilyn Suit by GSIA
Stopping the show at number 3 is the Marilyn Suit from my own super powered alter-ego, Mati. Backstage at the House of Sherell Fashion Show where GSIA had its debut, the I gave the models a little challenge… “Wow me in five seconds or less.” Ashlyn took three steps and walked into fashion history.
The look, which is a two-piece ensemble, did not exist before the day of the fashion show. I had been working on other designs for the event and finally had a strong emotion that while most of the clothes I planned to show were founded on black fabrics in various textures, I needed to add something that would catch the light. It had to be bright. It had to make the crowd stand up and say, “Wow!”
I could not sleep. Around 2:00 am on the morning of the show, I draped the halter top and skirt, did some of the stitching, and went to bed around 4:00 am. After sleeping just two hours, I woke up and started working again. The look had to be finished.
Working until that afternoon, the show-stopper was ready to hit the runway. I hoped that whomever the model would be, the sheer elegance would shine through.
This would be the GSIA debut. I was nervous, excited and nervous all over again. This had to be the look that people would remember GSIA by. It had to be strong enough to build a brand around. It had to capture every sentiment of a labor of love – for fashion. That energy had to be infused into the garment; and that energy had to live on after the show.
Arriving at the House of Sherell Fashion Show workroom, it was my first time meeting most of the models. I recall seeing a tall blonde (Ashlyn) sitting patiently as her ringlets flowed from a hot curler. She had a quiet elegance that spoke the gentle language of finesse. Her doe eyes seemed to mask a fierce competitor who could rise to a challenge, though she was not the boisterous, crowd-over-talker who would make a scene.
It was like that look had been made just for her. I recalled the strong emotion that I just could not fully rest until that look was put together. When Ashlyn stepped out in that GSIA ensemble, everyone noticed. It was a breathtaking moment in every step.
Modeling is more than wearing nice clothes. It takes more than a pretty face.
Owner, Designer Ra Sha of House of Sherell stated simply, “I think that (the GSIA ensemble Ashlyn is wearing) would be good on her,” pointing out Ashlyn in the crowd. Later, Ra Sha commented,
She (Ashlyn) reminds me of Marilyn Monroe…
Ashlyn working that garment was almost magical.
When a model makes this work look easy; when she (or he) is creating memorable moments in time – that is the mark of a professional. That is talent. That is what super models are made of.
#2 – The Moxie Jacket by GSJEANS CO
Making a grand entrance at number 2, is the GSJEANS CO Moxie Jacket. It’s strong shoulders carry all of thee proud sentiments of its name…
mox·ie/ˈmäksē : noun. 1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. 2. Force of character, determination, or nerve.
This “so much more than a plain jean jacket” has style as bold as your personality. You will love the intricate details, strong angles and subtle curves of this fun and functional wardrobe essential.
As with all GSJEANS CO apparel, the Moxie Jacket is Made in the USA with 100% American grown cotton jean fabric. Styles are bold enough for your fashion statement, and hip enough to last. GSJEANS CO is always in style. Wear it to take your look to the next level.
Treat yourself to a little Moxie!
As with all GSJEANS CO apparel, the Moxie Jacket is Made in the USA with 100% American grown cotton jean fabric. Styles are bold enough for your fashion statement, and hip enough to last. GSJEANS are always in style. Take your look to the next level.
#1 – The Kimobi by GSIA Fusion
Finally, topping the chart at number 1, is the Kimobi (an easy favorite) by GSIA Fusion. The Kimobi is a Western take on the time-honored Eastern arts and traditions of the Japanese Kimono and the red wedding Sari (or Saree) of India, from the design coiffures of GSIA. This intermeshing of style culture is called, fashion fusion – though you’ve never seen it like this!
A Truly “Global Culture” Concept
Bringing the World Together
GSIA’s Kimobi (Red / Silver print shown above and below) (also called the KimoSari (or KimoSaree)) blends a modern Japanese Kimono with an American prom-style pleating that shares some of the traditional draping of the Japanese Kimono in a more lightweight design, topped with over-the-shoulder possibilities that helped make the Sari famous.
Capturing the flavor of the traditional Kimono – and the other side of where the garment gets its first name – the Kimobi has an attached, half “obi” (the traditionally separate Japanese sash worn over the Kimono at the waist and typically paired with the “gita” shoe (The Telegraph)).
This modern styled half – obi is only visible from the back of the original Kimobi and is a more flexible version of the traditional Japanese Obi. Adding a taste of India – thanks to the uniquely cut Kimobi sleeve which updates the traditional Japanese Kimono sleeve, the Kimobi sleeve is flexible enough in styling to be draped over the opposite shoulder like the traditional free-flowing end of the Sari, called the pallav (Greeting India).
This first Kimobi of the GSIA Fusion collection is also a nod to the traditional wedding Sari, which is often red in color. The sari is one of the most common and oldest forms of dress for women in India, traditionally worn with a cropped and fitted blouse (the choli) and made of 6 metres of cloth wrapped to form a skirt (over a petticoat) before being draped over the shoulder (Greeting India). However, many more modern styles are also worn today. While Western traditions have favored the white wedding gown since the Victorian era, many eastern cultures have had a traditionally red or other vibrant coloring for wedding gowns.
These two dresses are so well fuzed, the Kimobi gives a whole new look with a 180 degree turn. You’ll hardly believe its the same garment from front to back. It’s two looks in one! For the beautiful and bold, wear the original Kimobi backwards! It still looks amazing!
This article is reprinted by permission of Haute Midwest Magazine.
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