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| THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE by Therez Fleetwood |
 THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE is the internationally acclaimed national best-seller and the ultimate styling guide for every bride of color who wants to look and feel her best on that Perfect Wedding Day.?
You'll find everything you need to create an everlasting fashion statement.? THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE individualizes your visual statement and style with instructions on creating a cohesive, elegant wedding.? It is the only comprehensive style guide for brides of color. Whether your wedding is formal, informal, Afrocentric or traditional, THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE will show you how to choose your wedding style.? You'll learn how to select the best bridal gown and silhouette that will enhance your shape and flatter your figure.? THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE shows you how to adorn your wedding gown with ethnic elegance, such as:? colorful beads, cowrie shells and embroidery.? It's all here! From organizing your bridesmaid's dresses with the right colors and silhouettes and choosing headpieces, headbands, beads, wraps and crowns that flatter your face and complement your dress. THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE, featuring the Therez Fleetwood Bridal Collection has shown thousands and thousands of women how to successfully present their Perfect Wedding Day.
***Don't miss The African American Wedding Expo 2004, to be held on October 17, in Jacksonville, FL at the Ramona Pavilion, 7166 Ramona Blvd. this season with the ALL NEW Therez Fleetwood Bridal Collection - absolutely the most beautiful African bridal attire in the world! For more information, visit The African American Wedding Expo |
 About the Author/Designer Therez Fleetwood
Therez Fleetwood, who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) in New York, began her career in ethnic design with the launching of her Phe-Zula Collection, a line of casual, career and formal attire, often featured in Elle, Italian Glamour, Women's Wear Daily and the New York Times.? Phe-Zula's clients included:? Angela Bassett, Vanessa Williams, Queen Latifah and En Vogue.? After Ms. Fleetwood was asked to design a wedding dress exclusively for Jumping the Broom by Harriette Cole, she launched the Therez Fleetwood Bridal Collection; and her nationally acclaimed Ethnic bridal gowns began to appear in magazines such as In Style Weddings, Essence, Signature Bride and Black Elegance.? The Therez Fleetwood Bridal Collection was chosen for the American Express national commercial entitled 'Portraits'; and shortly thereafter, Ms. Fleetwood appeared on the Today Show.? Among her many accolades, Ms. Fleetwood was named the "New Day Designer of the Year", was selected as one of the New York Museum's Top Designers for their "New York Gets Married'' exhibit, and has received the Allstate Insurance Company's "From Whence We Came: African-American Women of Triumph" award. |
 One on One with Therez Fleetwood
A BlackBride.com Interview
Black Bride: What were your reasons for writing your book?
Therez Fleetwood: I wrote THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE - A Style Guide, to help brides who are seeking to wear African inspired wedding attire and are having a difficult time finding and selecting the right style that represents their traditions and beliefs. It was important for me to write this book because, unfortunately, there is not much information available in the market, specifically geared towards brides who choose to represent their culture on one of the most important days of their lives. Most bridal magazines don't cater to this niche. It is as though it doesn't exist. Some of my clients do extensive research in finding an Afrocentric wedding dress and others find me by chance. There are designers out here creating beautiful, extraordinary wedding gowns with the African-American bride in mind.
Black Bride: What are some of your inspirations for writing it?
Therez Fleetwood: I was inspired to write this book for three reasons:
1) Because of my clients. When a bride walks into my studio, she will often say, ?Thank God I found you. I've looked through so many wedding magazines and none of the dresses speak to me, they don't represent who I am.? 2) AfroCentric weddings are growing in popularity. More and more African-American brides are choosing individual forms of self expression. They want to incorporate their culture and heritage through the visual statement or their ceremony. 3) Most often, when a bride selects her gown, she doesn't quite know how to dress the rest of the bridal party. I have seen so many wedding concepts ruined because of the attendants attire, it does not create a flattering look throughout the wedding when the bride, groom and her attendants do not complement each other.
Black Bride: What is the concept of your book?
Therez Fleetwood: The concept of THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE is that it was written to be a style guide. Any bride seeking to add ethnic elements to her bridal attire would used this book as part of her wedding planning.
Black Bride: How pleased are you with your book?
Therez Fleetwood: I am very pleased with the outcome of this book. Brides who were once doubtful about their choices of the types of Afrocentric attire to wear will no longer be confused. Most often people think that Afrocentric wedding attire is based on the traditional West African silhouettes. This is so untrue, brides have several choices.
Black Bride: Could you give us some points of interest about Afrocentric weddings?
Therez Fleetwood: After a bride becomes engaged , she then begins to think about the type of wedding her and her fianc? will have and what she will wear. THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE explains how to select the right dress based on the level of formality. For instance, she would not wear a ballgown at a beach wedding, nor would she wear a midriff bearing halter at an evening formal wedding.
Black Bride: Could you give us your vision and/or perspective as a professional in the bridal industry?
Therez Fleetwood: As a professional in the bridal industry, I see change taking place. Brides are no longer bound to the idea that they have to wear a ballgown (which is the most recognized gown silhouette) with ribbons, lace, flowers and sequins. Today, brides are more daring and self-assured, and this is reflected in their choices. There are no set rules anymore. This is not a trend. I believe it is the beginning of a new consciousness among brides and grooms... It is here to stay.
Black Bride: Have you noticed any changes or trends occurring for Black Brides during your professional life?
Therez Fleetwood: African-American people, as a whole, have been embracing our culture for many, many years through music, art, dance and clothing. It wasn't until about ten years ago that couples began to find it acceptable to incorporate this form of expression into their wedding ceremonies as well. My business has been greatly effected in a positive way, by the demand of self expression. I am extremely passionate about what I do. As I am honored to be a part of one of a woman's most important days in her life.
Black Bride: Could you give us a general description on Afrocentric weddings?
Therez Fleetwood: In general, AfroCentric weddings are unique forms of celebration. They often incorporate standard American traditions with jumping-the-broom, libations, African dancers and drummers, etc... Thus allowing friends and family a sense of involvement in their unification process.
Click here to find out how to purchase THE AFROCENTRIC BRIDE |
Black Bride |
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