fashion Archives - L.A. Parent

Interview with the inspiring Kheris Rogers, Author of ‘Shine Bright’

Published May 17, 2023

Tracy Martin

Kheris Rogers is a 16-year-old whirlwind taking the world by storm. At just 10 years old, she came out with her own fashion line, “Flexin’ In My Complexion,” that works to inspire young girls. She’s done empowering work through the Kheris Rogers Foundation and continues to inspire through her children’s story “Shine Bright.”

Rogers chatted with us recently about her endeavors and “Shine Bright.”

When writing “Shine Bright,” how did you imagine your younger audience’s reception to its message?

Writing the book, I wanted it to be for kids who are being told they look different, knowing they really don’t. I wanted to remind them at a young age, because no one wants to be older and [searching] for self-confidence in themselves. It’s important for young kids to find it young, and I feel like a lot of parents and a lot of adults don’t see that. [By writing the book], I wanted to make sure that all kids realize they should love themselves no matter what anyone says.

What was the process for creating “Shine Bright?”

The process of creating “Shine Bright was super fun [and] it was easy. Once you find an illustrator, everything should just flow after that. It was just such a fun experience creating these characters — Imani, how I wanted her to look. I wanted her to represent Black girl[s], like “Oh, my God, Mommy! She looks just like me!” I wanted that, and I feel like I got that reaction. So creating the book was so fun. It was so easy, and I’m just glad everyone loves it.

You do a lot of work to empower and spark confidence. Were there any role models you had, and still have, who helped you feel empowered and confident?

Definitely my family. I feel like growing up, especially being a Black girl, you don’t have a lot of representation to look at. Or a lot of good representation.

The Kheris Rogers Foundation hosted the “Women’s History Month Roundtable on Colorism, Representation and Issues Black Women Face in America.” What was that experience like for you?

It was super fun, especially to see other young people my age not being scared to be vocal that they go through things as well. Not being afraid to know that they don’t know what to do with their life, even though college is coming around. It’s OK!

Do you have any advice for children or parents of young children who are experiencing bullying?

Don’t let what other people say about you get into your head. No one knows you more than you know you. No one can change the definition of you but you, OK? And also for the parent: If you see your child crying for help, help them! It can be different cries of help, not just walking up to you and saying, “I need help.” It can be a change in behavior, change in how their day-to-day lives go when they’re just [lying] in bed all day. You know, peep the little things.

What is next for you, Kheris? What are you looking forward to?

Definitely expanding “Flexin’ In My Complexion,” definitely some more big jobs coming. I’m just super excited for the future. I started “Flexin’ In My Complexion” when I was 10 years old because I was being bullied for my dark-skinned complexion. I started it because, for one, I was going viral on Twitter. I started to see the reaction of how much people were saying they loved my hair, my skin, everything about me. I was just, like, “I was bullied for these things.” And it really helped me gain confidence in myself. “Flexin’ In My Complexion” was really for everyone, including me, to help love myself, and it became a thing really for everyone.

Check out Roger’s clothing line, “Flexin’ in my complexion,” and learn more about the Kheris Rogers Foundation.

The Secret of My Success

Published March 6, 2023

Victoria Hunter’s passion for fashion and her open mindedness is what fuels her success.

The best students are those who understand what it’s like to be a teacher. And the best teachers are those who understand what it’s like to be a student. Fashion teacher Victoria Hunter fits into both of these categories. Former student turned educator, Victoria’s talent is connecting with her students and understanding what they are going through.

Her reward is that she loves what she is doing, which is evident through her actions. She is on the path she was meant to find and excels at her job. Victoria exemplifies what it means to have a passion for fashion.

Victoria’s interest in the fashion field started when she was young. Growing up in England, she would shop with her mom but rarely found exactly what she wanted. The idea she was envisioning in her head was never in the stores. Her grandmother was a seamstress and teacher who could look at someone and make a paper pattern that would fit them. She even made Victoria’s wedding dress!

However, this family link was not what inspired her to be a teacher or even go into fashion. In fact, Victoria wasn’t even sure she wanted to pursue a fashion career until her late 30s, which is when she started attending FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles. She loved being in fashion school and exceled at her projects. When other students asked for assistance or inspiration, Victoria was always there to lend a helping hand. She saw where her classmates would lose points on their assignments, and realized that other people understood and benefited from the process she used instead of the lack of structure with the materials provided. Victoria said that her helping her peers “prompted me to write a fashion textbook, which led to my position as a teacher.”

Now that Victoria is in her fashion teacher career, she helps her students figure out what drives them, and reminds them that not all of their ideas will pan out. Designers who expect perfection the first time are those who get stuck. This is a lesson Victoria has learned and thus can teach it first-hand. Having experience with fashion design has trained Victoria’s mind to love her bad ideas and to ignore the negative thoughts she may have during the process. She allows the ideas to sit in the back of her mind and gives them time to “do its magic.”

Victoria also lets students choose the direction they want to follow while designing. She supplies them with concepts and blueprints for framework, but ultimately lets them find their own methods and processes. She loves working with those who have a relaxed and open mind, but also appreciates those who pay attention to detail. On the other hand, she finds the most difficult students to be those in panic mode who are stressed out and make little mistakes. She finds it challenging to enforce rules and deadlines that will limit the students reaching their full potential.

With that in mind, Victoria knows she has to be fair and firm, so doesn’t offer project extensions. If Victoria could change anything in the fashion field, she would want it to be kinder those new to the field. She believes that the industry needs to consolidate and collaborate in order to make this
happen.

Victoria says that her fundamental principles of style have changed little over the years. She has become more connected to the current trends in fashion, but doesn’t want to be totally influenced by them or another designer’s work. She believes as long as she stays true to herself and her style that she will be successful.

That said, Victoria still has icons whose work she admires. This season she loves the work of Alexander McQueen, AMBUSH, R13, Laquan Smith and others. She takes inspiration from many of their pieces. Victoria is very excited to see styles from the past being reinterpreted today. She likes and finds creativity in most of the previous eras (except the 1970s J). The perfect designing recipe for her is a combination of so many elements – 50% quirky, 40% utilitarian and 10% of something new and trendy.

All in all, Victoria Hunter was born for the fashion field. From being named Fashion Design Student of the Year in school to being a published author, a teacher at FIDM to now creating and teaching courses at Design Your Line Fashion Lab, she has always known what to do and how to help others. Victoria continues to stay in this field because of how rewarding it is, knowing that she has helped a student land a job in the fashion world. She also loves knowing that she is able to help students comprehend new concepts that were once a struggle. Victoria does what she loves and loves what she does. She is clearly passionate about everything fashion!

Find out more about Victoria at Design Your Line Fashion Lab through her book Ultimate Fashion Study Guide-The Design Process or on her Instagram @designyourlinefashionlab.

About Sweet Fashion Interview
BooksandLooks is a 13-year-old Creative, N.J., phenom who has been working on The Sweetest Gigs (kids work program created by staffing agency, Recruiting for Good) for the last two years. She is currently leading creative writing gig; Fashion Loves Freedom (she reviews fashion, and writes sweet fashion interviews). Starting in 2023, Recruiting for Good will start funding 2024 Kids Design Tomorrow scholarships to offset the cost of hiring Victoria Hunter.

Hollywood Colorist Michael Canalé Shares His Tips on Healthy L.A. Summer Hair

Published March 16, 2021

By Elena Epstein

As we get ready for summer with new hope and the excitement of our city reopening, we thought we could all use a fun pick-me-up, such as a fresh new haircut or a different shade of hair color. And since we’re in L.A., who better to ask than one of Hollywood’s most sought-after colorists and co-creator of “The Rachel?” Michael Canalé has revitalized Jennifer Aniston’s look once again for “The Morning Show.”

With kids and work, moms often look tired. What’s the one thing that we can quickly do with hairstyle that will give us a much-needed boost?

Just brushing your hair is a plus for moms on the go. Now, with so many accessories it makes it easier for those moms who have minimal time on their hands to still look put together and stylish. A sleek low ponytail tail or bun is something super simple and always looks elegant. Parting your hair down the middle or even giving it a side part and combing it smooth and tight into a low ponytail is another option.

Hollywood colorist Michael Canalé shares his tips on ways to freshen up your hair for summer. PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL CANALE

Accessorize it with a fun colorful scrunchy or thick chunky headband. Statement barrettes or clips also make this look edgy and fun. This works well for moms with wet hair and no time for drying or two-day-old dirty hair. If you know how to braid your hair, that’s an additional style you can incorporate. Leave the braid in and take it out the next day to add some fun, stylish texture.

For moms on the go, dry shampoo is great—a real refresher for hair and hair style. Loose ponytails, tight ponytails with different colored headbands for different outfits… If you have unwanted grays on the hairline, use the concealer. Some dry shampoos have concealer in them!

For those new to hair color, how do we pick the right color?

I always recommend easing into hair color. If it’s a few gray hairs, use a concealer powder or spray.. Next choice would be semi-permanent or demi permanent. These three are very non-aggressive and keep the hair in great condition.

When highlighting, I believe you should always ease into it, but if you’re wanting something more drastic, search out a professional. Most people use Instagram now for inspiration. When you see people with the color you like, ask where they had it done. When you hear the same name a few times, that’s probably the right person!

We love to include some fun facts about the people we interview for L.A. Parent.

What’s your favorite L.A. spot?

My favorite hangout is Pacific Palisades—the new Palisades Village outside mall.

We love this city, what do you think makes L.A. special and uniquely L.A.?

My favorite thing about Los Angeles is that we all get along. It’s my favorite melting pot. I go to nine different cities to work, but this is my favorite!

No work, no deadlines, where will we find you?

Naam Yoga is my favorite hangout for breath work and micro movement, and it’s a great community. Nowadays, it’s online.

In addition to his celebrity clients, Michael Canalé has created his own line of hair products. For more information on visit Canalesalon.com