With a strong team backing you, incredible things can happen, and that’s just what occurred with the launch of ‘The New Stereotype (TNS): STORIES’ on Sunday, Nov. 12th in New York City.
Marquelle Turner, Wendy Oduor, and Olushola Bashorun, the creative minds behind the book, collaborated during the pandemic to beautifully showcase over 50 Black men and women across 26 fashion editorials set in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This project, which took three years to complete, captures the diverse and proud essence of being Black through fashion, photography, and film.
The result is a high-end coffee table book featuring stunning illustrations that provide a visual delight. Each section of the book, referred to as a CHAPTER, tells an individual’s story, weaving together to highlight the collective strength and harmony of the Black community.
The book launch included a panel discussion, hosted by Danielle Young, with guests like Celebrity Stylist Harrison Crite and Author Rob Hill, whose images were part of the exhibition. As visitors entered the art show, hidden initially behind a white curtain, they were taken with the striking imagery presented on the concrete brick walls.
Attendees quickly lined up to buy their copies of TNS: STORIES from Project Director Marquelle Turner, who made a regal appearance in a custom light brown two-piece set, a black Kufi hat, and black Balenciaga flats. Olushola Bashorun, the Director of Photography, arrived with his wife, sporting a Prada pinstripe suit and chunky white sneakers, while she dazzled in a silk maxi dress with gold sequin heels.
Claire Sulmers, CEO of Fashion Bomb, attended to support her friend Olushola and was impressed by his creativity and finesse displayed in each photograph. Wendy Oduor, the book’s Creative Director, stunned in a chic red STAUD maxi dress, complemented by bold beaded earrings and a standout red lip, completing her look with red stilettos.
Oduor had a chance to interview Sulmers, who wore a striking leather ensemble paired with a graphic tee from the Fashion Bomb Daily shop and black leather flare pants. Claire, along with many others, enjoyed the event, celebrating the artistic achievements of Oduor, Bashorun, and Turner.