Meet Marrisa Williams NYC, the fashion brand celebrating natural hair and promoting diversity in the fashion industry.
Photo by Victor VIRGILE / Getty Images
Marrisa Williams is a first-generation Guyanese-American designer and creative director of the fashion brand MARRISA WILSON New York. Known for its “vibrant aesthetic and relaxed vibe” the brand is built on the philosophy that “all women should be able to effortlessly express their unique personality.” The latest ready-to-wear collection — titled ‘Rhythmic’— evokes an optimistic energy, and was inspired by Marrisa’s background as a dancer and her love of art and music.
While the presentation featured dancers, musicians, and models walking down the runway in effortlessly cool designs, one of the more distinctive aspects of the show was how Williams celebrated natural hair. Partnering with Oribe to bring memorable and bold hair looks to the runway, the vision behind the show came through in the architectural and unique presentation of the hairstyles, makeup, and colorful designs. The principal artist behind Oribe Kien Hoang “drew inspiration from Marrisa’s Guyanese culture & heritage” and used graphic shapes with soft outlines in the hair to complement the collection. Each model’s look was created to compliment the vibrant patterns and feminine shapes on the runway.
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The experimental runway presentation featured real women, with real lives, in high-quality, functional clothing that literally brightens rooms. There was even a special guest appearance by iconic American fashion model, Pat Cleveland who closed the show by dancing down the runway. From start to finish, the intimate event blended art, music, dance, and fashion into a groundbreaking experience, and was one of the few NYFW runways shows featuring majority natural and textured hairstyles.The MW FW23 collection authentically fulfills the creative directors promise to create clothing that allows women to be their true selves, effortlessly, and exemplifies how clothing (and hair) is an extension of each person's unique personality.
Here are some of my favorite moments from the show.
Photo by Victor VIRGILE / Getty Images
Photo by Victor VIRGILE / Getty Images
Photo by Victor VIRGILE / Getty Images
Photo by Victor VIRGILE / Getty Images
Want more? Check out the braided hairstyles from Marissa Wilson's last Fashion Week show
