The Shoulders We Stand Upon
See the work of the artists who have blazed a trail and set the standards, along with the work of artists who are raising the bar and keeping flames alive.
Scott H. Kaplan Art Gallery
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CIRCE
Drawing on childhood inspiration, this fashion-art coat pays homage to Romare Bearden’s imaginative portrayal of Circe from “The Odyssey.” Embracing Bearden’s re-imagining of the classic tale with African-American characters, the design features a striking depiction of Circe as a powerful black woman surrounded by mystical animals and exuding calm defiance.
The coat, draped in red wool crepe fabric, is a sheath silhouette with a round neckline and bell sleeves. Circe’s presence on the coat invokes a sense of empowerment and cultural resonance. With each wear, this garment invites a deeper exploration of mythology and heritage, bridging the gap between ancient narratives and contemporary expression.
All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.
Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.
Special Projects
FashionArt
Fashion Designer, Therez Fleetwood and Visual Artist Kottavei are creating FashionArt with a purpose.
Art Meso Exhibit 2018 – “Truly in bloom, inspired by saturated color and personal growth. Women oftentimes gather in clusters reaching towards the nourishing sun much like sunflowers. The women themselves are the seeds planted that grow with proper tending.”
All That Jazz! Celebrating The Fabric Of Our Culture
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August Wilson Center for African American Culture hosted the Multicultural Arts Initiative’s third annual celebration of diversity in the arts with “Legacy: Celebrating the Fabric of Our Culture,” a program celebrating diversity and richness of the arts and fashion. The evening culminated in a fashion show with the models of the Utopia Modeling Agency in a program titled, “FashionAfricana.” But this wasn’t your typical fashion show with models strutting fancy duds on a runway. The fun and creative styles were showcased as part of a skit, produced by Mark Southers of Pittsburgh Playrights Theatre Company, set in a 1940’s night club. The models of the Utopia Modeling agency acted as patrons to the club as the skit unfolded to the music of the PJO.
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THE DESIGN PROCESS:
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FashionAfricana™
Inspired by the Lost Boys of Sudan and their extraordinary journey from Africa to America, the following fashion and jewelry designers created African-inspired custom designs reflecting each region of the Lost Boys’ journey from Sudan to Ethiopia, Kenya to America.
WIKIPEDIA – The Lost Boys of Sudan was the name given to a group of over 20,000 boys of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups. These boys were displaced o orphaned during the 2nd Sudanese Civil War in which about 2 million were killed and others were severely affected. The boys embarked on treacherous journeys to refugee camps where they were sheltered for a few years. Soon, official resettlement programs began throughout the US. The Lost Boys were offered new lives in major US cities.
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Therez Fleetwood and Walt Disney® World
Did you know it was Therez Fleetwood who designed the kente cloth costumes for Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Disney® World Florida? These designs were created exclusively for the Miss Black Collegiate Pageant back in 1998. Her designs are now a part of Mickey and Minnie’s 150 Special Occasion outfits. It is the only time the Disney corporation allowed an outside designer to design for their icons. Way to go, Ms. Fleetwood! #MakingHistory
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Book – Black Men and intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora
Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora
Romance Concierge, Therez Fleetwood, chronicles the intimate lives of Black men in the 21st century
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – INTERNATIONAL: Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora explores the complexities of relationships through the minds of Black men in the 21st century. Author Therez Fleetwood spent hundreds of hours having one-on-one conversations with 50+ Black men from ages 20 to 70, who gave no holds barred answers to intimate questions that are seldom discussed in relationships.
“One of the toughest things about being a Black male is that it’s rare to find people who understand us. Black men, young and old, have been characterized by society’s interpretation of who we are. This book debunks those stereotypes”. – ISAIAH, age 35
Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora captures the vivid personalities and poignant personal stories of five generations of Black men from all walks of life and various occupations. It is an impactful, emotional, uplifting and inspiring compilation of personal interviews that provide insight into Black men’s thoughts about love, relationships, communication, sex, intimacy, and much more. Black men have passionate triggers to love just as much as women do and they express their love in ways that are unique to them.
In Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across The Diaspora, Fleetwood interviewed men on everything from: What is intimacy to (Black) men? How do (Black) men feel about marriage? What are (Black) men afraid of in relationships? And, Do (Black) men want feedback in the bedroom? Black men also share their thought about sex and sexual pleasure and the types of women they find attractive.
Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora is not a theoretical analysis of Black men overall, nor is it written to stereotype or categorize them in any way. Instead, it provides a porthole for Black men to express themselves freely as they discuss issues that are real and prevalent in their lives and their relationships.
According to Therez Fleetwood, “I wanted to archive and preserve the intimate lives of Black men for future generations. It’s important for Black women to hear their stories when it comes to understanding the intimate and emotional lives of Black men. I think this is where our healing as a community begins, by having conversations that allow us to cultivate more emotional, intellectual and physical intimacy.”
Black Men and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora is purposefully written so Black women and men can take another step towards understanding each other and cultivating more intimacy within their personal relationship and within the Black community. The questions asked in this book are probing and the answers are direct. Whether you are married or single, female or male, this book will open up a pathway to conversation and exploration.
Therez Fleetwood is the CEO of Luxury Romance Concierge. She has been working with couples for over 20 years as a wedding coordinator, adult toy educator, life coach and romance concierge. Her work provides couples with various ways to enhance the romance, intimacy and bliss in their relationships. Therez is also the author of Men and Intimacy. Real Talk. Real Answers and Black Women and Intimacy – Voices From Across the Diaspora (Spring 2022)
RETAIL CUSTOMERS: ORDER ON-LINE OR WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
BLACK MEN AND INTIMACY Paperback (Amazon) / BLACK MEN AND INTIMACY Ebook (Amazon)
Bookstores – Libraries – Universities email your purchase orders to: Ingram Book Company
For interviews, bookings or further information,
Email: info@therezfleetwood.com
Gemstone Wedding Dresses
Therez Fleetwood designs wedding gowns that incorporate natural gemstones to heighten your spiritual energy on your wedding day.
For centuries, people have believed that certain natural gemstones have the power to generate good energy and luck. Gemstones not only look good but wearing them also gives the bride tranquility, harmony, and balance on her wedding day. What better way to incorporate this powerful natural energy into your ceremony than to have them hand-sewn onto your gown. Not only will these gemstones enhance your natural aura, but the faint clicking of the stones hanging below her waist when she walks down the aisle creates a sensual sound for both the bride and groom.
Gemstones are perfect for calming the nerves and heightening the senses. They provide spiritual protection. purification. stability and strength. The bride can choose stones for wedded bliss, love, luck, inner security, and unconditional love. All gowns are custom made to order. Prices available upon request.
Moorish Wedding Kaftans & Kimonos
Many brides today are choosing wedding attire that reflects their heritage. Therez Fleetwood’s kaftans are inspired by the cultural influences of Moorish women. Brides who want to dress conservatively and culturally, and choose not to wear a veil, an inspired kaftan or kimono is a perfect fit. Brides can choose to complete their look with a bespoke forehead band or turban inspired headpiece. Prices available upon request.
Cowrie Shell Wedding Dresses
Museum Exhibits
It’s was dynamic, bold, and colorful! It’s street style, and it’s high fashion. – New York Times
An exploration of how black style has evolved in New York City and how hip-hop has turned fashion on its head. Hip hop has made black style big business, showcasing black designers and claiming a global market of consumers eager to buy the latest in Black Style Now. The exhibition features garments by pioneering as well as contemporary black designers and outfits worn by style-setters such as Beyoncé, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and LL Cool J. Jewelry, accessories, footwear, and clothing by major hip-hop mega-brands are also on view, as are photographs of fashion icons past and present.
Therez Fleetwood’s BABWE dress on display. Baby blue, gold, chocolate, and ivory silk dupioni with cowrie shells embellishments.
FashionArt
Fashion Designer, Therez Fleetwood and Visual Artist Kottavei are creating FashionArt with a purpose.
Art Meso Exhibit 2018 – “Truly in bloom, inspired by saturated color and personal growth. Women oftentimes gather in clusters reaching towards the nourishing sun much like sunflowers. The women themselves are the seeds planted that grow with proper tending.”