DRESSING UP

New York Designer B Michael Sparkles on the Runway

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B Michael and Brandy Norwood

New York designer B Michael recently had his first Los Angeles runway show, which was part of the 47th Annual NAACP Image Awards luncheon, honoring people of color in film and television.

B Michael showed 18 ready-to-wear looks from the b Michael America Red collection and eight couture looks at the Feb. 4 gala luncheon at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Calif.

Appearing in the fashion show was actress and singer Brandy Norwood, who has worn b Michael styles for her Broadway and television projects.

The show started with Norwood on the runway wearing a dress in lavender and black silk brocade. She also closed the show with a b Michael cathedral ball gown featuring a metallic-silver and gold brocade.

One of the design stars of the show was the 12-vertical-seam dress. The designer said it was one of the best-selling items from the b Michael America Red collection, which is sold at select Macy’s and at www.macys.com.

The 12-vertical-seam dress is an off-shoulder dress with a cap sleeve. It is fitted at the waist and features what B Michael called a full-sweep skirt. It was displayed in two fabrics: a silver textured lace and a lavender brocade.

Other looks included the Topper, a long cardigan displayed in several color ways and including a marble-tone emerald and a gold fabrication.

Other evening gowns at the show included an off-the-shoulder mermaid silhouette in a champagne hue with a beaded, lace overlay.

Roslyn M. Brock, the NAACP chair of the national board of directors, was at the luncheon wearing a strapless ball gown designed by B Michael.