Sistahs
of Harlem: Empowering Woman through Fashion
and Education
Written by Janet Perisa
Photographed by Ramon Estavanell
Collection Photos (white background) Courtesy
of Sistahs of Harlam
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Women have always had an unparalleled
aptitude for self-expression and creativity: World
renowned poet and literary artist, Maya Angelou
illustrates both confidence and majesty in her poem
titled, “Phenomenal Woman”. Singer/song
writer, Ani Di Franco brazenly vocalizes her frustrations
with the superficial and plethoric themes encompassing
modern-day pop culture in her track entitled, “Fuel”.
Women have also made a significant contribution
to the creative landscape of self expression through
fashion design. Most notably, The Sistahs of Harlem,
a chic line of contemporary woman’s apparel,
have been dedicated to the empowerment of women
through their unique and influential fashion statements.
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Designer
Carmen Webber |
Designer
Carmia Marshall |
Ms. Webber
and Ms. Marshall's jewelry is from the k*claudene
jewelry collection.
Sistahs of Harlem, a fusion of
street couture and vintage European panache has
been making waves on the fashion forefront since
the birth of their line in 2001. A former trio,
now a duo that consists of two beautiful, business-savvy
women, Carmen Webber and Carmia Marshall, has received
a tremendous response both here and abroad.
A former model/designer and a
stylist, Carmen and Carmia work symbiotically to
not only create designs that are original in appearance,
but are geared towards educating and empowering
women. “[We are] marrying fashion and education
in order to promote knowledge and power,”
stated Carmia as she showed me her collection from
the Sistahs Spring 2005 line.
Designer Carmen Webber
Each line is influenced by pioneering women who’ve
had a profound influence on our society such as
Bessie Coleman, the first African-American aviator,
and the inspiration for this coming fall’s
collection. Sistahs of Harlem apparel have graced
the racks of high-end retail stores such as Henri
Bendel, and are also retailed out of trendy boutiques
throughout the city. For all of you young ladies
out their, the Sistahs have created the Angels of
Harlem line that consists of the same innovative
designs at affordable prices. For more information
on Sistahs of Harlem apparel, log on to www.sistahshny.com.
And be sure to look for Carmen this month on Looks
for Less, hosted by the E Network.
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