Fashion Designer Marie Antoinette in her Quest to Raise Awareness on Sexual Assault

Fashion Designer Marie Antoinette in her Quest to Raise Awareness on Sexual Assault

Thank you for chatting with me. Can you please share any pivotal moments or influences that led you to pursue a career in fashion? I was born with a love for fashion but the moment I started to pursue a career in fashion was in 2018 when I moved to Atlanta. Fashion has a huge influence…

Miss NO

February 7, 2024

3–4 minutes

blog, FASHION, LIFESTYLE, luxury

Thank you for chatting with me. Can you please share any pivotal moments or influences that led you to pursue a career in fashion?

I was born with a love for fashion but the moment I started to pursue a career in fashion was in 2018 when I moved to Atlanta. Fashion has a huge influence in Atlanta. I never felt overdressed for a night out.

Could you provide our readers with a brief overview of who you are?

My name is Marie Antoinette. I am a fashion designer, fashion show producer, stylist and film maker. My most popular works are MELANIN a coffee table book and documentary discussing colorism and Sapphire Diamonds which is an annual fashion & award show displaying my latest collection.

We were impressed by the recent SAPPHIRE DIAMONDS FASHION SHOW, which raised awareness and supported survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Can you tell us how you landed on this important cause?

Yes, so I went to a podcast to promote the book MELANIN and the podcast host was very inappropriate. I was so baffled by his behavior that it triggered previous experiences of sexual harassment that I had suppressed. I wanted to talk about it but in an artistic way.

What themes, colors, and elements did she incorporate to achieve this?

The theme was Streetwear. I wanted to use bold vibrant colors and graffiti as a metaphor or analogy l for the collection. It’s bold to speak up and take a stand. Also graffiti is a violation yet so powerful. To be assaulted or harassed is a violation, but when you stand up to your abuser or support victims it’s powerful.

How do you believe the fashion industry can contribute to broader societal conversations, especially regarding important issues like survivor advocacy?

The industry can contribute by speaking up more through their art. People are visual, so even if we don’t verbal speak on societal issues put it in the art.

How have you used your creations to amplify the voices of survivors and advocate for change?

I donated proceeds from the Sapphire Diamonds fashion show to the TAKE BACK THE NIGHT FOUNDATION, an organization raising awareness for sexual assault and violence. I implemented words and phrases on the garments that basically calls out abusers and change the narrative

Your personal experience has shaped this year’s collection and the event itself. Can you share how it influenced attendees and made a difference?

From the reviews, I think it was an eye opener. Many attendees didn’t know what to expect but when they realized the cause of the event it encouraged them to speak up, buy merch, and share my content…creating more awareness.

Your fashion show features a winning model each year. Could you tell us about this year’s winner(s) and their achievements?

yes, I have a competition amongst the models that whoever sells the most tickets to the fashion show will get a billboard in Times Square and magazine cover with Jenleeion magazine. This year Da’sha Rozier was the winner. She was a model in the first Sapphire Diamonds fashion show. She is such an amazing spirit. She is a model coach and actress. She also has a mobile bar called Tastings with D. It’s always a pleasure to work with her. Ashley Irvin was the runner up. She worked really hard selling tickets as well, so she did receive a feature in the magazine. It was my first time working with her and it was a great experience. They both are excellent models. I loved the way they showcased my designs.