I Designed Piggy Bank Purses for Modafleur’s Dress Collection

I had a fabulous time as a handbag designer at last week’s Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration in New York, where I showcased my niece Jacklene Creekmore’s Modafluer collection.

Jacklene’s collection of bold and beautiful clothing is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of the wearer’s unique personality, allowing them to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.

To add a touch of Southern charm to the New York audience, Allicia Mitchell came up with big Nashville hair wig designs inspired by Priscilla Presley, Sissy Spacek in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter, and Lynn Anderson (“Rose Garden”). I sent Alicia my ‘mood board’ with a collection of Nashville superstars sporting the biggest hair I could find!! Thankfully, Alicia and the models were up for the challenge. How many cans of Aqua Net did it take to create these mountains of curls in the 70’s???!!!

One of the night’s showstoppers was my kitschy Piggy Bank purses, which I designed as accessories. I worked in the costume rentals department of the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco, and I have designed costumes for a few theater shows in the past. So, I thought of bringing some humor to the fashion show and designed these fun purses.

I found plastic piggy banks for just $2.99 at the Dollar Store, and I thought they’d be perfect to add a touch of whimsy to Jacklene’s beautiful dresses. I went to Rainbow, a women’s clothing store near Port Authority, to find women’s belts, and my hunch was right! Their sequin tube tops and pastel sherbet-colored leggings were perfect for a New Jersey girl out for a disco night in New York. I found silver hoop belts for $5.99 each and attached them to the piggy banks with adhesive silver metal hooks ($1.99 each). To make the purses practical, I added small change purses ($4.99) from Target in Saginaw, MI.

I started doubting my Piggy Bank purses when I entered the dressing room and saw all the other designer clothing. I thought, “Are they any good? Will they look stupid on the runway?” But once I pulled them out, the models swarmed around and giggled over them. To my surprise, three models approached me at the show’s end, inquiring about them. I gladly gave them away with a smile!

Christopher Faison Performs At Our Luther Vandross Never Too Much Celebration in NYC

“I love singing Luther’s music because it is how I discovered my voice,” says Christopher Faison, the creator and star of the cabaret “Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross.  “Everything I know about love I learned from listening to Luther Vandross.  His voice to me was LOVE.”

Christopher will perform at our upcoming Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration, featuring a music panel, fashion show, live performances, style and tea vendors, and DJ DAN.C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in New York City. 

Christopher Faison’s 60-minute self-contained cabaret chronicles his quest to find love and all that it entails, underscored by the music of the legendary singer Luther Vandross. Featuring songs like “Never Too Much,” “Any Love,” and “Dance with My Father,” Christopher owns the stage in an intimate and glorious performance.

Debbie White of Banderas News writes: “Christopher Faison’s Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross was the perfect show for novice listeners and die-hard fans. Faison’s honesty, humor, and stellar vocals won over his audience instantly. With enthusiastic applause and several standing ovations, Here and Now is a fabulous show where emotion meets talent! 

“I grew up listening to all the male vocalists of the 80s, but Luther was the only way to emulate. His music was sacred in my house and remains that way today, “Christopher says. “I learned about heartache and heartbreak, and I learned the beast of what it means to be in love and not have it returned. Most importantly, Luther taught me what love sounded like: the low rumbling in the pit of your stomach when love is new, the crescendos and decrescendos of courtship, the fortissimo you hit when you’re feeling just right, and the breath you hold while waiting for loves return.”

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made Luther’s concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recordings and stage shows. 

MAKEOVER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty to transform your health. Hosted by Max Szadek.

Photographer: Hank Pegeron @hpegeron | Model: Keanna Bryant | Hat Designer: @harlemheavenhats | Dress Designer: Malcolm Staples | hpegeron@me.com | 718-564-9916 | www.marckitimagery.com

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, Dig Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison. 

DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”

SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.