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Peace and Blessings everyone! THE Black Vibrations Podcast is BACK for Season 2 and we are kicking off with our coverage from The First ANNUAL Affiliated Experience (4/9-4/11) here in Charlotte, NC. The experience was curated by Narcisso "Al" Bowman, owner of Affiliated Apparel. The inaugural weekend was full of events to celebrate black culture, black beauty, and the release of Affiliated's Spring 21 line. Kicking off on Friday night with an intimate birthday celebration for the leading man himself there was only one thing for sure - that good vibes is and was a must for the weekend and that stayed true throughout the entire time. On Saturday we had a double header with Brunch and the Fashion show, where the TBV crew was live talking to the key players who made the weekend a success including the hosts, musical guests, and the fashion director for the events. On Sunday, the weekend wrapped up with a pop-up shop in West Charlotte where Al curated an art exhibit and had merch for sale. Al's dedication to the event is so deep, that he has even announced next year's event for 4.8.2022. Here are some of our favorite moments from the event.
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SATURDAY: BRUNCH & FASHION SHOW
Saturday kicked off at the black-owned NoDa @ 28th Studios with an intimate brunch. The food was delicious, the mimosas were flowing, and the music was hitting. Attendees came with their best brunch attires including fitted dresses, pastel suits, loafers and more. Our personal favorite menu item were the lamb chops, which impressed new and seasoned lamb eaters alike. For Gi's first time eating lamb she was definitely impressed. After people were well fed and oozing good energy and positivity, the event transitioned to a Fashion Show, which highlighted Affiliated's Spring 21 line. The pieces were high end, sleekly printed, and powerful shaded with neutral earth tones to challenge the norm of a spring line.
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During the show we got to see performances from TheFirm Music Group and G.CUE, local artists that Al had invited to perform. Both performances were unique, lit, and memorable since the event had already created the "Affiliated" atmosphere of high-end cultural intimacy. We wanted to shout out Jasmine Orlandis (Host) , The_Maarket (Fashion Director for show), The Tulsa Initiative, and TheFirm MG for sitting down and chatting with us. Also, we have to shout out the attendees, especially those that participated in the collective "AHNT AHNT" in honor of the 2-6, Fayetteville, NC.
SUNDAY: Ver Project Pop-up Shop
On Sunday, we headed out to the weekend's final event: the Ver Project Pop-Up where Al set up an art exhibit highlighting his journey to where he is now and had merchandise to sell as he readies for the Spring Launch the following week. The exhibit essentially highlighted Al's life from his early days, the military, becoming a professor, launching Affiliated Apparel and more. Guests began to pour in consisting of attendees from the weekend's prior events, other Charlotte Entrepreneurs, local supporters, and more. Al also gave two live interviews with A Too Cozy Podcast and us.
The Pop-Up, along with all the other events were held in black owned venues as well, so we wanted to shout out the entire Affiliated team for bringing this amazing and classy event to Charlotte, and here at TBV are looking forward to capture the growth of this event in the years to come.
Folllow:
Peace and Blessings!