Miss You Much

I Would Like To Share This

If an African,  a Queer,  a Mexican, and a Black walk into a room will something extraordinary happen.

I recently participated on a panel with Rafael Esquer (Alfafa Studio) and Leyden Lewis (Leyden Lewis Design Studio).  Beyond Black History, Diversity in Art and Design, was a panel headed by Atim Oton who is the co-founder of Black Design News Network, publisher and editor of Calabar Magazine, and lifestyle blogger for Huffington Post Black Voices.

We had a lively discussion about art, design, race, and more.  Below is the wonderful letter I recieved from Melaine Riem, director of Special Projects for Art and Design.

Dear Cassandra,
The panel that you spoke on, Beyond Black History: Diversity in Art and Design Practice was one
of the most energizing and engaging that we have ever hosted at FIT. I could not have
imagined, when we first imagined this event, how not only the excellence in your craft, but
also your honesty would have made such an impact on our audience- and on me.

It was a truly wonderful evening- one whose conversation should continue.
I hope that we might have the opportunity to do that with you again.

On behalf of the School of Art and Design, thank you for your thoughtful, provoking
participation, wonderful work, and for your help in making this event a critical success.

Best Regards,

Melanie Reim
Special Projects
School of Art and Design
 
 

Roxanna

 

Moments before she goes down the aisle with her uncle.

Roxanna, is the kind of client that most designers dream about.  Class, style, knowledgable about fashion, and as she said "I'm not cheap!".  For good reason, Roxanna Floyd is one of the top make-up artists in the media industry.  Painting the faces of Queen Latifah, Angela Basset, and others.  Her movie credits are not bad either, so when she was getting married she had a slew of designers to choose from.  I was so honored that she chose me.

She wore a two piece silk charmuese short dress that was trimmed with chantilly lace had a plunging neckline.  This was topped off with a  cream color Wool/Cashmere coat.  We all walked to the Emmanuel Baptist church which was about one block away.

That was a stylish strut.  

  

Her wedding was small but it packed a punch with guest like Courtney Vance and Angela Basset.  Yep it was all very Chi Chi Chic.  

The reception was wonderful at a local restaurant Two Steps Down where guests had a choice of Fried Catfish and grits or Smothered Chicken.  It is one of my most cherished memories.  

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  For me Roxanna was all three.  Our fittings always included her inspiring uplifts and I was always learning something new.  She motivated by just being herself.   Her advice to me was open yourself up to God and know that your wants, needs, and desires are already answered.  Roxanna is with me for a lifetime and while her passing (January 28th) was shocking, God has decided her work was done.  

Two weeks ago I worked with her good friend and stylist, Susan Moses.  "I told Roxy I was going to be working with you, she said to say Hello",  Susan says giving me a big hug.  I, still star struck from the wedding years ago, again feel the same inspirational high I felt even without being in her physical presence.  That's Roxanna, her work was to make people look good, but that was secondary, she made people feel good.  I will miss her but always have my own special connection.  Thank you Roxanna, you are a beautiful angel. 

My Biggest Fan

M.Elaine Bromfield First Bass at Washington Irving HS

My biggest fan was my mother. What ever I was doing, she was the person who would make the biggest fuss about how great it was. I remember when we couldn't get photographers to photograph our events, she was there with her "point and shoot" taking the best pictures. Next day she would be at Genovese for 1 hour photos getting double prints. I don't think I thanked her enough for this favor, but I really did appreciate it. My life is filled with so many of her standing ovations for me.

When she wasn't able to get out on her own, I took over with making sure she took her medication, doctor visits, and general care. She had difficulty giving up driving and her ability to come and go as she pleased, but my mother made up for it by "busting out orders". I didn't always like it but we would laugh and get on with the day.

My mother taught me to sew, took me to all the New York Museums (she was a NY school teacher), camping, and we drove cross country. She wanted me to know the world was my oyster and all I had to do was open it. I had a leather jacket that was very nice and my creative bug told me to cut the jacket up and make a patchwork bag. I was never punished, I think she just thought "her jacket, her creativity". Well, it was that or she just didn't realize I cut a beautiful jacket up. No matter, my mother was my biggest fan and I will miss her terribly.

As I was telling friends and family of the news, I lamented to one friend I don't know when I will get back into things. He said "Oh no, we don't have time for you to sit down. Plus if you don't have to worry anymore, because now you have an Angel". M.Elaine (Mommy) would say "I am fine, honey, you've got to earn a living".

So I am back to writing, creating and more with my angel in tow. She really is the 'Wind Beneath My Wings". I hope to make her proud.

Thank You Mommy For Every Thing