Author: KnowlesMalinda

Bougainvilleas on a Sunday and M2 Sketches

So, I started a painting a while ago and did not finish it (which I have several). I went to brunch and snapped a photo by the boungavilleas before going home years ago. Florida has some beautiful greenery in addition to the gorgeous beaches. I was inspired to paint the purple boungavilleas and couldn’t decide between keeping me off the painting or not. In the end, I left me off.

M2 is still alive by the way. Below are some fashion design sketches I started with this painting as inspiration. Right now, I’m trying to do some crowd funding (you can donate here) and looking to bootstrap my way to developing the next collection. Hopefully, everything will work out and you’ll love it. Check out the progress of this painting and more below! 

 

 

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Mariah Butterfly Bralette

How are you doing? So, recently I copped this Mariah Butterfly Bralette from Sammy B. designs as I’ve been her fan for years. It was actually sold out and I had to wait for it to come back into stock. But when it did, I was one of the first ones buying! Samantha Black is a Jamaican designer that lives and produces out of New York City. I went to one of her fashion shows and heard of her through Harlem Fashion Row. 

I never realized that racism was so rampant and horrible in the fashion industry until I got in it. I remember a teacher telling me while I was in school at the Fashion Institute of Technology that she would never support me because I am not white. And, most recently, I’ve been approached about lightening my skin and never reporting any wrongdoing by whites to the police. It’s really sad that we are still here as a society, but I love supporting my fellow black designers like Samantha Black.

If you want to support more black designers, check out Nordstrom where they partnered with Harlem Fashion Row recently.  

 Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles 

10 Fave Handbags at the Fendi Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 Show

So, happy Milan Fashion Week! Have you been watching the shows? I caught the Fendi Spring/Summer 2025 show and fell in love with several of the handbags on the runway. From tassles to oversized clutches, to ombre and embroidery, the bags were oh-so-beautiful. I’ve found that investing in designer bags is important. Buy a cheap bag and nine times out of ten, it will only last you for a year or so depending on how often you wear it. Some of these bags are classic and can last forever. I even noticed that the see-through trend that Fendi embraced for next spring has influenced some of their handbag designs. 

Anyway, check out more of my favorites below!

Photo Credit: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Socks and Stockings on the Spring/Summer 2025 Runway

S.S. Daley

How are you doing? Have you been watching the Spring/Summer 2025 fashion shows? I have been following digitally as I am working down here in South Florida. I cannot help to notice how many of the shows include socks and stockings worn up to and even above the knee. Simone Rocha even featured some bedazzled socks. Is it me or is this a trend that I am spotting? Would you wear socks or stockings like this?

Jane Wade

 

Simone Rocha

 

Erdem

 

Natasha Zinko

 

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Pit Stop at the Jamaican Island Style Bakery

Good evening! This past week I was running around and made a quick stop at this Jamaican bakery named Island Style Bakery. I came in for some patties but the line was so long and it was really hot in the store. Ever since I lived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, I have been a fan of the Caribbean’s tropical drinks.

Chimichurri Stand in Dominican Republic

They would fry freshly caught fish on the beach, sell fruit in the street and even set up chimichurri (Dominican burgers) stands. Most of the food was grown right there in the DR so you know it was organic and without impurities. When I came back to the states, I was told I was glowing! Anyway, what’s your favorite Caribbean food?

 

Cheers,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Cargo Pants + Bodysuit

Even though it’s still very hot in Florida, Fall is almost here. What better way to wear pre-fall than some grey cargo pants? Throw on a blazer and this would be a perfect look for fashion week.  This look is great streetwear. I got the ensemble from Micas (cargo pants and bodysuit here), an online boutique I found on instagram. The pants are actually quite light and airy, perfect for a pre-fall look. I wore them with my favorite Isabel Marant black sneaker heels (similar here) that give a little height to my five foot two frame. What casual looks have you been wearing for pre-fall?

        

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

     Malinda F. Knowles    

Girly Summer Picnic: Fave Looks from Anna Sui NYFW Spring/Summer 2025 Show

So happy New York Fashion Week! I am down here in Florida working but am following digitally. Anna Sui showed a beautiful Spring/Summer 2025 collection full of ruffles, bows, straw handbags and curled hair. I just loved the looks and I couldn’t help to think some of them are perfect for a spring or summer picnic. Cutouts and see-through are still on trend for next spring and Anna Sui partook in the trend with the below blue and white dress. She also featured a few dressed perfect for a cocktail party or even prom for the kids. What shows have you been loving thus far?

                                 

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Perfect for a Garden Party: Max Mara Dress

Hey there folks! How are you doing? I recently went to Palm Beach and grabbed a beautiful Max Mara dress from their shopping district. It is perfect for that garden party or brunch with the girls. There are sewn-in silver and sparkly brooches to make the perfect accent. And, there are pockets! I just love the dress and will definitely be wearing it as it is somewhat a classic piece. What dress have you been wearing in these last summer days?

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles    

Naomi Osaka’s Nike x Ambush US Open Outfit

In a nod to Japanese culture, Naomi Osaka hit the US Open in style with a Nike x Ambush green outfit. Bows, tulle and ruffles were designed for the tennis star and she absolutely glowed and made quite the fashion statement. The outfit had a removable tutu and windbreaker that she took off to reveal a green tennis ensemble. She was returning to the court after a break for her mental health as well as a pregnancy. Check out more of the tennis champs’ look and original sketch below.

Photo Credit: Mike Stobe; Robert Prange/Getty Images

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles