The Pioneer Newspaper is proud to introduce “Fashion Week,” a column that will discuss fashion trends, places to shop in the Bay Area, and provide commentary about the culture of fashion.

“Fashion week” is an idea created by Rashidah Young and Yasmine Alfakey, two fashionistas who embrace high in-fashion and urban trends to bring you a captivating and collaborative column. To get more acquainted with your fashion columnists, Rashidah and Yasmine would like to introduce who they are and what they stand for.
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Hello my fellow fashionistas and fashionistos, my name is Rashidah Young and I am a self-proclaimed fashion guru who has a passion for staying on top of what’s trending both on and off the runway.

I am currently a senior at California State University, East Bay pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Marketing. Originally from the Bay Area, my style can be described as “bold, edgy, and daring,” as I love to mix prints and patterns. My motto is, “dare to be different,” and I am far from your typical “plain Jane.”

I’ve personally always had a strong desire to be a part of the fashion industry since I could remember. I can recall dressing up in my mother’s apparel as a child and strutting down our kitchen aisle, which at the time I thought was my runway.

During Summer 2012, I attended Couture Fashion Week in New York City and after seeing the models effortlessly strut in all the exquisite couture gowns, I knew that I wanted to become a prominent figure in the fashion industry.

I was previously a junior buyer for Mervyns’ headquarters up until their demise, and 2525 Vintage & Modern here in Hayward. Currently a merchandiser for Nordstrom, I have developed a “sixth sense” for discovering what trends will emerge into the fashion industry and I am excited to share my expertise with you and how you can apply it to your own closet.

In addition to being a merchandiser, I am also a freelance fashion stylist, showing people how to wear wardrobe staples, and add spice to their style. As fashion often repeats itself, 2014 fashion is influenced by past fashion, and the latest fashion innovations to hit the runway.

“Fashion Week” will demonstrate how you can maximize the apparel you have in your closet, and add a trendy statement piece to turn heads everywhere you go.
– Rashidah
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Hello Pioneers, I am Yasmine Alfakey, a fashion obsessed junior studying Communication and Theatre at CSUEB. As a Los Angeles native, I have an extensive background in retail, styling, and fashion design.

My passion for fashion developed early on in life, and after I posed for the Los Angeles Times magazine at the age of six, I knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry forever.

Creativity and self-expression keep me inspired and because clothes are a part of our everyday lives, I believe that there’s no better way to express yourself than through your outfit each morning!

In terms of my personal style, some of the colors that I tend to gravitate towards are black, white, and gold. You can never go wrong with a soft white top, fit black bottom, and appropriate gold accessories such as a belt, or bold earrings. As wearing many labels can be distracting an unappealing, I believe in staying fashionably under the radar.

I have acquired fashion expertise from working at retail stores such as Aldo, and American Apparel. As a stylist for Michael Kors, I have learned how to coordinate apparel and accessories for everyday wear. In addition to being a stylist for Michael Kors, I also have experience with styling local rappers, and urban models in Los Angeles.

“Fashion Week” will keep you wanting more, and we will share with you where you can find great fashion pieces, and how you can wear them. As no one style is the “right style,” I am a huge advocate for dressing for YOURSELF, rather than following what you might see in a magazine or on television.

From investigating the sales racks at Nordstrom, to finding the perfect winter boots online, you can trust us to always be honest and open with tips and advice.
Fashion is universal and relatable, even if you hate to shop, so join us as we journey through the do’s and don’ts, best and worst trends, company profiles and more. Welcome to “Fashion Week.”
– Yasmine