BY MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Waterbury native Eboyné Jackson said she has been interested in fashion ever since she was a child. And she thanks her grandmother for that.
Jackson, who founded Divine Influence PR and has worked with the likes of Dancehall Queen, Spice and Sierra Gates of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” is also the founder of Luxe on 7th, an online retailer. The Waterbury-based fashion boutique company will hold a pop-up shop on Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Hub, 81 Wolcott St., Waterbury.
Jackson, 37, said she has long had an eye for all things fashion and beauty. And her grandmother, who raised her, helped focus that eye.
Her grandmother had a timeless, classy fashion sense. It was feminine but not over the top, Jackson said. Her grandmother, who is one of her style icons, provided a great example while she was growing up.
Jackson said her personal style began to solidify when she attended Waterbury’s Crosby High School. She started ripping her jeans and deconstructing clothing to create her own individual style. Her approach to fashion caught the attention of her peers, who regularly complimented her and asked for her advice. They even nominated her for best dressed in her senior year. (She didn’t win, Jackson said, but she was honored to be considered).
In addition to her grandmother, Jackson said film actor Audrey Hepburn has long been a fashion icon of hers. Jackson said she loved Hepburn for the actor’s classic, soft and feminine approach to fashion. She said she also is a great admirer of gospel singer CeCe Winans, whom she believes always looks impeccable. Additionally, Jackson said she admires Jennifer Lopez at her most fashionably demure.
“I even loved Diana Ross,” she said. The 1970s-era prime time soap opera “Dynasty,” with Joan Collins, also figures into Jackson’s fashion equation.
“I am a very classic girl at heart,” she said.
On her website for Luxe on 7th (luxeon7th.com), Jackson emphasizes the importance of fashion that keeps you covered and leaves something to the imagination.
Jackson said this philosophy is born of her Christian faith. “I want my life to represent my faith,” she said.
Jackson said she wants to “show women they can be sensual and feminine but do it in a way that is pure.”
“It’s OK to be timeless and classic,” she said. “But know your value and worth. … It’s okay to be covered … and fabulous.”
On her store’s website, people of color and regular sized models wear most of the clothing for sale, which runs counter to the industry standards of 6-foot tall models wearing size zero garments.
“I am a woman that makes up that sector,” Jackson said when asked about the diversity of her models. “I am a curvy woman and person of color.”
“I have hips. I have a shape. And I’m proud of that,” she said.
The website also reflects the reality of American fashion, Jackson said. The average size of women today is 10 and up.
Jackson said finding clothes that are cutting edge, fashion forward and trendy is difficult for women with curves. This is especially so if you want to look your age, she said.
So, Luxe on 7th is intended to fill that fashion demographic, she said.
Jackson doesn’t design the pieces she sells, but she does curate. The clothing comes from wholesalers in Miami, Los Angeles and New York.
However, Jackson said she is open to selling pieces from Connecticut designers. And she said it would be amazing to represent her home state on her website.
Press materials say the pop-up will include “some of Eboyné’s favorite picks that she has rocked to her meetings, red carpet events, and to the supermarket. … Pieces include lively summer dresses, blinged out sweatsuits (and) unique denim pieces.”
The Waterbury resident said she is excited to bring her pop-up store to her hometown. She said she plans several promotions throughout the day to celebrate the occasion.
Right now, Luxe on 7th is web-based only. With the global pandemic, Jackson said most retail has shifted online. “It’s the way to go.”
She hasn’t ruled out a brick-and-mortar store in her future. “That’s always been a dream of mine,” she said.