Washington shares what she’s wearing for Thanksgiving and what’s on her Christmas wish list
Since moving to Charleston in 2019 and later retiring from a 24-plus-year career with Walmart, the founder of Zuriel Kingdom Collections has been designing bold African-inspired dresses, dusters, head wraps, and jewelry. The designer’s love of fashion originates with her mother, who graduated from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Years later, when Juneteenth was recognized as a holiday, friends and family members often asked Washington to make clothing of Ankara fabrics for them to wear for celebrations. Since then, the mother of four girls has developed a reputation as a style influencer. Here, she shares what she’s wearing for Thanksgiving and what’s on her wish list for Christmas.
Q What’s in your virtual shopping cart that you hope to purchase soon?
A I am eyeballing some cute shoes, such as these Kurt Geiger London rainbow metallic platform pumps (above, available at Dillard’s).
Q What’s tops on your Christmas list?
A Well, since you asked: Lululemon workout gear and crossbody bags, cute “Bagheera” jammies from Printfresh (above, available at GDC Home), and candles.
Q Do you have a favorite local nonprofit that you like to support?
A I Am Voices, which provides resources to women who have been affected by sexual assault, human trafficking, or homelessness, and Lowcountry Homeless Coalition, which assists people who are unhoused.
Q Is there an item in your wardrobe that you couldn’t live without?
A I can’t live without earrings, such as these hoops from local brand J. Melissa (above).
Q What will we find you wearing most days?
A Most days I’m in a tiered maxi dress, like the “Stella” from Zuriel Kingdom (above), or occasionally some palazzo pants. The flow of a maxi in the steamy South allows you to dress it up or run to the grocery store. The cool thing is I make my own clothing, so shopping my own style is always a bonus.
Q How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, and what will you wear?
A My family will gather at either my home or my mom’s home. Funny, I always become a conversation piece because they want to know what I’m going to be wearing. This year, I’m going to buy from a local designer. As much as I enjoy designing, I also want to support. One shop I love is The Tiny Tassel. I appreciate the clothes just as much as Mimi Striplin, the person behind the vision. This “Gadsden“ dress (above) speaks to me.
