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NYFW SS20 Day 4 Shows

Ah, the final day.  It still amazes me how much occurs in a time span of 4 days.  A friend asked me what shows I had gone to the day before and I had to seriously rack my brain.  Was that only yesterday?!  I feel like I live 3 lifetimes during NYFW!
Noon by NoorNoon by Noor SS20Noon by Noor SS20Noon by Noor SS20

Bright and early at 9am (which feels like 5am during NYFW) was Noon by Noor.  It had been a couple seasons since we saw their show, so I was excited to get back in the mix.

Designed by two cousins, the line excels in balancing softness and strength.  Their clothes are equally structured and voluminous; billowy dresses are mixed in with strong-shouldered blazers.  Fabrics, like the silk jacquard in the baby pink maxi dress above, contain so much texture.  I love it.  Everything is a visual delight.

For SS20, the duo was inspired by Bahraini pearls and the soft glow of the ocean.  The sheer pieces with hand applique pearls were so delicate and stunning.  Pink has been a constant accent color in spring/summer collections and while Noon by Noor used it too, their main accent color was tangerine.  Vibrant and refreshing, I loved how it could be subtle, as seen in the shoes and accessories, or bold, like in the two-piece sets and dresses.

Theory 
Theory SS20 Theory SS20 Theory SS20

From Noon I ran to Theory, which was taking place at their Soho store.  It was slated as a presentation, so I was expecting to walk through the space and admire the clothes up close, but when I arrived they had just started a runway show.  I love a good change up!

Theory brought their signature suiting but it was their flowing separates that epitomized spring.  It was fabulous to see such pop colors in a collection that is normally more neutral and subdued.  The emerald and turquoise hues paired with leopard print were a bold move and totally worked.

Oversized bags and stark white shoes rounded out the looks.  From everything I’ve seen this week, spring will serve up tons of accent colors so be ready to experiment!

Backstage at Claudia Li with RedkenClaudia Li SS20 BackstageClaudia Li SS20 Backstage Claudia Li SS20 Backstage Claudia Li SS20 Backstage

Backstage at Claudia Li the vibe – and the beauty – was relaxed.  Lead Hair Stylist Rodney Culter created a look that was versatile and natural.

“What Claudia and I wanted to do is really play up everyone’s authentic style and celebrate uniqueness. We worked with the natural texture of the hair for a lived-in look that we’re calling second or third-day hair. We also mixed in chunky side braids and rope braid chignons to complement the different pieces in the collection.”  – Rodney Cutler

Claudia LiClaudia Li SS20 BackstageClaudia Li SS20 BackstageClaudia Li SS20 BackstageClaudia Li SS20Claudia Li SS20 Claudia Li SS20

From great hair, we moved on to great clothes.

Oh, the clothes!  This was my second time seeing Claudia Li and let me tell you, I grow more and more fond of this designer the more she creates.  Look after look was so nuanced and strong.  She showed bold prints, giant bows, coated denim and LED illuminated outerwear accented with all-weather hats, chunky sandals, and rope embellished handbags.  She killed it.

Any designer that can masterfully mix prints and create clothes that truly make you think should be celebrated.

It was a wonderful collection to end my NYFW SS20 experience.

Thank you for following along all on my fashion week adventures.  That’s a wrap!

ICYMI: check out my recaps of Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.

NYFW SS20 OOTD 4

Johanna Ortiz Bloom print dressJohanna Ortiz Bloom print dress Johanna Ortiz Bloom print dress Johanna Ortiz Bloom print dressJohanna Ortiz Bloom print dressJohanna Ortiz Bloom print dress Johanna Ortiz dress // Beaufille corset (similar here) // Le Specs sunglasses // Snake earrings (similar here)
Amelie Pichard boots (similar here) // Vasic bag (similar here)

And this brings us to the final day of NYFW.  It always feels bittersweet.  As I’ve said many times before, I never want to go, but I know I cannot stay.

You guys helped me pick out my Day 4 OOTD.  Earlier this summer I had scored three amazing dresses in the designer sales, and couldn’t decide which one I wanted to keep.  While not all of you voted for this one, it was the clear winner for most of you (and for me too).  The color suits my skin tone and I love the kimono style vibe.

While it’s no longer available, I found a similar version for $59.

Johanna Ortiz is a designer I’ve worn to NYFW before.  I affectionately refer to this top as “the ruffle heard round the world“.  I was lucky to be one of the first people to wear it.  Beyonce would go on to wear it later, prompting a thousand copycats to be launched.

Everything else in my look is an oldie but goodie.  These boots have also appeared during NYFW, this bag was my go-to while pregnant thanks to it’s small size and versatile carrying options and this corset always makes a great statement.

I’ve linked affordable, in-stock options below.

NYFW usually always happens during September 11, and thus I’ve been in NY on this day for the past 5 years.  This season I wasn’t, but when we were shooting OOTD photos and the NYFD pulled up, it felt serendipitous.  I have so much respect and gratitude for this group of individuals.  They asked us if they were ruining our shot and I said, “absolutely not, we want you in it!”  The NYFD graciously agreed to snap a photo with us and I truly think it’s the best NYFW photo we’ve ever taken.

Thank you NYFD.

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NYFW SS20 Day 3 Shows

Day 3 was my lightest day and it was so nice to have a reprieve.  When you’re running, running, running, a break in the madness is imperative (if you can get that lucky).  You actually get to eat!  And sleep in.  And have time for more than one coffee.  To think!

I wore a cape dress by designer Tiko Paksa and its voluminous silhouette was SO comfortable.  It completely fit with the relaxed ease of the day but was still so fashion forward.  The talent coming out of Eastern Europe is so good you guys.

Cong TriCong Tri SS20Cong Tri SS20Cong Tri SS20Cong Tri SS20Cong Tri SS20Cong Tri SS20

At this point in my NYFW experience, I try to be very strategic about the shows I attend.  Gone are the days of running myself ragged trying to fit in as many shows as I can.  I like to think I’m a little older and (maybe) a little wiser, so I really try to reserve the week for my favorite designers.

That said, I always attend one show I’ve never been to before.  It’s important to me to keep my finger on the pulse of an industry I deeply care about.  I always choose an emerging designer – I love seeing what talent is on the rise.  This season it was Cong Tri.

The great thing about going into a show you’ve never seen before is that you have a truly unbiased opinion.  I don’t go in expecting anything and that allows my sartorial palette to start clean.  Baseline = zero.

When the first model descended Cong Tri’s runway, my attention peaked.  As the second, third and fourth models appeared, my brain seemed only capable of formulating, “Oh, okay!”

This designer gets it.  This designer understands construction.  This designer presented a mood.

In a swath of jewel tones, Tri sent look after glorious look down the runway.  The fabrics he used were not only complex to work with, but extremely varied.  One minute it was floating silk chiffon that enveloped the model in a cloud, another it was structured taffeta bursting into voluminous shoulders and gigantic bows.  Several gowns were hand beaded with the finest execution and don’t even get me started on his feathered finale looks.  So delicate yet so bold!

This collection is meant for the red carpet.  But Tri didn’t stop at just gowns.  He sent separates down the runway too – blazers, bralets, wide-leg trousers and slip dresses perfect for a night out.

While I’m no Cathy Horyn, my only critique is that I thought his SS20 collection could have been edited slightly.  I saw some repetition in his looks that I thought could be tightened up, but overall, he knocked it out of the park.

Stay on the lookout for Cong Tri.  I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more about him.

Sandy LiangSandy Liang SS20 Sandy Liang SS20 Sandy Liang SS20

I fell in love with Sandy Liang’s designs about 3 years ago.  The piece that hooked me was a fleece jacket.  At 28 years old, her line is already 5 years old, but SS20 was her first NYFW runway show.

Her vibe is 90s comfort dressing – nothing stuffy or too serious here.  I love how she ingeniously mixes childlike nostalgia with fashionable outdoorsy gear.  That almost doesn’t make any sense, but trust me when you see it on the runway, it does.  Think of it as REI, but make it fashion.

For SS20, she showed gingham, airy chiffon and of course her signature jackets.  The patchwork fleece accented with baby blue cuffs looked so cozy and chic.  I adored the gathered garter-belt tops.  They were playful yet edgy and looked so wearable.

The styling was on point too.  The early 60’s beehive-esque ‘dos topped with 90’s babydoll bows was a fabulous mashup.  It furthered heightened the girlie yet chic vibe Sandy Liang is known for.

Like Cong Tri, keep your eye on Sandy Liang too.  I loved this NYFW diary interview she gave to the NY Times.

After Sandy Liang, I made my way over to Chelsea to visit a friend for coffee.  On the way there, I made a random stop in a wig shop and had so much fun playing around with different styles.  Like fashion week, it was a chance to lose myself in a different look, a different vibe.  Should I go blonde?  Curly?  What about my dream hair (lavender)?

Anything is possible at NYFW.

ICYMI: check out my NYFW SS20 Day 1 and Day 2 show recaps!

NYFW SS20 OOTD 3

Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20 Tiko Paksa Resort 20Tiko Paksa dress and belt // Balenciaga boots // Celine sunglasses  // J. Crew earrings (similar here)
Madewell, Lady Cromer and vintage rings // Bottega Veneta pouch (affordable version here)

This dress was made to move.

And move I did.  NYFW Day 3 was my lightest day but still action-packed.

If you’ve followed along on my NYFW adventures in years past, you know there is an indie designer that I love and wear consistently.  Tiko Paksa hails from the country of Georgia and continues to steal my heart with her designs season after season.  Take a look at some of my past outfits from her line.  This purple plaid blazer started the oversized trend and this suit ensemble took it to the next level.

There is a ton of talent hailing from Paksa’s region of the world.  Moda Operandi was one of the first to carry her contemporaries. MATÉRIELis another line that I love.  I wore the brand at NYFW while pregnant and still felt so chic and comfortable.

You’ve seen these boots before.  I wear them year-round and haven’t tired of them.  The kitten heel is the perfect height not only for fashion week, but for my life in general.  I rarely wear more than a 2-inch heel nowadays!

And oh this bag.  Forewarning, you’ll be seeing a ton of it on the blog.  It’s just too good.  I found a great alternative under $60 and recently came across this option on Etsy.  Disclosure: the Etsy one looks waaaay too similar to me, and while I’m all for affordable fashion, I’m NOT for copyright infringement.  What do you think about this bag?

ICYMI: here’s my NFYW Day 1 outfit and my Day 2 outfit.

Stay tuned for my NFYW SS20 Day 3 show recap!

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NYFW SS20 Day 2 Shows

After a huge first day, I was so happy to sleep in a bit on Day 2.  First up, Jonathan Cohen.
Backstage at Jonathan Cohen with Bumble and BumbleBumble and Bumble Backstage Jonathan Cohen SS20Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble Jonathan Cohen

As soon as I got backstage, I knew the vibe at Jonathan Cohen would be right up my alley.  Bumble and Bumble lead stylist Laurent Philippon used fabric from the SS20 collection to weave into the models’ hair.  The result was sleek, long braids with pops of bold colors reminiscent of 80’s Yves Saint Laurent.  I was all about it.

For the models with shorter hair, a loose s-wave (noticing a trend?) complimented the long braids.

Jonathan CohenBackstage Jonathan Cohen SS20 Backstage Jonathan Cohen SS20 Backstage Jonathan Cohen SS20Jonathan Cohen SS20

Since this was my first time attending a Jonathan Cohen show, it already had an elevated appeal.  But the fact that Jonathan grew up in San Diego and was influenced by his Mexican heritage and California upbringing really took it to another level for me.  Seeing his inspiration board backstage of La Jolla shores, surfers, and the vibrant hues of Mexican textiles was awesome.  This was literally my backyard.

The fabric prints were all hand-drawn by Jonathan and I adored the pieces with dia de los muertos skulls, longboards and flowers.  I will definitely be adding one of these pieces to my collection!

Another reason Jonathan is a designer after my own heart?  He used organic cotton, denim created with non-toxic enzymes, 100% regenerated nylon and upcycled Swarovski crystals.  Being a responsible and eco-conscious designer is important to him and the fact that he prioritizes this in his collections makes me appreciate him even more.

Collina StradaCollina Strada SS20 Collina Strada SS20

One thing you can count on with Collina Strada is that designer Hillary Taymour will always keep it interesting.  In the past, I’ve attended a wedding, a sound bath, a spoken word rap performance and now a trip to the farmers market.  Held in Stuyvesant Square Park, she focused on a theme she’s extremely passionate about: preserving our planet.

Like the Jonathan Cohen show before her, Taymour told the crowd how they could help in her show notes.  She provided a reusable produce bag for attendees and listed off ways we can all lessen our eco-footprint – start a garden; cook at home.

And what about the clothes?  Of course there was tie-dye, something I consider a Collina staple.  But there was also soft pastels, floral motifs and painters prints on slip dresses, bodysuits and blazers.  Taymour was heavily influenced by hippie culture, one that speaks to her passions and manifests in her garments.  The 1960’s were on full display.

After the finale, which included a performance by singer Tei-Shi, the audience shopped the tables of fresh produce, bread and flowers.  Just another day at NYFW.

Backstage at Prabal Gurung with Bumble and BumblePrabal Gurung SS20 Backstage Bumble and Bumble

Even though this was only my second day of NYFW, I think this was the 4th time I got to witness Bumble and bumble lead stylist Laurent Philippon’s genius backstage.  And that brings me to a good point.  If you’ve ever wondered how hard the stylists and artists behind the scenes work, here’s your answer.  HARD.  They are hustling in constrained spaces and timeframes.  They have to create genius and beauty and make it all look effortless.  And they do.

The hair vision for Prabal’s show was fresh-looking, effortless and very stylish.  Hair was pulled back and wet looking thanks to Bumble and bumble’s Thickening Spray to start and the newly launched Sumo Liquid Wax + Finishing Spray.  For key looks, hair was braided into updos and then adorned with massive flowers.  It was ethereal.  It looked divine and smelled divine.  It felt like a dream.

Prabal GurungPrabal Gurung SS20 Prabal Gurung SS20 Prabal Gurung SS20 Prabal Gurung SS20 Prabal Gurung SS20Prabal Gurung SS20Prabal Gurung photos by Matthew Passiglia

I have a secret.  Prabal Gurung was my most anticipated show of SS20.  And it did not disappoint.

When I arrived in the show space, the wave of beauty hit me instantly.  In a swath of blue light, floral chandeliers hung from the ceiling.  They were so massive you could reach out and touch them.  Containing flags from countries around the world, including an American one, they were beautiful and thought-provoking.

The show opened with a sea of white cotton garments – most with voluminous sleeves and draped waistlines.  Models carried handbags overflowing with flowers.  But then the collection turned bold.  Crimson rose and watercolor prints were shown in silks for men and women.  Accompanied by denim separates, the vibe was casual yet elevated.

The collection turned yet again, into the power decade.  1980’s suiting, sequins and bold shoulders were the rage.  This is of course the point in the collection where my heart started racing even faster.  His purple menswear suit accented by a red lip and triangular toed stilettos left me breathless.  But that wasn’t all.  The look was topped with a poufy, gathered stole!  It couldn’t have gotten any better.

Feather accents on headwear and dresses, bold print mixing, sportswear and ballgowns.  This was a celebration of American fashion.

When the models descended the runway for the finale, Prabal’s theme became abundantly clear.  Donning Miss America sashes that read “Who gets to be American?” Prabal left the audience with a powerful, emotional and thought-provoking image.

One I’ll never forget.

ICYMI: check out my recap of the shows from NYFW SS20 Day 1 and what I wore on Day 2!