New York Fashion Week Archives - Page 5 of 20

February 21, 2019

NYFW FW19 Day 2, Part 2

February 21, 2019

Tibi faux fur coat (similar here) // Tiko Paksa blazer (similar here)
Tibi track top // Marni belt (similar here) // Jean Atelier jeans
Zara boots (similar here) // Celine sunglasses

Towards the second half of Day 2, the weather took a turn for the worse. My open front balloon sleeve coat was rad, but couldn’t handle the cold so I changed into a second look.

You may remember this plaid Tiko Paksa blazer from a past fashion week. I’ve been loving purple for winter, and it went perfectly with my Tibi faux fur bomber and track top. To add proportion, I knew a nipped waistline was in order. This massive Marni belt is super editorial with its floor skimming tassels and made me feel like a glam WWE wrestling champ. I’d call that a win.

While some women are experts at the multi-outfit approach to NYFW, it’s not my preference. For one, I like the challenge of finding outfits that are chic, functional and can be worn all day. Second, I’m a collector. While a lot of bloggers borrow clothes from showrooms or designers during NYFW, I buy all my looks. My garments are like treasures – I care for them, admire them and hoard them. I couldn’t bear to give them back, hah!

Nonie

Nonie backstage images courtesy of Bumble & Bumble

I first saw Canadian brand Nonie’s runway in September 2018. A favorite of Megan Markle, the brand delivers clean tailoring, lush basics and a sprinkle of accent pieces – think a leopard print trench coat – in for good measure. In other words, if you’re interested in the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, Nonie is the brand for you.

The neutral color palette Nonie presented for FW19 felt rich and warm. Expert draping seen in cardigan sweaters, wide leg trousers and wrap tops provided an easiness to the overall refinement. When the Nonie woman wants to amp up her look, she struts about in crimson dresses, floral print jumpsuits and accents of ruffles and lace. Every single piece was extremely wearable. Every single piece looked extremely comfortable. There’s not a woman around who couldn’t put countless looks together with the elevated staples Nonie sent down the runway.

From a winter collection for every woman to a swimwear collection for every woman I went!

Chromat

Chromat images © IMAXtree.com

If you’ve read my NYFW recaps before, you know Chromat is probably the most inclusive brand to show at fashion week. They create avant-garde swimwear and bodywear for every age and body. The goal? Make the wearer feel positively fabulous.

Witnessing a Chromat runway is proof that the brand makes women feel like a million dollars. I’ve always maintained that this show is less a runway and more a party. The audience is super involved, cheering, clapping and dancing as the models strut their stuff. Personality is majorly encouraged and when the models get to the end of the runway, they SERVE it.

Inspired by Miami, neon colors and tropical accents dominated the collection. I loved the one-shoulder long sleeved tops paired with sporty bottoms. What I loved even more, was Chromat’s commitment to sustainability. Like Collina Strada from earlier in the week, Chromat focused on fashion that is kind to our planet. Using regenerated nylon recovered from fishing nets found in the world’s oceans, the team constructed the fall 2019 collection.

Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity

Once back in my hotel room, I reflected on the notion of inclusivity in the fashion world. By nature, fashion is very exclusive. It’s actually the lifeblood of the industry, perpetuating the notion that only a select few can have access to the best of the best.

A lot of bloggers tell me they are too scared to attend NYFW because they don’t know anyone and thus don’t think they’d fit in. I’ve been lucky to find the opposite.

NYFW is like summer camp. You see the same people year after year, and although your contact is minimal save for this one crazy week, you pick up where you left off. You bond over your common passion. You understand each other. You speak the same language.

Never in my life have I found a group of people – outside of my dear family and friends – that “get” me as much as my NYFW peers. There is no explanation. I don’t have to qualify anything. I’m just understood.

As NYFW evolves (more to come on this topic) this notion of inclusiveness is what motivates me.

Speaking of inclusivity, on Friday night I was supposed to meet up with a group of blogger friends for drinks. Contemplating whether or not I wanted to get out of my pj’s and brave the bitter cold, I called my friend Tiffany who was also at NYFW.

“What do you think? Should we go out?”

What ensued was a fabulous 45min phone date. Sometimes staying in and gabbing fashion is more fun.

Stay tuned for my final recap of NYFW FW19 tomorrow!

Shop the Post

OOTD photos by Andrea Ceraso Photography

February 20, 2019

NYFW FW19 Day 2, Part 1

February 20, 2019

Jacquemus balloon sleeve coat (similar here) // Tibi track top
Jean Atelier flip-top jeans // YSL bag (similar here) // Celine sunglasses
Marco de Vincenzo boots (similar here)

Whoohoo on to Day 2!

My day started early with a 9am presentation. As soon as I stepped out of my hotel, my feet landed in rain puddles. I’ve always said anything is better than rain during NYFW. I’d take snow, sleet or scorching heat over rain any day (I’ve experienced it all)!

Thankfully I chose metallic, patent leather booties that are practically waterproof for Day 2. Continuing with Day 1’s nod to vintage (thanks again, Dad, for the track jacket), I put every 80s fashion element I could think of into my look. Giant shoulder pads, flip-top jeans and a neon purple track suit top were in order. Could someone please just get me a time machine? I really need to live in the 80s!

Nanushka

Around 9:30am I arrived at Nanushka. Interestingly, it was the same location as Milly’s show from exactly one year before. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, their vibe is ‘a contemporary house for the modern human’. They make men’s and women’s pieces that are meant to be lived in (no impractical fashion here) and that can easily transition to all types of occasions.

I have a secret. Nanushka was my favorite FW19 collection. The supple vegan leather, faux shearling bags and shoes, and plush knits in plum and peach had me swooning. I’ve already pre-ordered some items from the collection. Any guesses on what I got? Here’s a hint.

Dubbed, Mystery Child, the collection aimed to break the mold of masculine vs. feminine and allow the wearer to freely express his or her point of view. But this is no namby-pamby freedom – it’s an optimistic viewpoint, one that is unafraid and daring which can be seen in a nod to 70s silhouettes and dominant colors.

If you follow me on Instagram you remember my outrage at the first Celine show under Hedi Slimane’s direction. I wasn’t alone. Women the world over mourned the loss of a house that actually designed for women. Women need pieces they feel confident AND comfortable in – and not many brands can deliver both.

After witnessing Nanushka’s FW19 presentation, I’m convinced they have filled the void Phoebe Philo left at Celine. The bonus? Nanushka is a fraction of the cost and has a broader distribution channel – you don’t need a relationship with a sales associate in a boutique to get your hands on it.

Keep your eye on Nanushka. They’ve been around for over 10 years, but I’m certain the best is yet to come for this brand.

Following Nanushka, I met up with a few reps from a PR firm for coffee. Can I be honest? I’ve seen enough Insta Stories and social media posts of women touting they’re “taking meetings” during NYFW to last me a lifetime. The way these tete-a-tetes are explained is honestly ridiculous. If you are Bill Gates or Barack Obama, then yes, you “take meetings”. But the rest of us? We attend meetings.

And no, this was not a super top secret meeting in which we plotted world domination or a super exclusive business deal. It was a group of friends who happen to work in the same industry coming together to catch-up and brainstorm about how we can make a small impact in a space we love.

As a blogger friend pointed out, half the time women say they’re ‘taking meetings’ they’re just visiting a showroom to pick out clothes. Cool? Yes. But can we please just simmer down on the “I’m so important” train? Let’s do great work instead of talking about doing great work.

Once again, my day was so full I’m breaking it into two parts. Stay tuned tomorrow for the second half of Day 2!

ICYMI: Check out my recaps of NYFW Day 1 Part 1 and Part 2!

Shop the Post

OOTD photos by Andrea Ceraso Photography

February 19, 2019

NYFW FW19 Day 1, Part 2

February 19, 2019

Annnddd, we’re back! Rounding out the latter half of Day 1 were two amazing shows and a behind-the-scenes look into backstage beauty.

Right after Tadashi I had just enough time to head back to my hotel for some tea and to film an Insta Story (check out my NYFW highlight reel here) before heading to Chelsea for Pamella Roland.

Pamella Roland

Pamella Roland images 1, 2, 3 © IMAXtree.com

I adore Pamella’s shows because her gowns are next level. If you ever want a master class in intricate detailing – hand-beaded appliques, feather embellishments, pleated tulle – Pamella Roland is your girl. Someday I would love to attend a resee of a collection (a showroom appointment to “re-see” the garments up close) because the countless hours that go into each piece is unparalleled.

For fall 2019, she was inspired by Tiffany glass and stained-glass windows. The concept took shape in 3-D floral appliques, metallic threadwork and confetti beading. Layer upon layer of luxe fabric was amped up with these techniques. From different vantage points, the overall effect changed – sometimes glamorous, sometimes sexy – falling perfectly in line with her inspiration. I got a luxurious Alice through the looking glass feel from this collection. And that finale number? Could there be more of a Cinderella moment? Pamella Roland brought the fashion girl’s fairytale to life.

Another element of Pamella’s shows that I love is the audience. Made up of celebrities and socialites, it’s truly a show within a show. Last season we happened to capture Real Housewife of NY Dorinda Medley fawning over the collection in what caused quite a stir. This season I got to see Vanessa William’s strut inside like her Ugly Betty alter ego Wilhelmina Slater, Nigel Barker emit his ever-cool British swagger and Nicky Hilton look as glam as ever (you know she’ll be buying pieces from this collection).

Could this week I like to dub ‘fashion summer camp’ be any more fun?

Backstage with Redken x Badgley Mischka

Going backstage during NYFW is both a privilege and an eye-opener. No doubt blood, sweat and tears go into creating a collection, but what about showing a collection? Absolutely no different. Creating the overall vibe of a show is make it or break it.

Redken & Cutler Salon were responsible for bringing the beauty magic to life at Badgley Mischka. A sleek pompadour ponytail was the look of the night. As multiple stylists worked their way around the model’s heads, it reminded me of an intricate dance or a music montage makeover scene from a classic movie (Pretty Woman, Clueless, anyone?).

To achieve the sleekest ponytail ever, it took two stylists – one holding the models’ hair flat, while the other pulled it tightly back – to create the look.

I chatted with model Ajak Deng backstage – she would go on to open the show – and she had just flown in from Qatar. Before that, she had been through the Middle East and Europe. She had no concept of what time zone she was even in, yet she looked flawless.

How is this possible?! There is a reason she’s a model.

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka runway images © IMAXtree.com

The FW19 collection took a nod from 1940s and 50s glamour – and it worked. Iridescent paperbag waist pants, chrome effect suits and evening gowns inspired by vintage Mercedes coupes were the highlights of the night.

The Badgley Mischka woman is glamorous yet strong, and not afraid to throw a menswear detail into the mix. In other words, my kinda girl. While the palette stayed dark with navy velvet, black suiting and forest green eveningwear, the finale took a vibrant turn. All 30 models descended the catwalk in cherry red cocktail dresses for the finale. Could it have been to celebrate the designer duo’s 30 years in business? A nod to heart month? Whatever the reason, the collective pop of beauty was refreshing and fun.

When the show ended, reality set in. I had eaten nothing more than a banana and a granola bar all day and it was nearly 10pm. My girls Cathy of Bay Area Fashionista and Laura of Have Need Want and I hightailed it to the nearest sushi bar and indulged. A fabulous end to a great first day of NYFW.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of NYFW Day 2!

ICYMI: Check out my recap of NYFW Day 1, Part 1!

February 18, 2019

NYFW FW19 Day 1, Part 1

February 18, 2019

Harris Wharf London coat // Vintage track jacket (similar here) // Ih Nom Uh Nit Stranger Things t-shirt
Tibi track pants // Amelie Pichard boots (similar here) // Prada bag // Quay sunglasses
Celine alphabet necklace ($15 version here) // Love Tatum choker

Every time I touch down in NY for another fashion week I immediately play Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind. Like my months of window shopping, incessant overpacking, and stay-up-late marathon sessions preparing for the trip, it’s tradition.

This ain’t my first rodeo. But the giddy childlike excitement never dies.

This NYFW would prove to be very different. For one, I covered the shows without my partner in crime (he stayed home with baby) and for another, it’d be the shortest time I’d ever spend at fashion week. Normally, we attend five full days, but this trip would be three. Gotta get home to baby!

After arriving late into the city and catching up with two very dear friends, I checked into my hotel near midnight. You know how every hotel has one room that is positively dismal? Well, I got that room. Cramped, smelly, loud – I got maybe three hours of sleep. Not a great start, but NYFW isn’t for the faint of heart. Suck it up buttercup!

First on the agenda was a photoshoot to capture my OOTD’s. Normally the hubby and I photograph these in real time, day by day, but due to my shortened trip, I knocked them all out at once.

Over Christmas my sister and I found a treasure trove of vintage pieces in my dad’s closet. I’m talking Le Coq Sportif tracksuits from the 80s, perfectly lived in Levi’s and lots of glorious neon. Of course I knew something would have to make it into my NYFW routine, and his red Andre Agassi track jacket did the trick.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember this being the impetus for my version of athleisure. When I stumbled upon these Quay glasses, the look started to take shape. Part mad scientist, part lady of leisure, I mixed comfortable and over-the-top in what reminded me of something Frank Costanza would wear.

Crazy? Yes. But that’s what I love about fashion.

By the time I finished shooting, my hotel room looked like it had been hit by a tornado. And since I asked to switch rooms, I had to repack! For anyone who hates packing as much as me, you can only imagine how painful this was.

Packed and checked into my new room, I hit the ground running to Collina Strada.

Collina Strada

If you’ve followed my previous NYFW recaps, you know that Collina Strada is a brand known for extremely symbolic collections. Each runway always incorporates some type of performance art (there was a wedding and then a sound bath in previous seasons). For fall 2019, a spoken word piece and rap were performed by artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez.

F/W19’s show was dubbed Low Carbon Diet and focused on reducing our footprint – more sustainable living that is kinder to the environment.

Designer Hillary Taymour used hand painted and tie-dyed fabrics made of 75% deadstock material and recycled plastic ocean beads to create the collection. As the models descended the runway, they drank out of reusable water bottles, ate from recycled food containers and in the finale, took a centerpiece from the runway: flowers encased in repurposed bottles.

The Clothes
Layering and texture mixing is a Collina signature. I adored the oversized tie-dyed hoodies (so 90’s), easy burnout velvet and vibrant daisy lace pieces. It was statement-making yet comfortable – a balance Collina Strada is excellent at striking.

When a model appeared with her baby in tow in matching sunshine lace my heart soared. A reminder of my baby back home, plus an infusion of my passion right before my eyes? Fashion week couldn’t have started any better.

As I left Collina, street style photographers snapped my look. I was flattered to find out Style Caster and AOL Fashion published the look on a best-dressed list. Check it out!

I had about a nanosecond to make my way to Tadashi Shoji, which started in less than 20min.

Tadashi Shoji

Inspired by his travels through Southeast Asia, Tadashi didn’t hold back for F/W19. While you always expect extreme glamour and elegance from Tadashi, I was pleased to see a bit of edginess incorporated into his fall 2019 collection.

Demure lace was cut off-the-shoulder and paired with tiers of burnt ombre tulle. His signature draping took a nod from Buddhist monks. Voluminous and flowing then nipped in all the right places, the models floated down the runway. From subtle sultriness to va-va-voom sexiness, sequins gowns closed out the show. I loved how he exercised a trained mastery of restraint. Sky high slits were paired with mandarin necklines; shoulder-baring pieces remained oversized instead of fitted for a heightened air of mystery.

Another major win at Tadashi? Diverse model casting. Every shape and size descended the runway, showing how sexy and elegant his designs are on every woman.

NYFW Day 1 only accelerated from here. I had so much going on the first day I’ll continue on with my Day 1 recap tomorrow. Stay tuned for more chaotic creativity!

Shop the Post

OOTD photos by Andrea Ceraso Photography

September 20, 2018

NYFW SS19 Day 4

September 20, 2018

Tiko Paksa vest and skirt // Amelie Pichard boots // Boyy handbag // Thatch and Giles & Brother bracelets

Down came the rain.

As if signaling the start of spring, the extreme heat from Day 1 transitioned to rain on our last day of NYFW.

Every February, I always tell my husband I’d rather have snow than rain. It’s so difficult to shoot photos or really walk anywhere when it’s raining, but on we pressed!

Last September I wore an amazing oversized plaid blazer by Georgian designer Tiko Paksa (who picked up on plaid and purple as THE color of the year before both became trends).

Oversized silhouettes are my game, and this belted puffer vest and matching wrap skirt struck the perfect balance between editorial and wearable. NYFW outfit gold.

Nonie

With the unrelenting rain, it was nice to only have one show on our last day. You may have heard of Canadian brand Nonie via Megan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in a Nonie trench dress this summer and the brand has continued to garner well-deserved press ever since.

Timeless, clean silhouettes in the finest silk were the theme for spring 2019. The show opened to all white separates (the chiffon trench paired with silk trousers matched Markle’s look), transitioned to inked hues and closed with crimson and fuchsia. The ruched side slit skirts resembled my outfit from Day 2 so you know I’m a fan.

In a week that can feature over-the-top designs, it’s nice to end with a clean slate of relaxed, expertly tailored staples.

I’ve said many times before that one of my fave things about NYFW is making friends. It truly feels like a posh summer camp every season.

While waiting for the show to start, I met model Madeline Stuart and her mother. Madeline was the first person with Down syndrome to walk in Asia at Mercedes Benz fashion week China, and has gone on to walk in Paris, London, Russia and Dubai. I actually saw Madeline walk her first show at NYFW almost 5 years ago and have been a fan ever since. Forbes named her the number one game changer in fashion and she has appeared in Vogue, Marie Claire, Paper, Cosmopolitan and the New York Times. After meeting her, it was so much fun to follow along on the rest of her NYFW journey via Instagram.

With our last show complete, it was time to celebrate.

My mom and I took a rainy walk through Central Park and stopped at Tavern on the Green for tea and wine. With the crisp air and tons of foliage around us, it truly felt like fall.

I don’t know if our daughter will join us for another NYFW (February is so cold!), but being able to experience it with her, my mom and husband – three of the most important people in my life – while doing something that is of infinite importance to me was pretty much the best thing ever.

And just like that, we marked another NYFW in the books.

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

ICYMI: my recaps of NYFW SS19 Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3

« Previous Page
1
…
3
4
5
6
7
…
20
Next Page »

Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

Share this: