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!