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Day 3 of NYFW is always when delirium sets in.
What day is it? Where am I? Who am I again?
All valid questions for any show goer during fashion week’s midway point. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I compared NYFW to the movie Interstellar. Time passes differently in the fashion cyclone. Each day you survive marks at least two week’s time in reality. Fast fashion is more than just an expression.
Our day started bright and early at 9am. Normally an early call time means a presentation – in which you can roll in anytime during the (at least) one hour timeframe – but this was a runway show. And a special one.
It marked Alice McCall’s first ever showing at NYFW.
Alice McCall
Hailing from Australia, Alice McCall is known for her feminine, bohemian pieces with intricate detailing. “Portrait of a Lady” took us along on the curious girl’s escapades. From the Tropicana motifs that evoked lounging by the pool, to the iridescent ruffles meant for a disco queen, the journey was rich with embellishment and intrigue.
The DNA of her brand was beautifully highlighted in her lace gowns and one-shoulder pieces, heightening that playful yet strong femininity. Dusty pastels evoked a breeziness in print and a cheekiness in tailored separates. I loved the vibrant accessories, adorned with crystals and metallic fringe.
But it was her closing looks, as described below in her show notes, that really took my breath away.
“Don’t shy away from that touch of rock ‘n’ roll glamour. Because remember, 80s bourgeois power dressing too requires that dash of glistening dazzle. Get ready and go.”
Ready I am. Alice McCall started Day 3 off with a bang.
After finishing her show, we got to experience something we’ve never done in the history of attending NYFW.
Eat breakfast.
While I always manage a coffee and granola bar, a hot, ready-made breakfast had always alluded us. Having two hours to kill before our next show, we promptly hit up The Roxy for some excellent French toast, sunnyside eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and lots and lots of coffee. It was divine.
R13
Not many denim brands show at NYFW, so as a self-proclaimed denim fanatic, I was thrilled to attend R13.
Upon entry into the minimalist, industrial space guests were given neon beanies embroidered with the brand’s logo. Since we arrived early, I got to people watch.
You can always tell what kind of show you’re about to see by the crowd. Unsurprisingly, R13’s audience was made up of incredibly hip people – rappers, artists, the best of Tokyo street style, and people with haircuts you’ve always wanted to try but know you could never, ever pull off.
There was even a baby, decked out in head-to-toe black, wearing a beanie and one-of-a-kind handmade shoes.
My excitement grew.
The FW18 collection focused on utility. Tactical coats in neon colors, waterproof puffer jackets and blanket skirts rounded out the core denim. Accessories focused on function – camping backpacks, belt bags – while the prints went literal outdoorsy – leopard, camo and floral.
To make a statement in support of wilderness, bears and eagles in graphic print were splashed on hoodies, leggings and dresses with the message, “Utah Stands with Bears Ears” in reference to the legislation surrounding the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
While I would have liked to see more denim, the denim featured was fantastic. I loved the cropped, wrapped waist jeans that closed the show to the tune of “Power to the People”.
After the show, we managed a few OOTD photos before the sky turned dark and a downpour began.
Holed up in our hotel room eating gluten free donuts, we relaxed until a very late dinner with friends at Le Coucou. To say it was exquisite is an understatement. From the moody glow of drippy candles at each table, to the French inspired cuisine, I highly recommend a visit if you can get a reservation.
ICYMI: here’s everything we did on NYFW Day 2!
Photos by Matthew Passiglia
