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 Bumble

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 Cohen

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 Strada

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 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 Gurung Prabal 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!