Early mornings during NYFW are especially tough, so when my alarm went off at 7am I was pretty much a zombie. Thank goodness for eye masks!
With my Day 2 OOTD, into a taxi I went. Destination: the World Trade Center. In the lobby I caught up with my blogger friend Nicole and together we ascended to the 71st floor for the Club Monaco presentation.
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Club Monaco
I’ve been lucky to attend all of Club Monaco’s shows since their inception at NYFW. First it was their debut in Grand Central and then a scene out of Alice’s Tea Party in their 5th Avenue flagship with Grace Coddington, Nick Wooster and Drew Barrymore in attendance.
Photos courtesy of Club Monaco
What makes Club Monaco unique is that they present a see-now, buy-now collection so everything is immediately available for purchase. In a week where what you’re seeing won’t be available for another six months, it was wonderful to be inspired by pieces that I can actually get my hands on now. Standouts were their leopard print duster, tweed coat with oxblood fur sleeves and their take on the new power suit – florals from head to toe. You can shop the entire collection below!
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The first thing that popped into my head when I stepped off the elevator at World Trade? Coffee!
Concept Korea
Highly caffeinated and fed, Concept Korea was next. Featuring the country’s freshest talent shown in back-to-back runways, S/S18 opened with LIE by Lee Chung Chung, followed by Greedilous. Remember her insane collection from February?
Korean fashion is completely unapologetic. It pushes the envelope of texture, color and silhouette in ways most designers take years to perfect. There are underlying concepts infused into garments making them not just clothes, but movements. I can’t get enough.
Take LIE Collection. 69-year-old Maye Musk (Elon’s mother) opened the show in a see-through raincoat and tee emblazoned with the word “Imperfect”. Accessories and beauty followed suit with scripted eyeliner spelling out “Imperfectly Perfect” on upper lids and leather slides while lipstick was only applied on the bottom lip. How can you not love this IDGAF attitude?
I was thrilled to see shoe designer Yuul Yie collaborate on the footwear. As an owner of their mules, I found several other pairs to add to my collection!
Greedilous was inspired by the movie Avatar and created botanical prints on causal separates and dresses alike. Ruffles played an important note for spring – they’re not going anywhere! Featuring menswear and womenswear, Maye Musk closed the show in a floor length multi-tiered ruffled set.
LIE Collection
Greedilous
Although I’ve been attending NYFW for years, it’s always a thrill to have a fashion week “first”. Bibhu Mohapatra was a first for me this season and he didn’t disappoint.
Bibhu Mohapatra
If you’re unfamiliar with Bibhu, he creates intricately detailed garments that turn heads. These are not your average “I’ll-wear-this-to-brunch” looks. Bibhu is for special occasions. Tapping into an adventurous spirit, his S/S18 woman was a fearless explorer. Craving knowledge, culture and new-to-the-eye details, the collection featured sweet gestures of tulle and lace toughed up with harnessed bodices and corseted waistlines. A master of combining edgy and feminine, his show stopping gowns showcased hand beaded appliques and feathers. A note for spring – more is more.
Michael Costello
The show stopping drama didn’t end at Bibhu. Michael Costello held a presentation comprised of RTW and bridal at the Robert Miller Gallery. Last season Michael tapped into his inner badass with Rock N’ Roll vibes and an unforgiving je ne sais quoi. For spring 2018, he accessed a softer femininity. Think secret gardens overflowing with heady roses that intoxicate the senses to a point where you practically float away.
While all runways are fairytales to me, Michael’s presentation was the literal embodiment of elegance and grace. It didn’t matter if you were already married. There wasn’t a woman (or man) in the room who didn’t want to put on a wedding dress right then and there. If you like drama, you love Michael.
Photos courtesy of Michael Costello
Saks Fifth Avenue
Alas, I got my details correct! The Saks Fifth Avenue party was everything I hoped it would be and more. Killer live band, amazing 360 degree photobooth, appetizers and free flowing champagne. They recreated the shopping experience in which dreams are made.
I’ve often said I could live inside a Saks and this evening only solidified my views. Imagine chatting with friends among straight off the runway shearling Alexander McQueen coats. And jewel encrusted Judith Leiber bags. And don’t forget a collection of Balenciaga more abundant than the actual Balenciaga store in Soho. I was so high on fashion my head was literally spinning. My next goal? To actually be one of the women invited to the party simply because they actually spend that much money in Saks every year. Ah how I wish I were a Russian billionaire.
The hubby and I moved through the party with blogger friends Lauren and Jacqueline before deciding we were starving and it was time for yet another late night NYFW dinner.
Until tomorrow friends!
Photos by Matthew Passiglia