A couple weeks ago I shared my NYFW experience by recapping Days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. While I love photos and text recaps, sometimes there’s nothing better than seeing the action with your own eyes. Check out my video diary of our time dashing through the streets of New York for the S/S18 shows!
NYFW S/S18 Day 5
Ah, the home stretch. The last day of NYFW is always bittersweet. I’m never ready to leave, but I know I cannot stay.
We’ve been in NY for the past three September 11th’s and it’s something I always take very seriously. The energy in the city is palpable. You can feel the unity and the sadness. For this to be our last full day gave it even more of a special meaning. Let us never forget those who lost and risked their lives for others 16 years ago.
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I couldn’t think of a more appropriate OOTD for Day 5 than pajamas. As you know I’m a big fan of the trend, and slipping into something comfy after such an action packed week was very appealing. If you haven’t heard of handbag line Mlouye, I highly recommend checking them out. My lantern bag is just as cute as can be (and there’s tons of other good stuff on their site).
With only two shows that started in the evening, we had the day to do as we pleased. We took it slow, which is such a luxury during NYFW.
Coffee at La Colombe and pastries at Dean & Deluca (I will never tire of how aesthetically pleasing this grocery store is!) kicked us off. Each day we’d pass a tremendously long line in Soho and finally figured out what it was for – the Supreme store. The hubby waited while I went to Prada. If you’ve never been to Prada Soho, you must visit. Two stories comprised of all their limited edition pieces – it’s heaven. It even smells perfect. I tried on their “icons” collection featuring skirts and tops printed with screen sirens of old Hollywood. They were amazing, but I was prudent. The hubby decided not to be boring like me and scored several items from the Supreme store including their classic Hanes white t-shirts for both of us.
After an Italian meal (I lost count, but I think that was number six?) we got ready for our first show.
Veronica Beard
Guests were handed mini bottles of Don Julio pre-mixed with fresh lime juice and agave the moment the doors of Veronica Beard’s S/S18 presentation opened. We were clearly already off to a great start.
Brightly colored paper Mache pom poms were hung throughout the space. Inspired by 1970s Acapulco the designer had this to say about the collection: “Bold colors mix with rich textures to create a wardrobe built for warm breezes in pink jeeps at Las Brisas.” If that description doesn’t completely transport you to a reality you want to be living, I don’t know what does.
The collection was stunning and by far my #1 choice out of the shows I saw during fashion week. Her pajama set with oxblood piping, bold print and topknot headband will definitely be landing in my closet six months from now. I loved her fresh take on pastel plaids and pairing bold stripes with color blocked separates. On the way out we were given mesh shopping bags reminiscent of a day spent in an Acapulco farmers market. The entire collection was a major win.
Zero + Maria Cornejo
When the lights go down and the music begins before a runway show, my heart always skips a few beats. For Zero + Maria Cornejo my insides screamed “no!” – I knew I’d have to wait another six months for this jolt of electricity to hit again. I tried to let the show unfold in slow motion – I’m all about savoring every last minute.
This marked the 20th anniversary for Maria Cornejo. The show notes featured a photo of Stella Tennant wearing the first piece she ever created – a striped triangle top. From this trip into the archives, the S/S18 collection was born. Every garment celebrated contrasts – masculine and feminine, matte and shine, fluid draping and structural volume. Standouts were here sculptural scuba gilet and off-the-shoulder cocoon dresses is crisp white and poppy. It all felt effortless and happy. The exact feeling I could have hoped for for our last show of NYFW.
As we walked to our last dinner, the lights of the Empire State building were lit to honor the fallen. We stopped to pay our respects among a small group that had gathered. Sadness. Appreciation. Respect.
Goodbye New York. You know we’ll meet again.
Photos by Matthew Passiglia
NYFW S/S18 Day 4
Whoohoo did Day 4 start early! This was perhaps our most exhausting day of NYFW because we began at 9:00am and didn’t finish our shows until after 9:00pm. The great news is it was a day jam packed with fabulous fashion.
Day 4’s OOTD was probably the one I was most excited about (although Day 2’s Balenciaga jacket was pretty great). I recently discovered designer Tiko Paksa and immediately feel in love with her edgy mix of masculine and feminine vibes. Check out her Instagram for some next level inspiration. I really debated on which piece of hers to acquire for the S/S18 shows, but landed on this oversized plaid blazer. With a bit of a Prince flair and her modern interpretation of suiting, it’s a piece that made me smile and cackle with sartorial delight when I put it on.
My vision for what to wear with it went totally out the window thanks to the cooler fall weather in New York, so as much as I didn’t plan on repeating my handbag and boots, I still love the way it came together.
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Francesca Liberatore
When you’re on the calendar for 9:00am you’re already facing a tough crowd, but Francesca Liberatore delivered from the first look. She opened with flowing peasant dresses and quickly shifted the mood to a confident, sexy beauty with power suits, sheer lace and sweetheart bandeau tops. The overall theme always retained a beautiful softness with looks strategically placed throughout the collection to make you raise an eyebrow. It was exactly the level of juxtaposition I long to see in fashion; a delicate balance very few designers have the finesse to strike.
While I was very lucky to be sitting front row, I didn’t get one good photo! As someone who’s been elbowed, hit in the head by a camera and had to deal with another person’s armpit in my face at past shows, I’m really conservative about my in-show photo taking. Unless I was willing to lean halfway into the runway for better light, it just wasn’t happening. Please do take a look at this amazing collection via the recorded live stream. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’ve got my eye on that yellow lace number!
LaQuan Smith
You may know LaQuan Smith by name. Can’t figure out why? He’s dressed Beyonce. And Jennifer Lopez. He makes rockstar clothes for personalities that can handle them. In other words, these aren’t clothes for the faint of heart. You’ve got to have the moxie to match.
Smith held his show at a rather unusual location… a high school gymnasium. But it totally worked. Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragons opened the show with a step routine adorned in head-to-toe black sweats (I’m still singing their cheer). Models wore killer thigh high boots with the slide slit skirts to match, accented in plaid, camo and crystal-encrusted fishnet. Men sported crop tops and glittering track suits. Smith has a very devoted fan base, and they loved it all.
Leanne Marshall
Ahh, Leannnnnne Marshallllll. Just saying her name evokes the feeling of frolicking through a meadow of wild lavender, birds chirping and carrying spools of ribbon a la Cinderella while fireflies dance in the background. The woman is romantic and extreme elegance is what she delivers. I always adore this show. It’s truly one I look forward to each season (secretly more so than the others). Sticking to her signature draping skills, she created some showstoppers for S/S18. Look 28, her flamingo pink gown with billowing bubble sleeves, literally took my breath away. This season she stepped outside the box with a modern poster print and more extreme cutouts than I’ve seen in seasons past.
The best part of the show is always the finale. A master colorist, the rainbow of hues floating down the runway in succession is like watching a Van Gogh come to life. I mean, look at this!
Jarel Zhang
All of the lights were dim as I walked into our final show of the day. Construction cones, caution signs and flashing hazard lights illuminated the space. For S/S18 Jarel Zhang created a monster weather-proof collection. Each look was created to face the elements – rain jackets, trench coats and separates were sent down the runway in a myriad of colors that ended in charcoal, black and ink. Lace-up detailing, ruffles and oversized pockets took his pieces from average performance wear to f-a-s-h-i-o-n. I really enjoyed the candy colored lineup and the fact that he paired each look with Converse high tops (sometimes incased in rain boots).
After the show I went out for a late dinner with 10 blogger friends. We swapped stories about our favorite collections, what we’ve learned and how the picture was different for those experiencing NYFW for the first time compared to the veterans. While the majority of the stories were very positive, I did have some friends who experienced the wrath of fashion mean girls.
I’d like to take a minute to address this because it’s sadly something I’m hearing about more and more. To the girls who feel the need to cut other people down to make themselves feel better: stop it. Just stop. There is room for everyone in this space and your negativity brings the whole industry down. Just because someone doesn’t have as many followers as you or didn’t get into the best shows like you or can’t afford designer pieces like you, DOES NOT make them less than. And shame on you for making them feel that way. We ALL start somewhere and no one’s growth trajectory is the same.
So please. Be nice. Practice kindness. Lift each other up, don’t cut each other down. We are better than that.
NYFW S/S18 Day 3
Day 3 of NYFW always takes on the feel of a typical Wednesday. You’ve finally hit your stride, but you also feel like you’ve lived 1000 lives in just three days.
I started the week in a girly yet edgy number, then moved on to total 80’s badass. On Day 3 my mood shifted again – no surprise here – and I went totally feminine and voluminous in Ellery flares and a corseted top. If you’re wondering what my secret is for finding great pieces for NYFW, it all comes back to Moda Operandi. After each season’s collection hits the runway, I immediately go online and pre-order my wishlist (always staying in budget of course). Four to six months later when the pieces arrive on my doorstep, I separate the “nah, don’t need it’s” from the “keep and covets”. They only take a 50% deposit for pre-orders and have free shipping and free returns so you really can’t go wrong.
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Taoray Wang
Another fashion week “first”, we started the day with Taoray Wang which really got my blood moving. Inspired by two Baroque musicians, the collection was a beautiful blend of masculine and feminine silhouettes. Featuring pleated obi belts, deconstructed shirting and pinstriped suits accented with fringe and oversized cuffs, it was another example of a collection I would completely buy out if I could. Besides sky blue and a few red stripes in the middle of the collection, the palette stayed dark with dominate notes of ink, black and charcoal. Unsual for spring, but I loved it. As a nod to edgy beauty, the models wore colorful temporary tattoos on their chests pushing the envelope of Wang’s modern suiting even further.
Son Jung Wan
Before the Son Jung Wan show started, I had major fun people watching. If you followed my Insta Stories you remember my secret snapping – teehee! The crowd appeared to be a Who’s Who of America’s Next Top Model. Not only was I sitting behind three former contestants, but the hubby got to meet and take a pic with the legendary Miss J! I really wanted to film a boomerang of us doing a walk off, but then I thought the better of it. No one competes with Miss J!
Son Jung Wan is one of those designers that can do it all and her spring 2018 collection was a monumental undertaking of those skills. Featuring hand-beaded appliqués, varying textures of chiffon, silk and linen, and a color palette ranging from rose to emerald the beauty of The French Riviera inspired her mood. My favorites were her crinkled silk separates in metallic green and her playful rompers adorned with hand-sewn flowers. The collection reminded me of an amped up version of her Spring 2016 runway and while I loved it, I prefer Wan’s more edited work.
Yuna Yang
When Son Jung Wan ran late I knew we’d never be able to make it from Soho to the Upper East Side in time for Yuna Yang. Missing shows is an unfortunate reality of NYFW and while I always try to avoid it, sometimes you just can’t escape logistics. Sadly I didn’t get to see this “Save the Earth” presentation in person, but pored over the images post-show. Aptly held in the Mount Vernon Hotel Garden, the watercolor print, pleated chiffon and lace bomber jacket immediately hooked me. I adored how she styled spring looks with chunky combat boots. This is definitely a style note I’ll be incorporating come spring. Fashion girls take note – a trend is born!
Photos courtesy of Yuna Yang
Philipp Plein
If you want to talk Crazytown USA, let’s not go further than Philipp Plein. Everyone was excited about this show because Future was going to perform and stick around for the afterparty. When we showed up to the Hammerstein Ballroom, the streets were lined with every kind of exotic car you can imagine. It put the streets of Monaco to shame. Even more abundant than the Bugatti’s, was the crowd. There must have been at least 1000 people in line.
To give you a comparison, your average fashion show holds between 250-500 people. Most guests have seats, with maybe 10-15% of the room standing. You enter the space in an orderly fashion, usually in groups according to your seat assignment.
This was Armageddon. Lines snaked from every direction imaginable with no rhyme or reason. No one was being let inside 20min after the show was supposed to start (not a good sign). After waiting 10min simply for the “can you believe this?!” camaraderie, we decided to leave.
On our way out, our taxi driver went down a street that was blocked off. As we tried to wedge our way through (I still don’t know how he did it), his profanities abruptly stopped to proclaim, “That’s Fifty!” We looked over, and not two feet from us was 50 Cent. We could have high-fived him. He drove a Bentley (still can’t believe his windows weren’t tinted) and we totally locked eyes. It was the funniest and most random fashion week moment ever.
To give you an idea of what the show was actually like, I had friends who covered it backstage and got to see Adriana Lima up close and friends who waited in line over two hours only to be turned away at the door.
Thankfully we headed down to Greenwich Village to meet my dear friend, Megan. When it comes to NYFW traditions, seeing Megan is always #1 on our list. We totally forgot to take our signature photo, but reminisced about these classics later on.
Inching towards the home stretch with Day 4’s coverage on the blog tomorrow!
Photos by Matthew Passiglia
NYFW S/S18 Day 2
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