This past week, I was fortunate enough to mix business with pleasure and attend New York Fashion Week (NYFW) reporting for Black Enterprise Magazine & capturing the latest fashion for the Vogue Influencer Network. Chauffeured around town with car service sponsored by Lincoln Motor Company throughout the week and Privilege Transportation on the weekend, I sat front row as some of the designers that I love (along with debuting designers) launched their Spring/Summer 2016 collections. (Add in there somehow I hosted NYFW Plus) The runway revealed designs inspired by architecture, culture and nature along with an amazing mix of textiles and vibrant colors. Spring 2016 is going to be very fashion forward with ready-to-wear designs.
Here’s a recap of some of the shows I got to sit in on at NYFW:
Nicholas K: Nicholas K presented Terminal Velocity, the theme of their SS16 line of neutral-toned garments. The sleek, simple yet ultra-feminine designs showcased semi-transparent fabrics kissed with a splash of bold color or a fur/leather accent and textiles such as ropes and cords. Each look aligned with the designers’ “urban nomad” or utilitarian perspective.
Leanne Marshall: Known for her luxurious gowns and elegant dresses, this Project Runway winner, delivered fashion that’s ready for the classiest of events. Marshall’s SS16 collection boasted four different themes including structured pieces, endless shades of blue, soft shapes and lines as well as the must-have LBD (little black dress).
KariGam: Venezuelan-born designer Karina Gamez showed her collection of “ready-for-the-world” designs at NYFW. Her looks were modern and sophisticated, yet its versatility suggested that women should break fashion rules and wear what makes them feel confident and beautiful. KariGam also launched her online boutique during the show, making her collection accessible to everyone.
Malan Breton: We took a trip to the eastern side of the world through eclectic designer Malan Breton. Reflections of Sun Moon Lake displayed Breton’s love for art, theatre and fashion coupled with his loyalty to his Taiwanese culture. Pulling from a nature-inspired perspective, Breton delivered a combination of dying techniques, embroideries, silks, and fibers and sumptuous fabric choices for his SS16 collection.
While NYFW was very centered on big-name designers, a few up and coming designers got to show off their skills and contributions to the industry as well.
I attended the ESSENCE Magazine Street Style Block Party (ESS) sponsored by Chevrolet. ESS focused on two black female designers and their fashion perspective as they drew from the release of Chevrolet’s car, the Cruze. Mentored by artist Ron Bass, the designers mingled amongst fashionistas and style mavens from the DUMBO area of Brooklyn, New York. Celebs Gabrille Union and Ciara made a special appearance.
In addition to runway shows and networking opps, NYFW also gave a platform to fashion industry brands to highlight some of its major contributors. Harlem Front Row (HFR) paired with Design Essentials to host the HFR+Design Essentials Style Awards. The show paid homage to black hair stylists in the fashion industry who make the models look flawless as they strut on the catwalk to create buzz about the latest designs.
When I think about New York and fashion, the logo for Vogue instantly pops into my head. Lucky for me, I’m a part of the Vogue Influencer Network which landed me the opportunity to attend the Vogue Influencer Retreat. I got to mix and mingle with the Vogue team and other fashion bloggers. And what would a fashion retreat be without manicures and mimosas? I indulged in light fare, sneak peaks of upcoming fashion trends and music provided by DJ Jasmine Chess.
All in all, NYFW was a hit (as usual!). These designers flawlessly delivered their SS16 collections and got fashion-lovers from around the world ready to get the fall/winter seasons over with so they can strut in the latest looks from the designers they covet.
Check out some of my outfits during the week long extravaganza as well as a gallery full of sneak peeks of the SS16 fashions.
Aniesia’s #NYFW #OOTD
