Ever dreamt of NYFW? This year we were there again and we’re here to give you a first-hand account of the fabulous madness. It’ll be like you were in the front row alongside Cardi B, Whoopi Goldberg, Anna Wintour and all of the A-listers.
Christian Siriano celebrated ten years with his Fall/Winter collection at The Grand Lodge on February 10. The regal and elegant pieces reflected attire that would be seen at a royal dinner party. His use of luxe fabrics and romantic silhouettes were inspired by 18th-century British art that is hung in the Queen’s Gallery in London. Siriano is known for a variety of work that includes evening gowns, cocktail dresses, tailored sportswear, shoes, and accessories but for this decade anniversary he drew from some of his most notable looks and modernized them for his customers. Siriano’s front row included Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan, Laverne Cox, Danielle Brooks and Cardi B along with others.
Philipp Plein is taking New York by storm with his global brand. Plein already has a successful Madison Avenue shop in the city, yet the day after his February 10 NYFW show he had an exclusive opening for his first ever pop up shop concept, No Mercy On Mercer in SoHo. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. RSVP’d guests were granted access to the urban-inspired street style shop that had an underground experience. The shop was full of neon signs, arcade games, old-school radios and even a car. Throughout the shop were see-now-buy-now pieces from his NYFW show as well as a limited-edition capsule collection designed specifically for the Mercer Street shop. The shop is supposed to appeal to a different crowd with it’s edgy, street style pieces, location, and lower price point. Plein described it as an experiment, but from the bustle of the crowd that afternoon it is safe to say that it’s a hit. Offset attended later in the evening and guests enjoyed performances from Rich the Kid and Christian Combs.
Helen Anthony made his debut at NYFW at Industria Studios on February 10. Originally from the UK, Anthony presented his first official unisex collection following the British luxury marque’s menswear collections in Milan. The collection represented a collision of the vibrant East regions and the architecture of the West. The pieces were tailored with henna embroidery that reflects Hindu rites as a way to show sacred awakening. Anthony looks to reawaken an increasingly divided world with his designs in heated colors and knitted adornments. Outerwear pieces included Eastern cuts on elongated maxis, trench coats and oversized collars. The collection had a playful aesthetic while still tuning in to global identity. Capes were covered in British landmarks like London’s St. Paul’s helmets and the statue of George IV while three-piece suits mapped out Milan’s iconic cathedral, Duomo, in vibrant colors. Inspiration from the Duomo was seen in the embroidery and print work on formalwear and spiritual iconography was printed onto many cotton and wool suits. Chapel ceiling art lay on cropped jackets, waistcoats and trousers. Each model was embellished with either a statement bag by William LTD or oversized jewelry from ATELIER JEN. Helen Anthony displayed his collection making an unapologetic statement against bifurcation of gender and culture.
Draya Michelle’s Mint Swim made its first NYFW appearance at Cipriani on 42nd St February 9 thanks to Style Fashion Week. The collection was one of the many established, emerging and international brands that they produced shows for. Mint Swim drew a particularly fun crowd with the likes of La La Anthony, Fabolous, Christian and Justin Combs. The collection included swimsuits and cover-ups that varied in color from neon greens to white, nude and even sheer and shiny. The swimsuits featured a lot of cut outs around the midsection, deep v- necks and super high cut leg bottoms. Both one and two-piece suits walked down the runway on a diverse group of models as they playfully strutted and danced to fun, upbeat songs. Dance moves were emphasized with long fringe accents that hung from bathing suit bottoms and tied up tops. Draya made her victory lap to “We Are Family,” by Aretha Franklin in a glittery silver crop-top, fitted black high-waisted flare pants and platform heels. The event concluded with a Caribbean inspired performance from Dinner Land artists.
