New York Fashion Week (S/S 2015): "I'm just over the hype." Or Am I...?

Lincoln Center for the J. Crew Spring 2012 via nytimes.com

Hey. Hey. Hey. The kick-off of New York Fashion Week is only days away. And the schedule is posted.

I'll get straight to the point and tell you that I'm looking forward to these two butterflies...

Marissa Webb [Credit]

Mara Hoffman [Source]

Yep-that's it. Marissa and Mara. 

Photo Credit

Thinking out loud. Runway shows are super cool, but I find myself becoming less and less interested in the glitz and overpriced glamour of "fashion week"—and more excited about what goes on behind-the-scenes. Strategic processes is my weakness. I love sitting around a table with highly creative geniuses to make a vision come to life before its debut, the show is merely icing on the cake. And speaking of overpriced glamour, pulling off a spectacular show during "fashion week" is extremely expensive! Why run a deficit year after year to buy $40,000-dollar lighting racks for fall and/or spring shows that run 20-30 minutes behind schedule--with the actual show running for what feels like...eh, 7-10 minutes long? That's a tad bit insane. Though some may beg to differ, and that's totally fine. 

However, Bob Bland, CEO of Manufacture NY said it best, "You don't have to have a NYFW show every season to have a successful line, and it really is dependent on what your line is about." [Source]  That said, there are many talented designers that are not in the mainstream forefront: Sneak a peek at the S/S '15 schedule. Did your favorite designers make the cut? Maybe so, maybe not. And if not, take it with a grain of salt, because they're most likely shining in other ways, at other places. Personally, I prefer intimate fashion presentations that allow its onlookers to study and appreciate the garments—not bolt to the next show. 

(No shade, I'm just over the hype.)

Diversity On The Runway FW/14

Photo Credit: womansvibe.com

A "Promising" New York Fashion Week Observation! There is certainly a lot of fun and creativity on the FW/14 runways. But, I particularly noticed racial DIVERITY, and I am wholeheartedly ecstatic! From  Lisa Perry, to Mara Hoffman, to Monique Lhuillier, to Tess Giberson, to Thakoon, to Tracy Reese and more—many of us witnessed, first-hand, women of color confidently stopping the runways in New York City. Could it be that the industry is finally realizing that fashion IS diversity? Personally, I think the industry is beginning to warm up more to the idea. I get it, baby steps. However, let us keep in mind not to judge a book merely by its cover. Fashion Designer, Tracy Reese, believes that there is plenty to be done behind the scenes (AP, 2014). Now I'm a bit curious: Reese's statement left me wondering how it really is for women of color off the runway. 

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek

"I think by saying that diversity is beautiful, that is a beginning, to look at all people and to see the beauty in each of us and their value is a very strong beginning. It's important to keep the conversation going, then people will start to broaden their vision." -TR

*Not Just About The Runway* Reese (TR) goes on to say that "there are so many amazing jobs in the fashion industry as a whole. It's not all about design. We need great PR people of color, for one. That's a very non-diverse group. It's all facets of the industry that have to be addressed." -TR

Colorful Runways

Lisa Perry

Mara Hoffman

Monique Lhuillier

Nicole Miller

Tess Giberson

Thakoon

Tracy Reese

Vera Wang

Vivienne Tam

Zac Posen

Photo Credit: All Runway Photos - Source

Rachel Roy’s "Formula for Fall 2014"

NY Fashion Week (Feb. 2014) It's really simple and straightforward: RR's entire collection for F/14 is crazy, sexy, feminine -- with all the right finishings and pops of in-your-face colors, I think. Specifically, I'm crushing on the cobalt blue! Bravo, Rach. 

Credit: Facebook, Style{Dot}Com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (NYC): My Pick! Look 18 - Alice + Olivia SS/14

The collection: "It's preppy meets pretty." 

Listen up, it's very simple. I wholeheartedly adore the splashes of vivacious colors as well as the mixing of prints and stripes, which is one of the best trends ever. And that crop top? Adorable. And the knee-length full swing skirt? Can I have it? Stacey Bendet (designer of Alice + Olivia) has proven collection after collection to know how to through a sweet playful party -- oh yes -- I've been to one of her rooftop presentations :)

Anyways, you did it again Stacey! Great collection. 
Click to browse the entire ss/14 collection.

Photo Credit: WWD

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (NYC): Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2014 RTW

Photo Credit: fashionmanifesto.wordpress.com

A Hit for Hilfiger! Fall is only a few weeks away, but Tommy's giving us a reason to beg for summer to stick around, and/or impatiently look forward to spring 2014. How about a Baywatch upgrade? C'mon you remember Baywatch, right? The hit TV series that dominated most male Boob tubes about twenty-four years ago? (Did I just say 24 years? I did. Yikes!) Anyways, Tommy Hilfiger literally modernized the lifeguard babe and put her in stylish, colorful, sporty swimwear. And say goodbye to flirty Baywatch babes with pearly whites, which is so ancient history. Tommy's Angels [below] are all about the business; no smiling and all attitude.

Kudos, Tommy! For those who aren't into wearing two piece swimsuits, Tommy gives an alternative, a sexy side cut-out one piece.

Photo Credit: All Runway Photos via WWD

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (NYC): Fashion Designer, Marissa Webb

Designer, Marissa Webb
Photo Credit: Facebook

Designer Emerges at NYFW! Like most Fashion Week onlookers, I'm browsing through spring/summer 2014 collections and stumbled upon a designer by the name of Marissa Webb, now in her third season [style.com]. I was mesmerized by all twenty-eight looks; they're sharp with a dynamite mixture of masculine and feminine elements. I had an Aha moment when I read the following, "I'm a tomboy in a tutu," says Webb. This statement aligns perfectly with Webb's overall SS/14 presentation as well as [her own] personal style. Webb's back story certainly grabs my attention. And I do like a story that's authentic and intriguing, and will keep an eye on her next steps as a designer. Thinking: I wonder what Marie Claire's Creative Director, Nina Garcia thinks about Webb's collection -- since she's known to like designs with a masculine touch.

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Photo Credit: All Runway Photos via WWD 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (NYC): Rebecca Minkoff's Spring Collection

Photo Credit: Pinterest

New York Fashion Week! It's a sunny Saturday morning, the television channel is set on Bravo on The Rachel Zoe Project, and I am reviewing collections whilst updating my LookBook(s). You can sort of say that I'm in full fashion mode — yes that's fair to say — actually. First up, Fashion Designer, Rebecca Minkoff. Minkoff's spring/summer 2014 collection is infused with cultural inspiration: the Latin American female. The pieces are spicy and colorful yet balanced with easy, wearable, sporty pieces. 

Photo Credit: elle.com

The entire collection has a "where fashion meets comfort and style" feel. Though, [I am fixated] on the featured look which is one of my faves. The outfit breakdown:

• Mesh Stitch Track Jacket in Black 
• “Let’s Go To Mexico” T-Shirt 
• Palacio Lace Angelica Skirt in Sun

Click here to browse the full collection.

{Fashion Illustration}
Rebecca Minkoff: Spring/Summer 2014 RTW

Photo Credit: Facebook

#NYFW Kick-Off: Michael Kors Expands Brand, Adding Color and Scents!

Photo Credit: Business of Fashion

Runway Notes! Like Tory Burch, Fashion Designer, Michael Kors will expand his brand to develop "lifestyle" products (specifically, color cosmetics and fragrances): "Beauty is always such an important part of my runway. When we put on a fashion show — after this many years — I’ve learned the layers and the steps. When I first start thinking mood of the season, beauty is part of it from the start," says Michael Kors.

Kors spoke with The Associated Press about the expansion: 

Q: How is the process different for you in developing beauty products versus clothing and accessories? 

A: With accessories and clothes, first I have to fall in love with whatever it is, but then I get practical. Is the bag too heavy? Can you wear a bra with the dress? With beauty, it’s more of a quick mood check. … It’s more gut. Immediately, if I smell something and it’s evocative, I go with it. What takes so long is the packaging. 

Q: What about beauty products? 

A: When you buy something beauty, whether it’s a lipstick, nail polish or a new fragrance, it’s not a long shopping period. You either buy it or not. A perfume should take you away quickly — there’s no trying on pants with a shoe, rolling the jean just right, pretending you have heels on when you try on a skirt. 

Q: If women can get a pick-me-up from a new lipstick, how can you get that same quick fashion fix? 

A: Considering I wear the same thing almost every day, there’s not much I can do. For many men, the quick fix is the tie, and I don’t wear a tie, so I change my aviators (sunglasses). I’ll change the scale and color, whether it’s vintage leather, gunmetal or gold, that’s my mood quick-changer. 

Q: There are three types of muses for your three new perfumes, Sexy, Sporty and Glam. Who are they? 

A: There’s the “sexy,” who is all about confidence. She’s not naked, she could be in jeans or a gown, but she’s sexy. There’s “sporty,” the woman who could be headed to the red carpet or the gym, but she’s the type who just goes. And there’s “glam,” who likes to be the center of attention. 

Q: Did you have any of your famous friends in mind when you were making them? 

Runway Flashback via Fab TV 

A: I have a cast of characters that float by me, sometimes a friend, someone I work with, sometimes celebrity clients — all people who have those moods. For sporty, it’s Blake Lively — can’t you see her surfing and putting on a gown? Or Gwyneth (Paltrow) with her hair yanked back in a pony? Sexy is Angelina Jolie or Rihanna. They exude confidence. And then there’s the glamorous Jennifer Lopez. She’s never a wallflower. She goes big or goes home.

Q: Do you relate more to any one of the personas? 

A: I’m sporty by nature in that I’m relaxed. I don’t like to be stiff, but I’m the most uncoordinated sporty person. Roger Federer and I won’t be playing sporty tennis anytime soon. [Source: The Kansas City Star]

Mara Hoffman FW13 + Pamela Love = A GREAT COLLABORATION!

Photo Credit: Pamela Love NYC

Photo Credit: WWD

Style Notes! Mara Hoffman ripped the runway during New York Fashion Week, debuting her Fall 2013 collection. I'm an avid follower of Mara Hoffman designs, as I love (yes, love) the signature free-flowing earthy vibe. I immediately connect with my inner spirituality as I obsess over the new arrivals, clothing—and the swimsuits are fab as well.

Going back to the Mara Hoffman runway show (2/9), jewelry by Pamela Love was spotted on the MH models, which was an O-M-G moment for me. Seriously? My favorite designers working together? Now that's hot; the presentation oozed with vibrant colors, prints, very cool accessories, and total inspiration.

Mara Hoffman Never Disappoints— Fall 2013 Ready To Wear #NYFW

Photo Credit: WWD

(my faves!) New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu Fall 2013 Ready To Wear

Photo Credit

WWD reports that Jason Wu called the FW13 line-up “Extreme Femininity," which I get, because my personal style mission is to always find the right balance of extreme and femininity. -ns

Undeniable Confidence;
Pop That [White] Collar

Pure? Virgin Girl? I Think Not.
Dare Devil In Disguise

Dark, Sharp, Edgy...Yet Alive ...
Thanks To The White Pleated Skirt

Photo Credit: WWD | Day 2-New York Fashion Week | Follow Me On Twitter

NY Fashion Week — STARTED TODAY

Photo Credit: mbfashionweek.com

It's That Time Again! Between today (2/7) and next Thursday (2/14) it's all about Fall 2013 collections gracing the NYC fashion runways. Feel free to follow me on Twitter as I blurt words & re-tweet stuff that express my love for various designer pieces. 

So far, I'm admiring the Nicholas K collection (very unusual yet sporty as always), and Tadashi Shoji displayed stylish but most importantly wearable clothes. Also, I did a lot of hand clapping after spotting sleek variety at the Concept Korea show—although social media had its mixed reviews. Overall I thought Concept Korea gave a strong presentation.

**Subscribe (by email) for more Fashion Week commentary as well as view images of my fave looks! -ns  

Project Runway Season 10: Sonjia Williams Makes It To Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Designer: Sonjia Williams

Exclusive! Well. The cat's outta the bag. Oh yeah ... spoiler alert, I'm just sayin'.

Project Runway's Season 10 cast member, Sonjia Williams made it to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (New York, September 7, 2012).

Major! But no surprise here, darlings. As I said before, the girl's got something special -- and totally refreshing for the urban market.

Congrats, Sonj. 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 

-Spring 2013 Collection-

And now, watch a short video clip of Sonjia's [Spring 2013] Runway Finale. Very cool =)

Photo Credit: Zimbio  |  So, what do you think about Sonjia's collection? Tell me on Twitter.


More Project Runway-Realted Posts:

• Project Runway (Ep 5) - The Winning Look: Professional and Transitional
• The Winning Look: Project Runway Season 10, Episode 4