Interview: Fashion Designer Sahibzada Mayed
With multiple showings at NYFW, Sahibzada Mayed is making waves as the creator of Naranji, a modern yet culturally-rooted brand that seeks to disrupt the gender binary and transform how people view their identity. We caught up with the designer shortly after AsianNYFW to learn more about his vision and process
With multiple showings at NYFW, Sahibzada Mayed is making waves as the creator of Naranji, a modern yet culturally-rooted brand that seeks to disrupt the gender binary and transform how people view their identity. We caught up with the designer shortly after AsianNYFW to learn more about their vision and process.
Q: Why did you decide to go into fashion?
I kind of stumbled my way into it. What really sparked my interest was reflecting on how I grew up in a cultural environment that strived to assimilate to Whiteness. For a great part of my life, I felt bound in my own skin and wanted to be something I could never be. This harsh reality was a consequence of persistent cultural critique, representation in media, and normative beauty standards. I’ve always felt this gap between what’s considered fashionable and what cultural clothing is. I wanted to change that and reclaim my cultural diversity and heritage. Around the same time, I started to question the gendered conventions of clothing and why certain types of garments were restricted within rigid binaries.
Q: How would you describe your work?
Above everything else, I believe my work is a form of storytelling. I usually position fashion as a form of resistance to connect with our ancestral histories and reclaim the narratives that have been lost and forgotten. My work tends to be bold and visionary. The visual language is vibrant and colorful to capture the beauty and essence of South Asian culture.
Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between western and eastern fashion?
This question is very close to my heart and it’s kinda unsettling to think about. There is definitely a power differential between western and eastern fashion, and what is prioritized more. Mainstream fashion fails to center the rich and diverse cultures that exist outside of Eurocentric norms and trends. Generally, what I’ve found is that cultural fashion tends to focus on storytelling and traditional craftsmanship. Sometimes, I find it hard to separate western fashion from the plethora of fast fashion brands that have commodified clothes for capital gains. Alongside it is important to parse through the colonial legacies that have defined what dominant western fashion is.
Q: Do you think you draw more inspiration from eastern or western fashion? What are your favorite elements of each?
My work focuses on decolonizing cultural fashion, drawing from my South Asian and Middle Eastern roots. What I appreciate most is the incredibly rich history and culture of garments that has been preserved through generations and evolved over time. I tend to draw my inspiration from that, focusing on cultural patterns, motifs, and visual representations. Lately, I have been stepping more into a fusion of cultures, which is a commentary on the diasporic experience that many immigrant communities live through. I am leaning more on the hyphenated identity of what it means to be South Asian and American, and exploring that through fashion.
Q: What do you hope wearing Naranji can give to your consumers?
Above everything else we want our consumers to feel empowered and be able to express themselves freely. I really think of fashion as a journey, brimming with possibility and growth, so we hope we can inspire others to leverage that as an outlet to explore who they are and who they want to be/come. Our clothes carry the weight of untold stories, narratives that have been forgotten, and ancestral histories that have been lost through colonial legacies. We invite people to reconfigure their relationships to clothes and what they wear as a way to reconnect with their pasts and forge pathways for liberated futures. Clothes are often seen as a commodity or object, but we encourage people to start noticing how they embody cultural significance and meaning.
Q: What was the inspiration for your SS/24 collection?
Our latest collection is titled: “Culture, Costume, and Non-Conformity.” What I’ve noticed is how people tend to separate cultural fashion from contemporary wear. This perspective tends to prioritize Eurocentric norms in the fashion industry. We wanted to challenge and disrupt that, and redefine how we can capture the essence of South Asian culture and tradition while crafting visions for the future of fashion. Featuring vibrant hues, intricate artisanry, and rich heritage, this collection transcends conventions and marks the intersection of fashion and culture as an ongoing journey of endless possibilities. Each garment tells a unique story of evolution and celebrates the idea of non-conformity. There are no assigned gender labels and rather we embrace the fluidity and expansiveness of gender by welcoming our community to explore who they are and who they could be.
Q: What was the process of creating all these pieces like?
I feel like I tend to be all over the place and that’s where the magic happens. There’s a lot of reflection and I just really try to stay curious. What matters the most to me is thinking about what I’m trying to represent and then crafting a story around that. I think what I really try to capture is being able to showcase culture in all of its richness and beauty. So for this collection, I really emphasized the choice of fabric and technique that was used whether that’s chikankari (a form of embroidery) or block-printing completed by hand.
Q: I’m curious about the name “Naranji.” What does it mean, and why did you choose it?
The word Naranji translates to the color orange in Urdu and Farsi. I feel like I just felt really compelled and ended up going with it. Orange is my favorite color and when I think about it I feel a sense of warmth, joy, and rejuvenation. That to me captures the essence of our brand: being held and nurtured like a heartfelt embrace. The visual representation is also very inviting and welcoming which speaks to our values around cultivating a sense of community through our work.
Q: What do you think of all the shows you’ve seen so far? Any trends you’re noticing for the next year?
I’m definitely noticing a shift toward more ethical and sustainable fashion. I feel like a lot of activists in the space have been pushing for a divestment from animal products and moving toward slow, circular fashion. An example of that happened during Coach’s show this season at NYFW. Another thing I’m really sitting with after this season is the continued lack of age and body diversity among models that are selected to walk for these prestigious shows. This is definitely something I want to focus on next year and see what possibilities emerge.
Q: Lastly, any advice to up and coming designers?
I feel like this is a very exciting yet overwhelming time to be in the fashion space. There’s a lot of movement and things are constantly in flux. While this can seem daunting, I have come to realize that it also is a rich breeding ground to harvest new ideas and forge alternative paths for the future of fashion. My advice is really to stay true to who you are and be very intentional about what you’re creating and who it is for. I’m hoping that the consumerist culture really catches on to a more mindful and responsible lifestyle, shifting toward brands that have a strong commitment to preserving culture and the environment.
For more information or to shop looks from Naranji, follow their instagram @hello.naranji or peruse their site: https://naranji.fashion.
NYFW- Oxford Fashion Studio AW20
With the help of Oxford Fashion Studio, ten amazing designers showcased their talent during NYFW on February 7th at Pier 59 Studios. Needless to say, each designer put their heart into their collection and gave us something unique, whether it was a bold mixture of patterns or reinterpretations of traditional pieces.
Founded by Lulu Almuhanna in 2018, Mayan the Label is a Saudi Arabian brand inspired by art, interior, and travel. The brand took modest traditional Arabic styles and added unique embroidery and embellishments to create a couture and modern-day contemporary look. The darker palette of this collection and the long coats are perfect for layering in the fall and winter months while still looking classy.
The fashion crime of mixing patterns has been challenged time and time again and Christy + You, continues to do just that. The brand takes plaids and pinstripes and cuts them into interesting, non-traditional shapes to create pieces that look like abstract collages. It then also layered these pieces on top of a floral dress. The purpose of this collection was to create elevated looks with deconstructed tailoring and fabric limitation while also delivering a message of love. The name of this collection, “Superpower,” refers to the power of telepathic love signals you send to your lover. These signals translate onto the pieces through the wavy shapes all over the collection.
Inspired by her Indonesian and Chinese heritage, Samantha Darryanto reinterprets traditional pieces and fabrics to create an avant-garde collection called “Anak-Ku.” From her Indonesian side, Samantha used batik, a fabric made using the technique of wax-resist dyeing, to create a bohemian-esque robe. Then from her Chinese side, she used silk for many of her robes, skirts, and dresses. She also created a bodysuit inspired by the traditional Chinese Qi Pao, a body-hugging dress popular in Shanghai in the 1920s-1940s, and layered it under a robe that covered only half the body which was unique and effortlessly stylish.
Rene’ Tyler put the spotlight on plus-sized models to show that fashion is for everyone. The industry does not have enough plus-sized options and that needs to change. Shown by the name “Noir Et Blanc,” the collection used a monochromatic palette and a pop of red with accessories to create sophisticated looks inspired by Parisian style and elegance. The pieces in this collection accentuated the models’ curves and proved that no matter what size or shape you are, you can find clothes that will flatter your body.
Black never goes out of style. The Los Angeles based designer and UCLA student, Matt Sarafa created a lookbook of monochrome outfits made from different black fabrics: fur, chiffon, satin, leather, etc. You know what they say, you can never go wrong with an all-black outfit and you can always elevate it with different textures and fabrics. Matt accessorized his outfits with what seems like a gem embroidered fishnet to add a glam and chic element to his collection. Overall, these looks screamed “insta baddie.”
Minimalist outfits and statement pieces are in. Inspired by NYC in the 1970s-1980s, Nadia Kuzentsova created chic and modern statement pieces that bring an outfit to life. She handmade leather fringe earrings, geometric cuff bracelets, distinct hair wraps, bold necklaces, and more to give outfits a bold and rebellious look. Many of her accessories used studs and spikes which seem loud, but when paired correctly, elevated a simple and classy outfit.
Sustainable, minimal, and handmade. The Pre-occupied Collection hinted at the endless flow of information invading our subconscious and the hand-embroidered flora and fauna on the pieces signify what has been lost and needs to be conserved. It paid tribute to the hand embroidery and weaving techniques from local villages in India and brought them to contemporary fashion. All materials used were ethically sourced and produced in North India.
From the East End of England, Poli and Jo brought functional, practical, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing bags perfect for the needs of modern work life. All the bags in the Defender City Collection are made from Land Rover Defender canvas and are accented with red stripes for an interesting edge. They were created with the help of artisans and manufacturers based in England.
Inspired by the utopian Waitomo Glowworm Cave in New Zealand, MVR presented “Waitomo,” an “organic-inspired” collection that gave viewers a visual tour of nature. First, the changes in the cave were observed and then visually represented as new textures on fabric. They were then put together to create pieces inspired by the hip-hop culture of the 80s, similar to how minerals were mixed with water to create large structures in the cave.
Na Yeong Baek created the Mesmerizing Darkness collection as her way of expressing responses to electrical blackouts. The collection used playful silhouettes to create interesting and classy pieces. Most of Na Yeong Baek’s designs were inspired by her time in Myanmar and how she interacted with people as a woman and a foreigner.
About Oxford Fashion Studio:
Oxford Fashion Studio is a platform for independent designers to showcase their talent. Learn more here: https://oxfordfashionstudio.com/about/oxford-fashion-studio
Photos provided by Oxford Studio
WONÁ Bridal Showroom Opening
“The WONÁ woman loves a luxurious lifestyle and would never be associated with a cliché. She is uncompromisingly flawless, aware of current fashion trends, and would only wear the best quality dresses”
WONÁ, a bridal and luxury fashion label from the Ukraine, kicked off New York Bridal Fashion Week with the opening of their first flagship store-showroom in NYC to exhibit their exquisite Fall 2020 collection. Guests were welcomed to view the wide range of intricately made dresses in an elegant showroom, accompanied by hors d'oeuvres from Laudrée, champagne, and photo opps in front of an elegant floral wall installation.
WONÁ, meaning “she” in Ukrainian, are committed to making the perfect dress for their client, with the goal of emphasising each woman’s uniqueness through the creation of a dress that can highlight individuality. The hand-made dresses varied greatly in style with different arrangements of lace, beading, feathers, sequins and embroidery. The staff explained the variety of customisable details such as color choices to compliment the skin tone of the bride, a large size range, and features such as detachable sleeves, skirts and capes to allow the bride to achieve different looks with the same stunning dress on her big day.
Four collections are released annually by WONÁ. The first is WONÁ Couture which “unites dream and design, lace and decor.” WONÁ White “combines classic patterns and bold styling with a variety of lace and decor” producing a luxurious and sophisticated dress that is still practical to wear. WONÁ evening contains more colourful dresses with quality fabrics fitting for events from red carpet to debutante balls. The final collection, WONÁ Cruise, blends light fabrics with delicate lace to create “luxurious and provocative” dresses. Progressions in current trends remain central to the creation of each collection.
The dedication of the staff at WONÁ to the brand values of seeing women as muses and aiming to create dresses that allow coexistence of both practicality and the brides most extravagant desires was clear, proving WONÁ to be an exciting choice for women looking for bold and beautiful masterpiece dresses that can be personalised to accentuate their own unique character and preferences.
Photos by WONA
éclectic Boutique Opening
Kelly Killoren Bensimon with a team of male models at the Grand Opening of éclectic in New York City.
Wednesday Night, éclectic opened their first U.S. boutique on Greene Street in SoHo. éclectic is a Parisian line of jackets, coats, and blazers known for their pioneering use of innovative performance fabrics all expertly tailored in Italy.
Actor Daren Kagasoff, Keytt Lundqvist and Male Supermodel Husband Alex Lundqvist at the Grand Opening of électic in New York.
It’s well placed between The Webster and Tom Dixon on Greene Street just below Grand, and the full collection is on display in a clean, minimalist space. The line is perfect for the guy who travels and needs to go from work to play effortlessly.
Actor Shiloh Fernandez wearing an éclectic jacket at the Grand Opening of the label’s first US location.
Each piece is actively tailored for mobility and breathability, and most are wrinkle-free and water-resistant. Designer and founder, Franck Malegue, flew in from Paris for the event.
Eric Rutherford, Founder and Designer Frank Malegue and model Alex Lundqvist at the opening of éclectic in New York.
Notable attendees included Eric Rutherford, Alex Lundqvist, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Shiloh Fernandez, Daren Kagasoff, and Taylor Phillips, among others.
Photos courtesy of Rupert Kaldor/BFA.com
Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 Presentation
On a chilly Tuesday evening, crowds gathered on the rooftop of The Dominick Hotel to celebrate to a fashion spectacle: Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 Collection presentation. The collection, which was appropriately titled, “Urban Resort,” merged the worlds of soft touches of resort collections with the dark color palette inspired by New York City.
From pastel colors such as shades of baby blue, to sheer fabrics, some of which included chiffon and silk, the collection certainly pleased the crowd with its summer feel. Yet, since the designer is based in New York, there wouldn’t be a collection without including dark-colored fabrics and more structured fits.
The Kevin Johnn Resort 2019 collection offered a few black gowns with intricate cut-outs, striped and solid black flared trousers, a mesh top with chains layered atop for an embellished look, and dark floral motifs that would pop-up within the collection.
The collection intrigued and inspired. The views of Manhattan from the roof of the hotel set an appealing backdrop for the show. The summer skies allowed the audience to imagine their ideal vacation and the wardrobe to match it. The presentation ended with cheers from the satisfied crowd, certainly setting the mood for the rest of the perfect summer evening.
Photography by Evan Angelastro.
Shhhowercap Season II
In a time where people are constantly busy and the Dry Shampoo business is thriving, one of the most essential items a girl can own is a shower cap. Unfortunately, most shower caps you see have cheap material and are physically unappealing. It is true that some people may not mind wearing a simple $2 cap for the fifteen minutes that they are in the shower, but for those who prefer to feel and look luxurious during their self-care time, look no further. Shhhowercap has exactly what you need.
On Thursday November 2nd, Shhhowercap released their second season line of caps. The room was filled with people who came out to see the show; some already knew about the brand and some were hearing about Shhhowercap for the first time. I was among those who had just heard of this company. The entire crowd was blown away when the models began to strut around the Skylight Modern in these gorgeous headpieces. When I heard about a fashion show for shower caps, I was a tad skeptical and definitely was not expecting something so chic. On their website, they refer to it as a “waterproof turban” which sounds about right. I would consider wearing these out in public, let alone my shower.
Upon first hearing about this brand, I thought it had to be too good to be true that a shower cap was stylish and actually protected your hair from water. I was completely wrong. In fact, Shhowercaps are designed to be much more versatile than your traditional shower cap. These caps are made with nanotechnology and repel water on a molecular level, therefore the water beads up and slides right off, leaving your Shhhowercap dry the moment you step out of the shower. Have you ever noticed that your shower caps all tend to get a little gross after some time? The Shhhowercap avoids that issue with their innovative fabric with antibacterial properties, guaranteeing that it always stays good as new. The rubber grip will ensure that your Shhhowercap never leaves an indent on your forehead or stretch or snap. The best part is, they fit everyone.
I got home from this show and I could not bear to look at my pink plastic shower cap that is falling apart at the seams. For anyone looking to self-indulge and make their shower time feel like luxury, check out these Shhhowercaps at their website here.
Photos courtesy of https://www.shhhowercap.com.
Dan Liu SS 18 Collection
The new Dan Liu Spring/Summer 2018 collection could be described in three words: elegant, poised, and confident. The collection, which was inspired by the relaxed beach days of summer, as well as the beautiful pastel colors of spring, was presented at the Skylight Clarkson Sq on a sunny Sunday morning.
In his fourth season of New York Fashion Week, Dan Liu, who is of a Chinese-Japanese Canadian, played with traditional feminine silhouettes and textures, such as an A-line dress with ruffles. The color palette included almost every color of spring and early summer, ranging from baby pink and scarlet red to turquoise and royal blue.. In addition, whether for a day at the beach, or for a brunch with your girlfriends, the collection included an option for every occasion.
The opening look was a stunning red satin dress, which was a combination between a wrap dress and an A-line. The dress perfectly wrapped around the model’s waist, while it flared out at her hips. The dress stopped right above the knee, adding a slight seductive yet modest element into the look.
Another memorable look from the collection was a navy, white polka-dotted jumpsuit, which resembled the recently-retired pajama trend, but looked very beach chic. The look fit the model in an effortless way, which made it seem as if she has just woken up and gone about her day.
Each ensemble in the collection kept a bare minimum amount of accessories, and had beige pumps, or silver/gold ankle-strap heels to compliment it. In contrast, the makeup was statement-making and mesmerizing. With peacock feathers attached to the eyebrows of the models, the eyes were accentuated with heavy strokes of smudged black or brown eyeliner. In order to balance off the heavy eye makeup, each model wore a nude or a light pink gloss, which created an effect of party on the top and effortless beauty on the bottom.
For the grand finale of the show, Dan Liu presented a white, flowy wrap dress, which was accessorized with a hula-hoop that was covered with peacock feathers. As the model graciously marching by the attendees, each person in the audience pulled out their mobile device in order to record and embed the moment in their memory and in their iCloud. The look was a perfect end to the runway show since it created peace between the entire collection and the ideas behind it.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Dan Liu at NYFW: The Shows
PAXYMA SS18 Collection Debut
Every year, fashion lovers from all over the world swarm to New York Fashion Week to catch the latest trends and to see new creations from their favorite designers. But NYFW is also the perfect setting for up-and-coming designers to debut their collections and make a name for themselves among the fashion elite. One of this year’s rising stars is PAXYMA, a new luxury brand created by design duo Steven Hoffman and Ramin Paksima.
PAXYMA is a cutting-edge line that marries a minimalist palette with luxe, Indian draping styles. At the debut of the new collection, entitled “drishti”, fourteen models strode boldly onto the stark white stage. Only five colors were featured: white, black, silver, taupe, and a fearless shade of marigold. The models stood in formation and transformed the stage into something resembling a post-apocalyptic rebellion. Slick lines, metallic details, monochromatics, and utilitarian aesthetics blended easily with edgy, androgynous styling. Everyone looked comfortable, and everyone looked undeniably badass.
PAXYMA’s unisex design concept makes it a standout for anyone seeking a less binary approach to clothing. But Hoffman and Paksima’s gender-neutral styles aren’t the only thing that make their label a promising name in forward-thinking fashion. The materials are vegan, luxurious, and natural. From ten feet away, the textiles look organic and real. Soft canvas, jersey, and taffeta combine with hard elements of foil, rope, and armor-like safety pin formations to create a futuristic fantasy of a day when industry works with the earth and not against it.
PAXYMA’s ability to balance edgy concepts with straight-forward and minimalist execution is a reflection on its creators. Hoffman is an “all-black wearing minimalist” whose genius lies in structured forms and sleek craftsmanship. Paksima, who is originally from Iran, found inspiration for the line in the draping techniques and silhouettes of India, where he lived for many years. “drishti” has a highly universal appeal. In this collection, people can find chic designs to suit a wide range of body types, gender identities, and tastes. If you feel inspired, you can shop the collection and learn more about the brand here.
Photos courtesy of EB Consults
Maison the Faux Show SS 18 Collection
On September 8th, New York Fashion Week got a little bit more fun and mysterious. MAISON the FAUX showed off its new collection, “#Fauxmosapien the evolution.” The Dutch fashion house approached its show as a “Faux” ritual, which consisted of a model, who also served as a wordless actor. The performer began spraying the water on the models as they were walking by -- almost as if they were being “baptized” into a new population; a population MAISON the FAUX likes to call "FAUXmosapiens”.
The collection portrayed an alternate world, in which the designers, Joris Suk and Tessa de Boer, were letting go traditional ideals of beauty and embracing a relatively new spin on an old movement in fashion: individuality. Models of every race, sex, and body type carried valiant confidence strutting down the runway, which made MAISON the FAUX even more special.
The collection itself was borderless and inclusive, just as the models. Red striped plastic bags, faux-furs, mermaid dresses with striped tutus, sequins, gallons of milk, and computers were just some of the things and fabrics the models were seen wearing. A male model in a red tutu with a plastic cape; another male model in a pink faux-fur coat and mismatched heels; a female model with a plastic bag for her purse and another plastic bag on her head; and a male model in black-and-white striped capris with a laptop on his arm to serve as arm candy, were just some of the outrageous yet fascinating looks designed by the designers for MAISON the FAUX.
MAISON the FAUX did not just produce a very curious and fun collection; it also had a front row to match it. The Fat Jewish and the Urban Bush Babes were just some of the A-listers, who attended the show. Others were fashion photographers, young musicians, and bloggers. Yet, all members of the audience, VIP and otherwise, had one thing in common: they were watching a show that was produced by a liberal, forward-thinking and anti-standard fashion brand.
After watching the show, one could confidently say that this collection was not the last for MAISON the FAUX. Filled with designs that reflected a forward-thinking and thought-provoking brand, MAISON the FAUX managed to leave its attendees speechless, causing the audience to not just reevaluate their perspectives, but also challenge society’s views. The show was not just a fashion show; it was an artistic movement with various powerful messages hidden within.
Photos courtesy of EB Consults
Irina Vitjaz F/W 17
The Austrian-Russian designer once again paid homage to her family’s ancestry which is strongly linked with Russia’s own history, going as far back as the 17th Century. Irina’s ancestors served the Tsar with a nobility,elegance and flair that she incorporated into the designs she presented at her Fall/Winter Showcase.
The show was held at Skylight Clarkson Square, the vast space transformed into the backdrop for her designs. Apart from the runway itself, everything from the walls to the seats were in black, with dramatic music blasting over the speakers. The atmosphere was bordering on somber, were it not for the designs being presented. The mood of the room, the darkness everything was delved in, served to draw all eyes onto the models strutting the clothes down the center -- and by the looks of it, no one was able to turn away.
The majority of the looks were floor length evening or bridal gowns, most of which were embellished with Irina Vitjaz’ typical flair and drama. The emphasis in the collection was particularly on the play with fabrics, teaming see through mesh shirts with long velvet skirts, flowing silk over a figure hugging dress and shiny textures demanding the attention they deserve. The designer clearly was not afraid to add more and more, embellishing many already attention grabbing gowns with beads and sequins.
Apart from the clothes, the models were all styled naturally, their hair arranged in soft curls, barely any makeup and nude heels in order to really let the gowns speak for themselves. And speak they did: Irina Vitjaz took a bow at the end under enthusiastic applause, proving that her flair for embellishments and dramatic statements was a gamble that paid off.
Photos by Ashley Gallerani
Maison The Faux Presents Faux Cosmetics
A lipstick brand that is proud to help you find your inner FAUX-self? Maison the Faux takes pride in the humor and sense of irony instilled in their brand image, and Faux Cosmetics will surely be no different. The fashion house has created a cosmetic line of dramatic looks encouraging individuality, expression, and rebellion. In fact, their debut collection is said to be composed of only a few main ingredients such as confusion, desire, recyclable trash, and glamour.
Maison the Faux, translated to the “Fictional House”, is renowned for their slight mockery and reactive responses to mainstream fashion. To embrace the individual style of potential wearers, the line consists of shades given clever and distinct names such as ‘Shocking Suede’ and ‘Narcissistic Nude’. The brand encourages all to be a little rebellious with their choice in color.
The premiere of Faux Cosmetics took place on February 11, 2017, during NYFW in Pier 59 Studios. To present the brand new collection, a runway show was held in pure Maison the Faux fashion. Models were dressed in ensembles of lacquered jackets and lace-up sets of tops and bottoms completed with fishnet tights and thigh-high boots.
A few models fled down the runway in a hurry, lipstick in hand, to tease the crowd with the new product. Others carried full trash bags or pushed trash cans of pink flowers, all of which were at some point left on the catwalk during their walk. However, each model had one unmistakable detail: dramatically smudged lipstick. The ultimate ironic aesthetic: challenging the norm of perfectly lined lips with the humor of purchasing a lipstick to wear it messy. The show closed in a fury of supportive claps and hollers, ensuring the concept of Faux Cosmetics had been well received.
Photos courtesy of Maison The Faux
Coterie x Pryma
To kick off their fashion trade show, which featured some of the best brands in the fashion industry, Coterie hosted a creative event at the tail end of New York Fashion Week. The event was sponsored by Pryma, which provided awesome music that enhanced the evening.
For this event, Coterie created a preview of brands which were then shown at the Coterie trade show a few days later. At press time, 10 pieces were displayed from 60 designers, all of the pieces were hand-selected by the Coterie fashion team.
Some of the brands sampled at the event include Pas de Calais, Milly, Alexis Bittar, Jill Stuart, Markus Lupfer, Koral Antiq Batik, M.i.h., Dodo Bar Or, and Zadig & Voltaire.
The event was held at the World of McIntosh Townhouse in SoHo, formerly owned by Heidi Klum and Seal, and this stunning building only added to the beauty and complexity of each selection of clothes.
Rather than showcasing the brands individually, as is typical of a preview, Coterie instead pulled specific pieces from each designer and grouped them with other pieces, forming multi-brand vignettes. Each vignette had a theme and was placed on a different floor of the townhouse accordingly.
There were beach-themed vignettes of bikinis and sunglasses by the pool. On the main floor, accompanied by upbeat music, there were structured dresses, floral accessories, and sparkling shoes. Lastly there was the upper floor and rooftop terrace, which featured androgynous outfits and edgy music.
No matter the floor or designer, the designs were amazing to see and it was absolutely wonderful that the press got such an intriguing preview of the Coterie trade show.
Photos courtesy of Seventh House PR.
Michelle Helene Spring/Summer 2017
On September 7th, the Spring/Summer 2017 collection of Michelle Helene debuted at New York Fashion Week. Stark white walls and brightly colored platforms were the perfect backdrop for the models wearing the funky, chic new collection.
As a brand that focuses on the satisfaction and accessibility to people of all kinds it is no surprise that this collection and the models wearing it were incredibly diverse. The collection was full of bright colors and fun silhouettes and it is easy to picture any one of the models walking around the streets of NYC in these clothes.
Between afros and head wraps, denim and maxi dresses this collection calls back to 70s style fashion and the easy, flirty style of the era. Designer Michelle Helene explains, “My inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2017 collection is rooted in both the clothing and political messaging from the 1970s. This is my interpretation on anti-conformist casual chic fashion for the modern day woman.”
As my first NYFW event this show really got me excited for the rest of the week and just makes me want to look at more of Michelle Helene’s amazing work.
Photos courtesy of EB Consults
Updownacross Launch Party
Updownacross is a new women’s private label fashion brand that is dedicated to creating well-constructed, high-quality clothing at an accessible price point. Beginning this July, every 15th of the month, Updownacross will launch a capsule collection of 5-8 different styles exclusively on their website and through pop-up events selling directly to consumers.
Every capsule collection is designed and manufactured in their own factory located in NYC’s Garment District. The brand offers the look and feel of luxury designer brands at an affordable price, and there's nothing to hate about that. The overall look is clean, minimal, utilitarian, bold, urban, and architectural.
Owner and designer Joann Kim (pictured on the left) has a spunky personality and says she gets inspiration for her collections from her dynamic friends. She refers to the women who will wear her designs as “Creative Professionals” who value simplistic, minimal pieces but don’t always want to invest in steeply priced clothing. Her designs are also very reflective of her own personal style. Kim’s go to summer outfit is a shirt dress, and she always chooses sneakers over heels. She is someone all of us urban girls working in creative fields can easily relate to!
This line launch took place at American Two Shot, a new boutique in Soho. The trendy crowd enjoyed cocktails, a DJ, and a boomerang style photobooth. The first capsule collection was on display at in the center of the store where we could view the designs and even try them on! This particular color palette was strictly neutral tones, but the garments were well constructed and easy to incorporate into any existing wardrobe.
updownacross provides customers with quality garments, a Made in America label, an e-commerce platform, affordable prices, and a unique on-demand experience. Joann hopes to create a sustainable business model that can stabilize the fashion industry in the US for both brands and consumers alike. I can’t wait to see what incredible designs she will have available for us next month!