What do you think of when someone mentions New York Fashion Week? Is it the usual high-end designers? Or does Kanye West still having a clothing line bewilder you? How about being optimistic and wishing the Statue of Liberty had a makeover just for tourists sake. Overall no matter what you think NYFW2015 has generated about $900 million according to CNN Style. Jaw-dropping numbers and luckily I got in on the action yet on a more realistic level.
Realistic in the fashion industry, you might ask me how. Well for starters I attended The Rising Stars of NYFW Show curated for the Georgie Badiel Foundation. On Monday, September 14 I along with many others waited on a line (V.I.P. included) to get inside of Highline Ballroom (431 W 16th St). Running behind schedule is usual to every Fashion Show I ever attended, so I wasn’t surprised.
Once I was let in with my friends and fellow fashion bloggers lamamahada (middle in picture)and ashestogoodvibes (left in picture) we walked right over to the open bar thanks to star vodka sponsoring the event. While getting our buzzed on, we listen to dynamic tunes by DJ Francis Mercier and Dj Aki.
The founder of the foundation is Georgie Badiel, and she is a stunning supermodel. She started the show explaining why it is so important to her because she was once that child who walked miles to get water. The non-profit organization provides access to clean water and sanitation to the people of Burkina Faso, Africa. Water is an essential for life and her story personally touch me. You can watch this truly touching story below:
After the video “Grammy was Requested” Shane started to sing. To be blunt once the songwriter started singing, I gasp. I realized the difference between a singer and songwriter right at that moment. Her get up was questionable from head to toe, so it didn’t help her terrible singing voice. The positive highlight is her spirit no matter what she kept a smile on and when the fashion show ended she jumped on stage and started dancing.
Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. The show continued with its first collection. The collection filled with day dresses and casual night glam pieces. A few of my favorites below:
NYC very own menswear designer Kevin Shahroozi made the second collection. Dressing himself since a child he is now living his dream. His “Live In The City” collection executed really well. The in seams and fabrics were near perfection. (Since I don’t believe in perfect, near perfection will do.) The models showed off the red lining underneath blazers and leather jackets. Red to me signifies strength and was the key to unifying the pieces together. His pieces were timeless and I strongly believe he has a promising future ahead of him.You can shop his pieces at www.kevinshahroozi.com
Following the menswear collection was a handbag collection by AB&B.As much as I love handbags this collection had no star power. It carried two styles one looked like summer camp days when you created things out of gimp. Did I lose you? Here is an image below.
The more appealing purse resembled a classic vinyl record. The interior features a music note printed lining too. I was attracted to this bag so of course when I got home from the show I tried to look for the designer. Unfortunately, nothing turned up on Google. I didn’t want to feel undefeated, so I searched for Vinyl inspired purses. I saw a Kate Spade version at Zapos.com retail for $295 then I searched further and clicked on Esty.com (they never disappoint me) and found custom-made Vinyl purses for only $75.00. I’m still questioning myself if I should get it. Click on Record Album Purse and tell me what you think.
Before the grand finale, there was a live art painted by celebrity Artist Peace Simon. Myself along with other eyes glued right to the stage trying to figure out what masterpiece was forming in front of us. Watching in awe, I noticed Peace Simon was painting upside down and with his bare hands. (The DJ nailed the song “Turn down for what”) When finished the canvas turned around, and everyone clapped when Bob Marley appeared. It was something else to see live. Want to see Peace Simon in action? You can watch the video below.
The Final collection was the caviar of the show. I felt like I was invited to red carpet show. Not only were the dresses remarkable they were lined with mesh and took the word sex appeal to a whole other level. The ever so talented Anthony Eastwick closed out the show with model Jayka wearing a long geometrically lined white dress with a ruffle bottom. The look gave me a 1920s feel adding an embroidery headpiece. He has a vision and creates one of a kind piece that brings confidence in a woman. He started with just two pieces, and now he has created over hundreds of looks. Macy’s endorsed his Fall collection back in 2012.Hopefully one day soon he will own a store of his own. If you need a custom piece for a special event or if the sidewalk is your runway check out his Instagram out @eastwickcollection.
The second fashion show I attended was on Thursday, September 17. FIT Professor’s NYFW Runway Escape Fashion Show & Launch Event
Since it was a free event, I decided to arrive somewhat early knowing the show won’t start until 2 hours later I didn’t want to get a horrible view. I entered the Empire Hotel and the views never seize to amaze me. The whole time was wondering where the models are going to walk from I circled the rooftop. Finally, I realized photographers huddled up in a corner and headed towards that direction. The show started with an inspiring singer singing a ballad of Lady Gaga. Half way in her performance a woman who was working the show was clapping thunderously for her to end. How rude I proclaim let the poor woman end. The show was entirely disorganized. On a brighter note, I was happy when it feature some of the trends I wrote in my last post How To Dress For FW16.To see the professors, the interpretation was interesting. My favorite was an S & M-inspired line, which wowed the entire crowd.
Before the show, I thought the event was sponsor from F.I.T., but it was professors who taught at this school and is opening a new fashion school called fashion psychology institute.My favorite part of the show was the closing. Models came out with banners showing the different courses you can take in this school. If interested, you can check out fashionpychologyinstitute.com
This is so cool! Thanks for the inside look at NYFW. I love seeing the new trends. Peace Simon is amazing!
Yes I’m looking forward to see more work from him
What an awesome experience! Fashion shows always look really fun, and I am not even really into fashion 🙂 I do like that record purse though!
Thanks I think I’m going to get it after all
I loved that purse too! Now that brings back some memories and it is totally something I would use. The celebrity art was very cool and Peace Simon is very talented. Looks like you have a great time. Fashion shows are filled with so many things to keep your eyes on and take in.
Yes I love how is much more than fashion it’s an experience
This looks really fun. I’ve never been to a fashion show .. good grief, I’ve never even been to NY!! New York is definitely on my list of places to visit 🙂
Monica.
You should come to New York one day if you ever do I run a bloggers meetup and we go on different events around New York.Your always welcome to come.
It looks like you had a fabulous time. It must be truly amazing to be able to see these wonderful creations up close and before anyone else gets a chance. Your descriptions are great and I appreciate all the photos.
Thanks I did.I’m happy you enjoyed the post
So many beautiful (and not some not so) beautiful clothes! I have never been to a fashion show, but it looks like it would be a heap of fun… being in New York would just make it electrical!
You should come to New York one day if you ever do I run a bloggers meetup and we go on different events around New York.Your always welcome to come.
I love this! It is so interesting! I’ve been to a couple fashion shows and have always loved how you get a first-hand look at new fashion trends.
I am not really big on fashion and accessorizing, but I see that you have some great tips here.
Thank you I’m happy you enjoyed the fashion shows you been to is always fun and inspiring.
This is SO interesting!! I love it. I especially love the record bag, very Carrie Bradshaw!
Yes it is very Carrie Bradshaw I miss Sex and the City so much lol
What fun photos! It feels like I was there! 🙂 I also look forward to taking a look at the video about The GB Foundation now. Thanks for sharing!
Yes the video is very inspiring especially for a supermodel with humble beginnings.
Great pictures! That looks like so much fun. I want a vinyl record purse. I don’t even have a vinyl player, but the purse looks cool.
I’m moving in a few months and I was thinking of buying a vinyl player but I think I’ll go for the purse instead thanks for reading.
Great photos! And I like your writing too, it make me feels I am there watching the fashion show!
(comment from http://www.marcellinamaria.my.id)
Thank you for stopping by that was my intention to make my readers feel like they was there happy you like it.
Great photos! I like your writing too.
I’ve been to a lot of events, but not one Fashion Week. This looks like it was such a blast. I like the long black and white dress.
Very beautiful clothes and looks so much fun! 🙂
I’ve only been to student fashion shows before. Looks like you had a lot of fun!
I haven’t been to any of these events, so it was very interesting to read your post, and especially see all the photos and videos! Love the Final Collection, especially that turquoise piece. Thank you 🙂
Nice!!! I’m not sure how hard it is to get tickets to NYFW, but seeing these pics makes me want to add it to my bucket list. I love the clothes!!
I’m not into fashion very much. But NYFW seems like it would be fun and very interesting.
I am in love with some of those dresses! I love NYFW!
I am one of those people that needs someone to dress me, I admit it. As I am getting older all the sudden I have no clue what to wear. What fun to get to attend NYFW, and yes, I love the purse.
Ooh, how exciting! It looks like the place had great energy. And I love that LP bag. So cute!
Cool inside look!
No one would mistake me for a fashionista. But I still think it would be fun to hit fashion week.
Looks like it was a great event and you had lots of fun with lots to see. I have never been to a fashion event before.
Great post! Looks like you had a ball- loved the pics and the details!
Hi I loved reading your article! You really got some awesome pictures it looks like you were so close you could have touched them! I have never been to a fashion show, looks like fun!
DJs, Drinks and Diva Fashion?!! Sounds like the perfect night! 🙂 What an awesome experience to have. Great photos as well.
Looks like you had a great time and saw some really cool pieces! Love that album purse!!
Super fun post and I too would love the album purse!
You have a great conversational tone to your writing, I love the images I almost felt like I was there. I would love to attend NY Fashion week one day. I had never heard of Georgie Badiel Foundation so it was interesting to see what worthy work they do, especially for providing a service to woman who are usual the most marginalised in many poor countries. thank you so much for sharing
This is so neat! Thank you for sharing an inside look! I’m so glad you shared that wonderful cause also. Keep up the great work!
what a great post and an awesome experience for you. Thanks for sharing!
How fun and exciting to get to attend NYFW! Thanks for sharing an inside look, I haven’t seen that very often, and it was like living vicariously 🙂
Thanks so much for this inside look at NYFW – I felt I was there!
Fun experience. I like how the fashion show gave back to an important cause.
It looks like a fantastic event. Thank you for sharing your behind the scenes experience with us!
I love the mission of the Georgie Badiel Foundation. Such a wonderful cause!
Yay for you being to attend a NYFW event. This is definitely something on my bucket list. Looks like you had a great time. That vinyl record purse — DA BOMB!! lol.
thrifting diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Looks like you had an amazing time! I love NYC! Thanks for sharing your behind the scenes time with us! ~Adrienne