Style and the City: Recap of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

My second day attending fashion week this September brought me a lot more fashion and a lot less humidity. Thank goodness because the previous day was bad...like Wicked Witch of the West melting bad. Except, I was wearing a pretty print dress and not all black and rather than turning into a puddle I was clever, well I'd like to think I was, and made my bathing suit into a top to absorb all my wonderful sweat. What? It worked and everyone thought I was wearing a pretty dress, when in reality it was a dress made into a skirt, my bathing suit, and a belt holding it all together. Take that Vogue!

That day I went to Cesar Galindo's show at the Hub in the Hudson Hotel. I'm not always fond of going to events at that venue because the temperature in that place is short of hellish. I'm pretty sure Satan  uses it as his home when visiting the city. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but in all honesty it is pretty bad. They have everyone crowded into the lobby waiting for about 30 minutes with a bug fan blowing. Yup, that fan does nothing, but I appreciate the attempt. Fortunately, all the shows I've seen there have all been worth the heat and long wait. Plus, I'm a pretty patient person who does not get phased easily so as uncomfortable as the warmth there is, I move along and pay attention to the fabulous showcases these hardworking people have put together. I feel worse for them. They're the ones who had to work there for several hours.

Czar by Cesar Galindo and his showcase

While at the Czar show, I bumped into another blogger buddy of mine, Simone of Fashion Runs the World. When we finished fawning over Galindo's stunning line, we walked towards Columbus Circle where we parted ways, she into the subway and I into the mall where I desperately looked for shoes to save my feet and food to devour. I had picked a lower heel that day so I wouldn't have to change shoes, but the sandal still ended up giving me blisters on the sides of my feet. Amazingly, out of that entire mall, I could not find shoes that were representative of the three C's...comforatble, chic, and cheap. Really...like really? Oh, well off the lunch I went. I ate at the Bouchon Bakery they had there and ordered myself a grease filled meal because although I am at NYFW, that does not mean I will resort to starving myself. I am good with my tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich thanks. Surprisingly, a lot of people eat well during fashion week so all those cliches that it's just a cube of cheese and a leaf of lettuce you can go away and find yourself a salad to be tossed in. When I sat down, I was at a table next to these two older gentlemen who I presume just came from the same show as me and were discussing some of the most  fascinating topics that I had heard all week. There were no sentences involving how much tule the dress had or if you captured the perfect picture for Instagram of the show, they were chatting about things like sex symbolism in fashion and what it all means or how creativity has changed in the industry. I did not mean to be nosy, but I was literally sitting right next to them so I could overhear everything they were discussing and it was riveting. Honestly, they should have their own show at a local theater. I hadn't heard that much intelligence in a fashion based conversation in a while. I mean it's not like these series on television offer much aside from insults about Red Carpet fashion. Saying someone looks like a mermaid prostitute in a gown is yes funny, but not real fashion logic, especially coming from those whose fashion sense is skeptical to begin with in the first place. Anyways, this conversation enthralled so much of my attention that I ended up flicking my soup filled spoon and splattering my hair and chest with tomato. The two of the men got up at that moment and left after complimenting my choice in food. At least they didn't see me wiping off the red hue from my hair five seconds earlier.

From the mall, I took a taxi to Chelsea Market and stopped by Glamour Magazine's pop-up shop event for street style. There, I met up with Diane again. It was quite a nice set-up with section's for hair, make-up, skin care, and much more. It was spacious and decorated as if you were out on a patio reminiscent of the cafe on the roof of the Met. However, my favorite part were the free copies of Glamour Magazine. IT'S A FREE MAGAZINE! DO YOU KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE THEY ARE NOWADAYS! Who needs fancy chocolates in a gift bag? Give me a magazine or a tub of Nutella and I will vote for you in whatever election you are running for anyday.

Diane Taha and I attending Glamour Magazine's Street Style Pop-Up Shop 

When we finished, we began our trek from Chelsea Market to the Carlton Hotel in midtown for the Fashion First Aid event. I must state at this point in the story that when we arrived, the hotel was like an episode out of Downton Abbey. That was until we needed to think of where to charge our phones. Darn technological reality! Kim, the brilliant mind behind Fashion First Aid, came downstairs and escorted us to her showcase. It included all the new and current items of the brand. For those who don't know Fashion First Aid...shame on you, but really though you need to check them out. They have every fashion solution you can think of from a portable mini sewing machine to "Subtle Butt," a gas neutralizer for your bum.  I'm not kidding that exists and you know you want one.  There, we were given some yummy champagne, chatted about the sores on our feet, and simply laughed over all the hilariously clever products she was presenting. I'm waiting for that bear for my boobs. Okay, that may sound weird, but you had to have been there!

NYFW Coverage: Noon by Noor Fall/Winter 2014

Fun is the word that comes to mind when pondering over the Noon by Noor show during this NYFW. I wish I could say it is because they had crazy cutouts and bright colors that could blind from a mile away, but I would be lying. To be honest, Noon by Noor's collection wasn't spectacular, but there was definitely an element there that made me wanting more once the runway lights dimmed and the bright florescents came back on. 

Between the shiny embellishments, soft materials, and bright hues, I felt like I was sitting more at a J. Crew store than a Noon show. I understand both designing companies are similar in femininity aspects, but this collection just seemed too reminiscent of every time I open the "Crew" catalog. With that said, I am in no way hating the line, just stating the obvious similarities I found. The collection was quite nice all in all, and some pieces have the the power to make a person want to get dolled up and party the night away. After all, I did say it was fun! 

Plus, anyone that can make yellow look amazing, should get props just for accomplishing that task. If not handled correctly, this color can turn from bright and happy to banana like and frumpy. Just ask Lena Dunham and Zac Posen. (I know they tried, but it just wasn't the right color for her complexion) At the Noon show, yellow was seen in various ways from a peplum dress to sharing spaces with a gray blazer or textile patterned pant. It was just the right amount of summery warmth mixed with wintery cold. 

Favorite Thing: Oh the Embellishments 

Give me a cardigan, or anything for that matter, with chic embellishments and you've got yourself a winner. Without these little details, the line would have fallen flat. With them, well that's a whole other story. Every ensemble that featured either a detailed encrusted sweater or skirt or even cardigan, was love at first sight for me. It gave them that extra oomph that colder weather clothing may need at times.

Not Loving it: Why so Wrinkly? 

Some of the items such as the pants or gowns were a little less fitted and little more baggy than I would have liked. It seemed that they would wrinkle in a very uncomplimentary way coming down the runway. If they looked badly during a fashion show, how would these particular designs handle a real life event during the day or evening? Oh and not to mention how most of the skirts and dresses constantly kept creeping between the legs of the models. That would be way too frustrating for me to wear. 

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

Photo Credit: George Chinsee

NYFW Coverage: MESKITA Fall/Winter 2014

"I was afraid the girls would fall. (chuckles) That is my biggest fear." That may have been Brazilian designer, Alessandra Meskita's, worry on Sunday night, when she debuted her ready-to-wear collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, but fortunately this scary thought did not become a reality. Instead, her first time show at Mercedes Benz, was a complete an utter success. So much so, that by the end, she received a standing ovation, the first one I had witnessed this past week.

It is no shocker that Meskita received such praise. She was considered to be a pleasant surprise with her  minimalist take on Fall/Winter fashion. Drawing inspiration from the old Hollywood glamour of the 1950's, she designed a collection in honor of greats such as Sophia Lauren, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. All of whom, were known to wear waist hugging gowns and ensembles. She mentioned to me that she wanted to design pieces  that would "slim women in an easy and complimentary way," hence the many belts that accompanied her outfits on the runway. 

Aside from the 1950's, Meskita also incorporated the year of the horse into her line. The strength that the horse represents is shown in the collection by the sportswear elements that were added to the ensembles. The purpose of such a move was to show how women can bring sportswear into their everyday clothes, whether for daytime or night. 

Although some pieces used body conscious neoprene, not all of the items in this line are for the everyday woman's body. For instance, the leather corsets, or jumpsuits can be worn by only a handful of women that have a thinner waist, but not to worry. Some of the coats, chiffon pieces, and circle skirts will do just fine. 

Favorite Thing: High Pony-Tails

Fizzy hair, stringy hair, side swept hair, yup I have seen it all this week, but my favorite locks to walk the runway were from the MESKITA show. They were simple yet perfect to match the inspiration of the year of the horse. Plus, they took the attention off the model herself, and made the audience focus more on the clothes, which was brilliant. Well done Anthony Crosfield for your work as the lead stylist and to Marshall Lin on styling the hair as well for this presentation! Brava.

Not Loving It: Too Much Skin

This is a Fall/Winter line right? For clothing that will potentially be worn by people in cooler weather, there was a lot of skin being shown. If next year's weather is anything like this year's than we need to cover up more, not start dressing in preparation for pneumonia.  

Photo Album

Photo Credit: Dan & Corina Lecca

Photo Credit: Dan & Corina Lecca

Photo Credit: Dan & Corina Lecca

Photo Credit: Dan & Corina Lecca

NYFW Coverage: Raoul Ready-to-Wear Presentation and Accessories Launch

Designers Odile Benjamin and Raphael Young for Raoul'14

   If you've seen the show Girls, on HBO, then try to imagine all the characters and their personalities, represented through clothes and accessories-and not because the leather pieces were as bravely naked as Lena Dunham in almost every episode of the hit series. This has a deeper connection.

With Illustrator Kendall Lock

When I attended the Raoul presentation, on the kick off day of Fashion Week, many things came crashing into my mind. By that, I mean literally because I was bumped into a gazillion times, but it's fine. I still found my way and when I did, I was not disappointed. Before I get into the plethora of handbags and shoes I want from their collaboration with Raphael Young, I have to start off with the the company of the hour itself, Raoul. 

Raoul's line of gowns and ready-to-wear clothing can not be described as anything else but a spectacular melting pot of style. That's why I find so many similarities between their new line with the HBO series. Each section of the presentation showed evident differences from the last, which broke the common cliche of a fashion line always having to have a constant flow. Here's the brilliant thing: They may vary in time period inspirations (some pieces look more 50s-60s while others are the 30s all the way) or even prints and hues in general, but somehow, when done looking at all that they have offered you, the designs blend well together. Alone, these designs would be lost, but among each other, they compliment the last, as different as they are. 

This is where the series Girl's comes in. There is a group of young women, all of whom are quite opposite in style and personality, but there is something there that brings them together. Well in their case it is selfishness. Seriously though, all of them on that show are way too self absorbed. Of course, don't tell them that. They will call you a "bad friend" and take a whole new meaning to the word hypocrite. Point here is, the line is like them in that way, accept minus the crazy outbursts of self indulging irony. 

Favorite Thing: Prints

The prints for this show and a color blocking similar to that of a jester, were quite fun in a chic way. The one that caught my eye the most, of course, was no other than the one on the very invitation for this event. His yellow daisy top and skirt combo, is so bold, that the Marc Jacobs obsession with this particular flower seems minimal. 

Not Loving it: Hair and Make-Up

The way a model's locks and face are portrayed is actually quite important for representing the line at a show, than one may think. They complete the look the designer is going for. In this case, the subtle glamour that Raoul's pieces had, became second to the disheveled appearance of the models that Shiseido bestowed onto them. Each woman had greasy stringy hair and a smokey eye, but not in a good way, that made one focus more on her than the clothes. In all actuality, it was a little painful to look at them. They seemed so sad and tired and I'm not sure if it is because they actually were, or it was just the make-up/hair department. Talk about terrible Fairy God Mothers.

Photo Album

So Long New York Times: Fashion Critic Cathy Horyn Leaves the Paper

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

It was reported on Friday, that longtime fashion critic for The New York Times, Cathy Horyn, would be parting ways with the newspaper for personal reasons. Horyn will be departing to spend more time with and assist her sick partner, Art Ortenberg.

She was of course a vital writer for the Times, voicing her take on many trends and runway shows. That is why, to leave a week before New York Fashion Week, came as quite the shocker to most. What will this do to the newspaper? They will of course have to find others that will cover all the shows that Horyn would have attended and wrote about.

Horyn does leave large shoes to be filled. Times executive, Jill Abramson and editor of the Styles section, Stuart Emmrich, released a statement, in a note for the newsroom, stating that Horyn was "'the pre-eminent fashion critic of her generation and who has set an almost impossible standard for those who may follow." 

Wow... I wouldn't want to be the one applying for her job. Very true though, since for many years she gave fashion writing an educated elegance that unfortunately does not happen very often.  

From all of us aspiring fashion journalists out there, we will of course miss her and hope but nothing but the best for her. She is a true talent. 

Design Darling: Chit Chat with Fashion Designer Yvette Elfawal

It started with blank stares of curiosity being exchanged between the two of us in a building lobby. She, with her hands filled of designing goodies, and me, with my five pound purse. Finally, one of us had the courage to ask. "Katie?" the girl with the bags inquired hesitantly. I nodded and after asking her as well who she was, I knew I was in the right building with the right designer. Thank goodness because I did not need my interview to turn into a scene from Taken. My father is awesome and all, but let's just say, he doesn't have moves like Liam Neeson. She then welcomed me into her New York show room, and although, she stated that it was small, I found it was similar to the preview of her spring line she would later show me, little, but pure perfection!

Sitting on a couple of white sofas, in a sunshine filled room, we commenced the interview I had been waiting since New York Fashion Week to have. I had come across one of her designs being worn by a model at an event I attended. Dumbstruck by the texture and color of the frock, I took the business card and contacted her. Numerous emails later, the moment had come to ask the upcoming designer, all my burning questions. Some even involved things pertaining to how she gets the lining of layered fabrics on each piece, by hand, all so quickly. Like a family secret recipe, that was one answer she wouldn't give away. I simply laughed and said that it will be like Bush's Baked Beans. We will never know the hidden ingredient to what makes her designs so brilliant, in such little time.

Yvette Elfawal, who is currently based in Florida, but quotes New York as her love (she's not the only one), has already made a name for herself in the industry. Her designs, have shown a curious familiarity to the textures and aesthetic of the late McQueen and the romantic feel of Marchesa. Both of which, turn out to be some of her favorites in the business. This may all come to a surprise, being that she isn't the typical fashion school graduate. Truth be told, this artist of crafting clothes, studied architecture in college, and learned everything there is to making a master piece on her own. Even more impressive, is that she has accomplished a lot of this within a few years, where as for most people, would take several or more. Of course, the background in architecture, although unexpected, makes sense, since her pieces are liked structures built for the woman's frame.

Elfawal's sneak peek involved five pieces, each one inspired by her mother's fight with breast cancer saying, "They continue from the fall collection and are pieces that just consume the body."  There are differences between the previous line to the spring one though. Last season, it was all about the burnt orange, rust, and red wine hues, while the current one involves more of a peach and pale pink tone. Her preference for sheer and construction on the other hand, are two aspects that remain the same, but in a good way. They have become in form, her signature style.

It was an absolute delight to speak with her. That's why, in my opinion, interviewing new comers to the industry is the most exciting. They aren't jaded by the hardships of trying to make it just yet. Instead, they are like a couple in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, where everything is bright, new, and beautiful. To see the excitement in someones eyes and hear it in their voice is the best gift of all. It's like me when I hear a new Justin Timberlake song. I can't contain the glee!


I noticed that you use a lot of sheer. Is that a preference?

That's something that I really pushed this season. I felt like they help illuminate the concept more. I like sculpting, so that's part of the process.

Not  a lot of designers go for the edgy look, for fear of not functioning, you on the other hand do exactly that. 

Where as functionality is so important in fashion, since my background is so different, I'm more focused on expressing myself as an artist. I just do that through the medium of fashion. I want to stay true to my architecture roots.


I can totally tell. As for your runways show where are you planning to debut all of your pieces? 

I was actually selected for Fashion Scout and I have been given the chance to have my show in Kiev for Mercedes Benz Fashion Days in October.

That means you get to fly there. That's going to be so much fun. 

I'm excited! It should be my biggest show to date. I'm really looking forward to it.

Are you completely set to go or will you be planning and finishing things up until the very last second?

It's starting to come along. Right now I am finalizing shoes and other last minute details. I am pretty sure I will be sewing until the day of.

Oh yeah that is normal. That is why the backstage is always crazy. 

Yeah. Last year I actually brought my sewing machine with me just in case.

Of course, sometimes things rip and then you have to fix it.

Oh I can't even tell you how many times I've had to sew up a model into a garment.

Well there is always duck tape. Just tell the model here you go! 

(Laughter ensues) Yeah, it happens though. Like five seconds before a model walks out the zipper will tear and then I have to sew it up quickly.

That would terrify me. What is your worst fear for a fashion show.

I don't know what is worse. It's between a dress ripping before the model walks out or her just falling on the runway. I'm pretty sure slips are never fun. I have been very fortunate that I have never had any slips or models falling on the runway. I have had a lot of rips though, before hand, and that's never fun.


It all comes with the territory. I'm sure some of the greats have gone through the same scares you have. Speaking of, who is designer you would love to meet?

Iris van Herpen is one of my favorites. I would love to work with her. That would be a dream. I feel like I have so many fashion designers that I look to that are conceptual, but I have completely different list in terms of aesthetics. Marchesa's color pallet and detailing are amazing. Elie Saab is also a favorite of mine.

You had mentioned that you live in Miami. How is it splitting time between there and here in the city?

Usually the month before Fashion Week I am here sewing away and at other times, I come back as well. Miami is great for the weather if you like the heat. Quality of life in Miami is more exceptional. Work wise, it's better to live in New York City.

As a designer, it's definitely competitive in New York, but for fashion do you feel it has more than Miami?

Yeah definitely. My dream is to go to Paris actually.

Is your ultimate goal to have a fashion show there?

Hopefully, yeah. That is ideal.

I can definitely see your pieces for a Parisian market because they tend to gravitate towards that wild look. 

Denmark also, like Copenhagen, have some really conceptual clothes as well. I always look forward to seeing their fashion week.

Well what is your demographic right now? Who are the people gravitating towards your clothing?

I would say women obviously (laughter) and it's usually between the ages of twenty-four to forty something. Those are most of my clients. They are people that are looking for new and unique pieces to wear to events. I mean they don't necessarily buy it to wear to the supermarket. (chuckles)

I can just imagine. That would be hilarious. Do you actually have a design area, or you make everything from where you live?

Right now it is out of where I live, which is always fun (laughs sarcastically). I am hoping that within the next year, I can divide home and work space. It would be more professional and I can bring people in and seamstresses to help out.

Are there fabrics you try to avoid?

I love silks. They are the most difficult to work with, but that is where I am drawn. I feel that if you can work with silk you can work with anything. It is very sensitive though. I actually had something pull this morning.

Do you wear any of your designs? 

I wore one once, but I try to just wear all black. I've been yelled at for that. I never want people to
look at me and think of what I am wearing. I would rather they focus on what the models are wearing.

Are you like that with your personal style? Sounds as though you are like Rachel Zoe who loves to rock black all the time?

I enjoy neutrals and the simple style. I am most comfortable in leggings and a t-shirt.

Does that simplicity show in your hair and makeup? What are your favorite products that you can't live without?

Ah yeah. I don't wear a lot of makeup. It's just mascara and Bare Minerals Foundation for me.

How about your go-to accessories?

I have a lot. I would say a watch, rings, and earrings are some. Up until a few years ago, I never wanted to wear a watch. I didn't want to know what time it was.

If you had to recommend the perfect fall ensemble to someone, what would it be?

Fall is my favorite season, so I love leggings and booties. I am a big fan of button down long blouses and if you could add a cool sweater to that.

Yeah fall is awesome for fashion because it is a time where you get to really test run a lot of looks and layer multiple pieces together. That's why I actually love fashion. Fashion is so important, not only for dressing, but for much more. It represent a time of year. So many people dismiss it and think of it a just vanity driven, but it isn't. It is an art. That's why your pieces are so interesting because they are different. When I actually looked at one of your pieces I saw an octopus. It was a chic one though. (laughs)

I love hearing different opinions on the collection because I get such varying opinions. We just did this collaboration which was high fashion Disney. One of the pieces was pulled for Pocahontas. That's why I like how people see different things. I actually had someone who, last season, said that the pieces looked pornographic. That's really the furthest thing from what I was trying to create, but I am glad he is the only one that saw that. (laughs)

Well I would have just told them, "That just means everyone get's their happy ending". 

New York Fashion Week: Street Style

I don't always do street style photos because I find it to be over done by many and plus I just don't have the time to take a photo of my outfit everyday, (I'd rather sleep) but because this was Fashion Week I will of course make an acceptation! During my Bloggers at Bryant lunch, Runway Chef's husband, he has a name but I find it more adorable to call him Mr. Runway Chef, was a delight and accepted the reigns as photographer for the event. After doing some interesting and hilarious group shots, my fellow bloggers and I took to the streets to capture our lunch ensembles in the riskiest of ways. Luckily, Mr. Runway Chef was there to guide us all from getting hit by on coming taxis and buses. If not, we would have been road kill, stylish roadkill to say the least, but road kill none the less.

When making the decision to go through with a street style post, I also choose to use all the photos containing each girl. This way it isn't all about me, like street style may seem sometimes, and more about the varying styles from the lunch. This gives you a taste of the looks and hopefully leaves you inspired by the array of hues, patterns, and silhouettes that were donned that day. Floral, polka dots, and snake prints OH MY!


The Girls

Brittany of Piece Love and Sole Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

Diane of Style Context Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

Sarah of I Bleed Fashion Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

Kelly of Sparkles and Shoes Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

My Silly Self 

Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef

Photo Credit: David aka Mr.Runway Chef