~ RUNWAY 7 ~
NYFW 2023
True to form, my husband and I were running late, and just as the clock struck 3 we found ourselves at the back of a very long line outside of Sony Hall in the theater district. “At least we didn’t miss the show!” I exclaimed proudly. I could already feel the difference from the low-key vibe of the Hi Tech Moda show (at least, as far as the audience was concerned) based on the outfits I saw standing in line with me. Not that I regret my outfit choice (a multi-colored, patterned baby doll dress from Alice + Olivia) but I would have chosen differently had I known that this crowd was going to dress a lot more fashion forward!
RUNWAY 7 (Saturday, 3pm)
True to form, my husband and I were running late, and just as the clock struck 3 we found ourselves at the back of a very long line outside of Sony Hall in the theater district. “At least we didn’t miss the show!” I exclaimed proudly. I could already feel the difference from the low-key vibe of the Hi Tech Moda show (at least, as far as the audience was concerned) based on the outfits I saw standing in line with me. Not that I regret my outfit choice (a multi-colored, patterned baby doll dress from Alice + Olivia) but I would have chosen differently had I known that this crowd was going to dress a lot more fashion forward!
RUNWAY 7 (Saturday, 3pm)
True to form, my husband and I were running late, and just as the clock struck 3 we found ourselves at the back of a very long line outside of Sony Hall in the theater district. “At least we didn’t miss the show!” I exclaimed proudly. I could already feel the difference from the low-key vibe of the Hi Tech Moda show (at least, as far as the audience was concerned) based on the outfits I saw standing in line with me. Not that I regret my outfit choice (a multi-colored, patterned baby doll dress from Alice + Olivia) but I would have chosen differently had I known that this crowd was going to dress a lot more fashion forward!
We squeezed ourselves into the front room where the bar took precedence, to the right and left were photo ops including a live violinist covering pop tunes. We filed down a marble staircase a la “Phantom of the Opera” in its gothic grandeur. Around every turn there was a step and repeat, or a bouquet of balloons, strategically placed to give the influencer audience plenty of selfie stations.
We continued going down and down, curiouser and curiouser, into the subterranean depths of the building. Compared to Gotham Hall, equally grand, this gave more of a nightclub feel than a opera house feel – staircase excepted. Once inside elegantly clad patrons of all gender identities and ethnicities squeezed past each other in a mad rush to secure the best seats (or a drink at the crowded bar). Fortunately, by some stroke of luck, we scored a couple of seats in the second row (which is why my pictures for this show are way better). So now, my comments on the show itself….
Lulu & Gigi
So dramatic! Probably the greatest piece of showmanship I experienced this weekend. The reference to fairy tales was made obvious from the beginning by the entrance of a model clothed in red wearing a wolf mask. Although I confess that I failed to identify all the stories referenced…there was Snow White, Cinderella, and perhaps Rapunzel? Sleeping Beauty? Regardless, the presentation was phenomenal. The music filled one with a sense of panic and urgency, while the graphics in the back depicted a dark and frightening forest. Stephen Sondheim would be proud!
Regarding the actual garments, which were overshadowed by the overall production and the use of Schiaparelli-inspired headpieces (the grand finale featured a swan), they were elegant and elevated, definitely something one would wear to the Kennedy Center or the Met. Many were full length gowns, embellished with sequins or stitching that sparkled. I could easily see these pieces being sold on the 2nd floor of Neiman Marcus.
So dramatic! Probably the greatest piece of showmanship I experienced this weekend. The reference to fairy tales was made obvious from the beginning by the entrance of a model clothed in red wearing a wolf mask. Although I confess that I failed to identify all the stories referenced…there was Snow White, Cinderella, and perhaps Rapunzel? Sleeping Beauty? Regardless, the presentation was phenomenal. The music filled one with a sense of panic and urgency, while the graphics in the back depicted a dark and frightening forest. Stephen Sondheim would be proud!
Regarding the actual garments, which were overshadowed by the overall production and the use of Schiaparelli-inspired headpieces (the grand finale featured a swan), they were elegant and elevated, definitely something one would wear to the Kennedy Center or the Met. Many were full length gowns, embellished with sequins or stitching that sparkled. I could easily see these pieces being sold on the 2nd floor of Neiman Marcus.
Maison de Kallee Jackson
This model knows how to make a grand entrance! The gown was striking enough by itself…a shimmering, silver mini dress layered with a matte black cape attached at the waist, which the model did a great deal to emphasize…balloon sleeves at ¾ length in the same material as the cape added even more dramatic flair…what can I say? This was easily my favorite moment from NYFW (no offense).
This model knows how to make a grand entrance! The gown was striking enough by itself…a shimmering, silver mini dress layered with a matte black cape attached at the waist, which the model did a great deal to emphasize…balloon sleeves at ¾ length in the same material as the cape added even more dramatic flair…what can I say? This was easily my favorite moment from NYFW (no offense).
The next look was no less dramatic, featuring a “cut out” that rode all the way up to the model’s waist, hinged together at the side by what sort of looked like chain metal….the sheer fabric shimmered under the spotlights thanks to a sequin embellishment that was eye catching yet subtle. In fact the majority of looks echoed this same color palette of black paired with silver, all the way up until the closing look which was a turquoise mini dress, not your typical A-line mini, but Dior-style with a cinched waist and flared skirt, think of the “poodle” skirts from the 1950’s only shorter and much more elegant. Another minor exception to the black / silver pairing was a nearly opaque piece with a stunning, sun-like pattern covering the torso area in what appeared to be rays of black and gold. This skin-skimming design worked perfectly on this model who was very petite in frame. All in all, this was perhaps my favorite designer that I saw.
Vizzano
It took me about halfway through the show to realize that every model was wearing the exact same dress, black and form fitting with a halter-strap back, as well as the same hairstyle (with the exception of the grand finale, a gorgeous black woman with a beautiful fro, which frankly provided a refreshing change). The reason, of course, being that Vizzano is a designer of custom jewelry. Once I finally figured that out, I was able to enjoy the show much more! The pieces truly were beautiful, and I could easily see myself wearing them on a special occasion (or even every day, because that’s how bougie I am).
It took me about halfway through the show to realize that every model was wearing the exact same dress, black and form fitting with a halter-strap back, as well as the same hairstyle (with the exception of the grand finale, a gorgeous black woman with a beautiful fro, which frankly provided a refreshing change). The reason, of course, being that Vizzano is a designer of custom jewelry. Once I finally figured that out, I was able to enjoy the show much more! The pieces truly were beautiful, and I could easily see myself wearing them on a special occasion (or even every day, because that’s how bougie I am).
Design Exchange
Again, showmanship prevailed in the sultry, desert-inspired collection featuring elegantly flowing loose fitting fabric in dresses, pants, jumpsuits, and (for the men) ponchos, pants, ½ cut tops. I couldn’t help but notice that this was one of the very few shows that included bags as accessories, some models carrying two at a time. This material was not shiny but a rich, silky, soft fabric that flowed beautifully behind every model. I could easily imagine myself wearing this in the hot, humid climate of South Florida where I frequently travel, or other parts of the globe where loose fitting and lightweight fabric is a necessity as well as a fashion statement. The dramatic hair and makeup looks, paired with handbags that featured very aggressive metallic embellishments, emphasized the rugged nature of this look. I am also very impressed with the color saturation, on hues ranging from desert tones like orange and yellow, to more soothing aqua-blue.
Again, showmanship prevailed in the sultry, desert-inspired collection featuring elegantly flowing loose fitting fabric in dresses, pants, jumpsuits, and (for the men) ponchos, pants, ½ cut tops. I couldn’t help but notice that this was one of the very few shows that included bags as accessories, some models carrying two at a time. This material was not shiny but a rich, silky, soft fabric that flowed beautifully behind every model. I could easily imagine myself wearing this in the hot, humid climate of South Florida where I frequently travel, or other parts of the globe where loose fitting and lightweight fabric is a necessity as well as a fashion statement. The dramatic hair and makeup looks, paired with handbags that featured very aggressive metallic embellishments, emphasized the rugged nature of this look. I am also very impressed with the color saturation, on hues ranging from desert tones like orange and yellow, to more soothing aqua-blue.
And that was it! This show featured fewer designers than Hi Tech Moda, and I couldn’t say for sure whether each designer spent more time on the runway. Again, I am not trying to cause any offense, but this production did seem much more professional than the day prior. The registration process went more smoothly and the technology / graphics / sound system was more impressive. Both venues were comparable, but personally I liked the clubby vibe of Sony Hall.
All in all, this was an amazing experience for me both personally and professionally! And now it is time to shift gears and get ready for DC Fashion Week! The beat goes on.