Burning Guitars Basquiat Fall/Winter 2020

I am so excited to share this photo gallery from the runway show I was part of during New York Fashion Week #NYFW for the amazing Burning Guitars at The Fashion Life Tour powered by Society Fashion Week on February 7, 2020.

The show featured the Burning Guitars Basquiat Fall/Winter 2020 collection, inspired by the legendary street artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat gained notoriety during the late 1970s as part of the graffiti duo known as SAMO, which combined elements of the hip-hop, punk, and street art movements in Downtown Manhattan, not far from where this show was held at the Broad Street Ballroom. It’s no surprise that Basquiat would be an inspiration to Burning Guitars designers Smiley Jonez and Saiyd Muhammed for his use of color, street-smart attitude, social commentary, and enigmatic themes. I think the collection would have made the artist proud.

I was honored to be asked to walk and absolutely love the look that was put together for me! Plus, it was my first runway walk to be photographed by Getty Images, as you’ll see from the first two photos below.

Burning Guitars kicked off the evening, which was produced by The Fashion Life Tour, the perfect choice to capture the audience’s attention and get the energy building. Smiley Jonez, who also performed during the show, dropped two new singles, “Highs” (produced by JeeJuh), and “Driptastic” (produced by Drizzy). He told me that I was drippy and litty myself, and I loved being part of the entire experience.

You can purchase Burning Guitars online at www.bgrockstar.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram @burningguitars. Enjoy the show!

Model: Ivy Dominique
Model: Tone Trump
Model, Actor and Designer Check Fernandez
Model: Steve Silver

Liu Yong x Rishikensh SS20 Collection at NYFW

Liu Yong x Rishikensh SS20 Collection
New York Fashion Week @nyfw
Gallery 1 at Spring Studios
New York, September 10, 2019

Liu Yong @liuyong67 is regarded as one of the top 10 fashion designers in China and was project director or product consultant for many famous fashion groups in China, such as Septwolves and BOSIDENG. In 2003, Liu started his own fashion studio and has cooperated with many fashion brands successfully. In 2015, Liu established his own street fashion brand: “LIU YONG PLAY,” which is one of the original street style brands in China. In 2016, he won the “China Fashion Designer Top Award”. Accolades include: one of the core designers of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation); Council member and Executive Member of the Arts Committee of China Fashion Association; Council member of Asian Fashion Association China; Vice President of Fujian Fashion Designers Association; and Vice President of Guangdong Fashion Designers Association.

RISHIKESH @rishikenshmovement, originated from the English name of Reshikesh, “the City of Yoga” in India. Leaning against the Himalayas and fronting the Ganges River, the city of Reshikesh is like a shining pearl inlaid into a crown, a place where many Yoga masters in the world live. It is a heaven of meditation and adventures in Yoga. The RESHIKESH brand is based on Yoga culture and highly integrated with the street culture and punk style from casual wear. Using the world’s first garment wash technology, they create a unique and distinctive style in fashion sportswear, winning great popularity in middle-end and high-end female customers aging from 18 to 38.

Thank you to the team at The Riviere Agency for inviting us to be part of this amazing event.

EDGII Fall/Winter 2019 Collection “Girl Power” at New York Fashion Week

EDGII Fall/Winter 2019 Collection “Girl Power”
New York Fashion Week @nyfw
Gallery 1 at Spring Studios
New York, September 5, 2019

EDGII @edgii_collections encourages girls to believe in and express their inner self – The EDGII girl is confident, brave and independent and should be celebrated.

EDGII found synergies with the “The Powerpuff Girls” personas which represent individuality and promote uniqueness – a girl does not have to fit into society’s mainstream standard of beauty, she can be who she wants to be.

Presented through the use of colors, patterns, details and materials coherent with the different Powerpuff girls, this latest EDGII collection offers and promotes diversity.

Styling – Krisana Sotelo
Casting – Raymond Casas
Hair – Brendan O’Sullivan using Unite
Make-up – Liset Garza
Nails – Bernadette Thompson

Thank you to the team at REP Agency for inviting us to be part of this amazing event.

Robert Greco Collection at Small Boutique Fashion Week Season 13

It’s no secret that Robert Greco is one of my favorite designers. I was super fortunate that he was the top name at the first “fashion week” I ever attended. At the time, it was wild just to be able to talk with a real fashion designer and see their work up close and personal. He was incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome in the fashion world. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t had such a positive experience at that first runway show.

I began to visit Robert at his wonderful Montclair boutique (which has now partnered with That Little Black Dress), and am proud to now call this brilliant designer a good friend. I’ve worn his styles on and off the runway, and it’s still a thrill to see his collections when they are showcased. He is a regular at Small Boutique Fashion Week, and his latest collection, which includes pieces from designer Carmen Bury, was part of Season 13, held at Studio 450 (450 West 31st Street) on Sunday, February 11.

There are several qualities that mark Robert’s work, such as the use of vintage and reclaimed fabrics, the sculptural quality of many of his pieces, as well as his ability to combine the classic with the wholly original. As you’ll see from the photos below, there are diverse styles that manage to still work well together.

I absolutely love this full-length coat. I’ve seen it on a mannequin in his studio, where you can really admire the fine details.

This is Robert Greco’s most popular and well-known piece. The silhouette is so distinctly his.

I’ve heard so many stories about how Robert helps models, other designers, and anyone else in the business who wants to learn and become part of this crazy industry. This blog probably wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t met him. Definitely check out one of his shows when you can, especially if he returns to Small Boutique Fashion Week next season.

www.smallboutiquefw.com

Small Boutique Fashion Week New York City Season 13

I had so much fun returning to Small Boutique Fashion Week in New York City on Sunday, February 11. Billed as Fashion’s Top Event for Indie Brands, Season 13 of SBFW took place at Studio 450 (450 West 31st Street). This season’s event had a full schedule of three shows that drew packed crowds to the spacious 12th floor event space. We attended the 8pm show that headlined the event.

I hadn’t been able to attend many shows last season, so it was such fun to catch up with members of my fashion family before the show. It’s thrilling when interesting and creative people get together to share their love of fashion.

Seen in the crowd: “Fashion Avenue News” publisher Sofia Davis, one of the few people on the scene who can out-bling me. Lord Logan creative director Logan Hendricks and her husband Quincy with their new baby! Design prodigy Egypt Ufele and her amazing mommager Reba Renee Perry-Ufele, who had us rolling with stories of filming their successful commercial for Ford. Super diva and fashion coordinator Andrene Ladydoves Williams. Mwah! Pop singer Aaron Paul, who was a great host for the evening, and told us about his soon-to-be-released book and CD. Author and host Delvon Johnson, with copies of his new book “Mirror, Mirror”. Super publicist and host Yvonne Forbes, who always produces wonderful events. Legendary model and fashion curator Catherine Schuller, who ended the show dancing down the runway for the photographers. So wonderful to see them all having a perfectly fashionable evening in SoHo.

The designers who showcased their collections included: Preston Walker, Joy Echo, Vinyett Clothing, Doein, Planet Zero MotorSports, Perfect Population, Afrika Umuri, Meredith Gill, Studio by Alexandria, Omari’s Closet, Crystal Robinson, Lord Logan, and Robert Greco. I’m going to feature collections from some of my favorite designers in future blogs, but here is a taste of some runway highlights. On with the show!

Watch for upcoming Small Boutique Fashion Week shows in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, New York City, and Philadelphia throughout 2018.

www.smallboutiquefw.com

Maarkah To Showcase African and the Middle Eastern Designers at New York Fashion Week

Branding is an essential concept in the fashion world. The brand expressed by a designer and their work is what draws people in, getting them to wear those clothes as an expression of their own personal style.

On September 11, 2017, Runway Prestige presents the debut of Maarkah fashion showcase, which will attempt to raise the profile of talented designers, primarily from Africa and the Middle East, who are largely underrepresented in the fashion world in general, and at New York Fashion Week in particular.

The Westchester-based marketing agency will bring its event production and fashion promotion experience to create a high-end event with a unique focus that should become an important part of the NYFW experience.

We spoke with the owner of Runway Prestige and producer of Maarkah, Rabab Abdalla, about September’s show and started out by asking about why she choose to focus on designers from Africa and the Middle East.

“I decided to focus on designers from the Middle East and Africa because I feel there is an underrepresentation of designers from those regions.” she told me. “If you think about it, how many shows have you been to that had one, or more than one, designer from those regions? Most fashion shows have designers from the western world. Official NYFW shows are no different. You may see one or two designers there and most accolades post-show are not given to them.

“Maarkah, meaning “brand” in Arabic, will represent the underrepresented, focusing on providing a platform for remarkable aspiring Middle Eastern and African designers providing comprehensive support and opportunity. It is for designers to feel welcomed and equally talented as mainstream designers in the western world during New York Fashion Week.”

What people may not realize is that these designers are already being worn by celebrities and are very recognizable, even if their designers aren’t household names yet.

“Many designer are definitely dressing Hollywood A-Listers and are taking over on the red carpet,” Rabab explained to me.

Who are some of the designers who celebrities are wearing?

“Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Adriana Lima, Taraji P. Henson, and Ellie Kemper, to name a few, all wear Reem Acra, a designer from Lebanon.

“Jennifer Lopez is a big fan of Lebanese designer Ellis Saab, whose clothes are also worn by Meryl Streep, and Janelle Monae. Jennifer Lopez is also big on another Lebanese designer, Zuhair Murad, who’s also popular with Tracee Ellis Ross.

“Director Ava DuVernay paid tribute to Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi at the 2017 Academy Awards. Winnie Harlow has worn Nicolas Jebran, who’s from Lebanon, and Giuliana Rancic wears Rani Zakhem, a Lebanese designer who was raised in Kenya.

“At the 2017 Golden Globe Awards in January, so many celebrities wore Arab designer gowns such as: Tracee Ellis Ross, Lily Collins, Sofia Vergara, Olivia Culpo, Elsa Pataky, Jessica Biel, Felicity Huffman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Emily Ratajkowski, Kristen Wiig, Giuliana Rancic, Raya Abirached, and Trace Lysette.”

Wow! What it is about the work of these designers that you feel has made them so popular among the A-List crowd?

“I think most Arab designers are very luxurious,” said Rabab, “meaning they don’t skim on the type of fabrics or embellishments used. A lot of them use luxury fabrics and stones like Swarovski. I think the same of African designers.

“African print is a big hit among the stars. Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Lydia Hearst, Dawn Richard and Lydia Hearts have all worn looks from Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe. Gwen Stefani is known to make bold statements in African prints at events worldwide. Angela Simmons and Thandie Newton wear Jewel By Lisa. First lady Michelle Obama has worn African print, as have Kanye West, Kim Kardarshian, Amber Rose and Angela Simmons.”

The goal of Maarkah, which will be presented at Studio 450 (450 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001), is to bring attention to these talented artists in New York City and shine a spotlight on their work, to give them the exposure they deserve to a wider audience.

I’m looking forward to attending Maarkah in September and hope that by bringing attention to this show, it’ll help in its mission. I asked Rabab if she had any final thoughts she wanted people to remember.

“’They,’ the designers, are the Maarkah, the brand, that needs recognition. Runway Prestige, LLC is a production company that is providing the platform for Maarkah designers to be seen and become marketable in the United States. Maarkah New York Fashion Week is not exclusive but inclusive.

“We will welcome designers from across the globe who wish to showcase on this platform. This is the way of Middle Eastern and African culture, you welcome anyone and everyone. Through Maarkah we aim to share the region’s beauty of art, design, culture, food and tourism promotion.”

For more information about participating in or attending Maarkah in New York City on September 11, 2017, please visit www.runwayprestige.com/index.php/maarkah1.

Samuel Wong Asian-Inspired Collection at SMGlobal Catwalk NYFW

One of the shows I was looking most forward to this season at New York Fashion Week was Season Three of SMGlobal Catwalk, especially the return of one of my favorite designers, Samuel Wong. Held in midtown Manhattan on February 11, the show, produced by the amazing Samina Mughal, did not disappoint, and neither did Samuel’s new collection.

In the spring, he left the room breathless, so I was highly anticipating his new Asian-inspired collection. The incredible quality of his craftsmanship, the elegance of his designs and the sheer beauty of his creations left an indelible mark on the evening.

I talked with Samuel after he returned to Dallas after the show and asked about the inspiration for this collection.

“My roots are Hispanic and Asian, and, of course, I have a lot of influence from Orient. I love the mystery, the handwork from Chinese culture. I think it’s so elegant, and chic, and my designs always are inspired by these details. At the same time, I love to catch the people’s attention, make them feel like they are in another world. I don’t like to be just ‘another designer doing clothes.'”

Part of what I love about all of his work is the amazing selection of fabrics, the patterns and textures, he chooses for his clothes. The colors in this collection are no exception.

“Red, gold, and black are basic colors in Asian culture,” Samuel explained. “And I really love brocade fabrics. They were so heavy and a little difficult to work with, but the results are beautiful. It was exactly what I was looking for.”

The results are a tribute to your roots and truly transported me to another time and place. This is another triumph and I am excited to see where he goes next!

Samuel Wong Collection at SMGlobal Catwalk New York Fashion Week

I love runway shows for different reasons. Some designers have amazing skills in what they can create. Others have amazing uses of color or fabrics. Other shows are an stunning sensory experience, the music, lights and costumes creating a movie on the runway. But the greatest surprise for me from this year’s New York Fashion Week was my first look at the work of designer Samuel Wong. It made me cry.

I’m not even sure why. It was just so beautiful and unique and wonderful that I was emotional as I watched the models in these beautiful clothes as part of SMGlobal Catwalk’s Season 2 (held on September 10, 2016 in Midtown). When hostess Nicole Coley Cole (who’s amazing!) interviewed Wong after the show, he said that he’s been creating for over 20 years. To see such an amazing designer at the height of his abilities, and still working to get even better, is a thrill and I so hope that he’ll return next year. These photos are only a taste of the magic of this event that those who were in the room will never forget.

Thank you to the wonderful Samina Mughal for making it happen! Don’t miss SMGlobal Catwalk Season 3, coming in February 2017, and grab any chance you can to experience Samuel Wong’s collection around the country.

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Model: Margosha Kr.

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Model: Savannah Rae Collins.

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One of my favorite models, the beautiful Dira Ve.

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Model: Midori Amae.

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The show’s signature piece was just stunning. Model: Justyna Olivia Ruszczyk.

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This bridal piece earned a standing ovation from the crowd. Nicole Cole said that she wanted to get married just so she could wear this dress. Me too!

Model: Layne Lampley.

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Thank you, Samuel Wong. See you next year!

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Terese Sydonna New York at Harlem’s Fashion Row NYFW 2016

I had the pleasure of attending the Harlem’s Fashion Row (HRF) Fashion Show and Style Awards on September 8, 2016, as an invited guest at Pier 59 Studios. I was so excited to see the latest collection from my good friend Terese Brown, the talented designer behind Terese Sydonna. I happen to own one of her pieces (love!) that I picked up when I met her in Philadelphia, where she was part of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s. Her latest collection shows her continued growth and development as a designer and it’s my pleasure to share these amazing looks from the runway.

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I love this dress. It’s so simple and cute!

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Art Hearts Fashion Presents Designer Lainy Gold

On February 16, 2016, Art Hearts Fashion #ArtHeartsFashion presented a fantastic FW16 Women’s Runway show as part of New York Fashion Week #NYFW at the amazing Angel Orensanz Foundation Event Space in New York City. In the beautiful setting of a stunning converted church, the runway hosted collections by Merline Labissiere, Lainy Gold and Stello Official. Congrats to everyone involved and the Art Heart Fashion team for putting on such a memorable event!

I was thrilled to receive a last-minute invite from my good friend Jill Leap, whose superstar daughter, Sophia, was modeling for Lainy Gold. What a night of fun surprises, highlighted by Lainy’s collection. Lainy Gold may be best known for her fun and colorful swimwear, but this collection focused on fantasy and medieval-inspired designs for eveningwear or making a grand entrance at your next party. There were innovative uses of color and fabrics that brought storybooks into a modern setting.

Here are some of my favorite shots from the show. Follow Lainy Gold Designs on Instagram (instagram.com/lainygolddesigns) and on her website www.lainygolddesigns.com.

Model: Sarah Ferguson

Model: Sophia Leap

Lainy Gold closes the show with her signature pieces. Models: Sophia Leap and Sarah Ferguson.