Photo by Raquel Salazar
Sometimes the best talent isn’t always on the biggest runways. When fashion month hits New York City, Mercedes-Benz is not the only company calling all the shots. The off-skylight shows can debut some of the best talent in the industry and I made it my job to scour them out.
Fashion Month also means one more thing — winter has officially hit NYC and the cold hurts, literally hurts your face. Yes, I ask why myself why do I live where the cold hurts my face every.single.day throughout the winter season. So to answer your looming question, those of us fashion-obsessed freaks bundle up, in the most stylish way we can or sometimes we just freeze our asses off and resort to Uber. Either way, let the fun begin.
I had the pleasure of attending two of best indie fashion shows the city has to offer during NYFW. First up is Style Fashion Week sponsored by Morgan Stanley, taking place at the stunning Gotham Hall. Style Fashion Week brings together international designers and provide them with a top-tier platform to showcase their collections.
Gotham Hall is draped in red curtain and the shows are rolling all week long. First up, Raul Penaranda. His feminine and whimsy designs are fit for the girl looking to make a statement but not give away any of her secrets. His designs are meant to drape and accentuate the female body, but still maintain a sense of professionalism.
Raul Penaranda | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
My favorite part of his show was the use of dark browns and bronze. Two colors when combined can dazzle– they go together like cookies and milk, yet we seem to forget they exist.
Raul Penaranda | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Raul Penaranda | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Next up, the supremely edgy Ev Bassar. Goth, grunge, punk, and eco-friendly. This Russian fashion mastermind has been able to nail such a unique look, it made me want to throw out any color I had in my closet. In case you didn’t know, New York turns your wardrobe black (and quite possibly your heart as well).
Ev Bassar | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Ev Bassar | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Ev Bassar | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Ev Bassar | Photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Her play on textures mixed with luxe sheer pieces turn up the sexy on your average punk rock princess. The best part is her use of organic cotton and wool, I always say a well made garment can say wonders and in this case, it put on one powerful show.
I then take on midtown, to the Crowne Plaza in Times Square for Couture Fashion Week. Couture Fashion Week took my fashion eyes to another spectrum of the industry. This production highlights avant-garde designers that really take classic designs to elaborate heights. Taking place in both NYC and Cannes, it aims to showcase luxury and style.
One of my favorite designers at Couture Fashion Week was FNN Design by Fatou Ndene Ndiaye. Her use of color to highlight appliques and textiles made her gowns fit for any woman trying to steal the scene. While floral and sheer were the power players, her shapely designs added a whimsical feature.
FNN Designs | Photos by Shanise Gibson
FNN Designs | Photos by Shanise Gibson
FNN Designs | Photos by Shanise Gibson
These NYFW “Indie” events are just the tip of the NYC culture during fashion month. In addition to shows, brands put on some killer unique events, such as the Shop NYFW with Nineteenth Amendment (I love them!). Also, with the fashion month, comes the change of seasons and also new sales (I hope your bank accounts are more ready than mine)–Happy shopping!
Style Fashion Week photos by Raquel Salazar of Downtown Magazine
Couture Fashion Week photos by Shanise Gibson
