It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year: New York Fashion Week

Ah…… #NYFW, New York Fashion Week.

Family obligations and school have kept me in good ol’ Georgia during this event, but luckily I have friends who live in the heart of it!

Carrie is an agent at a very well known New York author’s agency, Donadio and Olson, and we met at Crossroads Writers Conference last year. It was friendship at first shoe sighting- the sight of her ah-ma-zing Louboutin’s. Matt is her fashion blogging partner, who I feel like I know just through Carrie. Together they write the blog Style of Mind, and have been ever so lovely enough to cover this event for us! Wheeeee! So, let us enjoy the ride that is New York Fashion Week:

 

It’s our favorite time of year here in New York: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! As we start this whirlwind week of fashion, from the runways to the parties, here’s a glimpse at who we’re excited about. We’re covering everyone from the newest designers to hit the runways, to those veterans who continue to win us over year after year.

 

The rookies…

 

Charles Harbison (Sept. 4): A former designer for Michael Kors and Luca Luca, Bushwick-based (shout out to our Brooklyn friends!) Harbison has a knack for blending the masculine and feminine. He presented his second-ever collection in the Meatpacking district on Wednesday morning. With shirts ranging from tunic to cropped in his standby palette of black and white, gorgeous blues and rich reds (and a few plaids for good measure) we think Harbison’s presentation was an excellent kick-off to the week. You might remember Harbison from his gallery debut in the Spring. He showed an impressive collection of ready-to-wear at C24 gallery in Chelsea. A recent feature in this September’s Vogue (a gorgeous color-block coat that had us drooling) has similarly helped catapult Harbinson’s success.

 

Dana Lorenz (Sept. 11): Lorenz, who creates runway jewelry for designers like Prabal Gurung and Thakoon, will present her own much-anticipated Fallon collection with a high-concept runway show this week. We love Fallon for its mixing of the hard and soft. Edgy pieces like crystals and spikes, leather and hardware, and our favorite for the new southern belle, “Modern Pearls,” which combines pearls with things like biker chains and serpents. These aren’t your grandmother’s pearls!

 

Rosie Assoulin (Sept. 9): This promising newcomer makes amazingly wearable clothes, with an emphasis on luxury fabrics, and unique touches, such as hand-painted garments. Assoulin made a name for herself with her resort debut with the help of a glowing endorsement from her friend Leandra Medine (the Man Repeller).

Chris Gelinas (Sept. 6): Previously known for working with Olivier Theyskens at Theory, he’ll present his first collection on Friday. As recently as last week, Gelinas landed a spread in Women’s Wear Daily, making his debut one of the most highly anticipated.

 

Dion Lee (Sept. 11) At 27, this Australian designer is being applauded for his cutting edge yet highly functional garments. He has already had two profiles in Vogue Australia, the second gracing the March 2010 cover. At first glance, his designs seem to have a very heavy influence of Alexander McQueen in them. The unique use of the female silhouette and shape, and use of one-of-a-kind fabrics scream McQueen, but the functionality and everyday appropriateness are a uniqueness all their own. We look forward to watching this up-and-comer evolve.

 

 

And now for the veterans…

 

 

Michael Bastian (Sept. 4): Every season we eagerly look forward to the Michael Bastian show. A revelatory experience where, those of us too stylishly inept to realize that the suit coat with the rolled up sleeves goes perfectly with a speedo and combat boots for your wedding have that “Aha” moment. The combinations that the former Men’s buyer for Barney’s sends down the runway are always impeccable, no matter what the pieces may look like on their own. Some MB items are so striking they are the only part of the outfit you actually see (I’m haunted by an amazing powder blue blazer with navy piping he showed a few years back). At other times, the pieces really only work within an ensemble. This new collection seemed all about the pineapples and cheetah print. While still not the weirdest combination we’ve ever seen, it did seem slightly out of place in the world of men’s high-end casual wear. A particularly striking backgammon print sweater and an amazing purple, blue, and grey blazer were the two items I wouldn’t mind saving up a few years for. So while I may not be rocking the cheetah print anytime soon, I still think every sweater or blazer he creates is perfection.

 

BCBG Max Azria (Sept. 5 at 10am): Miranda Priestly hit the nail on the head when she scolded “Flowers? For Spring? Groundbreaking.” Nevertheless, the use of structure and cutouts in his collection were creative, but not necessarily the most refreshing. While most of the outfits create beautiful silhouettes through oversized jackets and vertical sheer slitted shirts, some of the outfits seemed large, and parachute-like. Perhaps looks more suited for LA or the Hamptons, but certainly not for the fast paced, crowded streets of New York. The color blocking was a comfortable fit within each combination, but didn’t scream “look at me, look at me.” With all of that said, my top prize for the collection would go to the sheer sleeveless top and flower printed skirt complete with sash. You always win with a bow or shash. And BCBC will always hold a special place in my heart as, at the wide-eyed age of 22, it was the first show I saw in the tents at Bryant Park, just three months after moving to New York.

 

Ruffian (Sept. 7 at 9am): We’ve loved the Ruffian boys since, oh September 2010 when we were invited to (and subsequently photographed in) their champagne and caviar fashion week soiree. Who doesn’t love a nice glass of champs after a long day at the office (er, runway, as the case may be)? Brian Wolk and Claude Morais are the geniuses behind what has become a cult brand for New Yorkers. Their aesthetic is a study in juxtaposition: they blend hard and soft, style from the edge with classic lines.  They’re the label for the rockstar who also wants to dress like a princess. At the same time.

 

Charlotte Ronson (Sept. 7 at 6:30pm): London-born, New York based Charlotte Ronson is known for her trendsetting designs and impeccable style. She has become one of the most sought after designers for womenswear, worn by countless celebrities. Her shows are always an event, and one we’re really looking forward to.

 

Zac Posen (Sept. 8 at 7pm): What can we say about Zac Posen that hasn’t already been said? The man just knows how to dress a woman’s body. Period. His strong yet feminine esthetic is worn and adored by countless celebrities. He also happens to be at the top of my list. And, let’s be honest, he’s our new favorite judge on Project Runway.

 

Badgley Mischka (Sept 10 at 10am): We love this dynamic duo. Mark Badgley and James Mischka know fashion and they do it well. Their clothes have been described as “red-carpet destined evening wear.” Though their use of light, airy fabrics and lack of busy construction make their pieces effortless to wear. We always look forward to this show as they consistently send out beautiful collections, but also never cease to wow us with their designs.

 

Naeem Khan (Sept 10 at 2pm): The man dresses Michelle Obama. MICHELLE OBAMA. (Need we say more? The first lady is a living fashion icon. But we digress.) Known for his red carpet gowns, Khan’s work is beautifully done with handmade fabrics and detail work that will make you swoon. There are certain to be some showstoppers in this collection.

 

So there you have it. Your first look into what we believe is the best show (or shows) on earth!

 

 

Kisses from New York!

 

Carrie & Matt

 

Be sure to check out more of Carrie and Matt’s New York style and wanderings by clicking here at Style of Mind

 

Love to all yall,

 

Molly