September Fashion Week |VA
This September, I had the privilege of curating and hosting my inaugural sustainable fashion show. My initial vision painted a picture of a grand, airy venue, with lofty ceilings, pristine white walls serving as the perfect canvas for showcasing exquisite clothing, sleek yet non-slippery floors for models to strut, and an unforgettable cocktail hour. However, reality took a different turn.
Instead, we found ourselves in a rustic lodge that demanded a touch of imagination and tender care to transform it into a stunning fashion event. The entire space underwent a creative overhaul to conceal the imperfections that often accompany older buildings. The floors underwent rigorous scrubbing until they showed signs of luster, while the kitchen received an intensive deep cleaning. The result? Perfection.
This event marked the perfect initiation into the world of sustainable fashion shows. Even though every facet of it strayed far from my initial imaginings, it unfolded precisely as it was meant to, leaving me without a single regret.
What this entire experience taught me, in a most profound way, was that the toxic pursuit of perfection can often stifle the birth of great ideas. Four potential venues turned me down for a variety of reasons, some delivered politely while others not so much. But one rejection couldn't extinguish the fire of our determination.
What made this journey even more remarkable was witnessing how the models gracefully and professionally weathered every obstacle thrown their way. Their resilience was nothing short of inspiring. And then there were the guests, their faces lighting up with astonishment as they beheld the magical transformation of the space. Watching people revel in wholesome fun, laughter, and smiles was the true measure of the night's success.
From the torrential rain that pounded outside to the joyous camaraderie that permeated every corner, it was an evening truly blessed. So much so that I found myself fielding a question that surprised me: "Will you do this every six months?"
The moral of the story? It may not always unfold exactly as you envision, but in the end, it will become what it's meant to be.
Diane von Fürstenberg |Live
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a live Zoom webinar featuring Diane von Fürstenberg, the renowned Belgian fashion designer celebrated for her iconic wrap dresses. Despite my familiarity with her from previous interviews, my curiosity was piqued about how the pandemic had influenced her business and personal life. I was eager to learn more about her interactions with buyers and any shifts she had made in her sustainability initiatives in response to industry scrutiny.
During the interview, I was captivated by Diane von Fürstenberg's approach to the pandemic, which she had used as a catalyst for introspection and a deeper focus on personal relationships. Her emphasis on the significance of relationships in both our personal and professional spheres provided a refreshing perspective, especially in the fashion industry, where commercial aspects often take center stage. While I hold great admiration for André Leon Talley and his profound insights into the fashion business, von Fürstenberg's emphasis on relationships served as a poignant reminder of the human connections that underpin the success of all endeavors, whether personal or professional.
André Leon Talley |Live
Fashion Week, is it canceled?
During this fashion week, I found myself wondering if I would get any glimpse of the fashion world, as the pandemic had pushed it so far out of reach, almost to the point of being forgotten. Almost all events have been postponed or canceled, and the few shows that do proceed are doing so under strict restrictions. The familiar standards of New York Fashion Week that we've grown accustomed to are now relics of the past.
Fashion Week in September 2022 may not have been canceled, but it certainly feels that way.
However, I was fortunate enough to participate in a live Zoom session with none other than Andrea Leon Talley, the iconic figure of fashion known for more than just his caftans. His influence in the world of fashion transcends mere garments and extends far beyond the hallowed halls of Vogue.
During the Zoom session, he generously shared insights into his experiences during the pandemic, his vast and impressive book collection, his candid opinions about Vogue as a publication, and his thoughts on Anna Wintour, among other topics. More importantly, he shed light on Ann Lowe, a figure whose contributions to fashion have often gone unspoken or rarely acknowledged.
Unfortunately, in-person shows and presentations will have limited capacity in various venues. Given the circumstances, traveling to the city is not a prudent choice at this time.
It was a conversation I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been a part of.
CLIP NO. 1
CLIP NO. 2
February Fashion Week |NYC
The conversation around New York Fashion Week has honed in on addressing the topics of diversity and representation, resulting in a season having some moments worth mentioning. For starters, a transgender woman of color, Pierre Davis, held a debut show for her brand No Sesso. Davis made history this fashion week as the first trans designer to ever show at NYFW.
But, depending on whom you ask, fashion week has turned into an outdated trade show for an industry that has evolved beyond its roots. Sadly, with influencer egoism and over-commercialized beauty on the rise, we've entered a generation where nobody is authentic or has an original idea.
Fashion has become increasingly common amongst the masses. From celebrities to fashion vultures who sell “collections” through print-and-go apparel businesses. The industry needs to reclaim its exclusivity before another new fast fashion juggernaut devastates the fashion economy.
For me, bottom(trickle)-up streetwear designers, art-fashion designers, slow fashion designers, responsible designers, and the sustainable fashion community are where I find my refuge. It's a safe haven for us who believe the fashion industry can change.
February Fashion Week |NYC
From relaxed suiting to patchwork, another fashion week has come and gone. Long ago, fashion week made sense to me; because it offered photographers, editors, marketers, and buyers a chance to preview collections and trends trickling down to stores in six months. Consequently, allowing magazines plan-time for campaigns and stores to make purchase orders far in advance.
But this season was somewhat silent, with a few standout moments to highlight.
Tie-dye made a big splash last season, with no signs of slowing down this season. Designers like Prabal Gurung leaned into bright sportswear. Quilted outerwear and two-piece separates also made a continued appearance this season.
September Fashion Week |D.C.
This D.C. Fashion Weekend, from runway models to attendees, was a sea of collared shirts, jeans, dress pants, kitten heels, and nice sneakers.
It's true; Washington DC is not the trendiest city in America, but one could deduce D.C. politics steer the D.C. fashion scene.
My coequals and I refer to the district as a corporate indulgence market for decadent watches, pens, ties, comfortable corporate heels, etc.
Yes, it's true, fashion in Washington D.C. is not as fashion-forward as in cities like New York or Los Angeles; however, it has a certain individuality that distinguishes it from other American cities.
#DowntownDC
February Fashion Week |NYC
The shows I attended this weekend had looks highlighting faux fur. Though faux fur is a blend of polyester and acrylic fibers, it's also known as fake or synthetic fur. A pile of fabric that simulates real animal fur. Introduced in 1929: faux fur was originally from alpaca hair.
Sustainably speaking, faux fur is an "eco-friendly" fabric. But if you peel back the layers, acrylics are not biodegradable – impacting the planet immensely. Acrylic fabrics can last in a landfill for up to 200+ years; similar to its synthetic sister, polyester. According to Eco-Stylist, as much as 35% of all primary source microplastics in the ocean are fibers from synthetic clothing.
Why I'm leaning toward a more sustainable fashion future:
Sustainable fashion is redefining fashion, challenging overconsumption, and empowering people to have a more conscious relationship with the garment industry. The reality is we discard fashion at alarming rates. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, fashion accounts for about 10% of global carbon dioxide output—more than international flights and shipping combined.
September Fashion Week |NYC
The worst fashion week ever.
This particular fashion week sucked as it touched on suppressed feelings of anti-fashion I've been harboring. Those that know me; know I love fashion, both the business and creative sectors.
However, fashion-season-after-fashion-season, I see the narrative shifting toward a more hyper-consumerist manner of doing business. The streets are full of influencers shamelessly doing anything for the perfect social media picture. I watched a girl climb a street post in heels. She almost twisted her ankle for a photo the photographer might not use.
Here's the thing.
What people do for their brands is their preference. However, where I take notice - is when fashion show attendees are gathered outside of Milk Studios (myself included), and feet away, a homeless woman is in tattered clothing with her life spread about in milk crates. The irony was unnerving.
I've come to a point where I realize the current fashion system we've created for ourselves is not sustainable. The fashion red flags are up, and I have no interest in ignoring humanity because it's not trendy.
#MakeFashionSustainable
February Fashion Week |NYC
This February Fashion Week was a sourcing trip. The pursuit of textile books, world magazines, fabric, notions, vintage dresses, etc.
After pounding the pavement, I landed in Around The World Bookstore at 148 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018. From academic guides to global magazines, Around The World is an in-and-out-style bookstore.
The most satisfying part of this Fashion Week was Paron Fabrics at 257 W. 39th St., which has been in business since 1940, H.M. Fabrics (next door), and Better Choice Fabrics Inc., at 260 W. 39th St. All three stores were scheduled to close in the days ahead. Learning of their closures after years of business was heartbreaking, but the staff I spoke with were encouraged. I discovered most of them had been sewing for years with enough clients to support them until another opportunity came. One Paron cutter was going to Mood Fabrics, and some were taking time to see what else was out there.
Meeting other creatives who meet the adversity of the fashion world head on is empowering. I did learn from those conversations that landlords who owned the commercial space each store operated out of did not renew their leases because restaurants are the new cash cows.
September Fashion Week |NYC
The best part of this Fashion Week was sitting in on a discussion where Nigel Barker was the speaker. Assuming he'd be as intense as he was during his time on America's Next Top Model, it was the exact opposite. He was above funny, while transparent about his thoughts on people pursuing careers in fashion.
His advice, so I heard it: take risks! In approach, he encouraged us to learn if we suck as an artist through trial. Why spend years in practice, struggling to move beyond your current level? When the truth is, you suck. Or maybe you don't suck, but your counterparts are just better.
The learning here was that even though I'm attending notable NYFW shows with people who look the part, some of these individuals will never aim to be anything more than a guest at a show. The fear of rejection keeps them terrified or stuck.
Out of all the shows, I enjoyed the Venexiana MBFW show the most. She had a well-presented design aesthetic.
September Fashion Week |NYC
My first [official] NYFW week was this September 2013. I won the opportunity through a grad school writing competition. The prompt: how is social media impacting fashion?
The experience was life-changing. The shows I attended were not sidecar attractions but productions scheduled on the NYFW roster. Though, that was not the life-changing part of this experience. The intensity behind the attendees wanting to show off their curated ensembles; while not caring about the actual fashion show was disappointing yet interesting.
For years I imagined my first official NYFW to be some highbrow merge of Mahogany and The Devil Wears Prada. It was nothing like that. Instead, it was constantly walking with stampedes of people conversing about growing their social media followers, people looking for bloggers to pose for, or influencers (longstanding & emerging) appearing annoyed they “had“ to attend.
Even when the lights went down, a few front-row girls filmed shows with their phone, never looking up at the runway because they were too busy talking the entire show to the person next to them.
I remember thinking, what is all this about?
After the last show, it hit me that social media has made fashion less seductive. The mystery is gone because social media has made fashion accessible to everyone; we are all it girls.
