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.
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
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
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.
