September + New York City = FASHION WEEK!! This equation is the only thing keeping us from despising the chill of the fall season. What better way to get over the end of the summer then to check out new and fresh fashion. The city is buzzing, the celebrities are moving and shaking, the photographers are snapping pictures, and the models are working it all the way to Lincoln Center. Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Solange, Ciara, Kanye West are some of the famous faces that graced the New York City streets this week.
The Mercedes -Benz Fashion week is an iconic week in fashion, as we all know. These past seven days were filled with countless shows, numerous events and so many memorial moments that we would have loved to be a part of during this year’s fashion week. However, we wanted to give you a quick snap shoot of fashion in NYC from our perspective. Check it out!
Janelle Monae decided to surprise fashion onlookers at Rebecca Minkoff runway show last Friday. As the plastic was rolled off the white runway and the lights turned down, Janelle appeared on the stage with her band. Set up on two platforms, Janelle and her band kicked the show off with “Dance or Die” from her sophomore release, “The ArchAndroid”. She then followed that with her hit “Tightrope” and ended with “Q.U.E.E.N.” In true Janelle fashion (no pun intended), she got down on her small platform and sung her hair out, taking onlookers attention away from the models. Kudos to Rebecca Minkoff for wanting to bring something special to her show; Janelle was it.
On a more serious note, not only did New York Fashion expose designers new spring designs, it also exposed some unsettling truths about the industry itself. Super models Naomi Campbell, Iman, and former model and activist, Bethann Hardison shed serious light on the lack of diversity of runway models during fashion week. The three are a part of the “Diversity Coalition,” an advocacy group educating and promoting diversity on fashion. Hardison’s letters were sent to the major councils of fashion designers all over the world; blasting designers like Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs for using one if any black model in their last season runway shows. In response, the council sent emails to the designers, advocating the need and “beauty in diversity”. However, the coalition believe that some designers will hide behind an artistic excuse and “hide behind aesthetics”, say Campbell.
What do you think?
Angela Simmons has to be the best example of the flyest girl next door. Angela is always serving the best of everything thing; shoes, hair, and of course clothes. Ms. Simmons premiered, Shop.AngelaIAm.com, an online store that has been added to her site. The show was a mixture of pieces from new upcoming designers as well as a few of her own. She has numerous amount of support from friends like Bow Wow, Sean Kingston, Tristan Wilds, Karrueche, Sharon Carpenter and Tyson Beckford, just to name a few. By the looks of it, Angela has just touched the service of her fashion domination.
Guess who’s 25th Birthday was on the 9th? Donna Karan celebrated her iconic brands’ 25th years on the market and what better way to do it then to turn up in New York City on Wall Street. The celebration brought to the stage Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, A$AP Rocky and Ferg; a sure promise to be dancing all night long. Not only did the mini Moet bottles add a classy touch, but the venue was also decorated with bright neon lights and graffiti, giving it a true New York feel. Karen was presented with a birthday cake in the shape of a New York taxicab.
How else would you celebrate your brands birthday in NYC?
Ain’t no fun if the kids can’t have none. As the end of fashion week ends, celebrities got a chance to let their kids be a part of the festivities. Grand Central Terminal was home to the Kids Rock! Fashion Show presented by the Amar’e Stoudemire’s Foundation. Famous off springs were able to flaunt down the runway in brands like Jordan, Converse, Nike, and Levis. Parents that were included were LaLa and Carmelo Anthony, Sherri Shephard, Angie Martinez, JR Smith, Tyson Chandler and of course Amar’e Stoudemire. Not only was this an opportunity to shine some light on the little ones, but it’s also for a great cause. The brands are donating the clothes worn to Stoudemire’s foundation. Everyone wins!
Anna Wintour’s name rings a billion bells. The iconic Vogue Editor was spotted throughout the week looking nothing but fabulous. Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, Russell Westbrook accompanied Wintour to a few runway shows; sitting front row of course. Westbrook is known for his unique ensembles; making him one of few fashion forward men in the NBA. Who else better then to cosign then the cosigner of all that is fashion? It’s not unusual for Ms. Wintour to be keen with those we least expect, but if Ana Wintour wants to be your friend, BE Anna Wintour’s friend! I wonder what they talked about? Whatever it was, it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Don’t be surprised if you see Anna sitting courtside at a Oklahoma game, dolled up in her Chanel twill.
Regardless of what tickled your fancy for this year's Fashion Week we can all agree that it was fabulous!
What was your favorite moment of Fashion Week?
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