Phewww. The work week is over and so was my part-time job of attending not only Fashion Week Shows, but MENS Fashion Week Shows. Oy vey. Next Week is Women’s New York Fashion Week and I’m already exhausted. Don’t get me wrong, Fashion Week is always exciting – but it’s hard work also. So much to think about…what to wear to shows, how to keep a picture perfect face throughout (just in case someone snaps your photo), running from show to show – trying not to look disheveled and hungover from the chic party you attended the night before! By the time you get into the show, you can barely appreciate the work because you’re taking the time to catch your breath, greet all the people you haven’t seen in a while, snapping your own social media pictures and fighting for your seat on an already too small of a bench. Okay, I’m down whining…here is my re-cap!
My top 3 Favorite Shows…
PUBLIC SCHOOL, BILLY REID & ROCHAMBEAU!
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Dao-Yi and Maxwell of Public School have been my friends for over 10 years now, before they started Public School. Now, they are not only dominating the game with their own brand, but they are also the Creative Directors for DKNY. This year, their show was one of the most exhilarating because it was a literal street to runway show – with the models walking on 14th Street and into the venue right on the catwalk.
How exciting! I’m all anti-exclusivity and what not, so the idea that non-fashion world folks were able to get their own front row view of this show was awesome. Oh and the clothes were super fresh and innovative silhouettes paired with classic textures. Me likey.
Vashtie Kola, Jenna Lyons, Georgia Fowler
Vashtie Kola, Jenna Lyons, Georgia Fowler
I sat next to the super talented Jenna Lyons from J. Crew and had a nice chat. She’s super super sweet! I was also dressed in Public School paired with Saint Laurent Booties.
*Photos by TanairLG
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Next up, Billy Reid. This Southern Gentleman had exquisite pieces; classic menswear restructured for the modern man. I happened to wear some of his pieces for my most recent Ebony editorial and fell in love. Out of a rack of tons of pieces, his silhouettes spoke to me.
His show was also full of Southern charm – with a beautifully abstract structure as the centerpiece and a live folk singer who gave a beautiful acoustic performance.
Billy Reid Men’s RTW Fall 2016
Billy Reid Men’s RTW Fall 2016
Va$htie Kola
I wore my gold Violette Puma Kicks!
Billy Reid, Backstage, Fall 2016, Menswear, February 3 2016
Billy is the sweetest! I hope I get to keep the threads they dressed me in!
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Last, but certainly not least – Rochambeau murdered their show! First of all, the collection was inspired by Tupac Shakur and the classic film “Juice”! Oh and the show re-inacted the DJ battle scene with 2 DJ booths across from each other – including DJ Jus Ske on one set of decks. The sounds of late 80’s early 90’s hip hop boomed from the location and flashing lights swirled around even before the show started – setting the tone that this show would be unlike anything else…and so it was! Yo, it was FLY!
Rochambeau RTW Fall 2016
Rochambeau RTW Fall 2016
Rochambeau RTW Fall 2016
Joshua Cooper, Laurence Chandler, Vashtie Kola, Joey BadA$$, Kurt Knight
Va$htie Kola
Oh. And Rochambeau threw the bomb party at UP & DOWN! It was full of cute models and New Yorks most influential!
Read about it at the NYTIMES.COM
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Well, be sure to catch me documenting Women’s New York Fashion Week all next week!
