NYFW 2019: MARK GONG S/S 2020 @SPRING STUDIOS

Mark Gong Gökotta Spring / Summer 2020 at Spring Studios

Parisian chic layered with backpacks and bungee make Gökotta Mark Gong's S/S 2020 show a NYFW phenomenon. Flanked by a fashion-forward front row, models rock the runway in silk, sheer, sheen, satin, feather and jacquard combinations. The mixed materials and moderately masculine texturing exude a feminine-yet-rugged feel. One of the youngest to show at NYFW at 21, Mark Gong's simple and sophisticated style lends to a pleasant premier day of NYFW 2019. Keep reading to see more looks... 

#NYFW 2018: REBECCA JUSTH S/S 2019

Opening look at Rebecca Justh, presented by Art Hearts Fashion at the Angel Orensanz Event Space

Haute hats and metallic jacquard rock the runway at Rebecca Justh. Christened "Madam de Pompadour of the 21st Century" Justh's S/S 2019 collection boasts exaggerated asymmetry and curiously high necklines. Gold and platinum headwear paired with like-hued handbags complete the looks. Keep reading for more photos...

CHRISTIAN COWAN A/W 2018

Lights dimming, Pre-show at Christian Cowan, Spring Studios

It's LIT Saturday afternoon as party hats, neon lights and sassy, see-thru styles parade down Christian Cowan's runway. Saturating Spring Studios with bountiful bling, a steady stream of sparkle and shine ends a harrowing wait for elevator service (to enter the show). An assortment of casual wear, party wear and sportswear--interpreted with maximalist appeal--comprises Cowan's Fall/Winter 2018 collection. Keep reading for a look inside...

#NYFW 2017 : SHERRI HILL S/S 2018

Sherri Hill S/S 2018 at Gotham Hall NYC

Sequins and sparkles are in strong supply as Sherri Hill's princess-esque ballgowns cascade the catwalk at Gotham Hall Tuesday. Known as a purveyor of prom and pageant attire, Sherri Hill's strategically stacked sidelines complement the famous faces gracing her runway. Miss USA Kára McCullough, Miss Globe 2016 Corinne Foxx (a.k.a Jamie Foxx's daughter), Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere and child actress Alvia Alyn Lind exude confidence in the gowns they represent on the runway. Proud parents Jamie Foxx and Keenan Ivory Wayans support their daughters from the front row. Other notable names in the audience (many wearing Sherri Hill dresses) include supermodel Nikki Taylor, singer Jordan Jones, Fuller House actress Landry Bender and Kevin Can Wait actress Mary Charles Jones. Keep reading to see more looks from the collection...  

#NYFW 2017 : NAMILIA S/S 2018 (*WARNING: NUDITY*)

"The Indiscreet Jewels" Namilia Spring/Summer 2018 at Skylight Clarkson Square

Provocative pieces in predilect portions strut down Namilia's catwalk Saturday evening. In a jaw dropping presentation of fashion-forward feminism inspired by Denis Diderot's The Indiscreet Jewels, Nan Li and Emilia Pfhol's 5th collection leaves little room for imagination. Tassels and tentacles--sometimes both--join fins and floral in an erotic jigsaw of satin and skin. Pearl encrusted asymmetry partially obscures the physical perfection outlined by thongs and bodysuits. Keep reading to see more from this collection (**WARNING: Contains Nudity**)... 

#NYFW 2017: PAMELLA ROLAND @ PIER 59 STUDIOS

Pamella Roland Spring/Summer 2018

#NYFWSS2018 starts softly with haphazard drizzle, overcast skies and a loose lethargy. Slinking towards Pier 59 Studios Thursday evening--pizza in tow--the somber streets strengthen a craving for sartorial splendor. Whetting my appetite for Fashion Week, Pamella Roland pushes the tempo with formalwear inspired by a recent family trip to the Grand Prix of Monaco. Amid bold brights and sheer lights, feathers and crystal cascade down a star studded catwalk with attendees the likes of Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, actress + Miss USA 2012 Olivia Culpo, Victoria's Secret model Nadine Leopold and famed photographer Nigel Barker. Keep reading to view the looks...

SAKU NY @ ARTBEAM

Saku NYC at Artbeam

Ruffles and bows trim and bind cut-outs and culottes in S A K U NYC's F/W 2017 collection. With cautiously haute hairstyles to match, Lissa Koo's runway lineup becomes a living billboard of frilly and flouncy 'paper doll' clothes. Live at Artbeam Sunday, black + light blue + grey + pink impose colorless simplicity, while peek-a-boo lace and subtle frills elicit movement. Keep reading for a closer look...

#NYFW 2017: LIGHTS IN THE SHADOW // YUNA YANG A/W 2017

Yuna Yang Fall/Winter 2017 at Gotham Comedy Club

A lone candle powerfully illuminates stifling darkness. 

Entitled Lights in the Shadow, Yuna Yang's Fall/Winter 2017 collection draws inspiration from the world's socio-political climate, emblazoned by those who wield the torch of freedom. As "light shines brighter in the darkness," Yang conceptualizes chiaroscuro with a play on fabrics and patterns. Set at NYC's Gotham Comedy Club, the non-traditional runway presentation intertwines models and audience, affecting an emergence from the shadows. Models glide onto a dim stage partially lit with a variety of lighting concepts. Keep reading for a closer look...

#NYFW 2016: SANJA BOBAR

No Turning back! Art Hearts Fashion presents Sanja Bobar at the Angel Orensanz Foundation

Of the countless categories of functional fashion, bridalwear spans the style horizon. Ladies in love look stunning in short, sheer, sequined or suiting on their 'special day.' This Fashion week, Art Hearts Fashion presents Sanja Bobar at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, the evening of September 12th. Sashaying down the runway, sexy silhouettes of silk, sequins and lace are flawlessly set against the backdrop of a former synagogue. Keep reading for sights straight from last night's show... 

FUR-TRIMMED FASHION: DAVID FERREIRA

Sempiternal S/S 2016 by David Ferreira [photo: courtesy David Ferreira]

Fur and feathers emerge as the closing act of the VFiles Spring/Summer 2016 Runway. Oozing yellow and opulence, the debut collection of Portugese designer David Ferreira charismatically coalesces Big-Bird + ballgowns. One of five winners of Vfiles Made Fashion week in September 2015, Ferreira is also a recipient of the prestigious Fashion Scout Merit Award and served as protégé to Iris van Herpen, Giles Deacon and Meadham Kirchhoff. With practicality under debate, Ferreira's unnervingly unique collections provide an esoteric evaluation of beauty, luxury and extravagance. Volume and delicacy--both from a macro and micro perspective--are used to execute strong and simple design through the use of luxury (fur, feathers), tulle, beads and trims. Keep reading for our quick dialogue on imagination and inspirations...

VIVIENNE TAM @ THE ARC #NYFW 2016

Sweater, sequins, silk and slim dominate Vivienne Tam's F/W 2016 runway Sunday evening at The Arc at Moynihan Station

Seasons of consecutive showings create a craving for creativity beyond commercial consumption. Which designers will dazzle with cutting-edge concepts? Sunday night, 'retro' returns with vibrant vigor via Vivienne Tam's Fall/Winter runway at The Arc. Sequins, sweaters, foil and floral reinvent the visuals of a 'Cultural Dreamland'; the 'New Silk Road' reincarnates with glittery glamour. Tribal themes on quilted knits and patterned prints echo energetic exoticism and illustrate the path from Persia to China. Long dresses and long sleeved sweaters dominate, with a healthy dose of Tam's signature embroidered embellishments. Keep reading for a closer look... 

NYFW: MICHAEL COSTELLO FALL 2015 @ LINCOLN CENTER

 Michael Costello Fall/Winter 2015 presentation at Lincoln Center's Salon; Lavish lace and luxury!

Lavish lace and lustworthy looks lap the catwalk at Lincoln Center's Salon Tuesday afternoon. Set alongside an energetic cadence, Project Runway veteran Michael Costello stuns the crowd, showcasing sultry silhouettes and red-carpet worthy attire. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, Paris sparkle and London layers, Costello's mostly monochrome color palette is matched with topknots and red lips to complete edgy ensembles. Special Thanks to NYKeiko for the front-row seat. Keep reading for more scenes from the show (photos may take a minute to load)... 

-WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY-

Costello Tagliapietra SS 2015 at Milk Studios (Teal grain plaid split neck blouse w/ navy back + petrol blue broadcloth pant w/ leather detail)

Late nights at the office leave little time to trot around town this week. In place of the weekly window display, enjoy a few shots of Costello Tagliapietra's Spring 2015 show at Milk Studios. Fortunate to secure a front-row seat, I'm excited at the prospect of resting on the runway. A speedy 7-minute sequence quantifies the many months spent on a single show (generally speaking)… Is it worth it?