There as a moment during Covid where I started to wonder whether or not the Fashion Industry would make its comeback. When virtual fashion weeks ultimately became the new normal, I was worried that I would never again feel that adrenaline rush of being at an in-person fashion show. There were even moments when I thought I would have to give up on my dream of becoming a show producer. Well... I'm happy to report that New York Fashion Week made its return, and I was there to witness it all.
I departed for the city on Wednesday, September 8th with a suitcase full of dreams and some fabulous outfits, and when I arrived I could feel that same rush of excitement that I felt when I worked my first show for NYFW back in 2019. I only had a moment to take it in though because I was put to work right away...
Day 1- Summer in Style Fashion Show by Shop Local Designers
My first show was a group show full of local designers from around the world debuting their Spring/ Summer '22 collections. The most amazing thing was that this show was in partnership with PYNK NYC, an organization created to support female artists, so this meant all the designers were female and the dress code was, of course, pink! For this show I was the backstage coordinator, meaning I was in charge of making sure the models' hair and makeup was done, and that they were in the correct looks for the lineup.
Being that I was backstage, I don't have too much to say about the show itself. Located on Selina Rooftop, I knew the set was stunning and had a tropical feel. It also had amazing views of the city. Also seeing the clothes from all three brands; SR by Sonali Raman, Ivory Styles NYC, Furkat and Robbie, and KuhlerCo, I knew there was a variety of styles, but all amazing in their own unique way. That being said, I'm sure it was a great show! After I got to take one of the gift bags and enjoy a Cosmopolitan (Carrie Bradshaw style) at the after party on the rooftop. Taking in views of the Empire State Building, I knew I was back where I belonged.
Day 2- I Heart NY X Kate Spade Apple Orchard
So, technically speaking, this day was a day off, but when Kate Spade has an event that's open to the public, you go. This being said, after doing a little bit of shopping in Soho, I made my way to the Meatpacking district to check out their Apple Orchard. It was seriously the cutest thing! You walked through an alley of apple trees in Gansevoort Plaza, and got to pick apples. This was, of course, to celebrate their brand new I Heart NY collection. While the collection wasn't present, there were paper bags for the apples in their new print (which is basically a free handbag). In each bag there was a history of why New York is considered the Big Apple, and the meaning behind their new collection. (Also, don't worry. I made my way to their flagship store later in the week just to see this collection in person.)
Day 3- Revolve Gallery and Tiye Eliza Fashion Show
I started my third day of fashion week braving the crowd of wannabee influencers at The Revolve Gallery. (Seriously though, I have never heard so many people that concerned about lighting in my entire life.) The event was a gallery full of the latest looks from Revolve designers with fun photo spots, and QR codes to shop the looks instantly. At the end, there was a pop-up shop with looks from the gallery. I could not resist the opportunity to shop these looks early and walked away with a cute two-piece set! (Shoutout to Afterpay for making that purchase somewhat affordable!) I loved all the different displays from designers and for a moment did feel like an influencer myself, but then it was time to make my way to the much less glamourous, but much more rewarding act of working an event.
After the Gallery I headed to Gypsy Rose Bistro for the Tiye Eliza Show. She was presenting her line of lingerie and loungewear entitled Bonnet Activity. For this show, I got to wear more than one hat. While I still handled backstage coordination, I also handled social media for the event. I interviewed models, and the designer, and filmed the show for Find Your ID NYC's Instagram page. The collection itself was beautiful, and inspired by nature with lots of Earth tones and animal prints. The restaurant made the perfect backdrop with its green and gold décor. It also meant guests could enjoy dinner as they watched the show. The best part about this show was that I met Tiye at Fashion Week in 2020 (pre-Covid obviously) when she was an aspiring designer, so in watching this show, I was watching someone's dream truly become a reality.
Day 4- My Birthday!
Before my birthday, I had this idea in mind that I wanted to celebrate the day like Carrie Bradshaw, so my outfit was inspired by one she wore on Sex and the City. I then, had to go to the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker store. While I was there, one of the associates complimented my skirt, and I informed her that it was literally called the Bradshaw skirt. I left there with a tote bag cause I did not have $300 to drop on shoes. After that I went to Pietro Nolita with my friend Caroline, where we enjoyed the cute pink interior, pasta, and cocktails. (Sadly, they did not serve Cosmopolitans.) We ended my birthday celebration with cupcakes from Little Cupcake Bakeshop. I guess you could say, I wasn't quite like Carrie Bradshaw in the end, but I loved it just the way it was!
On a more serious note, my birthday was the 20th anniversary of 9/11, so we ended our night at the memorial, paying our respects to those we lost on that day.
Day 5- Vestiphobia Pop-Up and Fashion Show and Nolcha Shows
My informal title for this fifth day of NYFW was the Fashion Show Marathon because I was working two events back to back. I started with the Vestiphobia Pop-Up and Fashion Show where once again, I coordinated the backstage, and did social media. This collection was one of my favorites because it was sustainable streetwear with some Avant Garde twists. By twists, I mean corsets and petticoats over T-shirts with slogans such as, "Fashion is Murder". The event was also a pop-up shop featuring other sustainable brands and live music. After the models walked in the venue, they marched over to Washington Square Park to take the collection to a larger audience. At this point, I had to leave to make my way over my next event.
After leaving the Vestiphobia Show, I made my way to Fifth Avenue for Nolcha Shows. A showcase of independent designers which featured Kaven Liu, The Fifth Season, Klova, and Koreano. For this show I worked Front of House meaning I checked in the guests. It was quite a rush. After that, we got to enjoy the show, and my spot (although standing) was amazing, as it was right at the front near the press pit. I enjoyed all the designers' collections, but I particularly loved Koreano's as included many chic blazers and dresses with stunning silhouettes. As soon as that event ended, I headed back to my hotel to catch up on some much-needed sleep. While it was technically the last day of NYFW, my week was far from over.
Day 6- An Actual Day Off
There is not much to say about this day as it was a full day off. I walked around Central Park and did some shopping. I also had an impromptu rooftop photoshoot at my hotel purely because I loved my outfit. I ended the night watching the red carpet for the Met Gala (and sadly I wasn't too impressed).
Day 7- Nolcha Shows After Party!
It really wouldn't be NYFW without an after party. This one was located on the rooftop of the Williamsburg Hotel, and had the most amazing views of the city. The night was a blast! There was a great dj, dancing, and even a weird cat performer. While my friend Caroline and I were trying to capture that 'gram worthy photo, a man came over with a ring light and began posing us. It turned out he was a legit fashion photographer! After tha,t we left as I had my flight home the next day.
Going home, I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to be back at New York Fashion Week. For me, nothing matches the rush of being at a show or event, and I can't for many more fashion weeks in the future. Who knows? Maybe next season I'll find myself in London, Milan, or Paris!
XOXO,
Kristin
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