New York Fashion Week: Latinista Fashion Presentation

This season New York Fashion Week was not smooth sailing for me. An unwanted snow storm, canceled shows and a packed freelancing schedule did not allow me to attend the amount of shows I intended to. I did however manage to fit in “Latinista Fashion Week” a platform for Latino designers that I was excited to view once more. In collaboration with Iman cosmetics and Aveda the beauty showcased complimented the collections perfectly. Both experienced and emerging designers showcased their Autumn/Winter 2017 collections.

Knit and crochet wear designer Milagros Batista featured a collection of  red and black dresses, tops and an extravagant poncho. The colors and hand fans were a nod to the motherland of Spanish culture. My favorite piece of the collection was a red high neckline dress with a frill hemline. I also admired the multiple embroidered roses with green stems  on a simple black dress. Knitting from the age of seven Batista uses bold colors inspired by her homeland of the Dominican Republic.

For her knitting is a spiritual as well as a personal experience. Her knitting and crocheting gave her a feeling of strength and beauty in her community as she donned garments  made by her own hands. This is what she wants the wearer of her products to feel. The intricately detailed knitted pieces are a testament to her lifelong experience of the craft. With the bold colors she uses in her collections and the pieces I saw in this collection, how could you not feel strong and beautiful?

Colombian designer Sandra Baquero featured her newest collection. Inspired by the 20’s and 30’s with a touch of aviation, the collection was retro yet modern. Billowing and structured hats topped off asymmetrical jackets, while the simple sweater dress got stark details of leather and top stitching. The neutral color pallet of black, white, olive green and navy were a great canvas for the pleats, zipper detailing and leather accents . Baqueros’s experience with both ready to wear and couture is showcased through her wearable yet dramatic ensembles.

The designer who has eight years of experience with NYFW made her newest collection within four months. With blazers that can be worn multiple ways this NJ and NYC based designer has infused innovation and retro flair into one collection. Beauty was a clean face except for the classic red lip. Aviation style caps with strands of hair peeking out gave the models a just flown look. While the extraordinary wide brimmed and bowler styled hats were my favorites accessories of the night.

.  

Celebrity designer César Galindo’s collection was a parade of cocktail and evening attire. Simple elegant silhouettes were the perfect frame for the busy prints. An array of textures and techniques were melded together perfectly through the color story of  red, white and black.  Black embroidered cocktail dresses were perfect for an evening out. The red, black  and satin flower printed maxi is a great alternative to a traditional red and green holiday dress. Jumpsuits with keyhole tops and flared legs gave a nod to the past while staying present with metallic animal prints. The makeup was classic with bold red lip, while hair was tied back in bubble ponytails.

How did these collections make you feel? Let me know what you think and if you attended any shows. I look forward to the next season of NYFW and sharing it with you all.

T.S.