Exhausted is the word I would use to describe myself at the end of fashion week. Exhausted but satisfied and grateful for the amazingly wild week. I’ve met so many great people working in fashion and other creative industries. Here is my continuation of NYFW.

Sept 11: J. Loren Presentation

The collection “Her” was inspired the idea of women unleashing their inner Amazon goddess. J.Loren designs for the woman who is powerful and knows who she is. Particularly geared towards woman who celebrates femininity and knows how to enjoy nightlife just as much as a casual dinner. The NY brand was created in 2010 by Harriette Thomas and Jason Scott.  With self taught sewing skills, education and experience in the industry the designers were able to build a brand that has been worn by Taraji P. Henson. Trends were animal prints, neutral and classic colors, bare shoulders feathers details.

Pic Credits: Clement Holder

Sept 12: Steve Boi presentation.

This collection was inspired by the designers days in the Boy Scouts and his southern upbringing. The prints resembled tree bark and the color scheme was neutral greens, burnt oranges and  beige. The presentation was held in The Foley Gallery downtown on Orchard Street.

Sept 13: Storm Dorris Show

The fairytale Cinderella is what came to mind while watching this collection. Purples, pinks, tulle, lace and beading were the highlights of the show. The designers aesthetic of “ethereal glamour” came through via the fashion show. Originally hailing from Georgia the designers NYFW début showcased his spring/summer 17 collection. Introduced to fashion by his late grandmother a seamstress, he carries on the love of the art. His ethereal collection was inspired by his travels to Cambridge England, castles and flowers.  His admiration of Christian Dior and the original courtiers shine through in his detailed couture. The complementary nail salon and café was a great stop to relax before or after the show.

Latina Magazine’s Ebby Antigua and creator of Latinista Dee Rivera hosted Conversations with Ebby Antigua. During this roundtable of influencers and fashion professional’s we discussed the stereotypes we still face and how the media and the fashion industry could improve in reaching the Latina market. We love to buy expensive brands, but we know best how to mix it with a lower priced but equally fabulous pieces. Our connection to the urban market gives us the knowledge in making a lower priced item look just as expensive as higher priced items. Fashion no matter the price point styled correctly can make you look great. It’s a matter of personal style and choosing pieces that fit your esthetic and body type.

What the fashion industry and media need to improve on is showing Latinas the way we see ourselves not the way other cultures see us. We love our natural curves, but we continue to try shift the focus on how the world sees us. We also appreciate the Latina’s like Sofia Vergara and J.LO who represent us in the media. They have not only shown that we are mothers or daughters but strong woman with complexities. We want the same experiences in life and in fashion as other women. All women want to feel good in what we wear, apply great products to our face and bodies and buy great quality accessories.

In correlation with September being National Hispanic Month and Fashion Week Latinista held their fifth annual fashion show featuring Latino designers. Creative Fashion Director of Latina Magazine and Ebsession Ebby Antigua and Founder of Latinista Dee Rivera hosted the event. Both Designers César Galindo and Henry Picado of Estes & Chlo showcased their  individual Spring/ Summer 2017 collections.

César Galindo showcased a presentation featuring beautiful colorful, floral printed and sequined dresses. Below the knee and maxi length dresses draped the stage. Pleated details, multi-patterned prints and this season off the shoulder trend was in full affect.

The Texan designer’s 22 year career began designing for the Miami City Ballet and Houston Grand Opera. His move New York City in the mid 80’s allowed him to gain experience in a showroom and launch his own line consisting of his signature collection. The collection introduced his aesthetic for feminine social and evening dresses. Soon after his introduction the collection was placed in Henri Bendel.  He continued designing for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Calvin Klein Collection and L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani. His second namesake line CZAR by César Galindo geared towards a younger customer launched in 2011 on the Neiman Marcus website Cusp. His collections have been on the cover Elle Magazine and worn by celebrities like Madonna. His collection has been sold domestically and internationally.

Henry Picado of Este & Chlo featured a collection of his signature beaded gowns and cocktail dresses. The Costa Rican designer was educated at FIT and after graduating  designed collections at Bob Mackie. He then became senior director at Aidan Mattox and design director at JS Group International. While working at Aidan Mattox his clothes were worn on the TV show Gossip Girl and Dancing with the Stars. His designs have been worn by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Selena Gomez and Tyra Banks. His week was full as he also presented at Couture Fashion Week.

That concludes NYFW ss17 for me. I look forward to February and bringing you more info on great designers.

T.S.