If there’s one thing we can expect from a Cesar Galindo show, it’s vivid and eclectic vibrant exotic print in abundance. His recent FW25 collection at New York Fashion Week was no different. Such prints came to life and realization on chiffon, satin, brocade, jacquard and silk, to name a few.
Galindo secured legendary and iconic catwalkers of yesteryears, such as Lana Ogilvy and Marta Bloom to walk in his creations. The venue full of esteemed guests roared with applause the moment they set foot on the runway.
The Cesar Galindo FW25 collection featured sharp tailored youthful sets of pants, skirts, sensually styled knits and free flowing caftan dresses in wild exotic multicolored hues that’ll enable it to be worn all season. That’s if you summer in the north and winter it in the south. You can get more use out of it through out the year! A perfect option for the jet setting ladies who lunch. Needless to say, the collection is a perfection for all ages, from playful cuts to the most conservative styles available. Tight shorts to long skirts and dresses will not escape the most discerning collectors or clients. Galindo’s impeccable attention to detail is unmatched!
Speaking of details. He left no stones unturned when it came to his VIP guests seating arrangements. He ensured the front row seats were properly labeled with names, to avoid any seating confusions. I benefited grately from this due to my late arrival from a previous show, what would have resulted in me standing by the crew of photographers to take in the show, I was able to navigate my way through the dense crowd to scan the already filled up seats, just before the show commenced. Once I saw my name on one of them, I was able to evacuate the current occupant while indicating label with my name placed on the seat. This was the way it was done some years ago, when there was order and proper organization at these shows. My hats off to Cesar for this crucial initiative.
Click here to watch the runway show and see the collection come to life.
It’s been a very long time since seeing a fashion show leave my mouth agape and body covered with goosebumps! Epperson, the undisputed king of de/re constructionist, sustainable artisan with a strong preference for loose rich textured fabrications in dark hues, no matter the time of year, had our hearts in a chokehold during NYFW. The bohemian flare of garbs, loose fitting jackets, pants, skirts, tops with multipurpose use and layering styling has been his trademark as early as his stint on Project Runway TV series.
MAC Cosmetics proudly sponsored the makeup, a big accomplishment considering their recent cut backs on sponsorship.
For his FW 25 collection, Epperson literally took us to a landmark Church in Chelsea, the invitation should have alerted guests to bring handkerchiefs along. I could here sniffles in the audience when the models paraded through the Church aisles. The ambience, music… it had some people feeling emotional. Just when we thought we’d seen it all, he appeared on stage midshow to transform the clothing on the models to another version it could be worn, showing endless possibilities and versatility of his designs. Right before our very eyes, we watched as he tackled one model after the other, all the while staying firmly focused. The process was cleverly woven as a background scene as the models came and went. Epperson tugged at the heart strings with this one. The audience erupted into thunderous applause, to a standing ovation, akin to a Broadway production curtain call. It was a remarkable “fashion show” production! A genius!
The unique style of Epperson is very much ahead of its time! I could see it trending and becoming the mainstream norm in a very near future, especially with sustainable fashion on the rise these days.
Take in the show by clicking here to see the video on instagram.
Glitz, glamour, couture, fantasy in draped chiffon, free flowing scarves, et.al are fast becoming synonymous with Bibhu Mohapatra, if judging by his recent runway at New York Fashion Week, where he showcased his FW 25 collection. He’s no doubt one of the very few brands in the Unites States that could easily rival any major couturier in Paris. His impeccable attention to detail is unmatched.
The latest collection from the brand included the hallmarks that we’ve come to expect from Bibhu Mohapatra. Models elegantly strutted through the makeshift runway aisles at the iconic Pierre Hotel grand ballroom in wide array of jaw-dropping creations. Ball gowns accompanied with opera length gloves, sharp shoulder dresses completely encrusted with dazzling crystals, flower shaped exaggerated puffy sleeves with drop back closure that left some guests gasping with excitement. Sensual fabrications with what looked subdued floral and geometric applique was prominent in some of the gowns. The electrifying shimmering gradient multicolor fabric had me clutching my pearls. His clever use of sequins to form floral or geometric patterns, subtle without being overbearing, was brilliant. The entire collection was youthful, elegant, and exhilarating, a perfection for any age group.
The collection embodied old Hollywood morphed into European royalty preparing for a ball. Some had futuristic and edgy elements in appearance, such as the square shoulder cape cuts slim fitted, column gowns.
I certainly hope to see one or two of his designs at any upcoming award’s red carpet, perhaps at the Oscar’s to really bring it to life. We can only hope. They’re certainly red carpet worthy.
To fully appreciate the collection, in movement and in reality, click here to see the runway show video on instagram.
I walked into the allocated venue for the Kobi Halperin New York Fashion Week show to the sounds of traditional Indian musical instruments such as, sitar, tabla, mridangam, bansuri, sarangi, sarod, ghatam, dhol, dholak, et.al by a live band and immediately felt transported to an Ashram I visited some years ago in India. The peaceful zen transferred effortlessly to the collection that soon followed.
Kobi sent out garments fashioned on a bevy of models in draped styles, garments with movements, some embellished with intricate beaded works, sequin, and fringed beaded curtains flowing off long scarves. Expertedly cut genuine leather trench coats with fringed detailing were certainly on trend. Sharply tailored tweed suits and matching cocktail length dresses, and pants did not miss the mark either. It served as a true testament to his versatile creativity. The collection was cohesive and looks comfortable to wear, made for just about any age group.
To attend such a grand production, Kobi offered to dress me in one of his creations. It was during the fitting process that I quickly discovered his clever ways of playing tricks at the back. Just when I thought the front was the wow factor, the Coup d’etat was at the back! I noticed this very notion play out on the runway as well. Some of the garments had a few surprise elements added at the back. In case. The sleeveless collared shirt with matching pants, which exuded boss Lady office look, had a surprise denim panel back design that made the look casual chic, from office to the happy hour. So versatile are his designs!
The show closed with all the models raising their flower petal filled hands in confetti style in celebration of humanity, love and peace. What a beautiful sight to behold.
About the funky, groovy, chunky platform shoes seen on the models. Dare I say, I could only imagine how grateful the models must have felt not having to navigate the runway in towering painful skinny heels and risk breaking a bone or two! It’s one thing to wear them out and about, but on the runway…. not for the faint at heart. Bless their sweet little hearts.
Click here to watch the runway show video on instagram.
One of New York’s most prestigious fashion showrooms has done it again! Having the incomparable, Business magnate, founder and owner Erin Hawker at the helm of the Agentry PR, the curator and organizer of the NY Men’s Day, it was bound to be a success. The showroom showcases about eight brands from their roster of designers to take part in leading the fashion week at the carefully curated NY Men’s Day fall 25 presentation style event. The esteemed designers includes most of the agency’s regulars, such as, A. Potts, Sivan, Sperry, Hold NYC, Peak Lapel, Max Esmall, and Joseph McRae. All of which we’re divided into 2 Segments, featured in the morning and afternoon.
Sivan held on tight to the brand’s trademark dapper, suave, casual to formal ensemble, with sharply tailored suits in various shades of dark hues. The collection took onlookers back to a bygone era when people actually invested time and energy in dressing up, even just to get eggs across the street. Sivan managed to score the iconic TV host, Lauren Ezersky as one of the featured models at the presentation.
Sperry, the original makers of the comfortable casual chic boat shoes, a regular at the presentation, unveiled exotic skin models while still presentation some of their traditional trademark hand crafted footwear collection.
A. Potts delivered powerful bohemian flare in dark prints with only one pop of bright Orange dress on a model. Accompanied by earthy and edgy style, bold statement piece accessories supplied by Bruce Brown, the overall ensemble could easily give “Wakanda” fashion a run for its money. A. Potts fall collection did not disappoint.
New kid on the block, Joseph McRae, arguably one of the most unique designer of the edgiest futuristic cuts we’ve seen in a long time, probably ever! One look at some of his creations and you’re transported to scenes from the movie Dune or Hunger Games! He’s definitely one to watch.
Click here to watch the events video posted on Instagram/Facebook.
Designs by A_Potts
Designs by Hold NYC
Models with TV Host Lauren Ezersky in designs by Sivan
The mystique and fanfare of the ultra exclusive secretive club called Diner en Blanc took over Union Square on last night. The eclectic group of financiers, models, editors, doctors, lawyers, influencers, movers and taste makers all converged together at a secret location revealed only minutes before it was shared to table leaders in charge of their hand-picked attendees. I was one of the lucky ones invited to attend, as a guest of Tinu Naija, our Editor-in-Chief.
As Blanc-ers scurried from all over the NYC area to rush home in order to transform into all white clad, a whimsical and ethereal entities complete with rhinestone masks, Cleopatra headdresses, Angel winged entities, toga clad city dwellers, city cowgirls and masked British fascinaters or “maskernators” like the one worn by my Table Leader, Tinu Naija.
So, exactly what is le Dîner en Blanc? Well, Dîner en Blanc, French for “Dinner in White” is a worldwide event spanning six continents in which members dressed in white have a meal in a temporary dining setup in a public space rain or shine. Diners are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs and tablecloths. The location of the event is kept top secret from the majority of participants until minutes before the event, at which point all attendees generally converge in an iconic urban location.
Founded in 1988 by François Pasquier in Paris, the event has grown exponentially and has popped up in over 90 locations worldwide.
This was my first year attending the famously whispered Blanc party and it did not disappoint. I was mesmerized as I saw hundreds of people emerging from the subway, buses, taxis and Ubers filling in like soldiers. The location this year? The iconic New York City landmark Union Square. Each Table Leader directed their guests like army generals as they orderly took over the plaza and created a makeshift dining room hall. Each leader instructed their guests how they intricately popped up, set up and decorated individual tables all joined into multiple rows of 100+ foot long dining tables. They all fit so perfectly. I didn’t quite understand just how did everyone’s table match? Well my table leader, the beautiful, Tinu Naija, editor-in-chief of Shoeholics Magazine let me in on the secret. One of the requirements is that each Table Leader and their guests purchased the niftiest portable tables that somehow pops up, unroll and all fit together in seconds making rows of endless dining tables dressed with the required table cloth all draped in unison.
In minutes, the plaza at Union Square was transformed into an elegant open-air dining room with each table decorated with flatware, sparkling glasses and crisp linen dinner napkins ironed to perfection. Some tables were minimal and austere and others were over the top vignettes with maximalist flair. Some chose to create bridges, others decorated with high fashion dolls, extreme bouquets of flowers, fairy lights, jeweled centerpieces, several pergolas and even the Eiffel Tower which gave homage to its French roots.
Is it time to dine? Not until 7:00pm. Everyone had two hours to get their area sorted and then you could enjoy drinks and appetizers while groups get situated. As the 7 o’clock hour approached, instead of a dinner bell, the moment was signified by thousands of people lifting their napkins and swirling them in circles above their heads! It was a beautiful scene as thousands of attendees created the picturesque moment whipping their pristinely ironed napkins in the air with a sea of white swirling as the members hooted and cheered in celebration. Photographers, videographers and cell phones captured the ultra stylish moment. Napkins were simultaneously lowered placed on laps while toasts were made over a speaker and everyone began to dine.
As spirits flowed and New Yorkers mixed and mingled creating the biggest happy hour and dinner that was nothing less than an experience. In my seat was a beautiful white bag. It sat erect like a soldier with a simple zipper and “le Dîner en Blanc” stamped on the front. I sat it down, unaware of its contents as I dressed my table with my sleek white vintage CB2 square sushi block and placed my fresh Wholefoods sushi on it and gently unwrapped my twenty year old white porcelain chopsticks and began to dine. What I thought would be a lite sushi dinner turned out to become just an appetizer because the social butterfly, Tinu approached the table and told me to open the large gift bag. At this point I am feeling like Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and The City”. You know that lost, fashionable character spinning around in her whimsical tutu as she travels through a type of “Alice in Wonderland” / New York City experience? To my surprise, the bag contained the most exquisite 5 star Michelin restaurant quality meal all individually packed and labeled for my enjoyment. Inside was food to feed an army, but not a U.S.army. Matter of fact, the meal was suitable for King Charles and The Royal Family. Can I let my hair down here? I’m talking the finest, flakiest Miso Arctic Char sitting in a bed of Kabocha Squash Purée, Umeboshi Purée, Miuna and Red Watercress. Accompanied by sliced and glazed baguettes, Bagna Cauda Crudite red endives, white carrot, romanesco and daikon salad. Citrus brined chicken on arugula drizzled with French wine salsa verde. The most exquisite charcuterie board, Kelp and sunchoke salad, and a sumac tomato and cucumber Tabbouleh salad. Topped off with a tres leches cake that was beyond decadent. It was the kind of meal that you eat slowly and kiss your fingers as all of the flavors dance on your palate. Now, as a celebrity stylist and fashion editor, Ty-Ron Mayes (yes I’m talking in third person) has dined around the world and I can tell you that this was more than a meal, this was decadence on a plate.
As the sun disappeared behind the skyline of Manhattan, spotlights filled the sky and rapidly moved around as it erratically highlighted and illuminate each guest as the world’s chicest dance party broke out into full swing. Several toasts were made, strangers became friends and humanoids transformed into angels, bunnies and horned white creatures of all sorts. Several men opted for “Phantom of The Opera” masks. There were Victorian masks, some fixed with rhinestones and feathers and a sea of white suits, dresses with trains and white accouterments fluttered and sparkles as bodies undulated and danced the night away to sexy tunes from Tyla, Whitney Houston, Afro Beats and iconic rap artists.
On that note, I continued to venture out from my section to mingled and I discovered so many fun moments provided by several attendees. How do the uber chic throw a block party? Well, they pose in front of a real life Cinderella carriage with a handsome footman taking your photos for prosperity of course. And then there was a fun 360 cam kiosk that swirled around and documented the dancing Dîner en Blancguests in the round. And wait… did I see a mini elevated New York Fashion Week runway set up in the middle of Blanc?!? You know I ended my night strutting back and forth in my Louboutins giving my best “horse walk” on a la Tyra Banks style. And that’s what you call the ultimate “le Dîner en Blanc” experience. See you in Paris!
Be sure to watch the event’s video posted on instagram
Written by Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes for Shoeholics.
Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes and Tinu Naija at Diner en Blanc
Dell Scott did well to remind us of cheerful, happiness and joy via fashion using the coterie of styles she sent down the runway during NYFW. The vibrant colors, layers and textures in satin, chiffon, tulles were enticing and inviting, even to the most jaded tired eyes. Her take on feminine layered chiffon gowns is a work of art and a beauty to behold, transcending a hint of couture techniques without being overbearing or audacious. The collection varied from sequin jumpsuits, playful short dresses, cocktail dresses to floor length ball gowns of delicate fabrics and styles.
Dell Scott’s growth within just a year, was triumphantly noticeable in her craftsmanship, as evidently seen on the runway in this collection. Her resilience is admirable and inspirational. She’s definitely one to watch.
Each guests were gifted a bottle of chardonnay from her wine collection!
The Confessional Showroom”s NYFW fashion show event had Times Square area in a shock hold! The iconic showroom, a styling firm which caters to the elite selection of celebrity stylist, superstars and public personalities showcased a handful of their client”s SS25 during fashion week. Designers in the first set of showcase on hand were: Pia Bolte, Byakudan, Kat and Clarese, Carol Vaughn Rivera, and Poison. The coterie of styles presented were the perfect harmony of street style and couture, a bit of uptown downtown meshed together. Some of the designs were reminiscent of the bold and vibrant colors of the 80s daring styles, tapping into the Fresh Prince of Bel Air vibe. Regardless of which designers, they all seem to be cohesive and complementary of each other, with colorful, playful, chic, elegant and youthful vibes.
Just when the audience thought they’d overdosed on the “sugar high” of street couture, out comes Tabbe Designs with models stepping off the stage like a scene out of a Cirque Du Soleil or circus act! Models (looking more like actors) sashayed playfully in colorblock balloon like creations. One forgets instantly it’s a fashion show! The models wore what appeared more like a wearable art for stage costume. The designs were versatile enough as fashionable items, dare I say. It’s basically up to the wearer, because fashion is afterall subjective and open to interpretation.
Shortly after the last model departed, the guests were serenaded by opera trained songbird Angelina Stati, to one of the best rendition of a classic I’d ever heard before. Her vocal range had the most jaded music listener in the audience gasping for air, completely in awe of her talent. A thunderous applause could be heard aloud in the vast room upon her last note.
The evening escalated from a fashion show, to a cirque like style presentation, and crescendoed with Ms. Stati literally raising the bar so high that it leaves me wondering what the mastermind behind it all, Johnny Cohen has up his sleeves next. He’s really outdone himself this season.
Watch the presentation and Angelica’s performance video on instagram.
Diana Mahrach’s show presentation of her SS25 at NYFW exude luxury, glamour and elegance with many designs hearkening back to the Golden Days of Hollywood. The presentation also included her charitable charter, the “Fashion For All NYC”, a prodigious event distinguished by giving emerging designers a chance for exposure, now in its 12th edition, uniting diverse talents in one grand celebration. The presentation was held at The 3 West Club, a notable venue in Manhattan known for hosting private weddings, prestigious events, while serving as the heart of the Republican Women’s Community in midtown for over a hundred years. The evening began with an incredible performance of a captivating aria from Carmen by Grammy, Tony and Emmy nominated singer and producer, N’Kenge. Then it was time for the Diana Mahrach show which was nothing less than spectacular! Twenty models walked the runway wearing glamorous, couture gowns with bejeweled and gossamer fabrics. The audience was stunned by the incredible number of gorgeous dresses and glamorous menswear too. The end of the show was met with thunderous applause. Two more designers, Jan Lingerie and Panzal were also showcased to great response. Additionally, Fashion For All NYC included an award show, adding an extra layer of excitement and recognition for Brand Ambassadors outstanding contributions to the fashion world. The shows after party reel can be seen on instagram
One could almost “taste” spring (if it were ever possible) just by watching the models parade down the runway at Cesar Galindo’s SS25 NYFW edition, which took place within the intimate setting at the Cucina 8 1/2 restaurant event space in midtown Manhattan. The vibrant, fun, playful colorblock styling of the models and patterns were vivid and inviting. I almost dread the upcoming dull colors of fall clothing season by the mere presence of the selections presented at his Spring/Summer 25 collection. They were fun, uplifting and cheerful.
Cesar Galindo expertly utilized oversized sequin materials in bold electrifying colors to construct dresses and pants, styles that are sure stand out in any crowd. A definite showstopper for any occasion.
Graphic, exotic patterns crafted in eccentric exaggerated sleeves, accompanied by sleek cut pants in matching print, sharp construction of denim jacket, chic fringed dresses did not disappoint. The collection was cohesive and inclusive of all ages and sizes, as cleverly indicated on the models seen in the show. The collection is definitely one to look out for in the spring season.
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