The SS25 collection, Castellammare by Michael Fausto, at NYFW could have easily come directly from an Italian theatrical stage costume department. Fausto presented his collection with models roaming freely among the invited esteemed guests, allowing for easy acess, an upclose feel of the fabric and embellishments. Some of the models were clad in 17th to 18th century style exaggerated hip maxi skirt, Roman style army body Armor, sans the sword, complete with blood red duchess satin draped tailed skirt. Definitely a must have for an elegant costume theme party.

The collection was inclusive of all ages with fun, simple cuts of youthful play dresses, voluminous maxi gowns and contemporary old Hollywood glamour Black chiffon dresses for the ladies with discerning Taste.

See presentation reel on instagram.

Michael Fausto with one of the models

Christian Juul Nielsen premiered his Spring/Summer 2025 line for AKNVAS at Hudson Yards in New York City. Titled Nordic Midsummer Camp, the collection evoked the charm and daring spirit of a Nordic summer, merging nostalgia with modern flair. It celebrates youthful exploration and an exuberance that crossed three distinct themes: “Urban Scout”, “Monochromatic Flower Fields”, and “Radiant Dew”. Each segment told a unique tale of midsummer. Highlights included denim and canvas workwear jackets, floral applique-adorned tops, and sparkling sequined embroidered dresses. Aknvas was full of enchanted fresh silhouettes for spring/summer 2025. The collection was full of unexpected, jaw-dropping fusions of architectural elements and structured ruffles, as models strutted down the runway. Aknvas’ unmistakable style was evident from the very first piece that hit the catwalk. Sculpted denim jackets had a utilitarian, futuristic flair juxtaposed against thigh-high micro shorts adorned with ruffled insets. What made the looks more irreverent were the equestrian style boots creating youth-quake synergy. As his muses whisked by with their amplified shoulders crafted from crisp cotton demanded attention as they took center stage. Crop tops, flirty mini-skirts, and floating, undulating designs all captured the hearts of editors, influencers, and fashion personalities, each eagerly documented next season’s new offerings.Much like a delicious multi-course meal, Aknvas served an array of delightful pieces one after another. The menu continued with laser-cut eyelet dresses, cropped shirts, and shorts in pristine summer white, fiery cayenne red and a rainbow of hues set to tantalize our senses. Meanwhile, floral lace ensembles in delicate pistachio and the striking new delphinium blue turned heads. To top it all off, 3D flower motifs, brown vegan leather options, knee-high moto boots, and sparkling sequins further ensured that our summer 2025 will be nothing short of fabulous. Here’s to a splendid summer inspired by the visionary designs of Aknvas’ Christian Juul Nielsen!

See the runway video on instagram.

Written by Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes for Shoeholics

Elegance, decadence, poise, chic, youthfulness, feminine, romantic… are all I could think of the moment I set foot in the premises of the SS25 collection of Alice and Olivia NYFW presentation, with none other than the incomparable Stacey Bendet at the helm. Stacey has successfully set herself apart from the pack, with her signature take on feminine, fun, classy and chic styles with each passing season.

The makeshift “hotel soundstage” at the vast space of the Highline Stages premises in New York City was cleverly partitioned into different sections. Each had different themes ranging from romantic boudoir, colorblocked landscape, polka dot set, to a floral bliss garden of tranquility. Effortlessly and cleverly using architecture marred by fashion esthetics. Models were styled accordingly, to coordinate with their assigned sectioned theme.

Featured styles included her signature intricate hand beaded creations, delicate embroidered floral fabrication of free flowing capes, gowns and tea time dresses. Contemporary looks in fun prints, suitable from the office to cocktail time made the cut.

The boudoir scene section hacken back a bit to London regency era without the empire waist. The ambiance set a romantic tone, with carefully placed models dressed in delicate florals.

Dare I say, some of her signature beaded creations could rival any haute couture in Paris! They are as detailed and well executed as any haute couture collection.

See the video from the presentation on instagram

Avadora Mimouni came to the States from Portugal as a model and went on to a successful career gracing covers of many magazines! She launched her haute couture luxury handbag collection in 2017. Her startling and gorgeous luxury bags are “wearable works of art”. Avadora Mimouni Collection inspired many former models from the 90’s/2000’s to return to the runway, along with a handful of male and female friends, during the SS25 NY Fashion Week, with each strutting down the runway carrying her purses, while clad in various shades of turquoise and blue attire. A clever way to draw the focus on the purses, which are unique one-of-a-kind creations, adorned with semi-precious stones.

The designer and acclaimed model, Avadora Mimouni, illustrates that beauty is timeless, and her gorgeous bags symbolize each woman as a precious gem. And, let’s face it, the more we feel like precious gems, the more we act that way, and so the world becomes a better and more beautiful place – one gem at a time. Watch the show reel on instagram.

Written by Lorraine Clare for Shoeholics

Models and dear friends of Avadora with her bags from the SS25 Collection at NYFW

Fresh off the set of Project Runway, Bishme Cromartie is making great long strides, with potential staying power in the business of fashion space. One of the hit show’s prominent judges, Nina Garcia made a point to drop by and support. A visit normally reserved for established designers/brands. With his debut collection during NYFW, Bishme is taking no prisoners! He has got impeccable eye for details, not only tailoring, but styling and advance technique in the construction of silhouettes.

His range of designs appears to be in moderation and in line with the Avantgarde demands of the fashion conscious social media and AI influence of today, a time when consumers are looking to set themselves apart from the norm. There’s absolutely nothing ordinary about Bishme, he begs to differ! The presentation style showcase at the swanky Ritz-Carlton in NYC, featured a cohesive collection, such as a long gown with “wind-blown” scarf look around and away from the shoulders, exaggerated shawl collar on traditional sports jacket, long tweed coats, with matching cut out bodice on a short dress. Also on offer were edgy sporty options, with a futuristic look. A fresh take on athleisure, to a night out on the town. The collection appears to be diverse for all ages, youthful, and at various levels of comfort. Shoes were supplied by Katy Perry Collection.

Bishme Cromartie is definitely one to watch.

Watch the show’s video on Facebook and Instagram.

Bishme Cromartie and Nina Garcia

Bishme Cromartie

Tinu with Bishme Cromartie at his NYFW presentation