Exotic Prints at Galindo

February 15, 2025 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

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.

Cesar Galindo

Lana Ogilvy

Marta Bloom

Epperson FW25 in a Church! Brilliant!

February 13, 2025 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

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 and Glamour at Bibhu Mohapatra

February 12, 2025 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

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.

Boho Couture at Kobi Halperin NYFW

February 11, 2025 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

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.

Tinu dressed in Kobi Halperin

Men’s Day in Fashion

February 7, 2025 in Events, General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

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

Sperry shoe collection

Models and Editor Tinu in Joseph McRae designs

Vibrant & Timeless Glamour at Naeem Khan

September 10, 2024 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

The iconic landmark Angel Orensanz Foundation in New York City set as the perfect backdrop, with the stained glass and aged arches complementing the intricate ethereal line up of garments Naeem Khan sent down the platform runway. Each model effortlessly embodied grace and poise the creations demanded of them. It’s impossible not to morph into swan like superstar when clad in a Naeem Khan and finished off with a dazzling pair of Christian Louboutin, the official footwear on the runway.

The line up featured his trademark hand beaded and embroidered gowns, flowing long chiffon sleeves, dresses covered entirely in long beaded fringes. The detailed craftsmanship we’ve come to love and expect from the brand.

Naeem Khan gave us a little tease last season, sending out 2 male models wearing embroidered and beaded jackets, actually meant for women. Seeing how well it was received in the reviews, he proceeded with the trend. No longer are men’s fashion limited to the usual conservative “Savile Row” cuts. The trend is far from testing the waters, to now being a full-fledged flamboyant styles. Naeem didn’t miss the mark, officially launching couture men’s wear, perfectly mixed in with selections for the ladies. He tapped into his Indian heritage to draw inspiration, debuting cuts that sets him apart from his peers, in the ranks of America’s elite designers. Male models strutted down the runway wearing reimagined traditional Indian men’s styles, such as the Lungi, Kurta, et.al. Most of the embellished jackets can be worn over tuxedo pants or jeans. If this collection is anything to go by, we can certainly expect a stand alone men’s collection from Naeem Khan in the near future.

See the runway shoe reel on instagram.

Vibrant, Refreshing Youthful Styles at Custo SS25

September 8, 2024 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

Custo Barcelona’s SS25 NYFW collection was youthful and refreshing! Models stumped down the alley next to the Walker Hotel, in a makeshift runway landscape, spearheaded by the newly launched “Fashion Mingle” platform. The collection’s styles varied from cute baby doll creations, funky Custo’s trademark subtle graffiti print t-shirts, free flowing empire waist style gowns crafted in delicate lace and rich textured fabric, to daring booty shorts that’ll send you running to the gym to firm up!

I overheard several of the esteemed guests in the audience gasp with excitement. One openly declared his anticipation for the official drop in stores. Dare I say, I’ll be stalking the drop too! Beautiful collection. Bravo Custo!

See the video from the show on instagram

Grand Slam at The Confessional

February 19, 2024 in Events, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

The relatively new Japanese swanky restaurant Fushimi, in Times Square, played host to the highly anticipated, and dare I say, newly improved fashion presentation and runway show by The Confessional showroom fashion agency. The usually hip hop haven style Mecca to the stars, drifted away from their usual crowd and nightclub venue favored spots during NYFW, for a more acceptable ambiance by show-hopping fashion mavens and media personalities.

The showroom sent down the runway exquisite creations by emerging designers who could easily hold their weight on a world fashion stage. Cleverly styled and produced, in part by In Black magazine’s stylist and Editor-in-Chief Marcus Blassingame, who expertedly had a riveting Ballerina performance as an intermission midway through the show. Marta Ostrovska took a great part in styling as well.

The first look out were a series of modern takes on Kimono by Byakudan, which almost sent me packing for Japan. The patterns were appropriately timed for the location, which featured a giant golden Koi fish high up on the vast runway area, a prominent center in the establishment. The Japanese restaurant’s intricate decor and ambiance made for a great backdrop for this particular collection.

Beauté Comme Toi took us to Paris and back with sensual, romantic and elegant collection, which harkened back to the elegance of haute couture’s golden age where models showcased garbs in salons. The models embodied pure class and grace as they made their way onto the runway effortlessly in satin, chantily lace, beaded works of art, feathered trimmings, pocket squares, hats and statement accessories. And no details were spared by Catou Wear on the impeccable tailored suits and styling in rich textured fabrication and patterns in the menswear! For a moment, I thought I was at a Bridgeton movie audition! If you’re in the market for a wedding dress or suit, you’d do well to remember this brand.

Another notable one was Nigeria’s designer to the stars, Nazarene Amictus, who has dressed the likes of world renowned Afrobeat artist David O. His edgy, Avantgarde, youthful streetwear designs were extraordinary. The models moved with ease and swagger in rich textured patterns, mix media and layered styles.

Needless to say, fashion wouldn’t be complete without proper accessories!
The gorgeous hats were handcrafted by Anthony Maxwell, as well as the mask, chopsticks, umbrellas & feathered pieces. Shoes were supplied by Ihambi. The beautiful jewelry collection seen glistening on the models were by Sultry Affair Style. Kat & Clarese stood on business with the florals.

The overall production was a smashing success! It definitely took a village to pull it all together so seamlessly, considering it involved various designers with different design concept!

Watch the show on Facebook and Instagram.

All of the Kimono designs above by Byakudan

Designs above by Beauté Comme Toi

Some of the designs by Nazarene Amictus

Pop Life at Cesar Galindo

February 16, 2024 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

Pack your bags, book your tickets and hotels and jump on the next thing smoking to… perhaps Palm Springs or St. Barths! Cesar Galindo’s FW24 Runway Show falls nothing short of a resort wear for the upcoming winter season. Catering to the ladies (and some gents) of discerning taste. Pop life in the Riviera, or “Twiggy London” doesn’t fall too behind either.

The collection harkens back to when the swinging 60s fashion was at its peak, an era that still transcends the boundaries of fashion. Supermodel Lu Sierra walk the walk that recalled the 90s model strut. It sent the crowd cheering! A true testament of just how much the elegance in catwalk dramatization is missed. Musical artist and philanthropists Consuelo Vanderbilt held her own elegantly on the ruway as a guest model.

Cesar’s pairing of mix media fabrication and prints was exquisite! Drop shoulder style maxi dresses, smartly tailored sets with encrusted sequin and crystals, many easy fitting silhouettes in breathable fabric made for a better part of the collection. Perfect options for day out with friends for lunch or loungewear at a cocktail party on a yacht! Cesar Galindo clearly has his sights set on a particular clientele of style. He knows his audience.

Watch the shows full video on Facebook and Instagram.

Lu Celania Sierra

Consuelo Vanderbilt

Gloved Up at Bibhu Mohapatra

February 14, 2024 in General Blogs, News, Uncategorized by TINU NAIJA

Bibhu Mohapatra’s FW24 fashion show at the swanky Pierre Hotel in New York City had me really thinking about some of my fashionable short and opera length gloves, long forgotten in my closet. It seems to be the reigning accessory at just about every show I’ve covered this season, along with the futuristic design glass handbags on some of the models. Bibhu cleverly paired the gloves with gowns and dresses, a few of which included cinched leather corset style belts, giving some of the dresses an updated edgy and youthful appearance.

A handful of styles featured strong shoulders on dresses and free flowing sleeves in chiffon and delicate pleated chantily lace fabrics. A few AI inspired silhouettes’ sleeves and collars made it down the runway. Bibhu’s intricate detailed beaded work on lace was impeccable. Each of his model embodied true glamour and grace in the collection, a true testament to Bibhu Mohapatra’s sense of style and understanding of his core clientele.

Be sure to watch the runway show video on Facebook and Instagram.

Glass handbag photo by Bobby Heard

Designer Bibhu Mohapatra