Forget worshiping at the gym to be a Victoria Secret angel. The real challenge was keeping the body tight and buffed (or not for some) to make the cut as a Chris Habana bodycon model, which I dare say is not for the faint of heart. Chris kept guests ten toes down, flabbergasted by every turn out of his edgy seductive streetwear couture Spring Summer 26 collection at New York Fashion Week. It was nothing like I’d ever seen before, at least not at major events such as fashion week.

The collection ranged from minimal coverage, intimate cosplay creations to minimalist futuristic space age couture, wearable art. It takes an art minded and uninhibited mindset individual to wear a Chris Habana. Make no mistake, these are essentially head Turning, grand entrance making works of art, worthy of a spot in costume Museums dedicated to fashion and visual art. Get ready to be remembered for decades to come wearing a Chris Habana.

Musical artist JT made an appearance walking the show, and the legendary and iconic Connie Fleming aka ConnieGirl and Irina Pantaeva showed the kids how it’s done by modeling the collection! The atmosphere was euphoric! Bravo Chris! It was a spectacular!

You don’t want to miss watching the video of the runway show posted on instagram.

ConnieGirl

Music artist JT

Irina Pantaeva

If sleeping beauty were to be designer, Malan Breton would be it. Upclose look at his remarkable craftsmanship would make anyone with eyes beg to ask why isn’t he synonymous with a Parisien couture or an international household name like Dior, Chanel, or Givenchy. Season after season, Malan has delivered jaw-dropping dreamy collections. His trademark delicate and intricate tapestry of brocade, jacquards, etc. Coupled with various types of rich textured fabrics, were skillfully utilized in his spring summer 26 collection. Silhouettes ranged from edgy business suits, exquisite gowns with accompanying opera length gloves, to fringed numbers ready to paint the town red.Gentlemen were certainly not left out of the fun. Sharp tailored suits with strong shoulders were prominent in the collection. He turned up the heat in sweeping capes and free flowing long tail gowns, making for a perfect dramatic entrance. Malan Breton enlisted some bold names to help bring his creations to life, and that they did flawlessly. The show partnered with Caringkind, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimers and dementia.

Dressed for the occasion myself in one of his highly coveted creations, a balloon style long sleeve coat dress, I felt transformed to a theatrical goddess, ready for her close-up on stage, better yet… Like a rockstar! It’s unimaginable not to feel present and imaginative in his designs. My front row mate, Jean Shafiroff (also clad in one of Malan’s breathtaking gowns in yellow chiffon), and I couldn’t contain our excitement with each passing frocks.

Click here to watch the runway show posted on instagram, which also features his music as the soundtrack.

AgentryPr delivered extraordinary emerging designers for spring summer collection at New York Fashion Week yesterday under auspices of New York Men’s Day. A powerhouse that has become synonymous with setting the tone for men’s wear consecutively. This season, proudly sponsored by Coterie New York and Project, fresh takes from sports wear to lounge wear on models in presentation style showcase, gave editors in attendance a look into what to expect in the coming season. Models showcased the versatility of each designs while interacting with visiting guests of editors and boutique representatives at the swanky and vast space of Mercedes Benz dealership headquarters in New York City. Guests were encouraged to step into their highly priced vehicles, such as the latest edition of Maybach for social media contents and photographs. Designers on view included; Archie, Peak Label, Clara Son, Oxblood Zebra, Bryan Jimenez, FIT MW 25 Collective, Max Esmail and Project Runway’s very own Joseph McRae.

Click here to watch the video presentation of the designers.

An unexpected bar was set very high for the upcoming #NYFW few days ago by Cyrill Verdavainne, who sent out perfect classic silhouettes for his SS26 collection ahead of fashion week. Perfect tailoring in various types of fabrics in delicate lace, duchess satin, chiffon, et.al fashioned into floating gowns and cocktail dresses in patterned, textured, and contrasting styles makes for a cohesive collection. Cyrill’s take on sophicated and timeless cuts brings to mind Audrey Hepburn on the silver screen.

Some of the subtle but fun color palettes in layered floral prints and playful lasered chiffon makes you want to skip the winter months ahead altogether.

Click here to watch the runway show posted on instagram.

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

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.

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