New York Fashion Week: Where Dreams are Made of

New York Fashion Week: how my dream to move to NYC started. I mentioned this in my About Me section, but I attended the BCBGeneration fashion show as a brand ambassador during my sophomore year of college. After getting to meet Max and Lubov Azria (the creators of BCBG Max Azria!), explore what goes on backstage and witness an amazing show filled with some of the chic-est (is that a word?) pieces of clothing I’ve ever seen, my love for fashion grew even deeper. I was beyond smitten with NYC and the fashion industry, and I was set on achieving my dream to move here. I was a wide-eyed teenager, witnessing all the key people that are brought together for a successful show: designers, models, PR, directors, photographers, viewers, celebrities. Each and every person is so crucial for NYFW, and it’s apparent that each and every person has such an unbelievable passion for the world of fashion. One of my favorite quotes of all time by Coco Chanel: “Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway” comes to life and completely radiates during New York Fashion Week.

As a fashion blogger, I was lucky enough to get invited to some pretty amazing Spring/Summer 2017 shows this Fall. Unfortunately I was in Houston for most of fashion week (I booked awhile back so I didn’t even realize it was during NYFW! 🙁 ), but I was able to at least attend three fabulous shows: Irina Vitjaz, Leanne Marshall, and Xuly Bet.

Irina Vitjaz Pure Couture

Pure couture is right. Irina Vitjaz is a Russian fashion designer whose work is mostly recognized in Europe, and this is actually her first debut in the U.S. This was the first show I saw, and WOW was I impressed! I absolutely adored these looks – all of the pieces were SO feminine with an elegant, modern twist. There was classic/opera music playing (I even FELT like I was in Europe), and the models had on a simple, natural makeup look, with their hair uniquely twisted back in ponytails. As for the designs – deep Vs, polka dots, off the shoulder dresses, flared skirts, stripes, see-through bell sleeves – topped off with a balance of the perfect spring colors, this collection literally had it all (*insert emoji heart eyes here*). I am more than ecstatic that she brought her superb talent to our country 🙂 Watch the full show here.

Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall is a project runway alum, which is not surprising to me at all because her work is nothing short of AMAZING. This isn’t her first rodeo either, as her collections have been a part of NYFW since her 2008 win. I read that this collection was inspired by crystals – specifically their positive healing energy and symbol of uplifting spirit (love that!). The models looked stunning in their side swept bangs with bun updos, and shined in their glowing makeup (I NEED that highlighter in my life – it was Aveda apparently 🙂 ). I loved how the music was techno, which gave an intense contrast to the collection. The swoonworthy collection consisted of super light pastel colors, delicate embellishments and the dreamiest fabrics imaginable. The flowy, layered fabrics of the dresses were to die for – beautiful sheer, silk, organza and chiffon material. This collection totally puts a new meaning to the word classy. All I was thinking during this show was…umm when am I going to get married so I can dress my bridesmaids in these beautiful dresses?! (haha, kidding…kind of. 😉 ) Watch the full show here.

Xuly Bet

The designer of Xuly Bet is Lamine Kouyaté – a Mali born, Parisian designer. One word about his collection: AWESOME. First of all, I want to say that I loved seeing the diversity of the models – really brought out the culture of the collection. They each had bright colored lips and most of them wore retro sunglasses (no idea HOW they managed to walk that long runway in those! #talent). I also noticed they all had super long fake nails with bold colors that matched their outfits! I had so many words that would describe this collection running through my head while I watched the show: quirky, fun, loud, bold. Each piece had a uniquely daring aesthetic to it: from the models’ heads (bows, wraps, sunglasses) to their toes (some pretty rad abstract designed heels). The courageously colored clothes consisted of zippered jackets, pants, dresses, tights – and each piece had SUCH a cool print or pattern. I would call this collection…’Mali meets mod’ 🙂 P.S…*fangirl moment* I got to see Jay Alexander from ANTM and Kelly Osbourne at this show, sitting right across from me! Watch the full show here.

Below are my three looks for when I attended the shows. I have to say, one of my favorite parts about NYFW is looking at all the viewers’ outfit choices. These are some of the most fashionable guys and gals, and I just love seeing everyone’s unique style 🙂 All the outfits I saw gave me so much inspiration for my next shopping trip (and maybe a tad bit of jealousy!)

Look 1:

Dress: Forever 21 | Blazer: Macy’s | Boots: Trendsgal | Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar) |

Look 2:

Top: Express (similar) | Skirt: Love Culture (similar) | Heels: SammyDress [complete Sophia Webster look-alikes, y’all!] |

Look 3:

Top: Zara | Pants: ASOS | Heels: Nasty Gal (similar) | Purse: Nordstrom Rack |

Thanks for reading babes! I know this was a super long post, but NYFW is so special to me and I appreciate you following me on one of my favorite journeys 🙂

A huge thanks to The Riviere Agency and ShoppingLinks for sending me to the shows!