It is the dream of most models, stylists, designers and fashion writers to attend one of the fashion industry’s most celebrated events of the season— New York Fashion Week.
Known affectionately by the public as NYFW, the semi-annual event, held in February & September, draws over 125,000 fashion enthusiasts from all over the world. I recently had the pleasure of attending Fall NYFW as a model manager and the writer of our wonderful Style Sense column at TCP.
Detroit WALKs and struts
The first show that I attended was the WALK Fashion Show in Manhattan on Sunday, September 11. WALK, a Detroit based company owned by Daishawn Franklin and Crystal Bailey, are known for hosting high-fashion shows all over the world. A portion of the proceeds from their NYFW show went to benefit the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund. The event took place at the Church of The Holy Apostles which is the same venue that celebrity Metal Couture Designer, Laurel Dewitt, has held her Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week shows for the past two years.
The WALK Fashion Show featured work from emerging, independent and youth designers from all across the country. Emily Payne, of Project Runway fame, gave us a peek of her Leather Tongue collection for fall. There were also many awe-inspiring pieces from June’s Yves, Model Haven Boutique, Ralliford Hall, Burning Guitars, Bo$$ Mentality, Living Royalty, Superior Beings, Lord Andrew Couture, Young Socialites, Tyrone Hunter as well as other amazing fashion lines. There were so many dazzling pieces and jaw-dropping moments that I couldn’t easily pick my favorites.
Walking for self worth
Next, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the ‘WYP Fashion 4 Light’ Designer Showcase at Stage 48 in Manhattan while assisting the models who I manage for a high-fashion photoshoot by Pier 88. This star-studded event, organized by Heidi Hughes Founder of What’s Your Passion Creative Arts Industry & Management Team LLC, shed a light on ‘Teaching Self Worth’ for those in the fashion industry.
It was noted that all models— both emerging and agency models— were paid for their participation in the event that was hosted by, celebrity acting coach and producer, Tracey Moore. My favorite lines from the fashion show were by American Designer, Sasha Walton’s House of Solana who showcased plus-sized models in African clothing patterns, International French Hair Couture Designer, Murielle Kabile, and International UK Designer, Chanel Joan Elkayam— the youngest designer to debut a line at NYFW.
Back from the apple
Overall, NYFW was a surreal experience for me as a style writer. Believe me, I wanted to stay all week and attend every show— but duty called at home so I am back to share my experiences with you all. Next year my goal is to be front row in a Kanye West or Chanel show. Either way, I know that I will be a regular NYFWeeker, from now on.
