Tadashi Shoji Goes California Dreamin’

Represented by Linda Gaunt Communications.

The West Coast has long been a safe haven for the imagination of artists. It’s a phenomenon documented in the The Mamas & the Papas’ 1965 hit “California Dreamin’,” and even seen in the final Saint Laurent collection from Hedi Slimane.

You can understand why such a change of mental scenery could prove particularly refreshing to an artist like Tadashi Shoji, whose hallmark has always been structured silhouettes made for the red carpet.

 
Tadashi Shoji: NYFW SS18

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For SS18, the press materials set a detailed narrative for the collection:

“The Malibu sun is setting beyond the wave breaks. The sky is tinted in muted neons. With salty hair and sandy feet, it’s time to swap your board for your gown. Top down, cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway until the curtain of night is pinned by the stars. Destination: Los Angeles. A chance invite from a friend takes you through rolling hills to a secluded enclave, nestled within a woodland canyon. Partygoers roll up, draped in gemstone colors — red jasper, jade, rose quartz, yellow opal, azurite and agate. All are welcome — artists and musicians, bohemians and émigrés. Where fame and fortune mix with wanderers and nomads. Where moguls mingle with children of the ocean. It’s the mystique of Southern California that draws them — days of possibility alongside nights of allure and beauty. Make your way to the courtyard garden, past the heady smells of night-blooming jasmine and moonflowers. Relax and unwind — it’s a Golden State of mind.”

One wonders if the current political climate also played into this sort of idealized Laurel Canyon experience. After all, California was one of the states that most defied the choice of current administration (as demonstrated in the CalExit initiative.)

California, for all the ways it’s often lampooned, remains — much like New York City — a haven for dreamers, idealists, the forward-thinking, and the just-plain-different. It’s the realization of the American ideal of inclusiveness and freedom of expression.

For New York Fashion Week, Shoji remained true to his core form — fairy tale elegance — while mixing in exquisite florals, cabana stripes, Spanish off-shoulder looks, and even boho patterns with hippie appeal.

But the show-stoppers were the final two looks, covered in gauzy constellations, that seemed to suggest a universe filled with beautiful, harmonious possibilities.

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tadashishoji.com
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Sachin & Babi Takes You To “The Grand Bazaar”

Represented by UFCG PR.

Gorgeous” is the best word to describe Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia‘s Spring/Summer 2018 collection, taking its inspiration from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, “a crossroads of history, cultures and modern trade.”

Loulou de la Falaise was another inspiration: bohemian fashion muse and designer of fashion, accessories and jewelry associated with Yves Saint Laurent.

 
The Grand Bazaar: Sachin & Babi

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The SS18 collection was created “to celebrate diversity and the marriage of Old World charm with effortless, contemporary style.”

As always, the devil is in the details: exquisite draping reminiscent of Cristóbal Balenciaga, thick, luxurious fabrics, and bold prints.

The collection could have come straight from the ateliers of Paris, bringing an injection of sumptuous refinement to New York Fashion Week.

The collection could have come straight from the ateliers of Paris

In a world of endless front row selfies and celebrity call-outs, a collection like this reminds us why we’re all here: the clothes. The clothes are what matter.

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sachinandbabi.com
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Noon by Noor: NYFW SS18

Represented by Linda Gaunt Communications.

Bahrain, home country of designers Shaikha Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Mohamed Al Khalifa, was the inspiration for their SS18 NYFW collection.

Their home was “portrayed through the color palette of red and white, sketchbook print, embellishments,” in addition to several other elements, including modern takes on Bahrain’s traditional silhouette.

The looks were elegant, streamlined, and fun, adopting elements of whimsy in floral and ladybug prints (we admit: we loved the ladybugs). The overall effect was as cheery as a breezy summer day.

The overall effect was as cheery as a breezy summer day

 
Noon By Noor NYFW SS18

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In line with the current trend toward relaxing binary gender roles, the new collection also blended masculine and feminine, exploring masculine shapes in wide leg trousers, tailored blazers, oversized shirts, and knitwear.

In line with the current trend toward relaxing binary gender roles, the new collection also blended masculine and feminine

Meanwhile, ruffles, pleats, billowing sleeve shapes and sheer fabrics brought undeniably feminine details to the looks.

This season’s collection also introduced cotton embroidered and printed t-shirts, quoting the words “Love” or “Wisdom” in Arabic script with its English translation featured on the back, which are styled with trousers and skirts.

The use of Arabic script was a potent message of love in a world that always seems to need more of it.

It was a potent message of love in a world that always seems to need more of it.

This season, Noon By Noor is also collaborating with luxury L.A. based handbag designer Tyler Ellis. The result is a signature 10-piece capsule collection comprised of two styles: a sleek Kelly Box, and a Lee Pouchet envelope clutch.

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Noon by Noor
Tyler Ellis

With love,

FWO

Indonesian Diversity Spring 2018

Represented by The Riviere Agency.

The Indonesian Diversity show at NYFW was a celebration not only of a number of six talented Indonesian designers, but of diversity itself.

Flying to New York for Fashion Week was a dream turned reality for these creators showing for the first time.

But the real benefactor of the trip was the audience, treated to a number of truly stunning looks, filled with rich embroidery and batiks, sophisticated color palettes, and garments that pushed the envelope to channel elements of abstract and modern art.

the audience was treated to a number of truly stunning looks

 
Indonesian Diversity SS 2018

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Each designer saw this show as an opportunity to bring Indonesian design to the runways of New York to embody cultural inclusion in a tough social climate.

Kicking off New York Fashion Week, the Spring Summer 2018 collections were inspired by everything from architecture to Legong dance.

Geometric prints and beaded brocades permeated Dian Pelangi’s bold collection. Menswear-inspired suiting pieces in unexpected bright colors brought to life the hustle and bustle of New York City. Subway tile-like embellishments highlighted waistlines and shoulders and gave creative flair to straight silhouettes.

Barli Asmara showed a gorgeous collection of white lace cold shoulder dresses and gowns. Inspired by purity and Middle Eastern architecture, these layered and laced up pieces were complimented by bejeweled statement earrings. A full pearl embellished gown stole the show with its powerful turtleneck structure and beaded waistline.

Melia Wijaya dug all the way to her roots to create a collection of impressive garments tied to the famous Indonesian folklore, Sawunggaling. The story praises the creative and full of energy rooster and peacock. In an effort to preserve the true meaning, Wijaya sent feather adorned headpieces, gowns and separates down the catwalk in earthy tones. Caged boning created an hourglass frame on a gorgeous few gowns and pants.

Larger than life, yet dainty gold headpieces sat atop Catherine Njoo’s models. Rich, gold embroideries and beaded batik fabrics crafted into beautiful forms created an ultra luxurious wave over the entire collection. Rounding out Njoo’s runway was a jaw-dropping, egg-shaped gold headpiece that opened and closed to unveil a dimly lit pagoda.

Vivi Zubedi believes in a world of equal love between all cultures and crafted an incredible collection to hone in on that theme. A rich color palette with subtle prints was embellished with branded patchwork that read “Makkah Madinah Jannah.” Also, making a bold political statement was her floor length abbaya embellished with a beautiful “All Colors Matter” and her use of various size models dressed in hijab, including plus size.

All designers accessorized with handbags by the infamous Doris Dorthea, top celebrity go-to designer for custom handbags. The brand prides itself on the use of exotic skins and leather. Vibrant colors collided with exotic skin in beautifully crafted, structured mini bags.

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About Indonesian Diversity

Indonesian Diversity in cooperation with Indonesia Fashion Gallery proudly presents five luxury ready-to-wear designers, and one accessory designer from Indonesia: Barli Asmara, Catherine Njoo, Dian Pelangi, Doris Dorothea, Melia Wijaya, and Vivi Zubedi. Barli Asmara highlights the beauty and richness of Indonesia through the exquisite detail of his designs. Catherine Njoo specializes in Batik and will bring her Batik Bali collection to the runway. Dian Pelangi is known for her Batik prints, native to Indonesia, concepted with an eye toward urban style worn with hijab. Timeless elegance is hallmark of Doris Dorothea bags, hand crafted from exotic skin and luxurious materials. Melia Wijaya with her contemporary fashion utilizes embroidery, and rooster and peacock forms in her collection. Vivi Zubedi’s signature is her Abaya style, transforming her beliefs and understanding for whom she lives and to whom she returns into every garment.

For more information visit http://indonesiafashiongallery.com/en/ or follow on social at @ifg_nyc.

About Wardah

Wardah Signature Beauty is our commitment for years to set out the quality in cosmetics. Not just cosmetics, but a pillar for women to stay beautiful in their characters. In each process, Wardah cosmetics and skin care products are made using modern and advanced technology under the meticulous supervision of its vastly experienced pharmacist and dermatologist.

Wardah products are made with only premium all natural, halal and safe ingredients. With Wardah, woman can still feel cherished and comfortable. Asian women are blessed with beautiful but more delicate skin, compared to European or American women. The outer dermis is thinner, therefore it becomes more sensitive and susceptible to external factors. This merely fact is sufficient to be our foundation that Indonesian women need skin care products with complete and thorough protection. Wardah combines advanced technology, international dermatologist standard formula and premium all-natural ingredients. Every process are supervised by our vastly experienced pharmacist and dermatologist. Before launching a product, it is our responsibility to conduct a blind test to finalize the safety of our products. Because skin safety is a high priority to Wardah. Wardah products are soft, perfectly formulated and don’t contain Hydroquinon. 

The first image of Wardah as cosmetics for Moslem women is now revamped. It expands to be favored by broader public. Wardah believes that being beautiful is universal. For years, many Indonesian women, not only the Moslem ones, have chosen Wardah.

About NYFW First Stage

New York Fashion Week: First Stage is a new platform that gives global designers the opportunity to show at New York Fashion Week, whether they are debuting in the U.S. for the first time or looking to make new global connections and further their presence in this market.

With love,

FWO

Anon Atelier Spring SS18

Represented by EB Consults Worldwide.

With so much fanciful, high-concept ready to wear at NYFW, it’s a relief to see something elegant, clean-lined, and essential.

And indeed, Anon Atelier — led by Alexa Chapman and Jessica Svoboda — is a New York-based design studio creating wearable luxury that looks like it must feel as good as it looks.

 
Anon Atelier SS18

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According to the press materials:

“The debut collection offers timeless, multifunctional essentials that communicate ease and confident luxury through innovative patterns, quality construction and detailing. Each piece is a classic redefined for the modern woman, from the stretch leather leggings that fit like your favorite yoga pants to the sexy silk dress you can wear day or night. Together, the collection serves as the foundation of a wardrobe that is at once directional and wearable.

“Alexa Chapman and Jessica Svoboda make up the design team behind the new luxury label, and their process is simple: Find a gap in the industry and create unique solutions by reworking conventional patterns and testing industry standards on real women.

their process is simple: Find a gap in the industry and create unique solutions

“Supporting high-end manufacturing within the United States, ANON has partnered with local fabric mills, artisans and factories to create garments they are proud of. Sourcing none other than the finest fabrics and finishes, each piece is produced by skilled craftsmen whose attention to detail passes from their hands to yours.”

We look forward to seeing what this dynamic duo will create next.

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anonatelier.com
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Cinq à Sept NYFW SS18

Represented by Bradbury Lewis.

It wouldn’t be Cinq à Sept without a certain Fellini-esque surrealism, and just a touch of fairy dust. And indeed, the Spring/Summer 2018 collection at NYFW was made to “evoke an ethereal femininity, a whimsical fantasy — lightness balanced with a touch of the dramatic.”

 
 
 
 
Cinq à Sept SS18

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According to the press materials:

“The presentation/performance followed a group of traveling performers meandering through Italy, from village to villa, circa early 1900s. The collection took inspiration from their life and style, how they evolved in and out of character as they went about their day, moving in and out of performance.

“This, like all things Cinq à Sept, is a truly romantic way to live.

“The performers follow the stars and their hearts — leaving behind perfumed notes and flowers from admirers. Their dreamy state is made only lovelier with flouncy ballet inspired dresses and laced trims. An unexpected mix of fabrics and details nodded to the performers’ box of tricks — perfectly imperfect, and beautifully unexpected. ”

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cinqasept.nyc
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Frederick Anderson: Fables of the Deconstruction

Represented by Deborah Hughes Inc.

Wow” is as good a word as any to describe Frederick Anderson’s NYFW SS18 collection, “African-American.”

As someone whose parents hail from Wales (hey that rhymed!), South America, and The Netherlands, I’m probably not the only person waiting for the end of the “race” concept. Wouldn’t it be great if we could stop categorizing each other and just get on with the business of living?

Dissolution of boundaries may have been one of the ideas behind Frederick Anderson’s latest collection, “African-American,” an exploration of African fashion forms and and archetypes, with an eye to deconstructing the daywear-nightwear paradigms of ready to wear.

 
Frederick Anderson NYFW SS18

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A continuation of his first collection, “Black Like Me,” for SS18 Anderson looked to explore outdated labels, not only in society but in the fashion industry. According to the press materials: “Just as the way we look at ourselves and others has changed, so has fashion. Sportswear, daywear, and athletic wear now blend together to make up a wardrobe for a modern day woman.”

Although the collection dipped into the “earthy sexiness of the ’70s,” juxtaposed with Anderson’s African travel influences, the noteworthiness of the collection came not in high-minded ideals (as much as we adore these), but in the excellence of the execution.

the noteworthiness of the collection came in the excellence of its execution

Here was a wearable collection that showed Anderson is more than just a dreamer: he’s an artist, able to create looks as lofty as his ideals.

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frederickandersoncollection.com
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Laurence & Chico Showcase Pure Imagination at New York Fashion Week

Represented by Factory PR.

A fashion collection is (not surprisingly) only as good as the inspiration of the designers behind it. When it comes to Laurence Li and Chico Wang — whose imaginations seem limitless — it’s not surprising that a collection can take on the proportions of the epic.

Their Spring/Summer 2018 NYFW Collection, “Makeup Factory” — which seemed to occur somewhere at the crossroads of Rei Kawakubo and Dr. Seuss — was an example of what can happen when designers dare to have fun and dream big.

 
Laurence & Chico: NYFW SS18

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The brand’s inspiration comes from Laurence’s personalized illustrations depicting their daily lives. The illustrations show only Laurence and Chico drawn as two human characters, whereas friends and family are all characterized as animals, plants, fruits or vegetable figures.

The brand’s inspiration comes from Laurence’s personalized illustrations

Laurence’s illustrations evoke a unique sense of humor with vivid colors, inspiring Chico to use elements from such to create an imaginative bold yet delicate prints and silhouettes for their collections.

Laurence Li and Chico Wang both studied at Parsons. Chico majored in Fashion Design and has worked with top luxury brands including McQueen, Givenchy, Miu Miu and world-renowned luxury boutique, Lane Crawford. Laurence majored in Fashion Marketing and worked in Barneys Buying Department.

The collection was composed of 20 looks including a combination of bold, exaggerated silhouettes and more tailored, intricate separates. Using Laurence’s hand-drawn illustrations, Chico designed the collection with over-the-top glamour and dramatic beauty in mind.

Key fabrications included luxe silk, shredded tweed infused with glitter, and ruffled, embroidered denim. Interlacing pearl embellishments punctuated the collection on an assortment of outerwear, separates, and dresses. Using the brand’s signature prints and high-quality handiwork, the duo created a collection for the woman who isn’t afraid to make an entrance.

for a woman who isn’t afraid to make an entrance

Models were accessorized with oversized red, pink and black wigs, custom gloves, and shoes. Each look was finished with a bold makeup look by Marie Dalgar.

The Spring/Summer 2018 collection, “Makeup Factory,” was inspired by Laurence’s fantasies about the glamorous world of makeup and their friend Cui “Masa” Xiaohong, creator of Chinese cosmetics brand Marie Dalgar.

Original hand-drawn characters depicted in the prints this season include Snake Blush Brush, Grape Brush, Ladybug Brush, Bee Mascara and Powder Foundation with Lion’s Eyes

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laurenceandchico.com
NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

VFILES: Louis Pileggi, Christian Stone, JunJie Yang, INXX

VFILES, the experience-based social networking platform, has an amazing track record of discovering talent in the global youth community.

Their latest NYFW presentation was no exception, showcasing incredible collections by VFILES RUNWAY 9 Winners JunJie Yang, Christian Stone, Louis Pileggi, and featured collection INXX.

 
VFiles New York Fashion Week SS18

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Their latest presentation showcased incredible collections

And what a show. Offset of Migos opened the show by driving out of a freight elevator in a yellow Ferrari, which remained on the runway during the show. And there was a mid-show performance by Jessie J., debuting her world exclusive single “Think About That,” wearing INXX.

Designers INXX and Louis Pileggi featured custom-designed Converse One Stars on the runway. And an afterparty, hosted by Tinashe, was held at Billboard Lounge in Barclays Center.

VFILES Runway 9 mentors included Dapper Dan, Khloe Kardashian, Emma Grede, Jimmy Moffat, and hair mentor was Mischa G. for Bumble and Bumble.

About the Designers

JUNJIE YANG

JunJie Yang is an Antwerp-based menswear designer and recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. His work is characterized by attention to craftsmanship and unexpected twists in fabrication, construction and finishing. His work is inspired by Asian culture and explores the way it has been shaped by centuries of cultural erosion.

CHRISTIAN STONE

London based Christian Stone founded his couture label ‘Mutant Artisanal’ after graduating Central St. Martins. Its concept gravitates towards redefining the forgotten notion of haute couture and seeks to look into its future. He is inspired by the dishevelled and transient nature of the world and creates artisanal couture clothing that is bizarrely new and functional.

LOUIS PILEGGI

Louis Pileggi, based in London and born in Chicago, is a womenswear designer known for his dark and sumptuous style and precise attention to fabrics and cuts. His inspiration comes from the ideas of petulance and glamour. Pileggi is a recent graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art in London.

INXX

INXX is a platform where international high-street enthusiasts in China come together. INXX works with the world’s top brands – everyone from fashion icons to street-level devotees in China. The “X” as denoted in the brand name, represents exploration and intersection with infinite possibilities. INXX is a unique fusion of subcultures, streetwear, and contemporary and vintage fashion. It strives to forge new trends at the cusp of the avant-garde but still remain relevant in the street.

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vfiles.com

With love,

FWO