NYFW hiTechMODA Season 4 Showcased Couture PPE Collection by Award-Winning International Designer Rian Fernandez
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have changed the world's facade, and the fashion industry isn't immune either. Normally, fashion enthusiasts and people in the fashion industry flocked by this time of the year for the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021's hot trends and new collections showcase.
But due to the devastating effect of the coronavirus pandemic and to further help prevent the spread of the disease, fashion shows are limited, and most are shown virtually. Community-based measures such as travel restrictions, social distancing and the requirement of having a limited number of people allowed in a venue were implemented.
hiTechMODA
Photos: Baza Studio
Tough time, tough call.
hiTechMODA Season 4 Impératif LIVE was held on September 13, 2020, in Baza Studio located at 34-36 W 32nd Street in New York. The fashion show was produced under all COVID-19 guidelines established by the State of New York, City of New York City, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. For health and safety reasons, all models and staff were residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area, and from states that do not have to quarantine upon arrival in NYC.
Despite minimal facial exposure, New York Makeup Academy graduates and team led by CEO Claire Perez were able to pull off a dramatic representation of beauty; overtly extended cat eyes with black beads accent and contrasting couture hairstyles creating an edgy dramatic look.
NYFW hiTechMODA was commissioned for the exclusive launched of “Armored Wayfarer," a fashionable and functional PPE collection created by the Award Winning International Designer, Rian Fernandez. The collection is a limited edition of stylish women's, men's, and children's protective clothing wear. The fabrics used are washable and lightweight, antimicrobial as well as a viral repellant, and perfectly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of functionality — no harm to create or wear, aligning perfectly with hiTechMODA and its ECO Fashion catwalk ReGEN Runway. Among his SS2021 collection includes elemental earth-colored theme bodysuits, modernistic dresses, a la mode raincoats, 4-ply water-resistant care masks and eye shields. All pieces were designed with safety in mind and constructed by hand at his atelier in the Philippines.
The second-time returner to the NYFW hiTechMODA stage, Rian Fernandez joined APU Fashion Week in Japan for Spring/Summer 2017 and Fall/Winter 2018. He is a designer of numerous international beauty pageants including Miss World Nicaragua, Miss Earth, Mutya ng Pilipinas, Miss Grand Thailand 2017, and Miss Universe 2016, 2017 and 2019. He was named as one of the Best Designers of the Northern Philippines, and Outstanding Designer during the Philippines Fashion and Style Week 2018. Adding to his portfolio, Rian also designed American Idol Kriss Mincey at the Grammy Awards in 2017.
Another designer who showcased was fashion mask designer Josie Valdez of Josie's Faces Makeup. NYMMG and EMG professional models walked for Season 4 along with hiTechMODA brand ambassador Taylor C. Among the professional models who participated were Julia C, Jared R, Corey-Lee, Denise P., Phillip W, Larry D, Isabella F, Aiden F, Peemai S, Gianna G, Oliva S and Julia S.
After the show, the MODA Models took over Times Square where they were displayed on the iconic NASDAQ Billboard.
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With love,
FWO
