I am so excited to share this photo gallery from the runway show I was part of during New York Fashion Week #NYFW for the amazing Burning Guitars at The Fashion Life Tour powered by Society Fashion Week on February 7, 2020.
The show featured the Burning Guitars Basquiat Fall/Winter 2020 collection, inspired by the legendary street artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat gained notoriety during the late 1970s as part of the graffiti duo known as SAMO, which combined elements of the hip-hop, punk, and street art movements in Downtown Manhattan, not far from where this show was held at the Broad Street Ballroom. It’s no surprise that Basquiat would be an inspiration to Burning Guitars designers Smiley Jonez and Saiyd Muhammed for his use of color, street-smart attitude, social commentary, and enigmatic themes. I think the collection would have made the artist proud.
I was honored to be asked to walk and absolutely love the look that was put together for me! Plus, it was my first runway walk to be photographed by Getty Images, as you’ll see from the first two photos below.
Burning Guitars kicked off the evening, which was produced by The Fashion Life Tour, the perfect choice to capture the audience’s attention and get the energy building. Smiley Jonez, who also performed during the show, dropped two new singles, “Highs” (produced by JeeJuh), and “Driptastic” (produced by Drizzy). He told me that I was drippy and litty myself, and I loved being part of the entire experience.
You can purchase Burning Guitars online at www.bgrockstar.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram @burningguitars. Enjoy the show!
Model: Ivy DominiqueModel: Tone TrumpModel, Actor and Designer Check FernandezModel: Steve Silver
I love my hometown of Brooklyn, and Christmas is my favorite time of the year! And, I absolutely love Christmas lights. If I could light up my house so it could be seen from space, I would. I have a special feeling for the famous light displays in the Dyker Heights neighborhood in the southwest corner of Brooklyn. I used to visit when I still lived in Brooklyn, and it’s amazing how the light displays now attract people from all around the world.
This year, I was invited to be a special guests on the opening of a new tour called Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. The first tour of its kind operated by residents of Dyker Heights, it’s designed to give people the best experience possible to enjoy the neighborhood during the most wonderful time of the year. I was honored to be invited, and joined the tour on its opening day, Saturday, December 21, 2019.
The bus tour began with a pickup in Manhattan right across from Bryant Park. Driving around New York City and Brooklyn during the holidays is always hectic, so having a relaxing bus ride was a welcome start. Dyker Heights is crazy crowded and driving around or parking is almost impossible, so best to start in Manhattan. During the ride into Brooklyn, Steven Ramos, the tour’s founder and CEO, introduced us to the tour and the history of Dyker Heights.
When we arrived in Brooklyn, the bus dropped us off at the Dyker Heights Lounge, which was at the beautiful St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Since the neighborhood is absolutely packed with people during lights season – over 100,000 people visit each year, and the police do not let people walk in the streets, making the sidewalks really packed, having a safe, comfortable spot to start off and return back to was really great. After a few quick instructions, Steven led us off to explore the neighborhood.
It’s amazing what people are able to do with their Christmas decorations. Some houses are simple and elegant, others have every inch of their properly lit up with decorations of every type. Most of the displays are classic, with lots of blow molds and traditional light bulbs. Dyker Heights is a strong religious community, so there are beautiful nativity scenes, and the holiday spirit is everywhere.
The centerpiece of it all is 84th Street. That’s where the home of Lucy Spata is. She started the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tradition in the 1980s and her home continues to be the most visited attraction. A few steps away is the beautiful home of Al Polizzotto, which is an absolutely incredible sight, and includes a 15-foot-high Santa, the largest in New York City! Experiencing these few blocks is a holiday highlight for me every year.
After the walking tour was done, we went back to the Dyker Heights Lounge. But, the Brooklyn experience wasn’t over yet! In addition to coffee and hot chocolate waiting for us, there were Brooklyn pizza and pastries. And, if you know anything about Brooklyn, the pizza and pastries are the best in the world. (It’s the water!)
We were also treated to Christmas carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and a wonderful experience given to us by the residents of this wonderful community.
The tour ended with a bus ride back into Manhattan, where we were left off back at the Bryant Park Winter Village to enjoy Christmas in New York.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour will return next holiday season. It is absolutely the best way to get a true Brooklyn experience and be part of this world-famous holiday tradition. Tickets for next year’s tours, which run late-December/early-January, are expected to go on sale in September. Visit dykerheightschristmaslights.com to sign up for their mailing list and follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/dyker_heights_christmas_lights/ to be the first to know when tickets are on sale.
You’ll love Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and it will become part of your family’s holiday tradition each year as well.
Thank you to Steven Ramos for inviting me to participate in your debut tour, and I look forward to returning next year.
Steven Ramos, Founder and CEO of Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, prepares the tour group to set off on the streets of Dyker Heights.The largest Santa in New York City at the Polizzotto family home.The home of Lucy Spata on 84th Street is where it all started. This home is one of my favorites. The blue lights and the way the entire properly is designed is absolutely beautiful.The evening wrapped up with Christmas carols and a visit from Santa.
Liu Yong x Rishikensh SS20 Collection New York Fashion Week @nyfw Gallery 1 at Spring Studios New York, September 10, 2019
Liu Yong @liuyong67 is regarded as one of the top 10 fashion designers in China and was project director or product consultant for many famous fashion groups in China, such as Septwolves and BOSIDENG. In 2003, Liu started his own fashion studio and has cooperated with many fashion brands successfully. In 2015, Liu established his own street fashion brand: “LIU YONG PLAY,” which is one of the original street style brands in China. In 2016, he won the “China Fashion Designer Top Award”. Accolades include: one of the core designers of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation); Council member and Executive Member of the Arts Committee of China Fashion Association; Council member of Asian Fashion Association China; Vice President of Fujian Fashion Designers Association; and Vice President of Guangdong Fashion Designers Association.
RISHIKESH @rishikenshmovement, originated from the English name of Reshikesh, “the City of Yoga” in India. Leaning against the Himalayas and fronting the Ganges River, the city of Reshikesh is like a shining pearl inlaid into a crown, a place where many Yoga masters in the world live. It is a heaven of meditation and adventures in Yoga. The RESHIKESH brand is based on Yoga culture and highly integrated with the street culture and punk style from casual wear. Using the world’s first garment wash technology, they create a unique and distinctive style in fashion sportswear, winning great popularity in middle-end and high-end female customers aging from 18 to 38.
Thank you to the team at The Riviere Agency for inviting us to be part of this amazing event.
EDGII Fall/Winter 2019 Collection “Girl Power” New York Fashion Week @nyfw Gallery 1 at Spring Studios New York, September 5, 2019
EDGII @edgii_collections encourages girls to believe in and express their inner self – The EDGII girl is confident, brave and independent and should be celebrated.
EDGII found synergies with the “The Powerpuff Girls” personas which represent individuality and promote uniqueness – a girl does not have to fit into society’s mainstream standard of beauty, she can be who she wants to be.
Presented through the use of colors, patterns, details and materials coherent with the different Powerpuff girls, this latest EDGII collection offers and promotes diversity.
Styling – Krisana Sotelo Casting – Raymond Casas Hair – Brendan O’Sullivan using Unite Make-up – Liset Garza Nails – Bernadette Thompson
Thank you to the team at REP Agency for inviting us to be part of this amazing event.
Myra Mrowicki Named Pink Carpet Host For Shop. Sell. Strut! Season 3
FREEHOLD, NJ (January 18, 2019) – Fashion blogger, model, socialite, and style influencer Myra Mrowicki (www.febearyfashionista.com) has been announced as pink carpet host for Season 3 of Shop. Sell. Strut!, taking place at iPlay America in Freehold, New Jersey on May 19, 2019.
The colors for Shop. Sell. Strut! are hot pink and mango, so instead of a traditional red carpet, Myra will be working the pink carpet and interviewing designers, models, celebrities and other VIP guests as part of an afternoon of fashion, fun and entertainment.
Shop. Sell. Strut! is the fundraising arm for the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation (Tax ID: 82-1496694), a 501(c)3 charity supporting individuals on the autism spectrum with programming, appliances, and resources for enhanced living and development. The event in May is their primary annual fundraiser, featuring a fashion forward runway show. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation. The event is open to the public and tickets are on sale now.
“I have been a supporter of the amazing work of Shop. Sell. Strut! since Season One,” says Myra. “To start out as an attendee two years ago, being invited to be an honorary model and committee member last year, to serving as this year’s pink carpet host, is an honor. This organization has done so much to support families raising a child with autism. There are so many challenges that these families and children face, and knowing that they are getting the support they need makes all of the hard work so worthwhile.”
A long-time supporter of the New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia fashion scenes, Myra Mrowicki founded her fashion blog, Febeary Fashionista (www.febearyfashionista.com) in 2014. She uses her blog and social media platforms to support the designers, models, producers, performers and publishers in the industry who are doing amazing things in the world of fashion and style. She was recently the red carpet host at Atlantic City Fashion Week Season 13, and has been a runway model for notable designers including Robert Greco Couture, Carmen Bury, Melissa Lockwood, and Brand A. She’s also participated in a fashion shoot for the social media of her favorite Montclair, New Jersey boutique, That Little Black Dress. She was the first guest on the premiere episode of the radio show “Chit-Chat with Alyssa Lego” on Hamilton Radio Channel 2, and served as a judge for the National American Miss Pageant.
Myra is dedicated to supporting meaningful and worthwhile causes. She was thrilled to be named the Honorary Model and Committee Member for Season Two of Shop. Sell. Strut!, which raised money for the autism-related efforts of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation. She has also modeled, volunteered or otherwise lent her talent to causes such as Fashion For Hope and the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey.
For more about Myra, please follow her blog, or connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @febeary.
Music and wine are a perfect combination. I had the most wonderful time experiencing the best of both at Rock and Rosso with Constantine Maroulis and Sandra Zotti, held at the beautiful James Ward Mansion in Westfield, NJ, on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Constantine Maroulis has been one of my favorites ever since his appearance on American Idol Season 4. He was one of the first true rockers on the show, and turned his appearance on the show into a successful career, especially on the Broadway stage. He received a TONY award nomination for his role in “Rock of Ages,” and was critically acclaimed for his role in “Jekyll & Hyde.” He’s currently involved with several film, TV, and stage projects, notably a starring role in David Shire’s new musical “Our Table,” and is working on a new album, “Until I’m Wanted,” which is scheduled for release in 2019. He told me that he’s very excited about the songs and the recording process is going really well!
The host for the evening was wine educator and Certified Italian Wine Specialist Sandra Zotti. In addition to being a wine expert and event planner, she’s an exciting and engaging entertainer, and an accomplished pianist. She kicked off the evening with a memorable performance, and the promise of a full concert later this year. From there, she presented an amazing selection of Italian wines, and her passion and knowledge of wine was evident. She throws a great party!
The opening act was John Ward, who dazzled on the piano and showed off the chops that have made him an in-demand songwriter.
Constantine’s set included previews of a few new songs that will appear on “Until I’m Wanted,” and a selection of fun covers that showed off his incredible voice and stage presence. He’s a cool person and a fabulous performer. It was a really fun show and everyone had a great time.
This was the third edition of the wine and music pairing Sandra has presented at the James Ward Mansion and it was a huge success. I can’t wait to attend the next one and plan to become a regular at her events.
Thank you to Sandra, Constantine, and everyone who worked to put this event together for an amazing evening!
Last year, I was honored to serve as the honorary model for Shop. Sell. Strut! Season 2, an annual charity fashion gala that raises money and awareness for autism-related causes. I have been a long-time supporter of this wonderful cause, and its amazing co-founders Alyssa Lego and Amanda Witkowski.
As planning begins for Season 3, taking place May 19, I was honored again and asked to serve as one of the judges for this year’s model casting. The casting took place Saturday, January 5, at Island Soul Clothing & Gifts (1309 Ocean Terrace) on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. About 50 models came out in pouring rain on a dreary wintry afternoon at the Jersey Shore to show their support and strut for their opportunity to walk the runway.
I had a great time and was very impressed at all of the young women and men who came out. It was so great to meet all of you, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again in May.
For anyone reading this who would like to support, save the date for Sunday, May 19, and follow Shop. Sell Strut! on social media for information and tickets about this year’s event! I strut for autism, do you?
All Photos Credit: Naomi Rivera from Looking Glass Photography
Myra Mrowicki Named A Red Carpet Host For Atlantic City Fashion Week Season 13
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (August 23, 2018) – Fashion blogger, model, socialite, and style influencer Myra Mrowicki (www.febearyfashionista.com) has been announced as a red carpet host for Season 13 of Atlantic City Fashion Week (www.atlanticcityfashionweek.com), taking place at The Showboat Hotel from September 5-8, 2018.
Since 2011, Atlantic City Fashion Week (ACFW) has featured fashion shows, seminars, celebrity appearances, retail events and industry parties, drawing fans to “DO AC” in style. Presented in part by fashionSTYLE Magazine and KingBee Media, Atlantic City Fashion Week is a multi-day showcase of Ready to Wear and Couture Fashion. It also includes a vendor exhibition, and pre-networking events for VIP guests. ACFW is held twice a year in Atlantic City and has been attended by thousands of fashionable attendees.
Myra will be working the red carpet and interviewing designers, models, celebrities and other VIP guests as part of the ACFW Couture Fashion Show on Saturday, September 8 at 7pm. Interviews will be recorded for distribution on fashionSTYLE Live and the ACFW social media channels. ACFW red carpet interviews are sponsored in part by the New Jersey Lottery.
“I have been attending Atlantic City Fashion Week for years and have seen so many amazing designer collections on the runway,” says Myra. “It’s so exciting me to become part of this amazing event and I intend to bring glitter and glamour to the red carpet. I hope to see you all there!”
A long-time supporter of the New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia fashion scenes, Myra Mrowicki founded her fashion blog, Febeary Fashionista (www.febearyfashionista.com) in 2014. She uses her blog and social media platforms to support the designers, models, producers, performers and publishers in the industry who are doing amazing things in the world of fashion and style. She has been a runway model for notable designers including Robert Greco Couture, Carmen Bury, Melissa Lockwood, and Brand A. She’s also participated in a fashion shoot for the social media of her favorite Montclair, New Jersey boutique, That Little Black Dress. She was recently the first guest on the premiere episode of the radio show “Chit-Chat with Alyssa Lego” on Hamilton Radio Channel 2, and served as a judge for the National American Miss Pageant.
Myra is dedicated to supporting meaningful and worthwhile causes. She was thrilled to be named the Honorary Model and Committee Member for Season Two of Shop. Sell. Strut!, which raised money for the autism-related efforts of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation. She has also modeled, volunteered or otherwise lent her talent to causes such as Fashion For Hope and the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey.
For more about Myra, please follow her blog, or connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @febeary.
Myra Mrowicki Named A Judge For National American Miss Pageant
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (August 10, 2018) – Fashion blogger, model, socialite, and style influencer Myra Mrowicki (www.febearyfashionista.com) has been named to the judges panel of the National American Miss (NAM) pageant (www.namiss.com). The New Jersey/New York state edition of this national pageant takes place at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick (2 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ) from August 9-13. Myra will serve as a judge for the optional contests (Talent, Photogenic, Actress, Spokesmodel, Casual Wear Modeling, and Top Model Search) for Miss New Jersey Pre-Teen, Miss New Jersey Junior Teen, and Miss New Jersey Teen.
National American Miss is a program based on the foundational principle of fostering positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within. The program is designed for today’s girl. They celebrate America’s greatness and the individuality of American girls. It is a program centered around helping young ladies grow and expand their ideas about who they are and what they want to achieve. They want every girl to realize that she truly can take hold of her dreams and make them real!
More than just a pageant, National American Miss is carefully designed to grow confidence, teach life-long skills such as interviewing, public speaking and presenting in front of an audience, all while gaining the competitive edge to succeed in whatever fields their contestants may choose in their future. They award $1.5 million in cash scholarships and prizes each year, while helping their contestants create lifelong memories and friendships while gaining the skills necessary to succeed not only in this competition, but also in life!
A long-time supporter of the New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia fashion scenes, Myra Mrowicki founded her fashion blog, Febeary Fashionista (www.febearyfashionista.com) in 2014. She uses her blog and social media platforms to support the designers, models, producers, performers and publishers in the industry who are doing amazing things in the world of fashion and style. She has been a runway model for notable designers including Robert Greco Couture, Carmen Bury, Melissa Lockwood, and Brand A. She’s also participated in a fashion shoot for the social media of her favorite Montclair, New Jersey boutique, That Little Black Dress. She was recently the first guest on the premiere episode of the radio show “Chit-Chat with Alyssa Lego” on Hamilton Radio Channel 2.
Myra is dedicated to supporting meaningful and worthwhile causes. She was thrilled to be named the Honorary Model and Committee Member for Season Two of Shop. Sell. Strut!, which raised money for the autism-related efforts of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation. She has also modeled, volunteered or otherwise lent her talent to causes such as Fashion For Hope and the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey.
For more about Myra, please follow her blog, or connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @febeary.
A few years ago, I was invited to attend the grand opening of the Latrodectus Boutique, owned by fashion designer and textile printer India Vazquez. This cool boutique, which recently reopened in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is an introduction to India’s style, but I never had the opportunity to check out her own collection until attending Atlantic City Fashion Week Season 12, on February 17, 2018 at The Showboat.
India’s amazing runway show showcased her Sarray Collection, an elegant couture line featuring wonderful colors and detailed fabrics. I really enjoyed this first look at India’s work, and loved catching up after the show. I’m happy to share some of the highlights below and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
