EDGII Fall/Winter 2019 Collection “Girl Power” at New York Fashion Week

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.

Robert Greco Collection at Small Boutique Fashion Week Season 13

It’s no secret that Robert Greco is one of my favorite designers. I was super fortunate that he was the top name at the first “fashion week” I ever attended. At the time, it was wild just to be able to talk with a real fashion designer and see their work up close and personal. He was incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome in the fashion world. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t had such a positive experience at that first runway show.

I began to visit Robert at his wonderful Montclair boutique (which has now partnered with That Little Black Dress), and am proud to now call this brilliant designer a good friend. I’ve worn his styles on and off the runway, and it’s still a thrill to see his collections when they are showcased. He is a regular at Small Boutique Fashion Week, and his latest collection, which includes pieces from designer Carmen Bury, was part of Season 13, held at Studio 450 (450 West 31st Street) on Sunday, February 11.

There are several qualities that mark Robert’s work, such as the use of vintage and reclaimed fabrics, the sculptural quality of many of his pieces, as well as his ability to combine the classic with the wholly original. As you’ll see from the photos below, there are diverse styles that manage to still work well together.

I absolutely love this full-length coat. I’ve seen it on a mannequin in his studio, where you can really admire the fine details.

This is Robert Greco’s most popular and well-known piece. The silhouette is so distinctly his.

I’ve heard so many stories about how Robert helps models, other designers, and anyone else in the business who wants to learn and become part of this crazy industry. This blog probably wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t met him. Definitely check out one of his shows when you can, especially if he returns to Small Boutique Fashion Week next season.

www.smallboutiquefw.com

Small Boutique Fashion Week New York City Season 13

I had so much fun returning to Small Boutique Fashion Week in New York City on Sunday, February 11. Billed as Fashion’s Top Event for Indie Brands, Season 13 of SBFW took place at Studio 450 (450 West 31st Street). This season’s event had a full schedule of three shows that drew packed crowds to the spacious 12th floor event space. We attended the 8pm show that headlined the event.

I hadn’t been able to attend many shows last season, so it was such fun to catch up with members of my fashion family before the show. It’s thrilling when interesting and creative people get together to share their love of fashion.

Seen in the crowd: “Fashion Avenue News” publisher Sofia Davis, one of the few people on the scene who can out-bling me. Lord Logan creative director Logan Hendricks and her husband Quincy with their new baby! Design prodigy Egypt Ufele and her amazing mommager Reba Renee Perry-Ufele, who had us rolling with stories of filming their successful commercial for Ford. Super diva and fashion coordinator Andrene Ladydoves Williams. Mwah! Pop singer Aaron Paul, who was a great host for the evening, and told us about his soon-to-be-released book and CD. Author and host Delvon Johnson, with copies of his new book “Mirror, Mirror”. Super publicist and host Yvonne Forbes, who always produces wonderful events. Legendary model and fashion curator Catherine Schuller, who ended the show dancing down the runway for the photographers. So wonderful to see them all having a perfectly fashionable evening in SoHo.

The designers who showcased their collections included: Preston Walker, Joy Echo, Vinyett Clothing, Doein, Planet Zero MotorSports, Perfect Population, Afrika Umuri, Meredith Gill, Studio by Alexandria, Omari’s Closet, Crystal Robinson, Lord Logan, and Robert Greco. I’m going to feature collections from some of my favorite designers in future blogs, but here is a taste of some runway highlights. On with the show!

Watch for upcoming Small Boutique Fashion Week shows in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, New York City, and Philadelphia throughout 2018.

www.smallboutiquefw.com

Samuel Wong Asian-Inspired Collection at SMGlobal Catwalk NYFW

One of the shows I was looking most forward to this season at New York Fashion Week was Season Three of SMGlobal Catwalk, especially the return of one of my favorite designers, Samuel Wong. Held in midtown Manhattan on February 11, the show, produced by the amazing Samina Mughal, did not disappoint, and neither did Samuel’s new collection.

In the spring, he left the room breathless, so I was highly anticipating his new Asian-inspired collection. The incredible quality of his craftsmanship, the elegance of his designs and the sheer beauty of his creations left an indelible mark on the evening.

I talked with Samuel after he returned to Dallas after the show and asked about the inspiration for this collection.

“My roots are Hispanic and Asian, and, of course, I have a lot of influence from Orient. I love the mystery, the handwork from Chinese culture. I think it’s so elegant, and chic, and my designs always are inspired by these details. At the same time, I love to catch the people’s attention, make them feel like they are in another world. I don’t like to be just ‘another designer doing clothes.'”

Part of what I love about all of his work is the amazing selection of fabrics, the patterns and textures, he chooses for his clothes. The colors in this collection are no exception.

“Red, gold, and black are basic colors in Asian culture,” Samuel explained. “And I really love brocade fabrics. They were so heavy and a little difficult to work with, but the results are beautiful. It was exactly what I was looking for.”

The results are a tribute to your roots and truly transported me to another time and place. This is another triumph and I am excited to see where he goes next!

Samuel Wong Collection at SMGlobal Catwalk New York Fashion Week

I love runway shows for different reasons. Some designers have amazing skills in what they can create. Others have amazing uses of color or fabrics. Other shows are an stunning sensory experience, the music, lights and costumes creating a movie on the runway. But the greatest surprise for me from this year’s New York Fashion Week was my first look at the work of designer Samuel Wong. It made me cry.

I’m not even sure why. It was just so beautiful and unique and wonderful that I was emotional as I watched the models in these beautiful clothes as part of SMGlobal Catwalk’s Season 2 (held on September 10, 2016 in Midtown). When hostess Nicole Coley Cole (who’s amazing!) interviewed Wong after the show, he said that he’s been creating for over 20 years. To see such an amazing designer at the height of his abilities, and still working to get even better, is a thrill and I so hope that he’ll return next year. These photos are only a taste of the magic of this event that those who were in the room will never forget.

Thank you to the wonderful Samina Mughal for making it happen! Don’t miss SMGlobal Catwalk Season 3, coming in February 2017, and grab any chance you can to experience Samuel Wong’s collection around the country.

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Model: Margosha Kr.

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Model: Savannah Rae Collins.

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One of my favorite models, the beautiful Dira Ve.

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Model: Midori Amae.

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The show’s signature piece was just stunning. Model: Justyna Olivia Ruszczyk.

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This bridal piece earned a standing ovation from the crowd. Nicole Cole said that she wanted to get married just so she could wear this dress. Me too!

Model: Layne Lampley.

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Thank you, Samuel Wong. See you next year!

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Art Hearts Fashion Presents Designer Lainy Gold

On February 16, 2016, Art Hearts Fashion #ArtHeartsFashion presented a fantastic FW16 Women’s Runway show as part of New York Fashion Week #NYFW at the amazing Angel Orensanz Foundation Event Space in New York City. In the beautiful setting of a stunning converted church, the runway hosted collections by Merline Labissiere, Lainy Gold and Stello Official. Congrats to everyone involved and the Art Heart Fashion team for putting on such a memorable event!

I was thrilled to receive a last-minute invite from my good friend Jill Leap, whose superstar daughter, Sophia, was modeling for Lainy Gold. What a night of fun surprises, highlighted by Lainy’s collection. Lainy Gold may be best known for her fun and colorful swimwear, but this collection focused on fantasy and medieval-inspired designs for eveningwear or making a grand entrance at your next party. There were innovative uses of color and fabrics that brought storybooks into a modern setting.

Here are some of my favorite shots from the show. Follow Lainy Gold Designs on Instagram (instagram.com/lainygolddesigns) and on her website www.lainygolddesigns.com.

Model: Sarah Ferguson

Model: Sophia Leap

Lainy Gold closes the show with her signature pieces. Models: Sophia Leap and Sarah Ferguson.