NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Two

The morning of Friday, February 11 I woke up to my cell alarm and jumped out of bed to get ready for day two of fashion week. The Tess Giberson presentation was at 9:30 a.m., another early show, but this time I gave myself enough time to get ready.

Texture and layering dominated the Tess Giberson’s presentation. A very wearable collection with several cozy oversized sweaters, cowl necks, and fur vests. Every look was a stylish ensemble that I found very chic and alluring.

Tess Giberson Fall 2011

After the presentation at Lincoln Center, I jumped in a cab and headed back downtown to Milk Studios for the Parsons panel discussion, “What Should We Be Doing?” with Jeff Rudes (Founder and CEO of J Brand), Tommy Hilfiger (designer), Rogan Gregory (designer), Stephanie Rosenbloom (reporter for the Style section of The New York Times), Andrew Rosen (CEO and President of Theory), and moderated by Simon Collins (Dean of Fashion Parsons The New School for Design). The discussion centered on the importance of the apparel industry using American factories, especially those in New York and Los Angeles. Manufacturing in the U.S. allows designers to be more creative and innovative if they have direct access to the factory instead of one overseas. Jeff Rudes, who manufactures denim in California for J Brand, said, “There is something to be said about touching and feeling your samples.” They also discussed how Wall Street should help finance young and emerging designers and how the fashion industry should find a way to connect with Apple or other technology companies in order to help with advancements in production. Towards the end of the panel, Jeff Rudes suggested the establishment of a group or network where young designers could have the guidance of a mentor as they enter the fashion industry.

The Parsons Panel Discussion at Milk Studios

Afterwards on the 8th floor of Milk Studios, I took in the presentation for NAHM. Designers Ally Hilfiger, daughter of Tommy Hilfiger, and Nary Manivong’s freshman collection was not what you would expect from a Hilfiger offspring. Mostly in black and terracotta, they reinvented the shirtdress with a Raven themed presentation that included uneven hemlines and modern silhouettes. The goth-like pieces didn’t strike me as uniquely inventive, but I was still intrigued by their debut collection.

Nahm Fall 2011 - Ally Hilfiger & Nary Manivong

Later that day I made my way back to Lincoln Center for the Cynthia Rowley show. Her collaboration with artist Ryan McNamara produced a show that was about the fashion factory. Before each look, a model would run past the runway entrance in her undies, playing on the idea that fashion is, in essence, a factory assembly line. The artsy collaboration also transcended into the collection with the geometric and cubist-inspired patterns. Personally, I was obsessed with the velveteen fabrics, the fur neck scarves, the calf length dresses, skirts, and pants. This collection was a favorite so far.

More after the jump...

NY Fashion Week Diary – Day One

As I opened my eyes 20 minutes before the plane landed at Newark airport, I realized that I had slept the whole red eye flight. Sweet! It was 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10 and I actually felt rested and ready to start fashion week. An hour later I softly knocked on the door of room # 708 at the Crosby Street Hotel and my sleepy eyed friend Beth answers the door. As I’m frantically getting ready for the first show, I chatted it up with my friend. She wonders why I have so much energy after the red eye and I start to wonder the same. In the back of my mind, however, I know that I will feel the effects of the long flight later in the day.

Beth and I with our Starbucks

My first show of the day was Nicholas K at Lincoln Center. The brother and sister designer team Nichole and Christopher Kunz showed a collection of grungy street wear with lots of layering, ruffles, velvet, and plaid. The 90s are back, but this time with much more style. I especially loved the dark and earthly tones and a cream asymmetrical sweater that made me want to fight the cold outside. During the show I noticed several models with plaid shirts wrapped around their waists. Oddly this revived 90s trend looked cool again.

Nicholas K Fall 2011

Next up was Porter Grey. Again, there were lots of dark and earthy tones, but the collection was much more preppy and feminine. I was dying over a little black dress, which was simple but nicely tailored with a flared skirt. 

Porter Grey Fall 2011

Inside the tents at Lincoln Center

As I wandered around the main lobby after the two shows, I found myself at the TRESemme Style Lounge. Since I had run out of the hotel room with my hair and makeup barely done, the pop up salon was just the perfect fix. After getting my hair curled by a fab stylist I didn't feel like a total bum anymore. Even with my hair done, I could have still used a make-up touch up. Oh but wait, I come across a table that was giving away free Maybelline make-up. I absolutely love fashion week!

Cupcakes!

Leaving Lincoln Center the icy wind blows harshly and my face starts to hurt. I swear it was one of coldest days I’ve ever experienced. Apparently a native Cali girl and cold weather don’t mix very well. When I get back to the hotel my friend Beth greets me with a box of cupcakes she picked up nearby. We sit on the window seal of our gorgeous room and check out the city view as we stuff our faces. As the food coma begins to settle in and I get the urge to take a nap, I know I have to make my way back uptown for more shows.

Mena Suvari & Gabriel Union at Christian Siriano

Once I arrived back at the tents, I checked out the Mara Hoffman presentation. She definitely went back to her tribal inspired roots, but this time with a bit of 70s flare. The colorful maxi dresses and oversized sweaters were my favorites from the collection. Later that evening and a few blocks past the Lincoln Center, I attended the Eva Minge show at Good Units at the Hudson. Kelly Rowland sneaked in minutes before the show started and sat front row, of course. The whole collection was mostly black with hints of red and a few bronzes pieces here and there. The gorgeous black lace dresses with bronze lining underneath really stood out to me. Then, bearing the cold again, I made my way back to the tents for Christian Siriano. It was a mix of classic wearable pieces and overstated gowns. The last look of the night was a beautiful mauve silk organza ruffled gown skirt; quite a dramatic way to end the show. Afterwards, everyone swarmed Mena Suvari and Gabriel Union, who were sitting front row at the show.

I finally did crash at the end of the day so I decided to turn in early and order room service. If only I could have ordered a massage as well.

Related Articles:

NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Two
NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Three
NY Fashion Week Diary - Final Day  

More photos after the jump...