New York Fashion Week Fall 2010 - Academy of Art

New York Fashion Week is upon us again at Bryant Park. It's with bittersweet emotions that the last season of New York Fashion Week began at the legendary Bryant Park on February 11. The next NY Fashion Week will be moved to Lincoln Center.

I was lucky enough to go to the shows on both Friday and Saturday, courtesy of my fashionable friend Miko Laube. I covered 7 shows in 2 days, quite a feat, I must say. My favorite so far was the Academy of Art University show. The creativity was overflowing and the energy contagious. It was also my first time backstage. It was such a rush to see the prep work and the models in real life. The show debuts the collections of some of the university's graduates. I love especially three designers: Marina Solomatnikova, for her creatively constructed suede pieces; Hyo Sun (Nicky) An, for her beautiful drapey and stringy jersey jacket and tunic and Steven Oo, for his cozy and fashion-forward, but completely wearable chunky knitwear.

A composite of model looks.

Marina Solomatnikova

Steven Oo

The designer himself, giving an interview.

The most amazing cropped chunky knit cardigan.

Back of the cardigan.

Hyo Sun (Nicky) An

The designer giving an interview.

Beautifully draped jersey tunic.

The gorgeous drapey jersey jacket that I covet the most in the entire show.

Models backstage.

Grand finale.

Vintage Galore

The Manhattan Vintage Show happens three times a year. There's so much vintage it can be quite overwhelming. There's no dearth of vintage from every decade. The prices err on the expensive side...but I know, I'm spoiled by the great selection at Shareen Vintage, where the pieces are amazing and almost everything is under $100. I scoured the different vintage shops and took photos of some of my favorites. I ended up getting a Chloé faux fur jacket, which was supposed to be designed by Stella McCartney when she was still designing for Chloé. The other item I bought was a fur collar that looks pretty luxe.

My score at the Manhattan Vintage Show!

The fur collar strapped onto a leather jacket that I already own.

Amazing Victorian lace piece that can be worn over a tank top or dress. I pondered a long time whether to get this. It was a little expensive. Maybe it'll still be there when the next show comes around in April!

Amazing peach and lace dressing gown.

An unusual silk and lace gown with nude chiffon on top.

Belts, belts and more belts!

One of the stores at the Manhattan Vintage Show.

More stores!

Fur collar + bottom on a coat = my kind of coat

A flapper style green beaded dress. I love this green!

Sweet pink vintage dress. Looks like something you can find in a Jill Stuart store.

Pretty green dress. I tried it on. Too small on me. You really have to have a tiny waist to wear a lot of the vintage pieces!

My FIT project - Urban Fairies

I have no idea where I've placed the charger for my camera and so I couldn't take any photos since my last posting. Not sure anymore if I'll post anything regularly. I'll probably post something for Fashion Week in February. Otherwise, I was finally able to do a test shoot, the results of which will be presented at my FIT class next week. For once I was not styling myself, which I prefer. The results of this shoot are beautiful. Of course I couldn't have pulled it off without my expert make up artist and hair stylist, Mary Duffoo, amazing models and muse, Melissa and Nicole Hidalgo, and the talented Evan Brockett, the photographer. The shoot took place at Central Park. It was a lot of fun and the weather cooperated. I'm happy with the overall results. Click on the photos to see larger images. Enjoy!