Written by Elizabeth McLaughlin, Selima Smith-Dell & Hayley Darcy
NYFW in September is always a blast. I go to way more events and can enjoy the Chelsea Piers rooftop bar. This fashion week in particular was one of my favorites thus far. I attended the Rihanna Fenty Beauty After Party with my model friend Paige Munroe. I also attended a huge fashion show, Alexander Wang! It was featured on the streets of New York and had a bus load of top celebrity models including Kendall Jenner, Candice Swanepoel, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid. Between bouncing to different shows and after parties, I also found the time to attend Refinery 29's 29 Rooms Exhibit. If you haven't been it is an interactive fun house in Brooklyn. I got invited to so many events that I had to split it up between myself and my two fashion writers Selima Smith-Dell & Haley Darcy. Scroll down to check out our reviews from the best shows at NYFW SS18.
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   Fashion Writer Selima Smith-Dell      Fashion Writer Hayley Darcy   |    Fashion Writer Selima Smith-Dell    Fashion Writer Selima Smith-Dell  Fashion Writer Hayley Darcy   |
W E D N E S D A Y
Greta Constantine
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By Selima Smith-Dell
I like to refer to Greta Constantine's SS18 Collection as a disco ball dance party for your eyes. This presentation was a magnificent line full of sparkle and shine.The collection consisted of a wonderful variety of silk tulle skirts, sequined tuxedo pants, and metallic jumpsuits. As I sauntered around the room viewing the collection I couldn’t help but imagine the pieces being worn by the likes of Grace Jones, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, or the late, great David Bowie. This was an unforgettable collection and a wonderful opener to all that New York Fashion Week has to offer.
T H U R S D A Y
Supima Design Competition
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This spectacular collection was designed by RISD student Abigail Griswold. The silhouettes were sophisticated with selective seams and color blocking to accentuate the female figure. My favorite piece was the long sleeve white and black floor length dress. The sleeve even features glove like details around the hands. Abigail also features other designs that are more deconstructed and loose fitted with a fun zipper and off the shoulder styling for a more street look. I enjoyed this contrast during her runway show. All outfits were made from Supima sourced cotton. Photos by JP Yim/Getty Images for Supima Design Competition.
F R I D A Y
Manaola Hawaii
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Manaola Hawaii is a swim and resort wear brand by designer Manaola Yap. Manaola uses Hawaiian influences throughout his collections. I love the ethnic patterns and cuts in the bikinis. My favorite piece is the one shoulder gold and black dress. Before the runway show was an ethnic dance. It was quite the show. Their swag bag was also filled with cool scarfs and candles.
Vaishali S
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The contemporary fashion line Vaishali S combines Indian heritage with modern style. The mission is to bring traditional hand woven textiles to the mainstream fashion market. This collection features luxurious sheen fabrics with woven accents. This collection also features modern touches of asymmetrical draping and seams placed in interesting spots. My favorite piece from the collection is the black and tan asymmetrical dress featuring one long, draped sleeve.
Chromat
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I always look forward to seeing the Chromat show during NYFW. Becca's designs cater to all sizes and it is even shown on the runway. Her designs are described as body-positive and accepting. The name of this athletic swimwear collection is Serenity. Becca felt very strongly about this collection which is shown in this description... "To feel grounded. To practice self-care and collective care of our community. We looked at zen gardens, salt baths and healing crystals. As the grounding rocks have gone deeper underground, our energy has begun to heat up and become liquefied, molten. We feel a volcanic energy right now; things are about to burst, but new land is forming. It’s a chaotic, exciting time". I love the interesting cuts that she puts into her designs. My favorite piece from the collection is red bathing suit accented in the black strapped coverup. This piece also featured a cascading sheer train.
Michael Costello
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By Selima Smith-Dell
Walking through the Robert Miller gallery door into the Michael Costello presentation was like walking through the wardrobe door that leads to Narnia. I was taken from the dirty, bustling New York streets into a far away magical land of mystical princesses adorned in breathtaking, delicate organza. The gallery was buzzing with beautiful, well dressed models, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts, yet I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the stunning gowns scattered throughout every nook and cranny of the space. This collection was by far my favorite. It was full of soft, pale colors that had a very whimsical and light air to them. The gowns seemed to float through the space like the leaves float through the air on a crisp fall morning.
S A T U R D A Y
Mac Duggal
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Mac Duggal is known for his extravagent dresses. The runway show was huge and featured an array of evening wear. My favorite piece from his large collection was the floor length sequin and beaded dress. It was absolutely stunning and completely my style. Celebrities in attendance included Carmen Carrara, Asian Doll and Sonja Kovac.
S U N D A Y
Francesca Liberatore
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I loved Francesca LIberatore's SS18 collection. The theme was very "little house on the prairie" with a contemporary twist. I was so excited to sit front row to this show. I was interviewed by FNL. The lace detail on the pieces was the perfect touch for these feminine looks. My favorite piece from the collection was the remand blue pattern dress.
Vivienne Hu
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Vivienne Hu is definitely a designer that I could see myself wearing the runway pieces and I do hope to own some soon. The color scheme was very neutral, black, white and light grays. Hu's SS18 collection was showcased at Skylight Clarkson Square. My overall favorite design from the entire fashion week was the high slit black dress featuring sheer accents. My second favorite piece was the airy, light gray dress featuring fun cuts on the neckline. Whoopie Goldberg was one of the celebrities in attendance.
Jarel Zhang
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The Jarel Zhang was such a fun collection that took every detail into account. The runway was even decorated in street signs! It was definitely interesting seeing these deconstructed and edgy streetwear pieces. The looks that featured opaque boots were accented in wild socks. My favorite piece was the blue layered coat. This SS18 collection was quite the wild card!
M O N D A Y
John Paul Ataker
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I think my overall favorite collection this year was John Paul Ataker. If you know me you'll know my style is sometimes channeling an ancient goddess. This collection was completely that vibe. The SS18 collection featured accents of gold rope and airy white pieces. Top models including Karlie Kloss and Taylor Hill wore Ataker's designs. My favorite piece was the weaved tight dress accented in fringe.
Katty Xiomara
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Katty always designs classy dresses. This collection had a range of different styles from sporty perforated accents to classy cascading ruffles. I have to say the perforated white dress was my favorite piece from the collection. It had an edgy but elegant vibe while it glided down the runway.
Mimi Prober
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By Hayley Darcy
The Mimi Prober collection was full of intricate handmade lace, and unique textiles. The clothing had an airy feel to them. I loved the way each piece glided down the runway. Mimi Prober's collection beautifully displayed the old with the new without drowning out the captivating craftsman ship from the 18th-20th century. Mimi Prober SS18 photographed by Randy Brooke.
T U E S D A Y
Miguel Vieira
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Miguel Vieira's New York Fashion Week collections never disappoint. This season he stuck to his color palette of the classy and timeless colors black, white, and grey. Each piece displayed a noteworthy level of beautiful embroidery with unique cuts and designs. There was plenty of leather which I am always a huge fan of. The models were diverse and stunning. And of course, I couldn't help but notice the fashion icons Ms. Jay and Nigel Barker in the audience. This show had it all.
Thanks so much for reading my SS18 recap! Until next year.
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