As August melts into September, another NYFW has come and gone. And don’t ask me where the time went, because I don’t know.
It’s that time of the year again: New York Fashion Week is here. Agentry PR kicked off the week with the New York Men’s Day (NYMD) Showcase, presented by Hilldun. The bi-annual fashion collective initiative is intended to nurture emerging talents in the fashion world. The showcase consisted of four designers: The Salting, Tarpley, Bulan, and the debut designer Pas Une Marque. Attendees could sip Topo Chicos while strolling through Location05 exploring the various designers of the evening.
The Salting, true to its name, presented a very nautical inspired collection. The creative directors, Michael Ward and Manel Garcia Espejo, served pinstripe blazers accented with brown rope tied in complicated sailor knots. Their silhouettes redefine the traditional male workwear to create raw, unisex looks. The showcase was accompanied by the iconic Stretch Armstrong spinning some sweet vinyl.
Designer Tarpley Brooks Jones, of Tarpley, displayed his newest collection: “Anon-Maybe You See Me, Maybe You Don’t.” The minimalist futuristic looks act as a critique of the dynamics of visibility and invisibility in the digital age. Models were adorned with massive, speed racer sunglasses and boxy silhouettes that obscured their faces and bodies.
Bulan showcased their fall 2024 collection: “Garbage Collector.” Designed and directed by Beam Ratchapol Ngaongam, the collection explores the life and relationship of Ngaongam’s mother who was a garbage collector growing up in Thailand. The collection consists of whimsical, colorful knit pieces draped over the models as they stand on cardboard boxes and empty soda cans.
The French luxury brand Pas Une Marque, in partnership with Johnson Tsang, presented their new collection, “Seams of Dissent.” The playful designs challenge societal norms while simultaneously balancing art and elegance. This unique blend could easily be seen on the streets of New York.
Prior to the screening, Stewart, Ogwumike, Jones, and Buccilla participated in a fireside chat about the film moderated by ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt.
Credit: WNBPA/Chris Samson
“Everyone in the sports world, wake up! The women of the W: they have been here, they are here, and they are not going away,” Executive Producer Terri Carmichael Jackon says directly into the camera. Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story newest documentary on Tubi directed by up-and-comer Andrea Buccilla and produced by Malka Media Group LLC, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and PUMA. Additional support was provided by Crown Royal Regal Apple. The film explores the busy, personal lives of basketball superstars Nneka Ogwumike (president of the WNPA), Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart, and WNBA legend, Sheryl Swoopes. Shattered also follows Ogwumike and Jackson as the Players Association tries to negotiate fairer contracts for the female athletes. The film advocates for betting on women, from the stars of the WNBA to the all-women development, production, and direction team.
Jones, Buccilla, Stewart, Jackon, and Ogwumike pose on the purple carpet.
Credit: WNBPA/Chris Samson
On the purple carpet, the MVPs shared what it was like filming the documentary. The most difficult parts were working around the players busy schedules, and allowing the camera crew into their personal lives. At times uncomfortable, Ogwumike shared that women athletes “superpower” is their ability to open up and show the fans their personal lives. Buccilla also mentioned the importance of maintaining the same camera crew when filming in the players homes, to make people like Stewart’s young daughter Ruby the most comfortable as possible. When asked about the importance of telling the WNBPA story now, Jones felt it was time to raise awareness of the lack of support for the WNBA and how the Players Association is working to change that.
Nina Divina hosting Muse Monday
Credit: Caroline King
Looking to beat the Monday blues? Look no further than Muse Mondays at Stonewall. Presented by the personable Nina Divina, the stage comes alive with an array of electrifying performances from New York’s finest burlesque dancers. The night kicked off with Majesty Jekyll crawling onto the stage in a beige jumpsuit and American flag mask. The performance ended with Jekyll twirling through the audience in a rainbow tutu and scarf. Who knew political commentary could be so sexy? Next, Vivi Bruneau delivered prom queen realness. Bruneau innocently batted her eyelashes while twerking; it’s called balance. Mizzadyy followed with one of the most energetic performances I’ve ever witnessed. They high-kicked and side-split their way into the audience’s heart. Anne Hinged was sultry yet daring as their number was inspired by a “dark feminine desire.” Their winged eyeliner could have slashed me and I would say thank you. I would be remitted to not mentioning gogo kitten Chyna Krebs and gogo door girl DiDi Opulence, the show would crumble without their lap dancing skills.
Majesty Jekyll crawls onto stage Credit: Caroline King
Majesty Jekyll reveals a rainbow outfit Credit: Caroline King
Vivi Bruneau teasing the audience Credit: Caroline King
Mizzadyy throwing their skirt to the audience Credit: Caroline King
Anne Hinged biting their glove off Credit: Caroline King
Finally, Nina Divina took the stage for a rockstar-esque performance, hair flips and leather thigh-highs included. What’s so delightful about Divina is her ability to embody various roles. She can be your friendly mc that encourages audience members to participate, and she can serve pure sex appeal while upside down on a chair. The night ended with a dance party to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” From its origins to the variety of performers, Muse Mondays is defined by its colorful community and friendly connections. Look out for Nina Divina’s Birthday Bash on July 17th at Stonewall, I expect nothing short of show-stopping queerness.
This past weekend Wellth Collective and Lifeway hosted a rejuvenating morning focused on wellness at the Refinery Hotel in midtown. The morning kicked off with a yoga class by Y7 Studio, known for its WeFlowHard Vinyasa classes. The instructor, Marissa, expertly guided the class through three sweat-inducing vinyasa flows. The 45-minute practice included balancing work, core-burning moves, and a soothing savasana to conclude.
I found myself the other day at Foxtail, as the talented burlesque dancer Velvatina Taylor sat on my lap and belted out “Dream A Little Dream of Me.”
Elephants don’t get cancer. Co-Founder and CEO of PEEL Therapeutics, Josh Schiffman informed the gala attendees of this as he accepted his Wings of Hope award.
In the age of streaming, I forgot what it was like to watch a movie in a sold-out theatre. That was until I found myself sitting next to actor Christopher Abbott while watching actress Margaret Qualley hold a knife to his neck on screen. Qualley was sitting behind us with her fiancé Jack Antonoff.
Habstrakt, or Adam, is a French-born LA-based “dj music producer or something” as he describes himself on his Twitter. Currently, he is on the second leg of his U.S. tour for his new album Heritage. The album is a blade-running, synth-driven musical journey with a blend of hard EDM and slower ambient tracks.
Applause fill the Django as Alex Borstein, the Emmy-winning star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Family Guy, steps onto the stage with a cheeky smile shouting “Yes! Look at me! Look at me!” Corsets and Clown Suits is Borestin’s newest hysterical brain child airing on Amazon Prime on April 18th. To celebrate its upcoming release, Borstein along with Eric Mills and Salva Rey put on a sidesplitting 30-minute set at the infamous jazz club.
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