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On The Scene: Albright College Spring 2024 NYFW Show

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

On September 9th, 2023, Albright College triumphantly returned to the runway. After two years of unprecedented success, Albright College, renowned for its nationally ranked fashion design, merchandising, and costume design program, showcased the talents of five graduates and one current senior on the grand stage of NYFW.

The show started with Freddy Diaz’s collection, a fusion of floral elegance and playful polka dots that exuded charm. Inspired by his Dominican Republic heritage and New York City, Diaz’s designs featured various captivating pieces, including floral pleat neck tank tops, terra cotta pleated wide-leg trousers, and a timeless terra cotta wrap halter maxi dress.

Susie Benitez, known as “Susie Buttons,” followed with a collection that seamlessly blended contemporary elegance with timeless charm. Her vibrant pieces, such as a yellow jacquard floral blouse with a dirndl skirt and a striking blue floral jacquard camisole top with feather-trimmed cigarette pants, left the audience in awe.

Jasmin Burton, a Philadelphia native, radiated effortless style and creativity with versatile pieces, including a retro cut one-piece swimsuit layered under a lavender chiffon, ruffle-tiered negligée cover-up.

A returning designer, Nicholas Kedge, showcased an avant-garde collection of short dresses with cut-out details and unique pom-pom ornamentation, merging traditional patternmaking with hand-draped elements.

Queens native Victoria Aquino presented grace and creativity with unique touches like a high-collar trumpet-sleeve white lace wedding dress, radiating ethereal beauty.

Senior Zyaire Valentine closed the show with bold textures and styles, featuring standout pieces like a yellow skirted ball gown with a black hologram tuxedo overcoat and a black hologram plaid taffeta coat paired with a hot pink taffeta asymmetrical ballgown, showcasing Valentine’s bold approach to design.

This spectacular event underscored Albright College’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of fashion creativity. NYFW attendees were treated to a mesmerizing showcase of diverse perspectives, innovative designs, and groundbreaking concepts, solidifying Albright College’s pivotal role in shaping the fashion industry’s future.

President Jacquelyn Fetrow expressed, “At Albright College, we aim to harness the transformative power of education to unlock our students’ potential. Through initiatives like our NYFW fashion show, we empower our students and graduates to become innovative leaders in the industry.” Albright College’s presence at NYFW continues to cement its position as a fashion education powerhouse, where students are encouraged to explore their creative potential fully.

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NYFW Designer Ashlyn So Advocates for Mental Health in Her SS24 Collection

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

In a city known for its avant-garde fashion and creative expression, 15-year-old fashion designer and accidental activist, Ashlyn So, took center stage once again, capturing the hearts of New York’s fashion elite. Her latest showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) defied convention and expectations, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Ashlyn So’s journey into the world of fashion and activism is nothing short of remarkable. As one of the youngest fashion designers ever to grace the NYFW stage, she brought a unique perspective to the runway. Her SS24 collection, titled ‘Unseen,’ was a testament to her personal mental health healing journey and a call to break the silence on mental health stigma within the Asian community. A sensory experience against the backdrop of a live cellist, Ashlyn So’s collection told a powerful story. “Let’s create a world where no one feels invisible… I want to encourage everyone to break the silence on mental health stigma within the Asian community. Many of us go unnoticed and unheard, but together, we can change that narrative,” – Ashlyn So

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Models walk the runway during NYFW: The Shows Ashlyn So SS24 Collection - Front Row on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: <> on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: <> on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

The show began with an ethereal display of sheer garments, creating an illusion of disappearance into the surrounding environment. Suuvi played the cello, with music by Paul Leonard-Morgan, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Pedro Osuna added an extra layer of drama and depth to the show. The garments symbolized feelings of loss and isolation, a sentiment that Ashlyn had experienced personally. However, as the show progressed, the garments grew stronger, bolder, and more resilient, mirroring the designer’s own journey to rise above her darkness. What set this collection apart was the fusion of formal pieces with sneakers, giving each outfit a youthful and fresh feel. For the final piece, the model wore a giant puffer vest that symbolized a phoenix rising above the ashes of its former self. The crowd took it all in processing the moment as it unfolded.

In the world of fashion, Ashlyn So is a reminder that clothing can be more than just fabric and thread; it can be a canvas for emotions, a vessel for creativity, and a vehicle for change. Her clothing, like her words, embodied a duality – a blend of joy and sharpness, much like the chrome and glossy textures that graced her collection.

Notable runway guests included Jarry Lee and Skyelar Chase.                                                                                                                              Notable attendees included Paige Taylor, Asia Monet, Laya de Leon Hayes.                                                                                    Sponsors included Nike, Blume, New York Makeup Academy, and UNITE.

 

You can find more of Ashlyn’s   work on her website at ashlynso.com

 

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EventsFashion & Beauty

On The Scene: Core Hydration VIP Self-Care Studio

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is known for its high-energy runway shows, dazzling fashion, and non-stop excitement. Amid the hustle and bustle of this fashion extravaganza, Core Hydration has introduced a refreshing oasis of relaxation and self-care: the Core Hydration VIP Self-Care Studio.

Located at 89 Crosby Street, this pop-up experience offers attendees a unique opportunity to escape the NYFW frenzy and focus on their well-being. To access this exclusive space, attendees must seek out the secret refrigerator door at the back of the pop-up, leading to the “Backstage” experience.

Inside, you’ll discover a haven of self-care amenities designed to help you recharge. The Core Hydration VIP Self Care Studio boasts a snack bar for a quick energy boost, a hair bar courtesy of Unite Haircare to ensure you look your best, gift bags to take home a piece of NYFW magic, free WiFi to stay connected, phone charging stations to keep your devices powered, and, of course, Core Hydration water to keep you refreshed.

Open during NYFW’s hours of operation, the studio invites you to experience “Runway to Wellness.” The front-of-house experience immerses you in the excitement of NYFW, allowing you to walk the runway with fashion designer Christian Cowan and commit to your wellness journey with a larger-than-life affirmation wall.

In a world where fashion and wellness intersect, Core Hydration’s VIP Self-Care Studio is a testament to the importance of taking time for yourself, even during the busiest events. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or an industry insider, take the chance to experience the perfect blend of style and self-care at NYFW’s Core Hydration VIP Self-Care Studio.

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Fashion & Beauty

On The Scene: Gita Omri’s “Marriage is Wonderland” Spring 2024 NYFW Show

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

New York Fashion Week, a hub of creativity and innovation, witnessed a breathtaking spectacle on September 8, 2023, as Gita Omri unveiled her highly anticipated fashion show, “Marriage is Wonderland.” This captivating presentation delved deep into the complexities of relationships, weaving together elements of 70s disco glam and 80s pop, trompe l’oeil detailing, and an array of design elements that left the audience spellbound.

Omri’s collection was a mesmerizing journey through the intricacies of love, expressed through a diverse range of fashion statements. The color palette, featuring sultry navy, enigmatic black, sophisticated grey, and a spectrum of pinks, added depth and emotion to each ensemble, portraying the multifaceted nature of love.

What set “Marriage is Wonderland” apart was its dedication to inclusivity. Omri’s designs celebrated beauty in all forms, emphasizing that her creations were made to be embraced by people of all sizes. This commitment underscored her mission to ensure everyone could find a piece that resonated with their style.

The collection was an artistic display and a reflection of the intricate tapestry of human emotions and relationships that define our lives. It celebrated the beauty of imperfection, the dance of contrasts, and the wonder of love in all its forms.

Gita Omri herself explained, “With this collection, I wanted to explore these concepts through using the grey and rose color stories as the visual representations of the complexities of being in a long-term relationship. Just like in Wonderland, you never know what or who is going to come around the next bend. All you can expect is whatever will come your way will be wonderful in its own way and as long as you travel together, you will always be home.”

This collection left an indelible mark on attendees, showcasing Omri’s ability to merge nostalgia with contemporary style and evoke powerful emotions through fashion. The event was graced by celebrities such as Carmit Bachar, a former member of The Pussycat Dolls, who walked the runway. The presence of industry insiders, fashion enthusiasts, and luminaries like Crystal Waters, Reyna Roberts, and Jules Wainstein added to the show’s grandeur.

The “Marriage is Wonderland” fashion show was held at Wonderland Dreams, an immersive exhibit by artist Alexa Meade, which breathed life into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This fusion of Omri’s enchanting collection with the surreal backdrop of Wonderland Dreams created a magical atmosphere where love and creativity intertwined.

As the fashion world eagerly awaits Gita Omri’s next masterpiece, it’s clear that she will continue to push boundaries and redefine the art of fashion, leaving us all enchanted by her unique vision of love and style.

 

Photography Credit: Daniele Schiavello and Paolo Lanzi for Go Runway

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