Bethann Hardison and FrΓ©dΓ©ric Tcheng co-directed the film Invisible Beauty, which will be released in theaters on September 15th.Β
Fashion
New York Fashion Week is back and active, as everyone gathered near and far to be apart of the many shows, press events and after parties. Itβs a full week affair and on Saturday September 9th I had the pleasure of attending Leonardo 5th Avenues NYFW Runway show located at the infamous Spring Studios.Β
New York City on a rainy September evening, anticipation and excitement filled the air. I had the privilege of attending a highly anticipated fashion show at Spring Studios, a venue renowned for hosting some of the most prestigious events in the fashion industry. Leonardo 5th Avenue promised to be an unforgettable experience, and I was eager to immerse myself in their collection.Β Designers, Leonardo and Ana Sofia, debuted their RTW Spring/Summer 2024 collection on the runway with the rainy day, but the show must go on. Leonardoβs show was filled with so many unique attendees dressed to impress. Β As the doors to the hall opened, I made my way to the front row, where the runway extended like a glistening pathway. The stage was bathed in bright lighting, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The pristine white catwalk seemed to stretch into infinity, a canvas awaiting the artistry of the designers.
The show commenced with a breathtaking display of creativity and innovation. The designer’s collection was a unique expression of their artistic vision, and I was captivated by the diversity of styles on display. From sleek and minimalistic ensembles to bold, avant-garde creations, every piece pushed the boundaries of fashion. The destructed tailored suits, paired with the models dark grungy black Smokey eye makeup, was the perfect combination of elegance and grunge.Β The models, with their impeccable poise and grace, glided down the runway at first in pairs of two. They walked with a vampire blank expression, sharp movements and confidence that brought the garments to life. The music pulsated in harmony with the designs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the spectacle. This is my first viewing of the brands clothing and I was blown away. The innovation of turning unisex suits into rockstar styled outfits is amazing. The collection was a mix of high fashion quality with street style inspiration. One model had a suit with a studded choker, long cape attached to the romper style suit and chunky leather high heel boots. This was a moment everyoneβs jaw dropped in awe of this silhouette.
What I found equally fascinating was the backstage chaos that contrasted with the elegance on the runway. Hair and makeup artists worked tirelessly to ensure each model’s look was impeccable. Designers and their teams hurriedly made last-minute adjustments to the outfits, and the energy backstage was electric. As a fellow model, I saw a few familiar faces that are good friends of mine and other fabulous models Iβve shared a runway with. Itβs always a proud moment to see models flourish and grow while being chosen to walk show to show throughout the chaos of fashion week.
The final walk, where all the models appeared together, was a spectacular. The audience erupted in applause, acknowledging the immense talent and hard work of the designers, models, and everyone involved in making the event a reality. Leonardo and Ana Sofia graced the runway with their presence and walked amongst a roaring applause in support and congratulations to their showcased collection. They took pictures, press gathered for interviews and others hurried to the next show.
Congratulations to Leonardo 5th Avenue. I am now aware of this brand and will be on the lookout for what is to come of their next collections and even interests in pulling one of their fabulous evening wear pieces. For more information about Leonardo 5th Avenue, check out their instagram and vogue runway pictures online.
NYFW: Cucculelli Shaheen Collection Sixteen is Romantic and Decadent
Cucculelli Shaheen presents an ode to New Yorkβs rich history at NYFW.
NYFW: Christian Cowan and Core Hydration Collaborate for Sustainable Fashion + PFW Update
Christian Cowanβs SS24 collection puts sustainability at the forefront of fashion
India-based clothing brand KGL showcases its new spring/summer 2024 collection, challenging the line between the tangible and intangible.
The Parsons MFA fashion show, βWe Dem Kids,β celebrated art and time in almost all its forms at the historical Brooklyn Museum during NYFW on Sept. 11.
Before deep diving into an exploration of three chapters: βHeritage,β β2113,β and βGenerational,β Sean Slaughter set the show off with a spoken word poem that set the tone for the journey ahead.
Designers Anna Roth, Chang Liu, Fabiola Soavelo, Hsiao-Han Kuo, Mel Corchando, Nan Jiang, Natsumi Aoki, Lorena Pipenco, Ren Haixi, Story, Siri, Sunny Ning, Yamil Arbaje, Ying Kong and Yu Gong got to show off their skills during βHeritageβ portion of the show which featured pieces that required the designers to use various crafts, techniques, and traditions forΒ completion.
From appreciating the past, straight to the future; 2113 showcased each designers visions for the year. A chapter dedicated to being experimental, the pieces spanned from whimsical to structured and 3D until the transition to βGenerationalβ where the garments seemed to band together.
Throughly depicting interconnectivity through the mixture of different trends, shapes and textures; the βGenerationalβ chapter was the cherry on top of such a refreshing show where very little was conventional.
NYFW The Talks Presents Black Excellence in Fashion: Championing Representation and Entrepreneurship
On Sept. 10 Token Black Girl author, Danielle Prescod, satΒ with fashion giants and panelists: Costume Designer, Shiona Turini, Stylist & Travel Editior, Alexander Julian and UPS EVP & Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer,Β Kevin Warren.
The talk, Black Excellence in Fashion: Championing Representation and Entrepreneurship, gave audience members a closer look at the journeys of these entrepreneurs; who started down an uncertain path and rose to prestige by their own merit and despite obstacles.
While Turini spoke about feeling physically isolated in her home, Bermuda, and her experience as an immigrant; Julian explained the magnitude of networking and building communities after getting too comfortable in his individuality and relying on work ethic alone. Offering a different perspective, Warren highlighted the importance of contributing to the arts and supporting artists of color; the way UPS became an official NYFW sponsor and presented three HBCU alums with $150,000 to executeΒ NYFW runway event, Big Motion: Featuring HBCU Alumni Designers: Undra Celeste New York, The Brand Label, and Chelsea Gray.
Although the talk served to motivate and inspire, the panelist didnβt shy away from speaking on the issues. βI have been in many spaces, or worked in many publications, where there were black employees and we really still have no voice. We really still have no power,β Turini recalled. βWe would fight and watch people be inspired by our culture and inspired by the things we were partaking in but we were not getting appreciated the same.β
As for navigating up the ladder in such circumstances, Warren put it plainly. βSometimes itβs about overcoming adversity,β the designer and creative entrepreneur explained later in the talk. βUnderstanding the rules of the role, understanding that performance is really, unfortunately, black life in corporate America.β
Relating to the others, Julian concluded by pointing out something the panel made crystal clear. βBlack people care so much about fashion,β he asserted. βThis is generational, this is in our blood, this is in our DNA and we are shut out so much from the industry just because we donβt know somebody, just because we havenβt had that open door and that always pains me.β
Fashion Week Party Scene: Flaunt’s Annual Fete with Richie Akiva and Mimchik and Siriano’s Bash at The Ned NoMad
The following day on September 9th, Forbidden Well hosted a daytime relaxation and recovery lounge at The Ned NoMad as a relief for fashionistas amongst the evening chaos. Β Top modeling agencies joinedΒ Forbidden Well for some much needed relaxation, includingΒ IV Therapy, Vitamin Shots, NAD+, limited Botox, massages, energetic alchemy healing, trauma-focused chiropractic care, and gentle facials treatments at The Ned NoMad. Models and Wellness Influencers such as Kinsey Wolanski, Ambra Gutierrez, Kylie Vonnahme, Enly Tammela, Cata Freer all stopped by to indulge in the services.
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NYFW: Sergio Hudson’s S/S 24 Collection Juxtaposes Corporate Alongside Bold
On Sunday evening, as the rest of New York underwent a rainstorm, the attendees of an evening NYFW runway show experienced an event similarly tempestuous.
From Destinations to Runways: The Influence of Travel on Modern Fashion at NYFW
In celebration of the beloved and prestigious New York Fashion Week, The Knockturnal had the opportunity to attend NWFWβs THE TALKS program, where attendees learned all about how impactful travel is on fashion in the current day. The conversation reflected on From Destinations to Design: Travelβs Influence on Fashion, presented by Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.