Nancy and Harry’s Dance Party

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Scene: Harry King and Nancy Donahue at their fun dance party at Slate in New York City. Everyone was excited to be at Harry and Nancy’s annual soirée again since the pandemic halted this event for a few years. It was the perfect Friday evening in April for a fashion reunion!
Guests included art directors, bloggers, family and friends, fashion designers, hair stylists, magazine editors, makeup artists, models, photographers, public relations, stylist, and notable others. People came from near and far, from Manhattan to Cannes.
The vibe was upbeat and happy as the DJ spinned dance music pumping up the mood. Guests mingled over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and music. And everyone enjoyed a splendid time dancing the night away.

Scene: Keith Gog, Patti Hansen, and Tony Spinelli.

Scene: Jany Tomba and James Bosco.

Scene: Nancy Donahue, Stan Wan, and Yasmine Guenancia.
Co-Host Nancy Donahue is an American Fashion Model, Mother, Entrepreneur, and Realtor. She first took the modeling world by storm in the late 70s after being discovered by Mademoiselle magazine. Over the next two decades, she rose to the top of her field, becoming one of the most successful fashion models of her time. She graced the covers and pages of countless American and European magazines. Nancy worked alongside some of the top international models including Carol Alt, Gia Caranza, Janice Dickinson, Kelly Emberg, Kim Alexis, and Esmé Marshal. I worked with all of them when I was Fashion Art Director at Bloomingdale’s. Nancy walked the runway for Calvin Klien, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, and Perry Ellis. She worked with numerous renowned photographers including Irving Penn, Author Elgort, Denis Piel, and Patrick Demarchelier. She still models, represented by Iconic Focus. She is passionate about health and fitness and is a certified Personal Trainer, Pilates and Yoga Instructor. A superwoman!

Scene: Jeff Brackett and Harry King.
Co-Host Harry King is a Freelance Hairdresser, Photographer, Party Thrower, and Hairstyling Legend. Originally from London, when he first arrived in New York in 1973 he worked at Cinandre on 57th Street. Five months later Polly Mellon, Editor, snapped him up for Vogue. His hair styles have been featured on the covers and editorial pages of many magazines including Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Interview, American Vogue, British and Italian Vogue, Grazia, and Stern. Harry has collaborated with renowned photographers including Richard Avedon, Arthur Elgort, Francesco Scavullo, and Irving Penn. His celebrity list includes Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch, Diana Ross, and Madonna. Models he has creatively reinvented hair styles for, for fashion and beauty shoots, include Patti Hansen, Iman, Cheryl Tiegs, Stephanie Seymour, Twiggy, Beverly Johnson, and of course Nancy Donahue. He has taken memorable photos on many of his shoots through out his career. Truly fashion history behind the scenes. A superguy!

Scene: Barry Weinbaum and Jean Stone.

Scene: Barbara Tate and Richard Warren.

Scene: Vivian Scalia Dash and Thom Fleming.

Scene: Nancy Donahue, Susan Sakin, and Harry King.

Scene: Loris Diran and Gypsy his pup in the bag, L.J. Kirby, and Casey Kavanagh.

Scene: Guest and Sylvie Ball.

Scene: Sandy Linter and Myra Scheer.

Scene: Dan Brennan and Helen S. Murray.

Scene: Margret Avery and I embrace. Photo Harry King.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and Steven Maginnis.

Scene: Yasmine and George Guenancia.

Scene: James Bosco and Betsy Berry.

Scene: Susan Sakin, Nancy Donahue, and Laurie Lowe.

Scene: Jany Tomba and Benjamin Pasteur. And Margret Avery on the right.

Scene: Bill Westmoreland and Joy Bell.

Scene: Yasmine Guenancia and Dustin Pittman.

Scene: Salvatore J. Cesarani and Patti Hansen.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and Martina Gates.

Scene: Jill Lynn and Harry King.

Scene: Julian Molesso and Leslie Mills.

Scene: Harry King, George Guenancia, Yasmine Guenancia, Susan Sakin, and Nancy Donahue

Scene: Tony Spinelli, Tony’s daughter Ari Spinell, Joey Hunter, and Vivian Scalia Dash.

Scene: Rashgene Gazi-White, Susan Devine, Duane Gazi-White, and Fredi Cooperman.

Scene: Harry King and Freddie Leiba.

Scene: Stan Wan and Joy Bell.

Scene: Nancy’s brother and sister-in-law Richard and Rosie Donahue with Nancy Donahue.

Scene: Coco Mitchell and Earl Davis.

Scene: Jay Grant, Yuliana Kim-Grant, and Shin Holgg.

Scene: Lynn and Klaus Lucka von Zelberschwecht.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and James Bosco.

Scene: Yasmine Guenancia and Edward Tricomi.

Scene: Stan Wan and Jade Albert.

Scene: Helen S. Murray and Christiaan Houtenbos.

Scene: Rochelle Mello, Harry’s niece. And that’s Janet Wolfman on the right.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and Dustin Pittman.

Scene: Montgomery Frazier and Debbie Dickinson.

Scene: Harry King, Constance von Collande, and Nancy Donahue.

Scene: Tony’s daughter Ari Spinell and Tony Spinelli.

Scene: Yoshinori Hashimoto.

Scene: Shelby Lane and Sophia Chen.

Scene: Dustin Pittman and Freddie Leiba.

Scene: Jennifer Watson and Harry King.

Scene: Klaus Lucka von Zelberschwecht and Helen Oppenheim.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and Samantha Brownell.

Scene: Christiaan Houtenbos and Harry King.

Scene: Sam Bodloche and Hayden Flanders.

Scene: Jean Stone, Dustin Pittman, and Benjamin Pasteur.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and friends.

Scene: Rashgene Gazi-White and friends.

Scene: Debbie Dickinson, Joey Hunter, and Dan Brennan.

Scene: Luis, Oscar Reyes, and Roger.

Scene: Philip Anthony Coccioletti and Thom Fleming.

Scene: Lani Nguyer, Hayden Flanders, and Kelly Phan.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and L.J. Kirby.

Scene: Gloria Dare and Ford Crull.

Scene: Bill Jarema and L.J. Kirby.

Scene: Hayden Flanders and friend.

Scene: Harry King and Tony Spinelli.

Scene: Annie Rex and Sumner Hatch.

Scene: Beth King DeVito and me. Photo James Bosco with my camera.

Scene: Alan Gold.

Scene: Paul North.

Scene: Sumner Hatch.

Scene: Betsy Barry and friends.

Scene: Annie Rex.

Scene: Sylvie Ball and friends.

Scene: Nancy Donahue and Samantha Brownell.

Scene: Barbara Tate and Harry King.

Scene: Hayden Flanders, Sam Bodloche and friends.

Scene: Nancy Donahue bids a fond farewell to the guests.

Scene: Ari Spinelli, Joey Hunter, and Tony Spinelli.

Scene: Montgomery Frazier and Barbara Tate.

Scene: Thanks for another memorable, fun, fab, and wonderful evening, Nancy and Harry!






NYFW Attendees (part two)

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Scene: A collection of more guests from New York Fashion Week from various designer shows.
Paul and Jessica strike a natural pose downtown at the PH5 presentation.
“I think personal style starts from within because it’s a philosophy and an attitude. If you’re honest and true to yourself, you will have the best sense of personal style”. Stella McCartney
“What is style? It is an effortless confidence in being yourself, it is a way of putting yourself together according to your mood and what you want to project”. Diane von Furstenberg

Scene: Irena Kroeicker at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Jadam Go and Navdeep Kaurat at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guests at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guests at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Aïssata Diallo, Digital Creator and Model, wearing PH5’s pants and dress layered together with their gloves at PH5 presentation. “I love how fun this brand is because that’s what fashion should be”. 

Scene: Liz Kapran, Content Creator, Digital Stylist, Independent Model, from downtown Toronto. She is wearing PH5’s dress at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guest at the PH5 presentation.

Scene: Rebecca-Jo Dunham-Baruchel and Morgan Gardiner at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Rebecca-Jo Dunham-Baruchel and Morgan Gardiner signing my book at the PH5 presentation.

Scene: Nelson Tiberghien, one half of the Young Emperors, at the PH5 presentation. See the style matching couple at the end of this story.

Scene: Guests at PH5 presentation.

Scene: John at PH5 presentation.

Scene: John at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guests at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Olha Stepanova and friend at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guest at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guest wearing PH5’s outfit at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Guest at PH5 presentation.

Scene: Jess Xu, Influencer, at PH5 presentation.

Scene: George Cool at Global Fashion Collective runway show.
Global Fashion Collective is an expansion of Vancouver Fashion Week which provides a platform for emerging and established designers to showcase their recent creations. Launched in October 2017, the collective has been producing exclusive runway showcases in diverse fashion capitals around the world. GFC aims to help designers increase their global brand presence, increasing their exposure internationally and opening up new markets.

Scene: Jessica Marmolejo, stylist, and Alejacuolic Romero, makeup artist, at Global Fashion Collective runway show.

Scene: Isis Miralles, image consultant, blogger, stylist, and personal shopper, from Bolivia at Global Fashion Collective runway show.

Scene: Jasmine Green, Founder and Casting Model Agent at MARZ Enterprise, and Joyce, Content Creator and Vlogger, at Dell Scott runway show.

Scene: Joe at Tanner Fletcher presentation at Freehand Hotel in the Flatiron District.

Scene: Guest at Tanner Fletcher presentation.

Scene: Rozi Joanne-Richard Levine at Tanner Fletcher presentation.

Scene: Jordan D. Roy, Model, and friend at Tanner Fletcher presentation.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show at Freehand Hotel in the Flatiron District.

Scene: Toluwalase at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guests at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Ahmad, Giovanni, and Jordan at House of Aama runway show.

Scene: Guest in between shows.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show, For The Truant & The Fluent, at LaGuardia High School.

Scene: Toronto based Hillary LeBlanc, Journalist and Activist, at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guests at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guests at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Taylor Chanel at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Guest at Tombogo runway show.

Scene: Young Emperors, Nelson Tiberghien and Isabelle Chaput, a style matching French couple and visual artists at Kim Shui runway show at Capitale, a former Bowery Savings Bank, in Chinatown. They often share their coordinating looks. The real life couple is based in New York, where they explore visual arts through performance, fashion photography, and film.

Scene: Guests at Kim Shui runway show.

Special thanks to Helen Oppenheim, hair historian,  archivist, and blogger, for asking me to collaborate during Fashion Week.






NYFW Attendees (part one)

. 2 comments.

Scene: A collection of New York Fashion Week guests from various designer shows.
Sabrina Geronimo taking a video with her vintage Panasonic 150×Digital Palmcorder at New York Men’s Day (NYMD) Fried Rice NYC presentation.
“Personal style is about a sense of yourself, a sense of what you believe in and wearing what you like”. Ralph Lauren
“It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together”. Alexander McQueen

Scene: Guest at NYMD Fried Rice NYC presentation.

Scene: Denny Lafleur at NYMD in the DeLonghi Cafe.

Scene: Rozi Joanne-Richard Levine at NYMD in the DeLonghi Cafe. He is wearing James Soro Sunglasses and Keiser Clark top, shorts, and hoodie.

Scene: Guest at NYMD Nobis presentation.

Scene: Hayden Flanders, Handbag Specialist 👜 Sotheby’s Auction House at NYMD Perry Ellis America presentation.

Scene: Guest at NYMD Clara Son presentation.

Scene: Guest at NYMD Clara Son presentation.

Scene: Guests at NYMD Clara Son presentation.

Scene: Andrew Royce, Founder and Creative Director at Electro Magnetic Future, at NYMD in the Stan presentation gallery.

Scene: Andrew Royce, Evan Lyons, and Andrew Payee at NYMD in the Stan presentation gallery.

Scene: Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. waiting for the elevator to go upstairs to view NYMD presentations.

Scene: Evan Tyler Hirsch at NYMD. VogueBusiness: “a young fashion designer who has gained millions of admirers for transforming, shapeshifting designs”.

Scene: Ayoinmotion at New York Men’s Day Presentations.

Scene: Guest at NYMD, designer Tristan Detwiler, Stan presentation.

Scene: Trelyn Spencer and Jam3s Davis at NYMD Nicholas Raefski presentation.

Scene: Guest at NYMD Nobis presentation.

Scene: Guest at New York Men’s Day Presentations.

Scene: Erin Hawker, Owner and founder of Agentry PR NYC, waiting for the elevator at NYMD.

Scene: Leshawn Bridgewater, Wardrobe Stylist, Influencer, Personal Shopper, and Upcoming Designer, at NYMD Raleigh Workshop presentation.

Scene: Leshawn Bridgewater and yours truly at NYMD Raleigh Workshop presentation. Photo by Leshawn’s friend.

Scene: Chris Fordam at NYMD A.Potts presentation.

Scene: Qiyamah Frederic at NYMD A.Potts presentation.

Scene: In the elevator. Toronto based Hillary LeBlanc, Journalist/Activist, and Mason Lyle, Editorial/Personality Stylist, FGI Board Member and Bam Fest Stylists Nominee.

Scene: Hillary LeBlanc and Mason Lyle at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: Trelyn Spencer and Jam3s Davis at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: Guests at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: David Ross Lawn at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: Jay Saint at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: David Granados at NYMD Terry Singh presentation.

Scene: Douglas Henry Lewis, Creative Editor/Stylist and Docent at Bergdorf Goodman, at NYMD Teddy Vonranson presentation.

Scene: Mason Lyle at NYMD Atelier Cillian presentation.

Scene: Mason Lyle at Nolcha Shows. The Nolcha Shows are a leading award winning event, held during New York Fashion Week, for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists, and industry influencers via the runway.

Scene: Zarbie, Creative Director/Wardrobe Stylist, Editor in Chief Zarbthemag, and Designer at Happily Ever After Zarbieat, at the Nolcha Shows.

Scene: Guest at the Nolcha Shows.

Scene: Cutie with her dad at the Nolcha Shows.

Scene: Guest leaving the Nolcha Shows.

Scene: Guest at Hervé Léger presentation at the Club Room at Soho Grand.

Scene: Kate Smolianinova, Style Blogger and Model, at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Guest at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Guest at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Guest at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Guest at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Caroline Vazzana, Author, Fashion Editor and Stylist at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Kate Smolianinova, Style Blogger and Model, at Hervé Léger presentation.

Scene: Guests at Hervé Léger presentation snapping photos of the models.

Special thanks to Helen Oppenheim, hair historian,  archivist, and blogger, for asking me to collaborate during Fashion Week.






Only Hearts

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Scene: Helena Stuart of Only Hearts. I went to visit her Nolita store to interview her and take photographs. I met Helena a few years ago in Kingston, NY at the StockadeFaire event where she was selling her beautiful lingerie, sleep/lounge wear, and outerwear.
A FIT graduate, Helena Stuart founded Only Hearts in 1978, creating fashion’s first Inner Outerwear™ collection, revolutionizing undergarment dressing to come out and be seen. Today Helena, working with daughter Kaya, offers a range of sustainable items. Only Hearts garments are made of 100% organic Pima cotton sourced from Peru and ethically made in New York City. Additionally, Only Hearts clothing is produced according to multiple global standards from production to distribution with natural and organic materials. This eco-friendly brand’s goal is to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum while respecting the environment and creating premium quality offerings.
They have three stores, two in Manhattan and one in Los Angeles. Only Hearts sensuous and natural pieces are worn by celebrities including Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Cardi B, Bella Hadid, Paris Campbell – Comedian, Charlotte D’ Alessio, Lupe Fuentes – DJ, Mott Street Girls, Luna Blaise – Actor, Lydia Campanellli – Influencer, Lucy Rae McFadin – Influencer / Model, Kate Moss, Charlize Theron, Bjork, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Sharlom Harlow, and Madonna.
But they are mostly interested in girls and women of today.

Scene: Velvet Underground Eva Top in khol, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Coucou Lola Eva in plum, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: A colorful array of bodysuits, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Venice Sleep Bralette and Brief in black, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Must have Thongs in various colors, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Vintage Green Floral Multiprint Kimona with belt and tie, circa 1980’s.

Scene: Venus Square Bralette and Brief in tango. Baby G in black and tango, all from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Venus Square Bralette, which is a new collection piece. And Prop Pant with Lace, both in black, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Stretch Lace Chemise Slips in various colors, from their Stable Collection. This was Helena’s first creation for Only Hearts which were hand dyed in her kitchen in 1980.

Scene: Jacquard Silk Pajama Set in wine, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Go Ask Alice Button Down Shirt in smoke with mushroom pattern, which is a new collection piece.

Scene: So Fine Lace Cheeky Bodysuit in Blu Smoke, from their Stable Collection.

Scene: Beatrix Coucou Body with embroidered roses, which is a limited fashion piece.

Scene and Heard: Excerpts from my interview with Helena Stuart —
So nice to see you again Helena. It’s been a while, but I’m happy we have this opportunity to have a conversation and get to know a little bit more about you and your company.

My first question is… How did you and Liz Rosenberg, the music publicist, connect when she asked you to design for her?
Jonathan, my husband, is in the music business and Liz must have heard of my planning to open a shop with Only Hearts. Rod Stewart was having a party at Regine’s celebrating “You’re in my Heart “and Liz asked me to be creative with the invitation. I had a Heart Bakelite Pin made and put it in a craft box because I’m always environmentally conscious. That was the only way into the party. Of course, Jonathan and I wore the pin. It was a fun night! That was a real boost to open the shop.
Later, Ian Schrager came by the shop and not only did his personal Valentine shopping but I supplied Studio 54 with all their gifts for the Valentine’s Day Fashion Shows at the Club. It was a crazy time and I learned a lot.

What is your favorite item in your closet?
I love silk slips and have always worn them. My favorite is the Silk Mini Slip which debuted in the Fall 2002. It’s been in production for over 20 years. We have fun with colors. We now do five colors a year.

What color of the slip do you like best? 
Probably vintage ivory which is off-white.

What do you like about what you do? 
It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be creative every day. I get to be creative not only in design but my mind is constantly challenged with problem solving. Everyday there’s some other thing that I’ve got to figure out with fabric deliveries. Even something so simple as the color of a thread. I like what I do. I feel so lucky, it really is a thrill!

I love that you use organic materials and that you are environmentally conscious. It’s really an accolade to you and your company.
We have been thinking about the environment from the very beginning. A side story, a few months’ after opening the first shop on Columbus Avenue, I received a ticket from the sanitation department because I didn’t have a sticker that noted the trash collecting service. I wasn’t using one because we didn’t make enough trash. The shop was 160 square feet. We truly recycled everything. I went to court with my weekly bag of garbage to show what it was that we threw out. I won! I’m very proud of that. It’s who I am and Only Hearts is a reflection.

Tell me about the project you are proudest of and why?
The project is Only Hearts. I built a company that supports my community. We are ethical and kind to each other and the people that we do business with. That’s why I’ve been doing this for so many years.

Are there any fashion designers, past and or present, that appeal to you?
When St. Laurent was designing, today, I would probably say Phoebe Philo, I think she is just brilliant. I was inspired to start my business by women who have their own point of view; Betsy Johnson, Norma Kamali and Agnes B. I’m not so influenced by any particular designer but more by my needs, my friends’ needs, and people on the street.

What inspires you in life?
I love to be fully intensely engaged so how do I do that… with work, with my family, and traveling.

You have the store in Los Angeles, right?  
Yes, it’s a great store, I love visiting. I used to spend a lot of time in LA, but now I just don’t make it out there that often.  

In reference to being inspired by people on the street, what is your take on street style or personal style? 
I don’t see the difference between personal style and street style. A person who has great style is someone who is comfortable in their own skin and has enough courage to do their own thing.

What do you define fashion as for your brand?
I don’t think in those terms. I do look at the color range that Premier Vision Paris proposes and will incorporate a few of those colors into the season’s color palette blending them into what I want to wear. Mostly peeking out from underneath. I still try on every piece we produce. If it’s not right, we fix it or don’t ship it. That’s one of the ways we maintain quality. I care about making a timeless and beautifully designed piece.

When you design a collection, does that theme carry out through your intimate, your lounge, and outerwear divisions?
I trademarked Inner Outerwear in 1981 and that’s how I like to think about what we do. I don’t think about this is ready-to-wear, this is lingerie. You’re wearing your pajamas out and so they are both. Your dresses and your slips, you’re wearing out. I went back to my roots. That’s why I went into intimate apparel because I like making things that I like to wear. That’s how it happened.

So, my last question is… I guess, each division has its own personality. If your theme, let’s say this coming fall is the alps would you incorporate that in all of them?
I don’t think about themes; It’s more about color stories for me. That’s why we have multigenerational clients who collect our designs at Only Hearts.

Scene: Only Hearts ad as seen in 25A Magazine and Metropolitan Palm Beach Magazine.

Scene: Camo Barbie Tanya Body, from their Fall Collection 2023.

Scene: Camo Barbie Ruched Cami and Camo Barbie Sonia Slip, from their Fall Collection 2023.

Scene: Coucou Lola Joey Bralette and Side Ruffle Thong, from their Spring Collection.

Scene: Coucou Lola Bralette and Coucou Joey Bralette, from their Spring Collection.

Scene: Go Ask Alice Button Up Shirt and Baby Tank both with mushroom pattern, from their Spring Collection.

Scene: The welcoming mosaic branding at the Nolita store front door.
Visit at https://onlyhearts.com/ to view their beautiful and sensuous offerings.
Special thanks to Amanda, Eden, and Gisselle who work at the Nolita store. Photos 16-20 courtesy of Only Hearts.






NYMD Spring/Summer 2023

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New York Men’s Day opened New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023. Sponsored by Canadian luxury outerwear brand Nobis, at Location 05 and Daylight Studios, next to Hudson Yards in Manhattan. Here are ten designers who showcased their presentations at NYMD.
Please note, this is the longest blog story I’ve ever created. Enjoy!

Scene: A. Potts by designer Aaron Potts collection Hiding the Horizon is a story of earthbound angels manifested through nature and the elements. After watching the film, “Summer of Soul” by Questlove, Aaron was inspired by a spirit of liberation, soul, and electricity as embodied by the singers Mavis Staples and Sly Stone. They made him think of angels on earth and thought how angels just might be surrounding us at this very moment. They manifest through the work of artists, but they also surround us masked in the sunlight, the wind, the rain, clouds, and mossy forest floors. This collection is as much about an ascension into the clouds as it is about having our feet planted firmly in the grass.
Aaron Potts is about being gender neutral with his creations. Skirts and dresses now can be worn by both genders. Fabrics used were organza, crinkled linens, chiffon, eyelet, and metallics which were once thought of as womens wear fabrics, but Aaron is out to change those traditional rules. The styles are geared towards many different types of body shapes and are easy to get in and out of.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Kien Hoang and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Jessica Marisol on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Stylist Memsor, Custom hats Delfina Farias, Legwear Hue, Footwear Dr. Martens.

Scene: Holo Market’s unisex collection What A Wonderful Day! Designer, Riki Yoshida, and Creative Direction, Yusaku.
Riki, a hand-printing artisan, has been developing fabrics for domestic and international major brands for 15 years. Alternating life between urban Kyoto on weekdays and Lake Biwako on weekends, Yoshida was inspired by the two lifestyles of city and nature. Incorporating botanical motifs and color palettes of the great outdoors, the collection attempts to create daily wear for various occasions. Energetic and colorful textiles inspired by nature, such as insects, plants, and animals, are hand printed by the designer himself which also includes embellished shoes. Relaxed pajama styles in fine fabrics and active wear in functional shell parkas are created from their original fabric made from coffee grounds with a deodorizing effect. Other looks are hunting styles in three dimensional effect, studded swing top setups in wool toro material, graphic paneled resort wear, and cozy low-gauge cotton knits.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Ashley Brecken and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Jessica Marisol on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Stylist Kan Fuchigami, Footwear Sperry.

Scene: Teddy Vonranson, by Founder and Chief Creative Officer Teddy Vonranson. He worked at Ralph Lauren for 15 years before launching his label. The collection is titled Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree has long attracted mystics, artists, writers, musicians, and those chasing beauty, healing, and inner truth. This collection discovers the designer’s own voice, while building on his affinity with desert themes. The collection reflects Teddy’s Joshua Tree finding: a piece of peace. Grounded in muted tones of stone, sand and bone, offset by desert clay and teal, Teddy supplants his black and navy classics with rich darks with highlights of antique brass and bronze.
“When one looks beyond the pale landscape on rock formations, crushed gravel and sand, one begins to see the pale tones of dried grasses, desert floral, and mosses canopied by rich blue skies that hug the mountainscape in deep teals fading into clear and bright blues as they touch the sun” — Teddy Vonranson.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Christian Ceja-Compin and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica.

Scene: Nicholas Raefski, by Designer Nicholas Raefski. His collection is titled The Stars Don’t Look Bigger, But They Do Look Brighter, is a dynamic, sharp collection that builds upon Raefski’s repertoire of menswear for the modern man. “This collection was inspired by blind optimism for the future, and we did this through this lens of retro futurism” he said. The collection consists of clothes for the everyday. Evoking a futurism imagined from the past like hovercars and jetpacks as seen on The Jetsons. The collection walks a fine line between nostalgia and newness. The 12 look collection is divided into four divergent archetypal groups and is grounded in the aesthetic of the optimistic 1950’s-60’s.
At the presentation, waiters passed around White Claw seltzers on platters while attendees sipped and surveyed the collection, shown on models lounging around raised tables on a stage like platform in small groups, watching the audience watch them. 
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Christian Ceja-Compin and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Stylist Jules Wettreich, Footwear Adidas and Dr. Martins.

Scene: Atelier Cillian by designer Stephen Mikhail. The gender-fluid collection is titled The Hubris of Howard Carter. Carter was the British archeologist who with Lord Camarvon discovered King Tutankhamun’s famous tomb in 1922 in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings inspired his collection.
This collection ranges from desert proof linens and smoky tweed sets with gold jewelry and gold and blue eye makeup relating to interpretations of the precious treasures Carter unearthed. Egyptian blue is the world’s oldest known synthetic pigment. It originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. Another interesting facet of the collection is its juxtaposition of weighty materials like yarn and tweed alongside breezy linens, silks, and raffia. Atelier Cillian explores the various iterations of masculinity through the ages, from antiquity to today, and reinterprets these cues in a classic yet contemporary manner. The clothing is designed to embody the wearer rather than dictate who the wearer is. The label is known for its impeccable tailoring and bold color schemes.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Mandee Tauber and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Footwear Birkenstock and other brands.

Scene: Todd Patrick collection Small Town, Big Dreams was inspired by Desyree Nicole’s childhood. Brand partners Desyree Nicole and Gabriella Paulino have managed to keep Todd Patrick on the front lines of fashion’s new school, by melding streamlined tailoring with innovative craftsmanship. Their forecasting of a relaxed aesthetic is comprised of square cut leather short sets, wide legged trousers with net overlay, cropped boxy jackets and netted tanks. The textures and color palettes were drawn from Nicole’s memory of the small town aesthetic. A muted color palette of brown, blue, and moss green, this brands latest offerings allow refined stitching and intricate fabric layering to be revealed in each design. Todd Patrick is a menswear label focused on diversifying the concept of high end streetwear. The models gathered in a retro 70’s living room aesthetic and walked one by one up to the front.
The brand’s Creative Director, Desyree Nicole says the new collection is “An ode to every small town kid that dreams bigger than the street they grew up on”.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Janelle Oldman and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Footwear Dr. Martens and other brands.

Scene: Nobis, a Canadian luxury outerwear brand of winter parkas, jackets, and coats was founded in
2008 by co founder Robin Yates, who envisioned urbanely tailored outerwear that could safeguard against the harshest conditions. Senior Director of Design Michael Kerr’s collection is inspired by todays urban explorer which can be worn by men or woman. The brands slogan is “Embrace The Elements”.  Nobis integrates forward thinking craftsmanship with an advanced fashionability to craft sophisticated performance garments that find as much relevance in the arctic wilderness as in urban milieus. Coats and jackets are constructed from the inside out: the core is developed to safeguard against the most punishing elements before the outer shell takes shape. Canadian white duck down ensures supplementary heat, comfort, and movability, ideal for sub-zero urban commuting and Alpine vacations.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Kien Hoang and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Jessica Marisol on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Stylist Christian Stroble, Footwear Sperry.

Scene: Fried Rice’s genderless aesthetic collection titled  Creative Community Has No Borders. The collection was designed and styled by Maya Wang. Creative Director Matthew Sperzel.
“As a brand, we are completely focused on the creative community, on celebrating the diversity of creative and cultural perspectives here in our NYC neighborhood and around the world. The mood and aesthetic of the brand is a kind of mashed-up creativity and energy that wells up from the dynamism of the diversity of these creative and cultural perspectives around us”— Maya Wang.
The brand operates under the “high street” moniker. This season, the brand debuted a collection that feels like true streetwear, prioritizing oversized constructions with technical notes of utilitarianism weaved seamlessly throughout.
“Creative Community has no borders” was represented through the diverse group of inspiring international and NYC artists and entrepreneurs who joined as models during the presentation.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Jenelle Oldman and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Stylist Christian Stroble, Footwear Dr Martens.

Scene and Heard: At the end of Fried Rice’s presentation in Loft One, a dance cocktail party ensued ending NYMD with a live performance by Olivia K and the Parkers, with bartenders serving 1800 Tequila watermelon margaritas.

Scene: Amirok, an Italian luxury brand designed by Michael Nelson founded in 2019. A knitwear focused label crafted from 100% recycled mulberry silk. Their pieces move with the wearer and feel like an extension to the body blending functionality, beauty, and comfort. This season, the label partnered with artisans from Botswana to develop custom sequins made from discarded ostrich shells to accent their spring offerings. You can see them on the shorts, cardigan, and the edging on the pockets. The hand embroidery on stretchable knitwear was done in India which was very beautiful. Amirok hopes to connect cultures and people through various artisanal crafts at their best. The artisans of this collection were from Botswana, India, and Italy. For every collection, they pair 100% upcycled silk knitwear with sustainable and natural elements. “Deliberately functional and formally beautiful” — Michael Nelson.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Ashley Brecken and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Monique Rinard on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica.

Scene: Terry Singh collection The New York Suit by Terry Singh, Creative Director, and Jack Sivan, Designer. This season was focused on tailoring and a variety of skirts. It is a look inspired by the infusion of the Indian Dhoti, and the desire to create something as comfortable, and make it his own. He incorporated the best material he could find, mostly from Italy and Paris, to create his elegant and urban signature styles.
Native New Yorker and father of four, Terry Singh is reshaping the way the world views masculinity, diminishing society’s view of how a man should look.
After a six-month tour of India as a Yogi, Singh had a revelation. After his spiritual journey, Singh defied his Western imposition of love, giving birth to his eponymous mark. He was inspired to recreate this sense of release through a dhoti, an ancient garment worn by leaders and warriors. “I was inspired by the freedom to wear a dhoti because it flows and it also somehow brought me to this space” — Terry Singh.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Coby Alcantar and team for OribePro, Lead makeup artist Jessica Marisol on behalf of AOFMPro using Desmalogica, Footwear Sperry, Dr. Martens and other brands.

Scene: The OribePro Hairstylist Team, most of who are in this photo, for the NYMD23 Shows.
Front row: Nicci Welsh and Jenelle Oldman.
Back row: Adam Livermore, Ashley Brecken, and Kien Hoang.

Scene: Monique Rinard, Lead Makeup Artist on behalf of AOFMPro worked on most of these presentation.
Thanks so much for your help and support! @monique_marquerite
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Special thanks to Helen Oppenheim, hair historian,  archivist, and blogger, for asking me to collaborate during Fashion Week.