The PM Shows at New York Men’s Day Spring/Summer 2024. The start of New York Fashion Week begins with New York Men’s Day (NYMD). While focused primarily on menswear (including genderless and unisex), NYMD gives up-and-coming designers an opportunity to showcase with visibility This was the 10th installment of NYMD, a showcase of menswear collections which in some cases also included women’s wear. The biannual fashion initiative was founded by Agentry PR. Presenting sponsor Hilldun and returning sponsor De’Longhi along with Vitamin Water and Smart Water at Location 05 and Daylight Studios. Five designers showcased their presentations at NYMD that afternoon, TheSalting, Tarplay, Raleigh Workshop, Skyco, and Sebastien Ami. All unique with their own vision.

Scene: TheSalting’s presentation. Founded by Michael Ward and Michael Smaldone in 2018, with co-owner Manel Garcia Espejo joining in 2020, the brand aims to bring unisex clothing with a focus on craftsmanship to consumers. The collection was classic modern with a twist in lightweight linens in pastels, opaque colors, and navy blues. The breezy airy vibe reminded me of walking on the beach by the seashore. The bucket hats added another dimension to the collection and the sandals reinforced a causal walk at a ocean town while boutonnieres pinned to labels gave whimsical breathe of fresh air. The stage was raised platforms channeling the boardwalk. Simple styling and beautiful details.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Ashley Brecken and team for Oribe utilizing Oribe hair products. Makeup by lead makeup artist Michelle Webb, First Assistant Monique Marquerite, and team for Augment Tokyo utilizing Burn Beauty products. Jewelry Sasha Samuel , Boutonnieres Megan Guip for Wilhem NYC Florals, Footwear Nomadic State of Mind, Photos Fred J. DeVito.

Scene: Tarplay’s presentation Softwear. Conceived by Brooks Jones, he has transitioned from the idyllic expanses of Tennessee to the artistic hubs of New York City. This brand is an embodiment of a spirit of both tranquil fly-fishing in Montana and the dynamic art parties of New York. Some other characters the models represented were, a gardener, a hiker, a bird watcher, and a skateboarder, illustrating his line can be worn during a variety of activities. The brand specializes in garments crafted with innovative technologies that meld avant-garde design, groundbreaking materials, and craftsmanship with a sustainability and environment conscience. Innovative materials such as apple leather, abaca leaf, bio nylons and linens, have been incorporated into many of the pieces.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Mandee Tauber and team for Oribe utilizing Oribe hair products. Makeup by lead makeup artist Michelle Webb and team for Augment Tokyo utilizing Burn Beauty products. Stylist Tarpley Brooks Jones and Marisa Jones, Photos Fred J. DeVito.
Photo above and below model representing a Tennessee farm boy.

Scene: Raleigh Workshop’s presentation The 1/1 Collaboration. Founders and married couple Sarah Yarborough and Victor Lytvinenko showcased a unique collection celebrating its legacy of denim craft, quality, and tradition. Denim is the core of its business. The North Carolina based brand have separated themselves from the inundation of fast fashion through meticulous handcraft and styling. This collection explored how denim can be created and worn in different ways. Using different techniques, the looks ranged from patchwork to deconstructed styles with vibrant color blocking, bright patterns, and contrasted stitching patterns. The collection both reimagined denim while paying homage to the traditions of the fabric.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Katie Manselle and team for Oribe utilizing Oribe hair products. Makeup by lead makeup artist Michelle Webb and team for Augment Tokyo utilizing Burn Beauty products. Watches Giles Clement of Clement Design Studio, Footwear Justin James of Opie Way, Photo seventeen and eighteen courtesy of Raleigh Workshop, Photos Fred J. DeVito.

Scene: The label on his forehead reads — Made in USA of Imported Fabrics, 55% Cotton 45% Linen, RN 142257, R1 – 20, When the Time Comes, Mend or Donate.

Scene: Skyco’s presentation The Running Man. The quests were intrigued as they viewed the collection of Creative Director and Designer Skylar Hertz with its vibrate colors and graphics. There was a feeling of the Pop-Art movement of the late 1970’s and the graffiti subculture of the 1980s with an artistic jumble of typography, newspaper imagery, and illustrations. It was fun and playful. He experimented with his design language to create this collection which took over a year to formulate for his brands first showcase. His passion for design started in his dorm room, teaching himself how to use a sewing machine that he rented and some YouTube videos.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Christian Ceja-Copin and team for Oribe utilizing Oribe hair products. Makeup by lead makeup artist Michelle Webb and team for Augment Tokyo utilizing Burn Beauty products. Stylist Julianna Yao, Jewelry Dinosaur Designs, Footwear Puma and Dr. Martens, Photo two, seventeen through nineteen are courtesy of Skyco, Photos Fred J. DeVito.

Scene: Sebastien Ami’s presentation Camping. A luxury menswear company with a unisex lens established by designer Sebastien Amisial and co-directed with partner Marianne Amisial. The collection was a homage to not only the aesthetics of nature, but the sense of community cemented by excursions in the outdoors. The color palette of the collection was inspired by a 1966 photograph of Mt. Ranier. Muted colors and old-school fabrics. Their fabrics are sourced from Italy, Japan, and the United States. The goal of the house is to create timeless pieces that carry no gender or season classification. Every item is crafted with the intention to create timeless design, with a traditional outlook of an heirloom.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Kien Hoang and team for Oribe utilizing Oribe hair products. Makeup by lead makeup artist Michelle Webb and team for Augment Tokyo utilizing Burn Beauty products. Stylist Christopher Cambell and Mia Hurley, Bags in collaboration with Chantel Le, Footwear Merrel, Camping Accessories Snow Peak, Photo fifteen courtesy of Sebastien Ami, Photos Fred J. DeVito.

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