Ok, now this blog was written 2 months ago and it has just been sitting in my drafts. Now, I do have a valid reason for not posting this blog, but it's not what you think. After fashion week, I was looking forward to this blog being accompanied by professional runway shots. I typed it up right after the show and waited patiently. Now, this isn't me blaming anyone. I just haven't seen the pictures from the models or the designer. But in my experience, this is a sad truth in the world of fashion. What I mean is that most times photographers are working for free or for pennies, so sometimes the photos are never seen because of some reason outside of my grasp. For next time, I could bring my own camera because I am a photographer too. Please enjoy this blog post with photos you may have seen before.
It’s the day of the show! I’m about an hour away from where the show is held, and my call time is 8 am. Shockingly enough, I’m not a coffee person, so just a smoke and a bottle of water, and I’m off to the show!
I think one of my favorite things about going to New York during fashion week is the train! While I’m not a master of the city, I know that it’s never good to look like a tourist. I like to take the time to analyze the uniqueness in every spot, especially the art. I forgot my AirPods though, so that hour commute was silent, and while it was not the way I wanted to spend my morning, I’m glad I took the opportunity to collect myself before the chaos of the show. My goal was to stay organized the best way I can, remain calm while also keeping my energy positive for the models and Josway!
I met with Josway and the team outside the venue. While I only had a bag with one dress and 2 tops, we had several huge cases containing the current collection, the last collection, and a sewing machine with patterns, fabrics, scissors, and notions! We were more than prepared for the show. This year, Josway had a lineup of his models printed out for me and instructed me to go through the list while he prepared the pieces. Before going through each name, I assessed the list of models, scanned the room of models, and pulled particular pieces based on my concept of the collection.
Josway's Collection for NYFW was chic yet playful. The collection consisted of both playful and form-fitted dresses in neon greens and yellows, as well as color-blocked looks with black and silver. Polka dots, animal prints, and fishnets all coordinated with the collection, combined with dramatic sleeves and sexy sets, all graced the runway. This collection featured menswear, adding to the sporty look, and included a variety of models in different shapes and age ranges. Josway’s favorite accessories are gloves, and I always look forward to that final touch when styling his collections. He always manages to elevate each collection with different fabric applications and techniques.
While backstage was as smooth as it can be, there are always last-minute things that need to be done. With the team, we were ready for anything. We were able to sew together one final piece for the collection, which happens to be my favorite look! There's something about a last-minute combination that always seems to capture the true essence of a collection.
I believe my main job backstage is to manage and keep up the energy of the models and the show while also being informative and passing information around. While backstage, I like to check in with each model and make sure they are both comfortable and ready to hit the runway. This may include checking their look, boosting self-confidence, and even helping with walks, along with going over how to pose and runway etiquette.
My favorite moment backstage was watching my plus-size models gather in confusion and then casually walking over and saying, “I got tall, I made the plus-size pieces myself.” Watching the relief come over their faces was rewarding, and I wasn’t lying; I had them looking amazing for the show! Another moment was helping a model build her confidence through her walk. I loved her look so much that I made my own version, and she was adorable; she just needed a push and some structure before she hit the runway! I haven’t received or seen any professional shots from the collection yet, so I don’t have much to show.
My favorite look from the collection was a collaborative effort that I did not style myself and was completely unaware of the vision until right before it hit the runway. I designed a long form-fitting dress with black on white polka dots, and lined the dress with silver. This dress served as an underlayer to a black fishnet dress with neon green star appliqués. My second favorite look was a tie between a flared pant denim set and a black gown à la Morticia Addams. I made both looks and was excited to find the perfect models to fit the look!
While backstage, I was able to chat with other designers and ask them about their favorite pieces from their collections and why!
The first designer was Robavian. When asked about her favorite look from her collection, she spoke of this chic halter dress made from a men’s shirt, with a fur collar. She talked about the strength and sexiness of today's women, and I believe the touch of the collar and the military-style belt speaks to that aesthetic.
The second designer I met backstage was Kamoni Collection. When asked about her favorite look, she spoke about her final piece. It was a beautiful sheer bodysuit with multicolored rhinestones that seemed to blend into the model's body! This look speaks for itself, in my opinion, and I feel like the model was the perfect person to wear this piece!
Thank you so much for your patience and for taking the time to read my blog. Stay close to my IG/FB where I will post more photos!
YAY!!!! We get another post! Man, this sounds like an absolute blast! I love the different ages, shapes, sizes, and melanin variances in the models. I'm not super up on fashion week, so I don't know how often you get models of color, but I loved seeing so many in the pics!