Well, it finally happened. After years and years of wishing and hoping, dreaming even of sitting near the runways of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), I finally got to! For those who are less fashion obsessed than I, it might sound extremely trivial to have this as a dream, but if you love fashion like I do, you totally understand. I have loved clothing and everything about style for as long as I can remember. I was voted “Best Dressed” in high school (my feet are now paying for all those years spending 8 hour days in heels!), and even decided to study apparel design as one of my two majors in college. During college, the fashion group I was a board member of took a yearly trip to the Big Apple, to tour major fashion houses, visit fabric stores and learn about career opportunities. From those first visits, the dream of attending fashion week and seeing the finished products of those designs we saw in progress was set. And now, years later it finally came true!

I have to disclose this…while I got to attend a show [3 actually] for the first time, it wasn’t the Ralph Lauren 50th anniversary show uptown. I assume my invite for that one got lost in the mail! I didn’t attend big name shows at all, and I am a-okay with that. You have to start somewhere right? And so do all designers, so seeing 3 and up and coming ones was equally as exciting. While they may not have had unlimited production budgets, or had Gigi Hadid walking their runway, they were all great designers, and people I see a lot of potential in. Whether you are brand new to the design scene or have been in the industry for years, putting a collection together to show is HARD WORK – trust me, I know, I did it in college 4 times. I was proud to be there for these up and comers and to support their dreams, and have them be a part of mine!

I have to thank Art Hearts Fashion for giving me lots of details on NYFW every year, putting on so many great events and inviting me to see what you’re all about. I am so glad I finally got to attend. This year all of the Art Hearts Fashion shows were held in a really unique venue, the Angel Orsensanz Foundation building, which is one of the oldest surviving Gothic-revival synagogues in New York. It was stunning inside – great lighting, great music and a great backdrop for the clothing. As I mentioned I saw 3 shows, Rebecca Justh, House of Byfield and Sarene Fu. Each was very different, but equally as exciting.

Rebecca had a very whimsical show, that to me seemed to draw inspiration from the likes of Marie Antoinette. Her styling was on point – with great accessories for all of the models hair and artsy makeup, it really gave the otherwise “sweet” pieces an edge. I also have to say, music can make or break a runway show, and these 3 shows killed it with the music. The upbeat classical music for this show was completely on point.

Carmichael Byfield’s collection for House of Byfield made me want to go on vacation! With Camila Cabello’s Havana as the musical backdrop, and both men and women strutting the runway, in bold, ruffly and tropical numbers, it was like a little fashion getaway. Each piece was wearable, which I really liked. Sometimes a runway show is nothing but “out there” pieces you could never see yourself actually wearing. While House of Byfield’s pieces were very unique and bold, they could be still be worn in every day life. Maybe best so in Miami! I also give props to Carmichael for opening his show with the beautiful, red-headed model Madeline Stuart. You may have seen Madeline on other runways or in other campaigns, as she is likely the most well known model with Down Syndrome. I love seeing people of all types featured in fashion.

And finally, there was the Sarene Fu collection. This was my favorite! She had a whole collection of evening gowns, which were absolutely stunning. Knowing how much work it takes to put just one evening gown together, I was so impressed with her work. Each dress was unique, intricately detailed and perfectly executed. While she started out as a bridal dress designer, I assume we will be seeing her pieces on celebrity-studded red carpets in the near future.

While it was my first go round for NYFW, and I have lofty goals for next time (Ralph, I will be looking for my invite!), I am so thrilled I got to attend this year. I saw a lot of great designs, learned about 3 new designers, met a few other fellow fashion lovers/writers and had a fabulous night out in New York! Until, next time NY Fashion Week. [Because I guarantee there will be a next time!]

Signed with Style,