As the summer fades, New York is a buzz with fashion shows and all that it brings to Gotham. The shows happen all over our city; galleries, hotel ballrooms, art centers, restaurants, photo studios, and even on the cobblestone streets, which was where Sally Lapointe chose to have her first runway show in years.
Kobi Halperin
Kobi Halperin is no stranger to fashion. His collection has been a retail staple on the floors of Bloomingdales and Saks, but this was the designer’s first crack at NYFW. Halperin’s clothing has a distinct ethnic vibe and this show was no exception. Some looks had raffia hats with jeweled fringed edges which looked like they were inspired by hats worn in Southeast Asia. But Halperin mixes it up with other elements— embroidery, eyelet, sequins, beading, watercolor prints, making the collection modern and wearable. Special detailing makes each piece a must-have wardrobe item that Halperin knows how to do so well. He is a master at creating the formula for desirable fashion that makes women take out their credit cards. It is wonderful he’s come into the spotlight with this beautifully executed show.
Nardos
Nardos is known for her exquisite bridal gowns but now she can add ready-to-wear to her list of accomplishments. She debuted her collection at the St. Regis hotel where she amazingly presented over 60 looks on the carpet of the hotel ballroom. Each look was its flower of beauty one more vibrant than the last with yards and yards of sumptuous fabric. It was a stunning achievement for the African-born, Texan who started in eveningwear. https://www.nardosdesign.com
Lapointe
As mentioned Lapointe’s Crosby Street Takeover didn’t let the impending rain stop the show. Ms. Lapointe’s show notes said her inspiration was imagining winning the Mega Millions lottery and what she would wear after the win. Seems after winning, the Lapointe girl will wear billowing silk cargo pants, crop tops, and flowy long trench coats with a high ponytail braid to name a few of the cool girl looks that were on the sidewalk. As usual, there were plenty of feathers and sequins in her collection of luxurious street fashion.
Bach Mai
Texan-born designer Bach Mai paid homage to his refugee father for his first runway show at the Dia Center. “My father was like the Greek God Atlas, tasked with holding up the sky,” is what he stated in the show notes. The casting was very diverse and the model’s hair and makeup were kept natural which aligned perfectly with the working-class looks that honored his father’s memory. Models walked to the live acoustic guitar music by Josue’ Pagan which added to the solemn mood. The collection was a departure from his sculptural dresses and looks that he has done in the past but Mai is evolving and showing his range. After the show, he posted on Instagram that he was again nominated as American Emerging Designer by the CFDA.
Frederick Anderson
Frederick Anderson continues to churn out beautiful special occasion dressing but with a modern twist. His show notes said he was inspired by the Swans of Swan Lake and also revealed it was dancing that first brought him to NYC. The show was held at a historic Mansion on East 95 Street where models weaved in and out of rooms where guests sat. He uses his greatest hits of materials that he loves to work with like crochet, lace, and fabrics with touches of gold flecks, openwork, and sheer fabrics with beading. All the models wore platinum afros which were executed by Hair Stylist Edward Tricomi who recently opened a new salon.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Eveningwear master, Bibhu Mohapatra showed his spring ’24 lineup at his shop on Duane Street. He introduced his first eyewear collection in collaboration with IC! Berlin, the German luxury eyewear company, and the frames looked cool mixed with this evening dresses. This was a very strong collection for Mohapatra where he focused on the evening wear he does so well. He used laser cuts in fabrics and pleating in many of the dresses along with gorgeous crystal beading and embroidery and prints. He used his skilled draping techniques making some interesting twists on dresses.
