NYFW 2017

Amanda Bertoncini
Feb 16, 2017
7 min read

SHOWS:

Hayley Elsaesser

Milk Studios, February 8th, 2017

https://www.hayleyelsaesser.com/

Hayley Elsaesser is one of New York Fashion Week’s upcoming designers that I have been anxiously awaiting. Her designs are a lifelike form of the world I envisioned as a child with My Little Pony. Magestic, colorful and fascinating.

Elsaesser worked with My Little Pony and China Glaze Nail Art in creating a bold and vibrant statement. To me, it was a combination of 1960's Retro with our generation's inspired trends. Nail Artist Gracie J grasped the core of Hayley's collection for the nails. In a press release, Gracie said “For me, My Little Pony and Hayley Elsaesser’s collection is reminiscent of childhood ambiguity. I was inspired by the carefree and colorful pattern-driven prints. When it comes to nail art I am a big believer of wearing whatever your heart desires,” Gracie J said in a press release. “Who wants to be told how to express themselves? Not me!” Can I get an AMEN?! The Canadian designer is known for her dazzling and colorful creations, which is why it is no surprise that the My Little Pony collection approached her for collaboration. The candy-colored hues didn't stop at the clothing and nails art. Male and female models were styled with the same colors in their hair and eye makeup.What we saw for this season's collection I thought only existed in a fairy tail's dream. The concept of Rainbows, clouds, lightning bolts and, of course, the star ponies! Lots of shift dresses, blazers, short skirts and high tops or ankle booties for the ladies. Men were wore contrasting pants with their statement jackets, exaggerated scarves and overalls. Her boutique is located on Queen Street West in Toronto.

PHOTO COURTESY BY: J. EARNSHAW

The Nylon Project

The Delancey, February 7, 2017

The NYLON Project was created by Jordana Guimaraes as an initiative to aid the homeless in New York City. "Homelessness in NYC have hit record highs with a 115 percent increase over the past two decades and it's time for all of us to unite and try to make a change. This project may not be the solution, however, it's one step closer towards turning the world into a better place", says Jordana Guimaraes. Their campaign, "It can be you... It can be me.... It can be any of us! Let's stop judging and start trying to understand each other, to see how we can turn the problem into the solution". Jordana took one of the biggest events in NYC, New York Fashion Week, as a tool to increase awareness to The Nylon Project. 50% of the proceeds that come in via sponsorship's as well as tickets to the show, will go towards purchasing/distributing the meals throughout the holidays leading up to Fashion Week as well as executing the campaign. Guimaraes says, "I'm excited to see where this goes. It starts with meals & awareness, however, the possibilities where this could lead are endless".

[From their Press Release, celebrities which included Christina Milian, Jenni Farley (JWOWW), Wé McDonald of Season 11 of The Voice, Gender Capitalist Rain Dove, Peter Madrigal of Vanderpump Rules, Miss New York 2016 Nicole Kulovany, Rachel Lynch of I Hate Blonde walked the runway sharing stories of just a few of the homeless we have encountered in the last few months. Performances by the FAULKNER band from Los Angeles, Che'Nelle - singer/songwriter, Wé McDonald of Season 11 of the Voice took place.

Sponsored brands included Anje Clothing, Belle Fare, Fair Harbor, JayDee, Eternal Springs, SCRD, Wild Mantle, SoFrancisco, Karli Buxton, The Valencia, Mana Made Jewelry, Lonewolf Collective, HERO New York, Conscious Step, Mr. Custom Made, ARMARIUM, House of Eleven and Alkemi Collective.

Other sponsors included Christo Fifth Avenue + Guilty Beauty Gal - responsible for all make-up & hair as well as Latoya Mcleary responsible for styling the show.

Jordana Guimaraes, founder of The NYLON Project, styled by Christo Fifth Avenue (hair + make-up), dress by Jody Bell, accessories by Dirty Hands and shoes by Jessica Simpson Collection. ]

Donate today at: https://www.gofundme.com/the-nylon-project

Check out more of my footage in the "news" tab for full videos from my interviews with JWOWW, Scott Bryce and Peter Madrigal!

Photo Courtesy by: Amanda Bertoncini, Courtesy of Millennium Magazine & Chineys Photography

Gemy Maalouf

Bowery Hotel, February 15th, 2017

http://gemymaalouf.com/

Gemy Maalouf, the fashion designer declaring their mark in New York City from Beirut, Lebanon, held a stunning presentation for New York Fashion Week with her latest AW17 luxury gown collection. The private and chic viewing took place at one of my favorite spots, The Bowery Hotel.

The attendees were shown three rounds of the season's elegant evening dresses (45 in total). The collection’s motif included lavish silks, flowing sheer linings, ruffled off-the-shoulder metallic, and stunning prints. Maalouf brought together a strong assortment of flirtatious cuts and femininity. Gemy Maalouf has a story to tell through every piece, made to be timeless, beyond seasons and passing trends. From formal evening gowns to bridal dresses, Gemy has even won the loyalty of high-profile celebrities on the red carpet. I too, will be contacting her for my wedding!

Photo Courtesy by: Jerry Tian Ying Min

Madame Paulette

Madame Paulette, Feb. 15, 2017

https://madamepaulette.com/

Madame Paulette, 1255 2nd Avenue, New York, NY

Interview with John Mahdessian, Owner of Madame Paulette and his gorgeous girlfriend, Dorinda Medley from "The Real Housewives of New York"

Courtesy of Millennium Magazine and Amanda Bertoncini

Dorinda Medley of Bravo's The Real House Wives of New York City, John Mahdessian, owner of Madame Paulette host a private soiree for the opening of "Happily Ever After". In collaboration with Israel's most celebrated bridal and evening wear designer, Inbal Dror.

Now, this is the way to close out New York Fashion Week! The NYFW window installation features Beyonce's choice to wear at The American Music Awards and wardrobe for the World Formation Tour.

Madame Paulette's "Fashion Ambulance" will be on location to aid any fashion emergencies from the guests. "It's Anna Wintour's destination for preserving her magnificent and important wardrobe," says John Mahdessian.

The event was produced by Tahor Group's Tobi Rubinstein and Nancy Torres Kaufman, the fashion marketing duo that created The Moving Runway with NYC iconic Horse and Carriages and TLV RUNWAY NYC. The Tahor Group offers creative management for fashion brands. Their services include capital raising, financial structuring, PR, and Media. Our team has over 35 years of experience.

SOURCE : Tahor Group

Also visit www.inbaldror.com and tahorgroup.com

Photo Courtesy by: Patrick McMullen

RANGONI SHOES

Rangoni Shoes, February 1st, 2017

Market Week

PREVIEW

Q&A with Valentina Rangoni of Rangoni Firenze Shoes

AB: Ms. Valentina! What an honor it is to meet you in person. How was your trip from Italy?

VR: Wow a honor! I feel so important! Well, as usual a little bit tiring, I'm trying not to fall asleep right now because of the jet lag.

AB: It must be very exciting to see the new showroom in person. What were your thoughts when you walked in?

VR: I really like the new show room, it reminds me an old cozy apartment from 19th century. Actually for my line I would prefer a more modern style but Rangoni classic touch wins this time.

AB: When I look at your shoes, I imagine a sexy, working woman who knows what she wants and makes sure she gets it! They embody originality, which is so refreshing to see. What kind of woman were you like growing up?

VR: I really hope I 'm going to be what you described, maybe a more self confident woman who helps growing up the family business .

AB: How would you define your style in one word?

VR: A sort of Modern Preppy, if it exists.

AB: Was creative design always innate for you? It is a talent that cannot be taught.

VR: I've grown up looking at people that design beautiful shoes season after season, so I can say that It became a sort of natural thing for me. Of course I'm surrounded by people that are so much competent than me and helps me every day.

AB: Rangoni Firenze is Handcrafted Italian Footwear since 1937. Your philosophy has stayed consistent since that time in that "Shoes should be made with the best materials possible....quality plus comfort". What kind of materials are used that set your designs apart?

VR: We use the finest leather of the world and very exclusive materials that tanneries made just for us.

AB: How are you able to offer such an effective form of quality while still being more affordable then comparable high end brands?

VR: We make everything by ourselves in our factory, step after step. And when we need some support we rely on trusted people .

AB: I have a very narrow foot, do your designs vary in widths?

VR: Yes, we do narrow fittings in all our production.

AB: Where are your factories located?

VR: Our factory is located in Florence, my home town

AB: I quote, "In the fashion business, every season you start from scratch". We are delighted to see the presentation! What can we expect from Spring 2016?

VR: You can expect a very refreshing vibe from summer 2017 collection! We decided to set the photoshoot on the cliff nearby the sea to let fell the wildness of the collection.

AB: I feel honored to also see a sneak peak of some of our Fall 2017 pieces! What kind of styles and colors did you visualize for this season? Also, when can I get my hands on them?! (Or feet, rather!)

VR: This fall collection fits to my different attitudes and, in my opinion, to the modern lifestyle with a femininity touch . The idea is always to cover all the different moments of the modern lifestyle, but still characterized from a kind of distinctive "fil rouge" that links each type of shoe if he collection. They will be available online and in our stores from July 2017

AB: How does it feel to be in NYC at your new showroom

VR: It's always delightful to be back in the United States and especially in New York, city that I love. It's like coming back home because It's since I was a kid that I come here

AB: Where do you get your inspirations from?

VR: Everything around me inspires the collection; for example for this fall collection I looked to ballerinas and also to the Belle Époque era.

AB: Do you have a celebrity fashion icon?

VR: I love Olivia Palermo perfection, she never had a bad outfit. And I also like Kate Middleton classic style.

AB: How many retail outlet locations do you have?

VR: We have an outlet factory store just nearby our factory in Florence

AB: Congratulations on being represented by AMPR. How have they taken your brand to the next level?

VR: We've just started this collaboration but i'm already seeing a lot of changes and improvements. Cross fingers for the moment!!!