Follow Essence Senior Fashion Editor Marielle Bobo through the madness of NYFW.
7:30am – AAlarm goes off. It wakes me frantically to the tunes of Michael’s “PYT.” Forgot I put the alarm on blast so that I wouldn’t oversleep on the first day of Fashion Week. For what might be the ten longest seconds of my life, I’m infuriated as I flail around for the alarm in the darkness that is my room—doorag twisted and comforter over my head. Alas, I hit the off switch and my annoyance subsides. How can I stay mad with MJ singing so sweetly to me in the morn, lol!
8:00am – Turn on “Good Morning America." Sam Champion says it’s gonna be a wet one. Arrgh! I spent hours last night mapping out my Fashion Week wardrobe to no avail. Don’t panic … relax, relate, release … Nana says I should always start my day with a hearty breakfast, so I head downstairs to the kitchen to make some oatmeal and Mango tea.
8:30am – Time to hit up the closet! What will I wear? It all starts with the shoes…
8:30am — I think I’ll go embellished…
8:45 — Time to accessorize….
9:00 — Fashion Week secret weapons: Kiehl’s Eye De-puffer and Visine to restore tired eyes! Throw ‘em in the bag and go! I grab my umbrella and forge down Nostrand Avenue! Onward march!
10:00 — I’ve made it to the tents relatively dry and unscathed!
10:15 — Unlike last season, this time I knew to pick up my Fashion Week ID card prior to the shows for easy access. Go me!
10:15 — This whole bar code system still freaks me out though….
10:30 — I take my seat at BCBG. A a colorful mix of silky sportswear kicks of new York Fashion Week Spring 2012.
11:00 — Richard Chai has got to be the king of cool. His knack for layering luxe separates with casual wear is unparalleled. For women,his casual watercolor florals are uber cool yet oh-so-femme!
12:00 — No escape from the slow-moving line to exit Richard Chai. I feel like cattle being herded. In the meantime, hunger’s beginning to settle in. Uh-oh … I don’t do well when I’m famished. Frantically I start digging in my bag for something — anything to eat. Alas! Candy! Yay! That’ll do for now, but if these people don’t move it stat, there will be a major problem, lol…
12:15 — En route from Chai I chat it up with the beautiful Veronica Webb, who has joined on as the spokesperson for Sector Watches. I am obsessing over the uber-chunky menswear styles, which are so on trend for the ladies right now as well!
12:30 — How fierce is Veronica in her cropped suit, kitten heels and Sector watch? I’m rocking a vintage YSL suitdress, MCL earrings and jeweled eelskin Dolce & Gabbana pumps.
12:40 — Veronica and the lovely team at Sector provided these amazing watches as Editors’ gifts!
1pm — Time to get to grubbin! What’s on the menu today? Mexican! Who says fashionistas don’t eat?
1:30 — En route to Porter Grey’s presentation I chat it up with a friendly cabbie who raves about his love for Black women and the immense love he has for his wife. Awww! Ten minutes prior I was in a shouting match with a fellow New Yorker, now I’m all warm and fuzzy inside! That’s the Big Apple for ya!
2:15 — Porter Grey’s collection is super flirty and immensely chic! These tiny short shorts are to die for! Adding menswear flats keeps these from looking too sexy! I fantasize about strutting in these next summer, but then I get flashbacks of the “Yo! Slim Goody” catcalls I was faced with this morning, face covered by my umbrella, donning black businesswear. This might not be the best look for Nostrand Avenue…
2:15 — Loving these denim oxfords at Porter Grey.
2:15 — Bold pops of color paired with neutrals and metallics give a fresh look at Porter Grey.
2:15 — I love how effortlessly chic these looks are at Porter Grey. These are such great separates that can be mixed and matched with anything! The dark shades give a really cool, polished look.
5:00 — I head uptown to check out burgeoning designer Mimi Plange’s collection, which for Fall was full of Asian-inspired gorgeousness!
5:00 — As I walk through Mimi’s collection I can’t help but think of my favorite movie, Mahogany. I keep replaying that opening scene in my head where Diana struts down the runway in her debut fashion show wearing an elaborate kimono while Billy Dee’s voice resonates in her head — “Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with!” LOL! Awwww Billy Dee!
5:00 — Back to Mimi. I am loving her color combinations for Spring/Summer as well as the beautiful prints she added to the collection.
5:00 — Especially exciting is Mimi’s collaboration with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. The young talent collaborated with the famed brand on two styles which will be in stores for Spring/Summer 2012. Mimi Manolos? Major happenings for a burgeoning brand! Congrats Mimi!
5:00 — Loving the Chinoiserie influence of these intricately beaded ankle boots that Mimi designed with Manolo Blahnik.
6:00 — As the day ends and the Fashion’s Night Out festivities begin, the shoenista in me feels compelled to check out the Manolo and Christian Louboutin events tonight. Manolo boasts fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker who will be on hand signing shoes, while guest can sip on Mr. Blahnik’s favorite milkshakes. The Louboutin boutique on Horatio will have Mr. Louboutin on hand signing shoes and hair stylist extraordinaire Frederic Fekkai working his magic on your tresses. Sounds MAJOR!!!
6:00: As the day ends and the Fashion’s Night Out festivities begin, the shoenista in me feels compelled to check out the Manolo and Christian Louboutin events tonight. Manolo boasts fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker who will be on hand signing shoes, while guest can sip on Mr. Blahnik’s favorite milkshakes. The Louboutin boutique on Horatio will have Mr. Louboutin on hand signing shoes and hair stylist extraordinaire Frederic Fekkai working his magic on your tresses. Sounds MAJOR!!!
6:00: As the day ends and the Fashion’s Night Out festivities begin, the shoenista in me feels compelled to check out the Manolo and Christian Louboutin events tonight. Manolo boasts fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker who will be on hand signing shoes, while guest can sip on Mr. Blahnik’s favorite milkshakes. The Louboutin boutique on Horatio will have Mr. Louboutin on hand signing shoes and hair stylist extraordinaire Frederic Fekkai working his magic on your tresses. Sounds MAJOR!!!
7:00 — I hit the ground running, anxious to hail a cab and start the festivities. After 15 cab-less minutes on the corner of 50th and 6th the fire dies and the old lady inside of me has a better plan in store…
8:00 — It’s 8:00am on day two of Fashion Week and I’ve already had quite an eventful morning. I drove around in circles for an hour in attempt to park my car on the right side of the street (darn alternate side of the street parking regulations!). Finally I give up, I park my car right outside of my house on the wrong side of the street and get slapped with a parking ticket. Arrgh! To make matters worse, this morning’s parking fiasco cuts into my “styling time” for today’s ensemble!
9:30am — At the A train station on Nostrand avenue I think I’m suffering a heat stroke. Its one-million degrees down here, my penciled in eyebrows are sweating off and the so-called “express” train hasn’t come for 20 minutes! I’m 5 seconds from losing it when the train suddenly arrives. FINALLY…
9:45am — Really? This thing is supposed to be express? Seems like every two inches the train moves up then stops to a sudden halt. If I hear that computerized message about “slight congestion ahead” one more time…
10am — I take a quick look at my sched. Wow. Looks like we’re in store for another insane one. I’ve got shows back to back all day.
10:15am — I emerge from the subway and hit the ground running for my first show of the day, Luca Luca. I’ve got about 10 minutes before the seat-fillers go into attack mode! I hit the ground running in my Donna Karan dress, vintage wrap, MCL bangles, Vuitton bag and Gucci pumps. I see a friend but can’t stop to chat—this is a fashion emergency! Heeeey girl! Catch you after the show!
11:00am — I made it! Whew! My franticness subsides once the Luca Luca show begins. I’m blown away by the unexpected color combos. Baby blue and chartreuse? Who knew! I so see myself in this ensemble next season — so chic and modern!
11:00am — Sheer layers are all over the runways for Spring and the Luca Luca show was no exception. These sheer slacks could quickly go from sweet to scandalous in a heartbeat, but the styling here keeps this look from going the raunchy route. I love that these were layered with short-shorts underneath and a playful top.
11:00am — I am loving this sequined ensemble. The iridescent white sequins create an understatedly elegant shimmer, while the metallic accessories look oh-o-modern.
12:00pm — I head backstage for a sneak peek at Rebecca Taylor’s collection. Inspiration boards reveal a soft pallette of dusty, romantic hues pierced with pops of bold vivid accents.
12:15 — These strappy stilettos backstage at Rebecca Taylor have my name written all over them. Just as I was drooling all over them in lust, one of the backstage assistants grabs them and places them on one lucky model’s feet. My heart drops…
12:15 — The shoes of my dreams turn up on this anorak-clad model. She’s lucky I love her outfit, chartreuse shoes, baby blue jacket, floral dress adn all. It’s good….really good actually! Loving the coat! Loving it! So sleek and modern. The styling here is great too—the single strand of colored pearls worn slung over the body adds such a femme touch! “Rain, rain go away”? Maybe not so much if you’re wearing wet weather-wear that’s this chic!
12:15 — Another fave look from the Rebecca Taylor show spotted backstage. Loving the mix of textures here — sleek nylon, a sequined knit and sheer silk. The strand of pearls worn over the body resurface again here, this time lace with neon. How fun is this look? Loving the layering and proportion play here as well. Now that I’ve had a sneak peek at the line it’s time to head to my seat to watch the show.
1:00 — Mara Hoffman’s ability to fuse various cultural influences always wows me, take this look for example with hair reminiscent of a fave image I’ve seen of Freida Kahlo and Masai-inspired jewelry.
1:00 — Doesn’t the Mara Hoffman hair from my previous pic appear reminiscent of Freida Kahlo’s ribbon-embellished cornrows shown here?
1:00 — Traditional Masai jewelry, reminiscent of what’s seen in this image, inspired Mara’s collection.
1:00 — Back to the Mara Hoffman presentation. Love her breezy dresses in bold prints. Ahhhh, looking at these puts me in the mood for an island getaway.
1:00 — At Mara Hoffman, the prettiest white sundress I ever did see!
1:00 — Laceup wedges at Mara Hoffman are comfy yet stylish.
1:00 — Bold accessories at Mara Hoffman. Loving the mix of textures and patterns here.
2:30 — Bye bye Lincoln Center! I cab it down to 14th street, just in time for Rubin Chapelle’s presentation, at the brand’s store in the meatpacking district.
Loving the theme for this season’s collection — ”Erotic Modesty.”
2:30 — For Spring Summer 2012, the Rubin Chappelle’s trademark silky silhouettes get updated in modern shapes like this effortlessly elegant romper. How chic is this?! It’s by far my fave item of the day! I know, I know, it does look a bit pajama-esque, but I love that it works for both day and night. The luxe fabric allows this to be dressed up when paired with sexy heels, or try with flats for understated elegance.
2:30 — This emerald-hued gown is stunning! Perfect for a cover shoot or the red carpet.
3:00 — Time to get my grub on. Grilled cheese with bacon is this girl’s best friend! Mmm, mmm gooood! After lunch, I head uptown to the Nicole Miller show.
4:00 — At Nicole Miller, colorful sportswear separates run rampant. I love the neon-trimmed pants shown here, paired with contrasting colors and layered tops.
4:00 — This colorblock trench at Nicole Miller is a fun update on a classic style.
Head to toe color at Nicole Miller is definitely not for the faint of heart. The funky tie adds a playful twist.
5:00 — Last stop of the day: Cynthia Rowley. I head back stage for a sneak peek at her collection and find an interesting combination of sport-inspired looks and feminine frills.
5:00 — Love the color and cutout detail of this scuba-inspired top.
5:00 — Feminine florals backstage at Cynthia Rowley.
5:00 — Loving these gilded wedges at Cynthia Rowley! Fierce and fabulous!
5:00 — I take my seat at the show. Cynthia Rowley’s gilded runway is stunning!
5:00 — Not sure who this woman is sitting front row at Cynthia Rowley, but I am loving her ensemble! It’s flawless from head to toe! Perfection!
5:00 — Flirty looks at Cynthia Rowley.
6pm — Now that show’s have wrapped, it’s time to give the tooties a rest! Ahhhhh!
