Threadnz is on location at New York Fashion Week and Kiwi Bonnie Barr @MrsB_Barr attended shows yesterday. Here’s her report of what she saw…
The Vaishali S Spring/Summer 2010 show started while the New York sun was setting in the background at Chelsea Piers with the lighting accenting the bright colours of the collection.
With textured fabrics and bright hues, Vaishali S’s collection reflected the sensory experience of India. Traditional in parts with Sari hybrids- but also modern combos of shorts and shawls- this show was well-attended and received.
The CAAFD showcase was a different feeling altogether. There was an excited hum in the huge line waiting to be let in, with lots of incredible fashion just in the queue let alone on the runway itself.
Temraza was the first designer off the rank in the showcase with beautiful ballgowns and wedding dresses. Temraza showed a huge range of wedding dresses ranging from large Sex and the City Westwood-esque gowns through to the sleek and elegant.
Phoenix Ba also showed evening wear, textured Far Eastern-inspired dresses with muted greens and olives with pops of pink or dark blue in a mix of heavy and floaty fabrics. The models were whimsical in their movements to accentuate the light fabrics.
Paraguayan designer Maria Sonia’s flowing pastel gowns were extremely elegant, and brightly coloured in contrast to the largely muted colours of Phoenix Ba’s show prior. In backless gowns paired with matching headpieces, the models seemed to float down the catwalk.
The natural colours of Yufash’s collection was completely different to the offerings of the first two designers, and we saw the first menswear of the group show. Custom tee-shirts in basic colours matched with funky brown pants. There was no wow-factor here, but they were definitely cool. The womenswear was again mostly in muted colours – whites, taupes, and then suddenly huge pops of colour. High-necked satin gowns in cobalt and burnt orange.
A Humming Way collection featured a mixture of soft pinks and beiges, with lots of embroidery. Pant suits and gowns in a patchwork of natural colours and off-the-shoulder pieces were a common theme here, before switching to bare arms and short shoulder coverings. Short shorts, and big sleeves teamed with muted hair and makeup allowed the watchers to focus on the clothing.
Moon Chang’s dark collection was completely unlike any of the other designers. Less wearable but higher impact, the designs drew excited murmurs from the crowd. The models wore black, almost plastic looking fabric that on closer inspection was much thinner and lighter than expected in tandem with sheer fabric. The designs were teamed with heavy black boots making them seem more imposing. An onlooker was overheard saying “Finally, some good stuff!”
Story and photos by Bonnie Barr
10 September 2019