NYFW: Gerda Truubon’s London Collection 2018

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February 16, 2018 I was invited by Exalt Fashion to cover Gerda Truubon’s London Collection at the Plaza hotel on fifth avenue for New York Fashion Week this year. Gerda is a well known Estonian born London-based fashion designer who crafts sexy but stylish frocks for the confident woman. Her mantra is to create dresses for the bold, secure, self-loving woman that aim to uplift rather than cover up who the woman really is.

Truubon was inspired by her mom, who was a tailor, to customize dresses for herself. In fact, her designs have been coveted by American TV star Natalie Nunn, British TV star Gemma Collins, and countless stars across the globe.

Speaking of dresses and fashion, so I wore the same ensemble from the previous show that day to the next show due to limitations on time.  I took a taxi from Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers to the hotel, and that cab ride averaged around $10.00. I was fortunate both locations were in close proximity of each other. Since I arrived a bit early, we had a little too much fun checking out the high-end stores and taking photos around the lobby.

This is a famous hotel after all. The Plaza hotel is a 20-story luxury hotel and condominium apartment located in Manhattan. Not only is the hotel recognized as a historic landmark but The Beatles stayed at The Plaza Hotel during their first visit to the United States in 1964.

After I had fun checking out the stores, I took the glamorous escalator downstairs to the show. We even had a bellhop assist us to and fro. The interior of the show was wide-spread with shimmery chandeliers, ornate wall decor, pristine floors, and manicured chairs at the front for VIP.  Editors, stylists, and bloggers such as myself took over the VIP section and, yes, we all went a little cray-cray with the selfies.

The show started with a talented singer bursting in with backup dancers. Each performer adorned white, lace, body suits; strap stilettos; and had their hair swaying.

Fifteen models from the show wore a similar ensemble, yet, had tightly wounded buns and ponytails that focused more attention on their stylish eye make up and stoic expressions. The singer, herself, swayed her hips and moved in sync to her own songs. For a second, I almost felt like I was at a concert and I applaud Truubon for adding a surprise introduction. The norm for present and future fashion shows is to start off with a spectacular concert, dance, or even stand-up–as a way to break away from the usual, standard, NYFW runway show.

Once the dancing has stopped and the models paraded away in a clean queue, the meaty matter of the show (the fashion) finally commenced. Truubon is well known from her previous collections for using bold colors, exaggerated sleeves, high shoulder dresses, and ensembles with plunging necklines.

Her trademark styles were underscored in her new line but so were lace, silk, and mesh materials, silver studded trims, and the symmetrical neckline with a one-shoulder long sleeve. Much of this show distilled top runway trends such as exploring a range of pastels, ruffles on the ends of skirts and the beginning of sleeve cuffs, flowy-cuffs unconnected to the dress, and iconic use of exposed shoulder lines as a way to juxtapose the contour of the dress to one’s skin.  This show had the right dosage of flash too.

This dress collection used an ample amount of slits above the  leg to infuse more of a night-time clubbing vibe. Silver studded trims underscored most of her apparel as well as boxed shoulder pads three-inch-high, and ruffled tiers enveloped along the lower neckline and all around the middle of the back. I can safely say her entire collection was devoted to what’s silvery, studded, and long and that’s a unique addition for this year’s show. Overall, this was an iconic show.

At the conclusion of the set, Gerda walked in and I had a hard time discerning her from the rest of the models. She looks just like a model.

Models, press, and VIP attendees were escorted to the lobby. The press had an exciting time snapping photos, grabbing last minute interviews with the designer, and taking selfies with the models. I was fortunate enough to get a selfie with the designer as well but I rue the day I wasn’t able to snag her for a short interview. Darn!

The plaza has a famous eatery downstairs full of international fare such as pasta, ramen, crepes, and beyond. I scarfed down a large bowl of bolognese pasta and my photographer had the most delicious crepe ever. We later caffeinated ourselves, lightly, on tea from Argo Tea a few blocks down and called it a night. Milkbar was nearby and I was half tempted to get some corn cookies and cereal icecream but my foodie self control mode kicked in.

In recent memory, New York Fashion week was most memorable  thanks to Truubin’s and other notable designers shows. I will forever want a dress with exposed shoulders, ruffled sleeve cuffs, and silver, studded trimmings hugging my neckline. I mean, that is the key ingredient for a fashionable It-girl!

April 15, 2018November 29, 2020 by Sherryn G

Stevie Bo’s Noir New York Fashion Week: Seductive, like a Fine Merlot

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Stevie Boi has been making glasses, ensembles, and fashion statements for close to a decade now.  In previous New York Fashion Week Shows, this virtuoso spearheaded: X2SEA, a line that dabbled in sea themes, and rhine-stone based shades; Cabin,  a clothing line that adds sparkle and glam to drab greens and basic blacks, CR3AM, a line that accentuates vanilla hue shirts, sweaters, and dresses; and The woods, a shade line that embody stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and all sorts of fairy tales into woodsy, whimsical glasses that could only captivate an audience.

His ascent into stardom and his successful ventures in authoring his first self help novel ” How Shade Built My Empire”, touring the world, starring in a reality show, leading a food show called “Stevie Boi Eats”, and with taking over Hollywood with his film debut “Cabin”–has inspired a legion of aspiring designers in Baltimore to just be fearless in going after your dream. I am proud and honored to say that I have been covering several of his shows since 2010 and swell up with pride that Baltimore’s own is charting a brand new territory in the shade industry. In short, Stevie Boi is the face of a virtually new fashion genre celebrated by Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and beyond.

Sipping a fine, hibiscus liquor with an up and coming model.

For this show, I wore 7 for all mankind jeans and a embroidered, black, wrap from Express.  I also decided to put on my comfy Tahari boots since I wasn’t a fan of the weather that day.  It was quite cold and I knew strappy stilettos wasn’t going to cut it that day.

I took an uber that day since I didnt feel like looking for parking by the Garment district. The building I went to was covert, and entering through the backdoors in a stealth way made me feel like I was on a secret mission. This was a highly exclusive event and I was honored I was in the know.

A common case with Stevie Boi shows is that there’s ample time to network before and well after the event has ended. What’s a unique case about his shows is that the people who attend are very, very friendly and that I think is a reflection on the designer, himself. He has always been a generous, kind, person from day 1 and fame, and success hasn’t changed his heart.

The most intricate appetizers, and  most magical drinks were served at this event. This show was part michellin star and part exclusive, VIP, party!

In between the models getting their hair, make up, and clothing ready–It was cool seeing part of the “getting ready” process–I noshed on some unique treats. RAPT catering served guests crudites with creams, meats, jellies, and unique veggies. It wasn’t just one kind of appetizer too but 4-5 different kinds plus there was a hibiscus infused liquor that emitted smoke when you drank it.  A part of me felt like I was stepping into a NYC Michellin star restaurant due to the food, quality of service, and the intimate environment found inside the venue.

As media, I was able to snag a seat right by Beyonce’s long time stylist, Ty Hunter. He was the special guest of the evening. What I really like most about him is his humble, down to earth, demeanor. He never drew any attention to himself, from what I hear he takes the subway and walks everywhere plus I saw him treat each guest with a genuine smile.  I had a fun time taking a selfie with him, fyi part because he was Beyonce’s stylist but also because he was a genuinely fun loving person.

Picture courtesy of Touch of Daz and The Impression

After the mingling ceased, everyone was seated.  Each guest was given a hefty swag bag full of lotions, creams, coupons, lip scrubs and beyond. I guess it pays to sit in VIP. Anyway, the show started with a vibrant, Baltimore, music explosion. A break dancer jumped to the front and danced, jumped and entranced the crowd with her prowess. This was an uncommon sight at a NYC fashion show but a welcoming one since this threw all attendees (models, stylists, photographers, influencers, celebrities, and journalists) by surprise.

After the first performance, an inflatable woman wearing shades with blond hair emerged and strutted her stuff. This looked like a caricature of the editor in chief of vogue and I felt like I was in a whole different world. Again, this was not a common thing to see at a fashion show but the crowd (including myself) loved these surprises. Stevie Boi is a true showman and entertainer by wowing the crowds with these delightful theatrics.

Models, one by one, walked with emboldened steps in asymmetrical latex shirts, dresses, and pasties. A previous model from America’s Next Top Model stole the show with her blond pony tale, exposed top with pasties, and carefree confidence.  Each outfit was skintight, seductive, and confident.  For some odd reason, I wanted to drink Merlot the whole time because the drink, itself, is a fine wine, with a confident taste. Drink enough Merlot and you may want to act seductive too.

The men wore mid- length shirts, cab hats, and Stevie Boi’s trademark shades. The women wore some of the most amazing shoes I have ever seen. As a boot lover, I saw strappy boots, plush boots, silk-based boots, and latex boots. I really wanted to own a few pairs after watching the show.

If you want to see Stevie Boi’s Noir show, click on this link here.

Every show is  completely different than his last. Stevie Boi purely uses his imagination, confidence, and fashion-forward thinking to create close to 10 years of memorable shades, outfits, and celeb-worthy memories.

January 5, 2018March 2, 2018 by Sherryn G

Pavel Berky: Fashion Forward with a twist of Comfort at New York Fashion Week!

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For my birthday awhile back, I had this amazing opportunity to sit front row at Pavel Berky’s NYFW debut  in February 2017.  Pavel Berky is a famous Slovak designer, who graduated from the University of arts & architecture in Prague and recently focused his brand to London, UK.

The show was exclusively held at Distilled NY on West Broadway and select media was invited  to cover this premier. I opted out of taking a mega bus for this trip and endured a not so grueling 3 hour drive a few days before this show. Since it was my birthday weekend, I chose to stay at the Wyndham hotel.

On the day of the show, I decided to wear my lacy, white, patterned Adriana Pappel dress paired with vintage earrings and a vintage leather coat that hugged the dress. I decided to take a cab to the event since I didn’t want to deal with street parking in New York City–of all places! The weather was pretty cold but despite that, attendees wore the cutest, skin tight dresses that exposed enough skin for Summer time.

I had the opportunity to mingle with bloggers, magazine editors, burgeoning stylists, and photographers at this hot event.  The venue was intimate but vast enough to have a full view of the show. The architecture was intricate, ornate, with a mash-up of old style Europe with a modern touch. The chandeliers sparkled whenever a model strutted down the runway, I think the venue added a touch of magic to an overall scintillating show.

Notable figures were seated in the front.

This experience was a bit unique since I noticed a shift in the Fashion networking circles. Instead of sharing a business card, more designers and writers offer to follow each other on Instagram. If both parties vibe well enough a few months after the event, then direct messaging will take place. When I first started hitting up the New York Fashion Week scene, business cards were the way to go but I guess the surge in I-phone usage has changed customs of the past.

Anyways, the show started promptly after everyone was seated.  Models had either their hair slicked back, coiffed into a thick side style, or wore an asymmetrical hat that truly primed an attendees focus on their eyes. I was impressed with the powerful smoky eye makeup used for several of the female models since that evoked a serious presentation of the garments Pavel created.

Black is a major NYC color to wear and Pavel harnessed his imagination to produce an eclectic variety of dresses, suits, and fur-trimmed jackets.

Berky experimented with various fabrics such as leather, silk, fur, cotton with plaid prints, latex, and used bold browns, reds, and greens to make black hued ensembles pop with a lively impression.

As someone who likes to dress both for comfort and to be fashion forward, I can definitely see myself wearing some of these dresses to a gala, a cocktail party, at a new bar or just to walk around Georgetown.  Berky created ensembles for the every day person who values expression and work day ensemble balance.

Another personal favorite from his line were the long, drape-y coats that had faux-fur lined on the sleeves and unto the neckline. I wanted to wear them, sip some hot cocoa from a hot new cafe in Chelsea, and bask in the glow of the city lights.

The show felt long since I was clearly enamored with much of his new line but, in reality, it was a 30 minute show.  Despite the time limit, I did have ample time to meet the designer himself and to meet these amazing models who kicked the show up a notch. If you ever come up to New York City around February or September, try to catch a Pavel Berky show. I assure you, you will be left wanting to wear what he has created.

January 5, 2018March 2, 2018 by Sherryn G