NYFW AW17 – Events

Last NYFW post! I'm sharing with you guys some highlights from the many events I attended last week. Let's start with one of my favorite annual New York Fashion Week events with ShopStyle, a super fun social event for bloggers and influencers where you can borrow great pieces, we're talking designer-label clothes, shoes, bags, and more accessories, to style as you wish or just to wear around town during fashion week! Check out my picks from H&M and French Connection I chose to style in this post HERE.

On top of this, there was also an illustrator who did sketches of many fashionistas (I opted out as the line was too long for my liking) a Gigi New York pop up where you could get a monogrammed envelope and even a photo session with a photographer out on the terrace with the NYC skyline as a background.

Now, let's discuss the 'REAL' highlight of my time at NYFW last week. You see, I'm normally quite self-conscious when it comes to meeting those I admire. But my new career in the world of blogging has greatly helped me build the courage to always just GO FOR IT. If you truly want to meet someone, my belief is mind over matter. It'll happen if that's what you want, deep down. Call it fate, but I don't think we are all just floating around waiting to bump into each other. I feel you meet people for a reason.  

I met a few famous bloggers, such as Heidi Nazarudin (@theambitionista) and Jiawa Liu (@beigerenegade) pictured above, and both were incredibly kind and down-to-earth! But the one blogger I literally lost my sh*t over, was the one and only, Chriselle Lim. She is my idol and has made such a tremendous impact on my life. I heard about a pop-up she was doing with Thakoon and even though I really wanted to meet her, I was too chicken to go alone. So after filming a YouTube segment at a nearby hotel for a new up-and-coming app, my new friends encouraged me to go, giving me the moral support that I needed, they joined forces with me! I was so nervous and kept trying to remain cool, calm and collected but the moment we met, tears started to come down in buckets! I apologized profusely trying to gain my composure but it was too much for me. Chriselle has helped me through very difficult times in my life most have no idea about, and for that, I'm eternally grateful for her. I could go on and on about how amazing she is, but she is such a true inspiration and just being able to tell her face-to-face what she has done for me will mean more to me than anyone could ever imagine. AND she was SO genuine - nothing about her is fake! It was such a heartfelt moment, I will never forget this meeting! 

The same night I met Chriselle I also attended the photo exhibition party of Luka Sabbat's 'Hot Mess' at Milk Studios, an intimate but POPPIN' event and that basically culminated into a rager that night. It was one of the dopest parties I've been to in a while. The young creatives' endeavor drew A-list guests like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Pusha T, A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, AlunaGeorge, Tyler the Creator, Cardi B, Mickey Boardman, Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston, Larsen Thompson, JunglePussy and Kerwin Frost among others. 

I also attended Stylinity's event at Lulu Frost, which showcases GORGEOUS, decadent jewelry and vintage clothing. Veronica Webb, famous model & actress (who's 50 WHOA & from Detroit like myself) made an appearance to talk about her experiences and advice in the realm of blogging, which was insightful, funny and fresh. I learned a lot from listening to others and she was full of wisdom, humor, and strength. Number one lesson? Always keep it real and remain true to yourself. 

Which brings us to our last event with Lifetime's, 'Women Behind the Seams' at Milk Studios. Photographer, Christelle de Castro's portraits of many women behind the scenes during fashion week, such as Tziporah Salamon, who was one of Bill Cunningham's favorite muse, showcased the faces behind many doers, muses and makers that don't get as much recognition as other may get in the fashion world. And I thought this to be wonderful. I hope you guys enjoyed all my NYFW content! Would love to hear from you and what you'd like to see more of next season! And stay tuned for more upcoming fashion & beauty posts this week! Have a lovely weekend. :)  

LOVE & XX'S, 

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ 

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NYFW AW17 – THE REST OF THE SHOWS

DAN LIU

I was surprised by the absence of florals and prints, unlike last season's show. Talented designer Dan Liu kept with warmer colors, including makeup and hair, while still maintaining a light, whimsical-like fairytale amongst his collection. I appreciate the focus on winter wear. My favorite? The half up half down look with soft ringlet curls to fit the theme. And also Mr. Liu's singing abilities. Yes, he performed live singing a beautiful melody! 

HAKAN AKKAYA

I have to say, this was was my utmost pleasant surprise of the week! Going in I wasn't at all familiar with Turkish designer, Hakan Akkaya, but be sure about this – you'll be seeing a lot more of him in the future! His entire collection was all about freedom and the art of sporty couture. He played only in black and white with tons of strappy belts, ruffles, and patent leather. I loved how several designers this season, including Akkaya, embodied their feelings on the current times. The political landscape is a vast one so it is completely refreshing to see that come through in the light of fashion. It isn't only about clothes, and this collection proved just that. (Even though I want EVERYTHING from this collection, regardless if it's for men or women!) 

LEANNE MARSHALL

What can I say about this amazing designer? Project Runway winner from Season 5, Leanne Marshall never disappoints with her ethereal collections. Effortless flow with a touch of contemporary this season, I loved the cream lace tops and skirts that mixed in beautifully with monochromatic, old world glam gowns. And I couldn't take my eyes off the earrings (Hello tassels) and the pop of red from the lips of the models! Lastly, silk has made numerous appearances in several collections. Major trend alert. Just breathtaking. Always such a gorgeous show.

ANNIESA HASIBUAN

An Indonesian-inspired D'Jakarta collection, models wore hijabs for each look, clearly demonstrating uniqueness and the freedom in expressing other forms of style & beauty. Each detail is rich in culture. I especially loved the glittering silvers and sparkling golds, the fierce, energetic music and knockout pieces such a ball gown composed of rose gold tulle made in the shape of roses paired with bronze and black, and the closing piece, an all black gown and cape stitched with Hasibuan’s signature “A” in gold. The perfect collection for any Super Woman! The show was completely filled with passion and empowerment. 

VIVIENNE TAM

Bright and eclectic, Tam's collection was inspired by the electrifying energy of Hong Kong nightlife, with bursts of neon fuschias, greens, purples and midnight blues inspired from omnipresent neon signs and grids that light the skyscrapers. Iconic signage, traffic lights, and contrasting dark tunnels are translated into neon prints, alluding to modern city life. I adored the evening bags that doubled as travel kits (how cute is the airplane one?!) Such an amazing collection for the cultural explorer! I may need a piece (or two) for my upcoming travels... ;)

MIMI PROBER

First time seeing Mimi Prober and 'Hallelujah'! The models walked down the runway as the familiar tune played in the background. What was interesting was the play on lights. Each step further led to the room becoming brighter and brighter. And with a limited play on color, only using off-white, black, grays and beige, this collection was all about sustainable luxury and growing maturity. I loved the stress on lace and crochet, but more so, the small touch of details, such as the last look with emerald and gold embellishments. Absolutely spectacular! And don't even get me started on the coats! 

THE NOLCHA SHOWS

The Nolcha Shows at New York Fashion Week just wrapped the Fall/Winter 2017 season at Artbeam Studios, featuring 9 runway shows.  The platform for indie brands remains the go-to downtown destination for discovering fresh designs during fashion week. I attended the “Ones To Watch” show which kicked off spotlighting emerging brands including: Mariana Valentina (Arabian Architecture-inspired statement dresses), Son Collection (Vietnamese womenswear), Just In Case (men’s and women’s streetwear from Taiwan), Chèlbè (made especially for tall women 5ft11+), and Stevenson University (a collective of students debuting their take on the little black dress).  

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

NYFW Backstage with Aveda – Hellessy, Tibi, Public School & Tome

HELLESSY

Backstage makeup vibes at the Hellessy AW2017 show at Highline Studios in New York City, Aveda Artist, Janell Geason, used NEW Aveda Petal Essence™ Face Accents in Seychelles Sand (infused with aromatic floral notes) to illuminate and contour cheekbones in a more natural-looking way and NEW Aveda Nourish-Mint™ Smoothing Lip Color in Coral Sands (with a certified organic peppermint and vanilla aroma) to give lips a warm, soft peachy color. Definitely such a fresh, dewy look!

TIBI

Aveda Artist, Frank Rizzieri, created thick, healthy and face-framing hair for the TIBI AW2017 show –inspired heavily by menswear – held at Skylight Modern in New York City. Aveda Thickening Tonic) with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic rosemary, geranium, cinnamon) helped expand strands from root to tip, while Damage Remedy™ Split End Repair sealed ends instantly. No matter the length, each model had full and super plush strands. (Not to mention the tonic spray is my favorite Aveda hair product! Keeps my new fringe bangs intact without the hassle!)

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Aveda Artist, Allen Ruiz, created weightless body and volume for the Public School AW2017 show held at a packed Milk Studios in New York City. Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic peppermint, ylang-ylang, bergamot) helped make the most out of what each model had already without weighing the hair down. The bigger the better. 

Male models received matte texture with a pliable hold from Aveda Artist, Allen Ruis. All-star Aveda Control Paste™ (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic ylang-ylang, clove and clary sage) was worked into dry hair for a loose and piece-y high texture style. 

TOME

Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders honed in on natural hair textures to create an array of individual styles for the Tome AW2017 show – celebrating confident, strong women – held at Clarkson Square in New York City. Dry Remedy™ Daily Moisturizing Oil was used to instantly add moisture and bring hair back to life. The sleek ponytails and curly styles were then set with Air Control™ Light Hold Hair Spray featuring the Pure-Fume™ aroma with certified organic lavender, bergamot and palmarosa. And one of my favorite makeup looks from this fashion week was their simple white-lined eyeliner. Minimal yet extremely powerful. Just gorgeous!

LOVE & XX'S,

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NYFW DAY 1 – Nicholas K, Desigual & Erin Fetherston

NICHOLAS K

Their clothes are a style often referred to as "urban nomad" and clearly, reflect the brother/sister duo's viewpoint. Last year, I took notice of their collection which included white silk parachute fabric and I've been crazy in love with their designs since. But this past week, on the first day of fashion week here in New York, I had the pleasure to attend their show! And for their new collection to be the first show on my list?! I couldn't tell you how excited I was! The show was completely hip hop 90s inspired with much attention to the political militancy of that period... hello, berets! Velvet continues to make an appearance along with metallics and lots of wraps. Layering like a ninja, on point! Overall, the show had lots of attitude and power.   

DESIGUAL

Spanish New Wave & the California rock scene resonated in their bold pieces like military jackets, animal prints, checkerboards, lots of buttons, transparent skirts, wide belts and punk-variated boots that would've been so dope to trudge through the snow in on that particular day! We got about a foot of snow in the city, and it can be too much for some people (I know a few girls who chose to skip out on the storm and stayed cozy at home) but I'm from the Midwest and I don't mind the winter at all. The floral runway was too adorable and complemented perfectly with the collection's fun and vibrant show. It definitely brightened my wet, cold snowy day! And how amazing is the eye makeup?! :) 

ERIN FETHERSTON

Fresh, feminine and all about the empowerment of women. Think Romanticism and ethereality meet soft tailoring in rich hues of burgundy, indigo, olive, and blush pink. I love the added balance of the pantsuit to the collection along with more use of textures in her dresses. It's a nice touch for the more confident woman who isn't as girly. Fringe was used in almost everything from the hairstyle in bangs to the long thin scarves and dresses. The metallic gold slides were chic and very boho. I especially loved when Erin came out with the rest of the models, joined hand in hand with nothing but smiles and applause down the runway. A lovely show. 

Photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski 

LOVE & XX'S,

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