8 Things I Learned From Traveling Solo

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK LONG CLASSIC WOOL GREEN COAT | SHEIN FRINGE PATCH MESH TOP | 
SAKU NEW YORK TWO LAYERED WIDE SLIT PANTS | STELLA & DOT LAYERED FEATHER NECKLACE | 
GUCCI BELT | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS | THACKER NYC SAGE TOTE | 
ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES

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photos by: Rowben Lantion 

A couple of weeks ago I traveled solo internationally for the first time in my life. Yes, I've traveled here and there, even to Ukraine with a group of college students and such, but I've never gone anywhere outside the states completely alone. Now, it wasn't anywhere super exotic, as there was no language barrier or extreme culture shock, but I did want to start off somewhere and challenge myself. One of my greatest pleasures in life is doing things people tell me I cannot do. Not to prove them wrong, but to prove to myself that as my dad had always said, "You can do anything you set your mind to." Is this the craziest thing a person has set out to do? Of course not. However, everyone has their own personal journey and going on that road to find whatever it is they are looking for, I think, is courage enough. You see, for one, I have never set foot in London, let alone the UK - and two, it has been a dream of mine to attend London Fashion Week - so to set this into notion and actually have it take place has been a dream within itself. So in today's post, I wanted to share a reflection of my thoughts about what I learned from traveling solo.

1. LOOK IN THE MIRROR... THAT'S YOUR COMPETITION

More than anything else, what I learned about myself from this trip, is that no matter how hard you may try to not compare yourselves to others, it's inevitable. Especially the digital world we live in, where observing others is constant. I've been making changes since London, and it's teaching myself how to monitor my habits as such. For example, I'm an Insta-Story watching addict. Like Pringle chips, once I 'pop' I can't stop. So now instead of watching them every time  I'm on the app, I only try to watch once during the morning, afternoon and evening. Even to how much time I spend on Instagram, which is an atrocious amount, I am cutting down on how often I check to see what's happening around me. Of course, it's important to know what's going on in terms of trends and current events but I also find it healthy and quite balanced to sometimes stop looking, keeping the phone out of my reach and focusing on my own sh*t. Remember... everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and own pace, and it's only when you accept everything you are and aren't that you'll truly get anywhere with yourself. And the more I've been doing this, the better I have been feeling not just about myself but with my work. The creative juices are flowin' and I'm excited and a little nervous to start a few of them! But onward we shall go :)

2. ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

This isn't something new to me but still felt the need to share the importance of this. Sometimes getting away is the best thing to do when feeling unsure about things. Since traveling as a kid, I found that the ones you miss the most while away are the ones you truly love. Being apart makes me appreciate what I have with others and also always reminds me of what's important and who is important. Especially when traveling alone, it gives you the time to reflect and shows you what and who really matters in your life. It's like how the French say, "Tu me manques" which literally translates, "you are missing from me", and that's exactly how I feel to those while being away from home.

3. I'M STILL VERY PRIVATE ABOUT MY LIFE & I LIKE IT THIS WAY

As much as I still love to share with you guys more and more about my life, there's a time and place for everything. I'm not one to show all my cards up front. Because the more involved I become in the blogging world/public eye, of course, I am aware that life may not always be as private as it once was. People love to talk, rumors get spread, and yes, many are nosy. And that shouldn't get in the way of sharing my life with you, but I think leaving a little to the imagination never hurts and quite frankly protects you from those that do want to cause harm to you. I have always kept my inner circle extremely close-knit. When others ask me what I'm up to these days, I'm rather brief. Why? I'd rather show you than tell you. 

4. YOU ARE CAPABLE OF WAY MORE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED.

I'm telling everyone my new secret remedy to feeling unconfident. Just go somewhere alone for a few days. It doesn't have to be overseas, but it should be to an unfamiliar place or includes something you've never tried doing because doing it alone will not just build that self-esteem, you'll learn to discover something about yourself while doing so. Never have I challenged myself did I end up with a disastrous outcome. It may not always go the way you imagine, but if you stand strong and get through it, you will be better from it. And traveling is one of the best ways to learn and grow. I definitely feel like me again and I have never felt more confident than I do now!

5. STAY CALM AND CARRY ON AS THE BRITISH DO

Keep calm and carry on? You betcha. I sometimes tend to get anxious but what I definitely learned while traveling alone to London was how better off you are if you keep your cool and stay focused on the problem at hand. If you freak out, you'll just make the problem worse. Easier said than done to others I'm sure, but to someone like me who's impatient and a slight-control freak, it's not. A more subdued manner in one's self while being aware carries a certain sophistication. I definitely find this more apparent than in America. 

6. LET IT GO, LET IT GO, LET IT GO...

Try not to plan your itinerary right down to what time you get up to when you're having dinner. The best part of traveling is no plans, no map and wandering... getting lost and discovering new hidden gems that you'd probably never cross paths with otherwise with a plan of any kind. And with traveling, something can always go awry so be prepared and be willing to go with the flow because not being in full control is something one has to face when traveling, especially alone. And the more accepting you are of this, the better the experience your trip will be too!

7. FACING FEARS ARE NOT AS SCARY AS THEY APPEAR TO BE.

I think what freaked me out the most was attending my first Fashion Week overseas with no assistant or helping hands of any kind. I was all by myself. So of course, when you’ve got to figure everything out yourself, you may feel anxious. Maybe you’re nervous about talking to strangers; maybe you’ll feel awkward by yourself in a restaurant or museum. From little fears to big ones, once you decide to face them, the truth shall set you free! Things quickly become less frightening once you step up to face them and will quickly realize there's not much in life to be afraid of. 

8. MAKING NEW FRIENDS ISN'T HARD TO DO

It’s true. You will build new relationships on your journey, even if you’re shy. It doesn’t take much. A friendly smile. A helping hand. Or a shared fear. Indeed, nothing brings people closer than fear. You'd think people in the fashion world are not the nicest people, which can be true to a certain extent, but overall, even just sharing a commonality like sleep deprivation while waiting in line for coffee or to a show can spark a wonderful relationship. It could be friendship or a building working partnership, or both, either way, I find traveling to be one of the loveliest ways to meet new people. 

How about you guys? How many of you have traveled solo? I'd love to hear your experiences so don't forget to drop a comment down below and share your thoughts. Lastly, if you're ever in need of a street style photographer while in London, please go check out Rowben with whom I shot this look with while there for Fashion Week. He is an absolute sweetheart with some serious skills. Rowben, darling, please come to New York soon! As always, you can directly shop my look at the end of each outfit blog post. Don't be shy to leave any questions about this look too! Catch Y'all soon!

LOVE & XX'S, 

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London Fashion Week AW 18 Full Recap

All photos & edits by: Suzanne Spiegoski

XU ZHI

Known for his deconstructed fabrics and feminine silhouettes, Xuzhi Chen's was born in Shenzhen but is based in London. Chen studied foundation art in London, then fashion in 2010, graduating in 2015. Having done internships with menswear designer Craig Green and J.W. Anderson, he's now part of that booming hub of designers based in Dalston in East London. Also, a semi-finalist last year for the prestigious LVMH Prize and Asia finalist for the International Woolmark Prize proves his wizardry when it comes to fabrics. Chen looked to Jane Morris, wife of the textile designer William Morris and the lover of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who is one of the most recognised faces in art history for her famous pout, as well as the relationship between artist, muse and now, designer, which he states in the show notes in the relevancy of #TimesUp. The collection is filled with painting references, with the ankle length skirts and coats featuring a waxy finish, which mimics the sheen of oil paintings, while Chen’s yarn-braiding technique has been developed to make the fabric appear to have a brush stroke effect, and the deconstruction effects to the tailoring adds a textural element when paired with wide-leg trousers and pleated skirts. Definitely, a designer to watch out for - Xu Zhi will be a household name in the very near future. By far one of my favorite presentations during London Fashion Week.

AMY THOMSON

Emerging designer Amy Thomson poses the question: What do a princess, baker and a hairdresser look like from a child’s perspective with her playful autumn/winter 2018 collection ‘Chasin’ Dreams’. With the models standing amongst floating clouds, the eight oversized pink outfits really brought the idea of fantasy and dreams - each showcasing the profession as seen by a child, with also the help from the designer’s larger-than-life hand-rendered drawings that produced charming prints, motifs, and illustrations to form the narrative of the collection, ensuring that no two garments are the same. Metallic based textures created a sparkling performance. Feminine silhouettes, with giant bow ties and illustrative frills made for a fun slumber party feel. The use of silks, faux fur, and leathers using a palette of fuchsias, baby pink, hot pink that contrast with the royal blues and lilacs. Illustrations upon metallic fabric are layered and stitched on the faux fur. Thomson also collaborated with headwear designer Katie Hamlett from Sassy Freak featuring a range of tiaras of iconic childhood toys such as Barbie heads and My Little Pony. Commenting on the collection, Thomson said: “Telling a narrative and connecting with an audience is very important to myself as a designer. Chasin’ Dreams is based on real muses, real stories and my own and there is no story truer than the one you are living.”

CLAIRE TAGG

What do you get when you combine glamour with destructed textures? A dramatic yet opulent range. Debuting her collection in London at Fashion Scout's Freemasons Hall, Claire Tagg brought her inspiration from her travels as an air hostess. A graduate of University of Creative Arts, Rochester, Tagg was awarded the New Designers Hainsworth Statement Award, as well as being named the runner-up in the prestigious womenswear award at Graduate Fashion Week. Her AW 18 collection demonstrated Tagg’s signature layered aesthetic using digital printing to create rich textures of ripped paper alongside a cherry blossom print and elaborate embellishments, which were all placed by hand. There were structured jackets and blazer style dresses juxtapositioned with oversized full skirts and ballgowns created from Duchess Satin that really brought out sophistication and elegance. The accessories were also prominent with colorful earrings and fabric belts with plane seatbelt fastenings. Cute.   

UNDERAGE STUDIO

I found it extra cool being able to visit the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) during London Fashion Week (LFW), where also the UNDERAGE AW18 present took place. The designer, Ying Shen was born in Beijing China, where she initially studied graphic design, using multimedia techniques from film, to animation and 3D modeling before moving to London to pursue fashion design studies at Central Saint Martins School of Art & Design. The collection transported us to the underground punk movement from the 70s and late 90s. The UNDERAGE AW18 collection titled “Riots of Our Own” comments on the rebellious and social disruption of the era – and what that means for someone of a similar mindset today. A celebration of self-expression, independence, and nonconformity, acknowledges the makers of change from the past and applying it to a personal, modern-day fight for the future. Real eye-catching presentation.

MIMI TRAN DESIGNS

I'm not one to wear gowns, but if I had to (yes, how painful) I'd definitely go with San Francisco-based designer Mimi Tran. Her AW 18 collection consisted of a color palette with uncommonly rendered icy tones of gold, cool blue and dark pink among others. She is known for her artisan hand beading and the use of colors to full effervescent effect, the detailing of cutting-edge dimensional patterns evoked depth and with graceful movement. 

EDELINE LEE

I never thought I'd attend a secret Zen garden during my time in London a couple of weeks ago, but I did for Edeline Lee's presentation. Inspiration from holistic practices of the East infused within her collection with technique draping and most especially, my favorite, tassel trimmings that were similar to Ayurvedic robes. It refined a traditional cape coat with subtle sophistication. There were even gong players to immerse guests and a set dotted with serene topiary-style sculptures. Dark floral jacquards were in respects to the Garden of Eden, naturally along with Pilgrim collars, origami pleats, and an overall monastic tone. This collection is very appealing for those looking for a modest option but with a fashion-forward slant. Just lovely. 

MALAN BRETON

Self-taught, Taiwanese-born designer, Malan Breton, demonstrated strong and seductive pieces in his AW 18 collection titled, 'Omega.' His unusual colors, textures, and silhouettes pair a playfulness with drama - a consistent love of contrasts like my favorite: Hard leather silhouettes pressed up against soft Taiwanese florals. Plum, navy blue, and bright orange colors stuck out, especially a men's patent leather orange jacket. Think lavish splendor with theatrical fashion. Breton's numerous awards, including the FGI Rising Star Award 2016 and the Taiwan Tourism Award for contributions to Fashion and Media, along with some pretty impressive showbiz credits, including costuming Breaking Bad and MTV’s VMAs, speak for themselves. 

 

steventai

steventai’s AW18 presentation brought the neon streets of Macau to London Fashion Week with a unique digitally augmented experience. Created in collaboration with San Francisco film tech experts ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division), the presentation carried us into a hyper-real world inspired by the ‘Las Vegas of the East’. Models dressed in softly structured velvet and corduroy pantsuits and flowered dresses with trench coats, and my favorite, the accessories such as clear grocery tote bags and clear umbrellas, elevated the workwear with luxurious detail and lavish material. Among the models was an avatar, generated with real-time CGI and dressed in digitally formed garments as part of the collection. Perhaps this is a new way we will see and shop fashion in the future?

AADNEVIK

Aadnevik is a London based luxury label directed by Hila & Kristian Aadnevik renowned internationally for their characteristic feminine, opulent, alluring designs. Presenting their new Swan Lake inspired collection at London Fashion Week AW18 in an opulent historical setting of a grandiose library at One Whitehall Place, the collection is inspired by the classic story of Odette and Odile, where light and dark contrast each other, like good and evil, and romance and tragedy. A woman can be strong and soft at the same time and makes no difference when it comes to undying love. And you can sense this form of unconditional emotion through the pieces, intricate beadwork with silver metal and pearls, delicate French lace was adorned with black and red hearts, beads, crystals, stars, feathers, and flowers. Sensual yet ethereal. Hair by Moroccan Oil, makeup by Bellápierre Cosmetics, nails by Candy Coat. 

PAUL COSTELLOE

Paul Costelloe presented to us, volume and print for this year's AW 18 collection. For his collection, he used quite neutral colors like shades of browns, greens, greys and a pop of colors like the yellows and pinks. A variety of fabrics like tweed looked terrific in a cinched-in jacket over floaty layers of chiffon and also in a flattering A-line dress with a contrasting top with peplum. Striking yellow and blue fabric in the generous oversized formal skirt which stood out from the 60s-look show.

PAULA KNORR

Hollywood glamour can be badass too. A sensually powerful collection, Paula Knorr's AW18 Collection was full of body-hugging lamé and seductive sparkles. With clashing fabrics and dramatic shapes, the looks drastically push the boundaries of evening wear into abstract realms, all the while keeping the looks as glitzy and glamorous as Hollywood’s elite. From emblazoning flares with an abundance of sequins to layering block color on block color fearlessly (hello, to the power of red), to even bringing back sheer materials, the collection was vibrant and unforgiving. And what brought it all together was Jazz singer, Laura Totenhagen, who set feminist poetry to music, using her voice and a loop pedal, made it an exceptionally atmospheric experience.

EUDON CHOI

The catch of the day. St. Ives, Cornwall inspiration // plush fisherman vibes with traditional technique and a touch of rugged romanticism. By far one of my favorite collections of London Fashion Week, Korean-born designer Eudon Choi, translated the relationships between these Cornish artists and their environment to create a collection that pays homage to St Ives as a muse to so many artists and a place of artistic pilgrimage. He celebrates the abstract art and Cornish light as well as paying homage to the brave fishermen who worked the harsh sea and the tin and copper miners who were once such an important part of the Cornish way of ilfe. Since launching his eponymous label in 2009, Eudon has become a regular fixture at London Fashion Week. He has received numerous accolades for his work, most recently support from the British Fashion Council and the Fashion Trust through the Fashion Trust initiative, for the second time. Hair by Stephen Low at Neville for L'Oréal Professional // Makeup by Lucy Bridge for Streeters and the MAC Cosmetics Pro Team // Nails by Jessica Nails. 

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Crispy White & Windowpane Print

WEARING: SHEIN DRAPE COLLAR GRID LONGLINE COAT | SHEIN FRINGE PATCH MESH TOP |
 J BRAND JEANS | NINE WEST YEMETRA POINTY TOE PUMPS | ROSEGAL SILVER BEAD HOOPS | 
ACCRUE KANDINSKY SUNGLASSES

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN, NINE WEST, & ACCRUE.

Happy Monday guys! Have you seen my latest posts on Instagram? I've been super pumped to share this new outfit post! It's minimal chic and has one of my favorite patterns as of late: the windowpane print! It looks like a grid of some kind, and definitely polishes up any look, either dressing up or dressing down. You'll definitely be seeing more of this coat next month during my travels! But to the more important question... where is this coat from and where can you get it? Continue reading to find out and also to see one of my dream collaborations come true! I've been wearing their shoes since I was a teen. (Since I have the teeniest Asian feet I have to be more selective when it comes to shoe brands as not all brands carry my size!) Trust me, when you see this pair, not only will you be coveting hardcore - you'll want them in EVERY color! 

Not too long ago I worked with a very well-known skincare brand that I have been using since I was a teenager. (See post here.) I sometimes feel the need to pinch myself (but really no.) with some of the partnerships I've had in the past year. Some are global brands and I feel so privileged to be working with people/brands that are just as passionate and hard-working as I am. And with that, I'm so excited to share my collab with Nine West! When I first got into the digital media world, I never imagined I'd be working with some of the incredible brands I work with now. To even think I've worked with some of them still baffles me. It really goes to show you that if you want it bad enough and are willing to work your butt off, the results will be amazing. Just like these pointy toe white pumps. I can't get over how comfortable these heels are. They have a padded insole for all-day comfort. A high top line and a triangular stacked heel can freshen up any kind of look. From jeans to a dress and more, these shoes are extremely versatile and aesthetically pleasing. Want to buy 'em? Check the link on Instagram and also at the end of this blog post. As always, I leave shopping links at the end of each article.

The plaid, windowpane patterned coat that I raved about in the beginning of this post is from SHEIN Official. SHEIN prides itself on offering on-trend styles catering to both young women and teens, that won’t break the bank. SHEIN is able to stay on top of the latest fashion trends from around the globe while rapidly bringing these styles to market. So whether you’re searching for boho dresses and graphic tees or patterned blouses and chic swimwear, SHEIN is the ultimate one-stop-shop for the modern yet economical fashionista. The coat is meant for spring or fall, but I'm all about the layering game when it comes to winter time. The only factor that is missing from this coat is definitely a belt. But you can style it with your own accessories to give it a unique feel. 

The fringe patch mesh blouse is also from SHEIN. The waistline is high-rise and the top overall is quite elegant. It would go great with a midi skirt or jeans. Even a wide leg pant would do. I think I'll be wearing this blouse a lot in the next coming weeks. When it came to styling these pieces, I wanted to mix in a bit of edge as it's my style. I've never been one to wear pearls or douse myself in millennial pink (not that there's any shame in that!), so I decided to finish the look with a pair of faded black skinny jeans from J Brand and sleek silver hoop earrings from Rosegal. My nail polish is by Essie in 'Blanc' - I don't know why but I'm obsessed with white nails during the winter time. I believe it really gives a crisp touch to an outfit, what do you think?

Lastly, how beautiful are my new sunglasses?! They're from a Korean-based brand called Accrue. I'm completely in love! Use my discount code, ‘ILOVEACCRUE’ for 15% off your purchase. For more go to www.accrue.kr How are we feeling about this outfit? Do you like to mix different feelings in a look like myself? What's your favorite 'concoction' when it comes to styling all the new (and old) trends? Please drop a comment down below (and don't forget to shop as well!) ;) I love hearing from my readers - you guys always give the best feedback! Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead, catch y'all back on M + S real soon! 

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New Year Vibe

WEARING: NEW VIBE JERSEY DRESS | VENDULA LONDON ROUND FILM BOX CROSSBODY BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NEW VIBE & VENDULA LONDON.

Happy Monday, everyone! Are you ready for the Holidays yet? I can't believe Christmas is in a week! This year has completely flown by... I'm still not done with my holiday shopping yet! But I must confess, I've always been a last minute shopper. I'm also not the biggest fan of this season for a number of reasons, so in today's post, I'm sharing a holiday look that's not your usual glittery gold, silver, red or green colors, but a color more outside the box: Navy Blue! I've been completely obsessed with this color all year, and I just can't get enough of it! I even have some gorgeous navy blue satin sock boots coming in and I'm so geeked up on styling them. Last week's fashion post featured sustainable wear by NEW ViBE, you can check that outfit here, where there are hints of reds to inspire you for a more 'passionate' look for the holidays. The jersey dress in today's post is also made by the same brand. Come take a look at how I styled this dress for a more holiday-inspired look!

You can wear the navy blue jersey dress in a number of ways just like the dress with the red lace, I think it would look adorable with some sparkly tights, should you want to layer it up a little more for those colder temps. Since we chose to shoot indoors, I opted out with the pantyhose and went bare :) I brought in accents of gold from the Gucci belt, rose gold metallic boots, and hoop earrings. The final touch is this amazing yet unusual bag from Vendula London. They make some really unique bag, like this round film box crossbody bag with gold chain. The love the subtle added detail of the negative strip on the strap as well. Very cute and super chic. Go check out more of their bags here!

I'd definitely say this look is not suitable for a black-tie event, but you could definitely wing this for many different kinds of holiday parties, from a friends' get-together to an office party, it's a really great dress to wear for these occasions as well as after. I'd totally layer this with a good pair of jeans and boots with a touch of street style flair with a Vetements belt or a chunky statement earring, well into the winter months. To see more by NEW ViBE, be sure to follow them on Instagram to get on the waitlist for their newest collection. Have a wonderful week! I'll be back soon. xoxo

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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).  

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