NYFW Spring/Summer 2016 Day 8

The very last day of the shows started as always with the pivotal and iconic Ralph Lauren show at 10AM, attended by Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Jessica Chastain, Anna Wintour and other notables, and featuring some charming, timeless looks around the nautical theme. Marinière stripes, navy blue bodycon dresses, and other sailor-inspired details made up the greatest part of the collection progressing into an array of colorful motifs and chic monochromes. I loved the ochre brown leather jackets, all the creations with white and blue shirt striping, and the funky accessories; especially the embroidered shoppers! Ralph will also agree that orange is the new black; a trend that takes over the fashion world for the upcoming season.

Geometric prints were equally eye-catching in dresses and outerwear, but I’m also having an affinity towards Ralph’s all-ivory looks belted and infused with western elements. It was a French-Riviera-inspired collection mixed with the designer’s signature staples. The effortless-chic eveningwear can somehow be worn all-day-long by women at any age! 

Later, at the J. Mendel show, few blocks away, I saw an ethereal collection of dresses and ensembles playing very much with draping, pleating and the gradient of colors. With only a handful of heritage fur pieces and a majority of statement-making eveningwear, the designer seems to be opening a new chapter appealing to a younger audience.

Some of the pieces were elegantly decorated with studs, while others featured drawstring details. Bandeaus were part of the fierce mix and asymmetries along with boxy silhouettes juxtaposed with tailored and fitted styles. Tie-dye motifs, graphic prints, and textural tricks were all artfully positioned to create a certain effect. Fluidity and structure were different expressions of the same theme. I feel that the designer used more black than in any other of his recent collections which created a sharper and edgier look. His geometrical patterns and motifs are memorable as well as the idea of popularizing modern eveningwear lengths, staying away from floor-sweeping gowns this time.

And since fur was somehow hidden or implied at the J. Mendel collection – most of the people on earth don’t wear it in springtime – I decided to check some current fur trends by designer Helen Yarmak who maintains a breathtaking showroom location; Crown Building’s penthouse.

At her seasonal presentation, I saw fur jackets printed with an array of motifs, double-faced outerwear, transformable pieces, and some really unexpected items including fur shorts and fur helmets. Models were striding along the recently renovated terrace with an extraordinary view to the Central Park, and expensive jewelry was in display at the showroom to complement all her fur creations. Yarmak is dressing entertainment A-listers for decades along with her faithful clientele of Russians and rich New Yorkers.

And since all that glamour wasn’t enough for me, I decided to hit the Romona Keveza opulent new atelier at One Rochefeller Plaza Penthouse to review exquisite eveningwear featuring impeccable fit and luscious details. The designer’s minimalist approach was obvious from the entrance to her space, featuring elegant classic decor in luminous shades of white and grey.

Most of the gowns are so well-crafted that act as ‘second skin’ for the wearer. Precious Italian fabrics flowed along with the model’s contours or hugged the figure in a tender way. The collection included some unexpected prints such as the mix of hydrangea and radish motifs in a painterly way as well as selectively positioned crystals, sequins and beads. All dresses are made in New York, revealing the designer’s commitment to support local pattern-makers, cutters, and seamstresses. The serene space combined with another coveted city view from its windows are meant to offer every client or visitor a one-of-a-kind experience. On the hallway one could see pictures of celebrity red carpet looks including those of Angelina and Lady Gaga! To check more of her fabulous clients check HERE!

In between, the day brought me many more delights such as a visit to the Signature Hallmark Pop-Up Store in Soho featuring an array of cute fashion-related cards as well as a collection assigned this season by the brand to Project Runway contestants. My gift bag was full of sparkly cards, I’m planning to sent as ‘Thank You’ notes to those friends who helped me prep for the NYFW!

Admittedly, the most epic moment of the week was when Bill Cunningham himself – the legendary New York Times street style photographer – came up to me to say ‘Hello’, which is definitely a validation regarding my personal style! Cunningham has taken pictures of me before but never talked to me, and that was surely something special. Is he planning to include my Tibi skirt and Proenza Schouler top combo in his pages? Who knows? Looking forward!

Soon after, I also learned that one of my looks was featured on NY Post as ‘9 Trends That Dominated New York Fashion Week’ with caption: “Designer Elena Sendona dares to layer a flower dress over an animal-print shirt.” I was also across the media for this look and another one featuring a Carven sweatshirt. On Getty Images the caption was: “Elena Sendona is seen on the streets of Manhattan outside of the Lie Sangbong Spring 2016 fashion show at Skylight at Moynihan Station wearing black Carven sweater with pink shoulder detail, Iris And Ink white skirt and A.P.C tan shoulder bag on September 13, 2015 in New York City.” Getty Images on various countries, including the UK, China and India, as well as E!Online, featured my looks and memorable Mario Testino for MATE by Vickisarge pom-pom earrings. 

I shared the fabulous news later with good friends of mine, Jean and John, whose wedding photos you had the chance to see in a previous post, and who this time invited us to their place in Brooklyn for a yummy Korean dinner!

Lots of love to all of you!

Elena Sendona

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