Kos' NYFW Fall 2015 Recap: Day 1

Hi guys!

NYC has been a tundra and only a few things can bring people out of it: NYFW.  I was pretty amazed how many people I saw in Lincoln Center, Meatpacking District.. everywhere ha ha. According to a newly released analysis by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, fashion shows, big-spending celebrity clients and lavish parties generate an annual economic impact of $887 million. 

More than 230,000 people attend the February and September shows that unveil the coming season's designs, packing into hotels and restaurants and yielding an estimated $532 million in direct visitor spending.  NYFW economic benefit tops the annual U.S. Open tennis tournament, which generates about $800 million, the 2014 Super Bowl in New Jersey that generated about $550 million and the New York City Marathon that generates $340 million. Can we say, way to go for the Fashionistas ha ha!

My first day was actually a few days before NYFW officially started. Target and the CFDA celebrated their ongoing partnership and the {FASHION INCUBATOR} accessories designers’ fall 2015 collections with an intimate cocktail party in New York City.   {FASHION INCUBATOR} is a program for emerging fashion designers in New York City operated by the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. 

Participating brands included A PEACE TREATY, Dezso by Sara Beltrán, Emanuela Duca, Gemma Redux, Grey Ant, Isa Tapia, KARA and SANG A.  "Style and design is everything to Target. Sometimes you want to celebrate that through a collaboration or everytday product and sometimes we just want to empower great design by doing things like tonight's accessory showcase" says Noria Morales, director of design partnerships for Target.

E! News Correspondent and Marie Claire Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, love her!

E! News Correspondent and Marie Claire Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, love her!

Fast-forward to a few days later and I was in the midst of NYFW madness bright and early! My first show was Mongol.  Darkness filled the stage sounds of a Mongolian morin khuur filled the speakers. A Mongolian musician, and later in the performance, a hip-hop singer, opened the Mongol Fall/Winter 2015 collection by Bayarmaa Bayarkhuu with an electrifying performance. First starting with slow sounds, the music quickly transformed into a full-blown, hip-hop sound which later showed was the core inspiration behind the collection: combining old with the new.

My next stop was Zimmermann.  My love for this collection grows each season! Designer Nicky Zimmerman's inspiration was the glamorous dinner parties her parents used to host and the feeling of excitement behind the occasion.  It makes perfect sense, there is an art to dressing for the right occasion.  Fun hues such has teal and mustard made a bold statement.  The oversized geometric prints, maxi dresses, and thigh-high splits were a personal fav of mine. Zimmermann understands the modern gal. She wants to be feminine, not too edgy, but always dressed for the occasion. Well done! 

After an amazing lunch at the Standard Grill, I ended up at The Top of the Standard to view Rubin & Chappelle's Fall 2015 collection.  The city views were the perfect backdrop to a very strong collection, that took traditional Scottish references: argyles, plaid, pleats and made it modern for 2015.  The collection can be worn in LA as well as NYC.

My last stop was cashmere collection Naadam.  If you haven't heard about Naadam Cashmere, you will this year. Naadam is a socially conscious cashmere garment brand based in NYC and partnering with herders in Mongolia.  “It is about creating a high-quality product for the men and women who travel, who are passionate, who are creative and can appreciate the value here,” said cofounder Matt Scanlan.  The presentation was a work of art as candles and chandeliers lit up the space.  The models were the best cast I have seen in a show in a very long time. Each look along with the model told a story.  Effortless luxury and comfort is best to describe the Fall/Winter 2015 collection, muted colors such as grey, cream, camel were mixed with different textures and lengths. Splashes of red were a great touch. 

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Whew! What a day but so much fun, and it's only one week. I am grateful to get the opportunity to attend and share my experience.  Thank you! Stay tuned for more updates!

xo

Kosi 

Insta-favs: Ladies edition

Hey guys!

Instagram, who knew a simple app can make so many people happy? You can connect, discover, and get inspired just with a swipe of your thumb.  I am an Instagram addict for close to 4 years now, and proud of it!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite ladies to follow on Instagram. They are all creative, different, fun, and inspiring! Enjoy!

Julee Wilson-Fashion and Beauty editor of Huffington Post.  She was previously the Staff Fashion Editor at Real Simple magazine before making the jump to online in August 2011.  

Jamila Rowser of Girl Gone Geek.  Rowser is knowledgeable about all things within nerd culture.  I connected with Jamila last year as she is also the cofounder Geek Girl Brunch a meetup group which allows fellow lovers of comics, anime, and video games to discuss their admiration over unlimited mimosas.

Victoria Gousse- real estate professional and lifestyle blogger.  I love blogs that have unique niches. In the oversaturated world of blogging, Victoria incorporates industry happenings, stats, and everything in between for the reader who is curious about the real estate market, fashion, and travel.  I knew Victoria since high school, still one of my dear friends till this day.

Jessica C. Andrews- ‎Style Journalist: Vanity Fair, Elle, and The New York Times. Jessica is also Editor-in Chief of one of my favorite blogs: Glamazons Blog,  which chronicles the highs and lows of her journey from small town girl to NYC fashion editor. The site also reports on fashion, entertainment, and beauty.   

Andrea Arterbery-Freelance writer and cofounder of Glamazons blog with Jessica C. Andrews. Texas born, Andrea also created The Art of Berry, where she writes about motherhood, beauty, and lifestyle. Check out her snaps at events all over the country and  her adorable son #arterbaby on Instagram.

Candy Washington-, Georgetown alumni, actress, TV Host, and writer. When she is not reading scripts or hosting her weekly HBO Girls recap, you can see Candy out and about in LA reporting on up and coming trends in fashion and entertainment. You may have seen Candy in last year’s heritage commercial from Wal-Mart.  Candy is also when she is in NYC my partner in crime when attending events.  She truly lives the bicoastal dream with a smile!

BLM-Bloggers Like Me-

BLM is a group of women bloggers founded by blogger Leslie Hendricks Young of fashiondujourdaily.wordpress.com.  The group is dedicated to the exchange of positive ideas, advice, and networking. 

Nicole Chapoteau-Accessories Director of Allure magazine.

Christina Caradona-Blogger/Model.  Christina was actually one of the fist bloggers I started following on Instagram.  Combining sexy and tomboy style together, Christina documents her fast paced but oh so sweet life with a sense of humor.

Akua Harris-Social Media professional/Blogger.  Yes she has the same name as me, she’s my niece believe it or not.  Akua documents her love for Star Wars, beauty,  Powerpuff Girls, and her love her cosplay even when comic con season has ended!

Monroe Steele-Blogger.  Monroe is a fashion and travel base writer in NYC. She has been featured in All on the line with Joe Zee as well as Style by June with June Ambrose. Monroe also written the e-book: Thrift and the City: A Guide to New York City Thrift and Vintage Shopping. 

Aiesha Mumford-Sales and Marketing coordinator of Archie Shoes/Stylist.  Follow my dear friend Aiesha as she takes Archie Shoes with her to The Met, hot yoga, and beyond.  

Ericka Goodman-Hughey-Fashion Editor of Ebony Magazine. 

Rajni Jacques-Fashion news editor of Glamour Magazine.  Rajni’s style is inspirational as well as attainable. One day she might take a sky-high heel and tie a flannel shirt around the waist,  the next day she might take a winter coat and pair it with a fitted Yankees hat.  

Ria Michelle-Blogger, stylist, online boutique owner. Being in NYC where the weather is cold, I tend to skim more on Miami, based blogger Ria Michelle’s Instagram lol. Not only a blogger, Ria also owns Online boutique filthymagic.com.  Busy gal!

Chrissy Rutherford-Senior Digital Editor of Harper’s Bazaar.  I am an avid reader of Harper’s Bazaar digital as of mid 2014, Chrissy’s innovative and relatable articles is the main reason for that.  I also enjoy her elevator selfies in the Heart Tower where she shows off day-to-day office outfits combining masculine and feminine elements. 

Dionne S-Blogger/Personal Shopper.  Dionne's site, The Closet Whisperer is an online fashion destination that documents her personal style, e-commerce, as well as fashion services.

Shiona Turini-Fashion consultant/Former Fashion Director of Cosmopolitan.  Last December via Instagram, Shiona hinted the start of something new.  A shot  of a logo image is of Turini’s name, followed by: “Style consulting. Creative direction. Brand Development.” Bold and inspiring to me as I branched out on my own last spring.   “One project that I’m extremely excited about focuses on celebrating, encouraging, and profiling diversity in our industry. “ Shiona told Fashion Week Daily, about one of her projects.  Can’t wait to hear more about it!

As you can see, each person is special in their own way! They encourage us to be more kind, intelligent, bold, and fresh each time our thumbs come across their pics.  Totally different then the posts that gain popularity from Love and Hip Hop or Basketball Wives stars.  It is refreshing to see positive posts where we can learn and inspire one another.  Please support these ladies, follow them, like,  and comment! 

Xo

Kosi