Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: DAY 5

After our late night out at the Timo Weiland after party we had quite a late start to today and ended up missing two shows (oops), but it was much-needed and the entire group felt refreshed which was good.

We started the day by stopping at Nolcha Fashion Week which was a showcase for all emerging designers, some of which we already knew and featured (Eggcream, Maleku and Carrie Parry – to name a few). It was great to be able to meet the designers in person and talk to them about their collections and inspiration. It’s one thing to see the clothes, but I myself like to hear the backstories.

From there we headed back to Lincoln Center to attend the VLOV by Qingqing Wu show. Wu was inspired by the letter “V” and thus incorporated the idea of it into his collection with tailoring. The wardrobe started out in muted tones of black, white and grey and then the final looks popped in electric blue; quite a nice surprise, actually.

After VLOV I headed across the plaza to the Avery Fisher Hall where Chris Benz held a presentation for his collection. It was quite the exclusive event and I was flattered to receive an invite. Stars such as Kelly Osbourne and Johhny Weir were in attendance to support the designer as we sipped cocktails courtesy of VitaminWater and Tito’s Vodka and admired the colorful, layered looks.

Next up on the schedule was the Betsey Johnson show, and I think the Papercut team agrees in unison that this was the most fun show of the week so far. Betsey never disappoints and I love that her shows are lighthearted and silly. The soundtrack included pop hits (a few by Nicki Minaj, who was in attendance) that kept the crowd dancing in their seats and the models were animated and smiled as they strutted their way down the catwalk. American designers, please take note of this. It’s so repetitive when all of the shows show stony-faced speed-walking models. I we could take a hint or two from Betsey and just lighten the mood a bit. It doesn’t always have to be so serious, eh? The best part of the show was of course the finale, in which all of the models pranced out with giant pink and silver balloons reading, “I love T&A” (tits and ass for those who are wondering) which I found hilarious. And of course Betsey came out and did her usual dancing and cartwheeling down the runway. In fact, this was the only show that left a smile on my face. The only thing that could’ve made it better was if some girl didn’t come and steal my goodie bag before I even got to my seat. NOT COOL.

As soon as we were ushered out of the Betsey show I had to follow the herds to the Perry Ellis show right next door in the Stage. I quickly settled into my seat and people-watched as I waited for the show to start. Then – quite suddenly – I saw a familiar face emerge from backstage. It was none other than the too-hot-for-TV True Blood werewolf Joe Manganiello. Oh my god, I thought he was hot on TV but that doesn’t even compare to real life. Of course both my camera and cell phone had conveniently died during the Betsey show so I was stranded. Then I spotted Isaiah (Fashion Munster) chatting on the runway – camera in hand – and I made my way down, took him by the hand and made him snap us together (excuse my sad little fan-girl moment, but I couldn’t help myself – I was starstruck).

Of course he then sat directly across from me during the show, so I had a hard time focusing on the models themselves, but I did catch a few (ha ha). The finale caught my attention, however, as all the models emerged at once, shirtless and in swimsuits. It was a nice little surprise (and not only because the models were hot) but because it was a change of pace from the usual finale walk and the crowd loved it.

Perry Ellis ended the fifth day at Lincoln Center a little early by 8 o’clock, which was nice. The Papercut team still had one more show for today, however, so we headed over to the Bryant Park Hotel to catch the show of our former featured eyewear designer Stevie Boi. The show was in a small, intimate setting but still jam-packed with revelers. Stevie paid tribute to music legend Amy Winehouse with the soundtrack and featured not only eyewear but wardrobe as well, including newly designed t-shirts featuring Winehouse and other musical icons Lady Gaga, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Michael Jackson. From the reaction of the guests I could quickly tell these were a crowd favorite. I must confess, I’d like a Gaga tee for myself. At the end of the show, Stevie emerged with an awesome, giant crucifix-inspired hairdo.

Talk about going out with a bang. Since then, the team has since headed back home and worked all night. I’ve been finishing up our September issue, Hayley and Jamall have been finalizing our launch party details (invites coming soon!) and Alvin has been a retouching machine. Now since it’s almost 5am I think it’s time for bed?! Good thing our first show isn’t until Herve Leger at 2pm tomorrow.

ZZZZZZZ…
-N