Fashion week started on thursday the 11th, but seeing as I had school and suffered a brutal week of 8 am classes, I decided to skip out on the opening ceremonies of it all and delved into it hardcore the next day. So really, day 2 was my day 1. I somehow managed to make my way to the tents and down to Milk Studios in the icy streets in heels, without falling! I’ve had some pretty un-chic moments throughout the seasons, which I will not diverge into, but just know that I’ve come a long way since my first season in heels. I have to gloat in my glory.

Something about the tents rubs me the wrong way sometimes, even though it is undoubtedly a fashion institution. Might be because it’s always swarming with overly done-up fashion students, and the freebies are too big to fit in your bag. But it is important to acknowledge the fact that this is the last season Bryant Park will be home to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and so we bid ado. It will be interesting to see how different it will be when Lincoln Center adopts it. I’m more into the whole Milk Studios/off site thing though.

Yigal Azrouel

Azrouel’s (women’s) collection was quite feminine and very wearable. It catered to almost any woman on the age and social spectrum, but it was a hodgepodge of allusions, silhouettes and looks that have been done before. Texture was a very clear motif. There were embellishments, a variety of fabrics and (including a coat, presumably made out of monkey fur, which I admittedly have a strong liking for), and detailing that veered on the sculptural side. As far as color, red made a strong appearance; interspersed throughout a parade of neutral tones. The collection was a medley of all things pretty, but infused with design elements that we are all too familiar with. While it was aesthetically pleasing and undeniably charming, it was a bit difficult to say that it was unique.

Tim Hamilton

The Tim Hamilton man this season, flies under the radar and has this understated coolness about him. He can be seen sitting outside Balthazaar, smoking a cig, charming some girl with conversation about his favorite exhibits at the Gagosian gallery. I like him. Hamilton paired classic styles with a relaxed attitude, and the theme of effortlessness echoed and resonated throughout the collection.

Odyn Vovk

Austin of Odyn Vovk chose a more intimate space for the show this time around, which made it a lot easier to get a sense of the collection and fully recognize the great little details that made the collection what it is. See my fullreview of the collection here. Let me not forget to mention by boy William walked in the show, his second season walking Odyn Vovk!

Other tidbits:

I unfortunately missed the Jeremy Laing presentation, which I was really looking forward to, but that’s what happens when hunger gets the best of you and you think you have time to grab sushi. C’est la vie, I suppose. There’s always next season.

I have to to say, the Fashion Loves Hanuk Exhibition was the highlight of my day (aside from running into Samuel and Sybille of Encens at Tim Hamilton). Such a cute crowd! Of course I had my dearest and fashion week buddy, Ryan in tow. Too bad I did not take any photos to supplement.

what depresses me the most about this fashion week is that I will miss the Matthew Ames show! Quelle horreur! I know it will be stunning, last season I was almost moved to tears. Wish I can witness such an amazing display of talent up-close again.