Esé Azénabor Spring Summer 2025 Fashion Show

Models walk runway in Esé Azénabor Spring Summer 2025 - Photo ©Shawn Punch Photography

On Friday September 6th - Nigerian born fashion designer Esé Azénabor-Grembowski presented her first Esé Azénabor Ready-to-wear and Evening-wear collection, during New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025. The fashion show took place at the 610 Loft & Garden rooftop at Rockefeller Center, right after the Council of Fashion Designers of America's (CFDA) ribbon cutting ceremony below at the iconic iceskating rink in Rockefeller Center. The ribbon cutting heralded a new partnership between the CFDA and Rockefeller Center where fashion shows were live-streamed and broadcasted to the public via a large screen at the rink.

(L-R) Constance White, Patricia Silverstein and Dr. Yana Delkhah wear Esé Azénabor Spring Summer 2025 - Photo ©Shawn Punch Photography

Ms. Azénabor dazzling 61 outfit womenswear collection fashion show was a bright, colorful mix of embroidered beading, lace, tulle flowers, glass, crystals and plunging necklines. The theme of the event was Women of Style & Substance Kick Off New York Fashion Week. Fashion icons Alva Chinn and Lana Ogilvie, journalists Harriette Cole and Constance White, plus socialites Jean Shafiroff, Patricia Silverstein and Dr. Yana Delkhah modeled on the runway for the designer. Actress Vivica A. Fox enjoyed the show from the front row.

Model walks runway in gown from Esé Azénabor Spring Summer 2025 - Photo ©Shawn Punch Photography

One of the stand out looks was a red strapless gown with large petals creating bodice and peplum over column skirt of sheer lace. A dress that gave opulent nighttime party vibes was a silver strapless shift gown with high split. The dress that closed show was perhaps the most intricately detailed. It was a a long sleeved ball gown with deep wide V neckline, bodice of gown created from hundreds of glass beads creating a geometric pattern, with a tulle tiered skirt.

Left: Vivica A. Fox watches Esé Azénabor walk runway with her daughter, Lana Ogilvie walks runway - Photo ©Shawn Punch Photography

The Chappell Roan VMA Red Carpet Drama Explained, Plus Who Wore What

Chappell Roan yelling at press photographer - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

I witnessed what actually happened when musician Chappell Roan shouted "No, you shut the f*ck up" to a press photographer during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet arrivals on September 11th at UBS Arena. Many articles have been written about this but very few, if any explains why the incident took place. I was a press photographer, covering the red carpet, standing very close to the scene. Hopefully this will add clarity to the situation.

 

Chappell Roan wears Y/Project - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Ms. Roan arrived on the start of the black carpet wearing a see-thru dress by Y/Project; robe by Palace Costume and Prop Co.; boots by Jeffrey Campbell and holding a sword by The Sword And The Stone. The press photographers were very excited to see her walk in and to snap photos of her. MTV staff and video cameras swarmed around the singer. A man in her crew, wearing an outfit similar to a Knight, rolled out a rug for her by Claremont Rug Company. Chappell Roan then walked on the rug to make her dramatic entrance onto the black carpet. This person and another woman would adjust Ms. Roan's outfit and hold her sword as she made her way down the step and repeat. 

[Technical explanation time] The MTV VMA black carpet was set up like several other red carpet events in which the celebrity walks down the carpet and poses at designated spots marked off by a small sticker on the carpet. These designated spots serve a very important role for the celebrities, photographers, media and event organizers. When the celebrities stand on the designated spots, the press photographers each get a chance to capture head-to-toe and close-up images of the talent facing them. 

Admittedly, this can be a very stressful situation for a celebrity hearing dozens of photographers screaming their name for attention, and for the photographers hoping to who earn an income by capturing photos of a celebrity looking directly at them. Good or bad, this is the current nature of the work that gets photos of celebrities into small and large publications around the world. 

What happened in this case, was a woman was assisting Ms. Roan with her wardrobe and the signer walked past one of the designed spots on the carpet. A photographer was upset because they did not have a chance to get the all-important frontal photo, and said to woman assisting that they must use all the marks. Stress, pressure and poor communication from each party played a role in Roan incorrectly, but understandably thinking the photographer was directing the argument towards her. As a result, she responded the way that she did. 

Below are other musicians that arrived at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and what they wore (without incident).

 

Taylor Swift wears Christian Dior - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Sabrina Carpenter wears vintage Bob Mackie - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Tyla wears Area - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Katy Perry wears Who Decides War - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Anitta wears Dolce & Gabbana - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Megan Thee Stallion - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Lisa of Blackpink wears Mugler - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Camila Cabello wears Tony Ward - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Addison Rae wears Miss Clair Sullivan - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Tinashe wear Rick Owens - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Halsey wears archival Versace - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia

Flo Milli wears PatBo - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia  

Suki Waterhouse wears Dolce & Gabbana - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Doechii wears Thom Browne - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia 

Naomi Campbell wins Icon of the Year award at Harlem's Fashion Row 2024

On September 3, Harlem's Fashion Row celebrated their 17th annual runway show and award show, with their "Night of the Legends" fashion show at Grant's Tomb in New York City. Other publications focused on a couple sharp comments that were made on stage; however, this article focuses on the praise expressed by fashion giants Anna Wintour - who has been serving as Editor-In-Chief of Vogue magazine since 1988; and supermodel Naomi Campbell - who won the 2024 Harlem's Fashion Row Icon of the Year Award.

Ms. Wintour stated, "Naomi's bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry." Anna Wintour did leave the event before Naomi Campbell arrived due to a resulting time conflict. Those in attendance witnessed Samira Nasr - Editor-In-Chief of Harper's Bazaar, graciously and skillfully make an impromptu introduction for Ms. Campbell. 

During her speech Ms. Campbell said, "I just want to thank Brandice Daniel and your entire team of Harlem's Fashion Row...your commitment to elevating diverse voices in fashion is dependable". As Ms. Campbell expressed her thanks to Anna Wintour for taking a chance on a young black girl from South London and giving her a shot, she went on to say "...I thank you for your influence, and your continued support, and pushing fashion forward also."  

Teyana Taylor at Harlem's Fashion Row 2024.      Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press

Actress, singer, creative director - Teyana Taylor, won the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH. Samira Nasr was honored as Editor of the Year. Stylist, costume designer & consultant - Shiona Turini, received the award for Stylist of the Year.

Nicole Benefield Portfolio Spring Summer 2025  Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press

The awards ceremony was followed by a fashion show showcasing the Spring Summer 2025 collections of three lovely brands: Nicole Benefield Portfolio by Nicole Benefield, A. Potts by Aaron Potts; and LaTouché by Jimmy LaTouché. The Nicole Benefield Portfolio featured 16 womenswear looks that were all urban chic; stylish and very wearable. Men and women modeled the 21 looks for the A. Potts collection. The designer demonstrated the fluidity of his pieces. 

LaTouché Spring Summer 2025      Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press

The LaTouché collection went for a funky mix of 70's Soul Train with several models sporting large beautiful afros, while wearing 80's style double-breasted suits for men and for women. It worked. The 30 looks were creative and fun. 

A. Potts Spring Summer 2025  Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press

Harlem's Fashion Row provides a platform for black designers and other designers of color to be recognized, grow and to make sales in the fashion industry, which often excludes these groups from full participation. Let's all kick the door of opportunity open some more. Click to view more images from New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025.

Bronx and Banco's Debut Bridal Runway Show

(Left to right) Coco Rocha, Nicky Hilton, Olivia Palermo
posewith fashion designer Natalie De'banco at
  The Bronx And Banco Bridal debut runway
 show on Oct 12, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch

Fashion house Bronx and Banco debuted its first ever Bronx and Banco Bridal runway show on October 12, 2023 at the Baccarat Hotel in New York City. The fashion designer, Natalie De-Banco presented her twenty-two looks of sensual bridal designs in front of celebrity guests such as fashion model Coco Rocha, designer and socialite Nicky Hilton, and fashion influencer Olivia Palermo among others. Champagne and roses lent to the atmosphere of sophistication in the luxury hotel's Grand Salon. Attendees sat on plush sofas and chairs as they eyed the models walking down the center of the large room.

Capri Blanc lace blazer, bralette and pants
bridal set presented The Bronx And Banco Bridal 
debut runway show on Oct 12, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch

The bridal gowns had a feeling of soft, floating clouds ever so gently covering the models' skin with lace, silk and other soft materials. The look of the collection was glamorous. Some wedding dresses were accented with Ostrich feathers, flower appliqués; and in one instance, a hat which had a veil.

Model walks runway in an outfit from
 The Bronx And Banco Bridal debut runway
 show on Oct 12, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch

These wedding dresses are ideal for a woman getting married on the riviera. They present a mix of lightness and confidence that blends perfectly with travel, indulgence and sex appeal. One bold piece is a Capri Blanc lace blazer, bralette and pants set. This break from the traditional dress or skirt is mesmerizing. The Kennedy Bridal Maxi has spaghetti straps with an open back for the woman who wants to show off her toned shoulders, arms and back. The closing look was the Mademoiselle Bridal Gown. This is more of a traditional wedding dress, with its A-line silhouette, sequins, adjustable straps and long veil. There is a wide mix of attractive options for a woman looking to get married in a stylish dress that's less traditional. 

Model poses in the Kennedy Bridal Maxi dress
 from The Bronx And Banco Bridal debut runway
 show on Oct 12, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch

Zang Toi Fall Winter 2024

Model walks runway in a scarlet handloomed cashmere/silk turtleneck
hand-sprinkled w/sequin & crystal with scarlet tulle ballskirt w/attached
silk gazar mini skirt encrusted w/silk flowers, from the Zang Toi Fall Winter
2024 collection, at 1010 Park Avenue on February 13, 2024 during
 New York Fashion Week.

On Tuesday February 12th, couture fashion designer Zang Toi presented his Zang Toi Fall Winter 2024 collection during New York Fashion Week. The runway show was held at the Park Avenue Christian Church located at 1010 Park Avenue. The collection paid tribute to Mr. Toi's late brother Toi See Luon. Mr. Toi was inspired inspired by Parisienne Chic Couture with a touch of rebellion seen in the Saint Germain neighborhood of Paris.

Saint Germain des Prés is a neighborhood in Paris located "Left of the River (Seine)" or as the French say Rive Gauche. The area is part of the 6th arrondissement, which is just south of the Louvre Museum. It has a bohemian vibe and one of it famous cafe's is Les Deux Magots. By design, the backdrop to this fashion show was a black and white photo of an empty table with two chairs, two tea cups, one muffin, a bouquet of flowers and the Eiffel Tower in the background.

The main colors of the collection were red, black, grey and some pops of shocking pink. A scarlet cashmere/silk turtleneck jumpshorts, with a sequin & crystal tulle ballskirt stole the show. The long sleeve top covered the upper body fully providing a conservative touch; while its form fitted cut created a seductive silhouette. The flowers on the skirt added a fairytale-princess like cuteness. 

In keeping with the spirit of stately chic, a charcoal English wool tweed cape made its stealthy yet powerful way down the catwalk. Not too many women can wear a cape and look cool, however Mr. Toi paired it with a black turtleneck jump short that gives it range and wearability  for all age ranges of women. Confidence and separation from the common was the message transmitted as the modeled gleamed down the darkened runway. Zang Toi created another elegant, couture collection. 

New York Mens Day Spring Summer 2020 Highlights

By Marie-Cecile De Jager and Shawn Punch

Models pose in outfits from the Amirok Spring Summer 2020 collection during New York Men's Day Spring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31 Street NY, NY.
Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

On June 3rd established and up and coming designers showcased their Spring Summer 2020 fashion designs during NewYork Men’s Day (NYMD). This bi- annual menswear event was held in Manhattan at Studio 450, across from the Hudson Yards. Models, lined up in the spacious, styled and natural light filled studios were representing designers as Timo Weiland, ABYSM, Feign, David Hart, Amirok, Descendent of Thieves, Krammer & Stoudt and several others.

Timo Weiland presented a colorful classic sportive collection. Eye catcher was a light blue suit worn with a hoody underneath. ABYSM, bold designs with surprising details like the ‘mermaid’ pants and the oversized colbert jacket. Feign, presented a gender neutral collection and surprised with a cool blend of fabrics and embroidery details. The blue & grey see- through blazer was an eyecatcher. David Hart showcased some stylish looks . A black and white two pieces with graphic design stood out against the classic suits. Amirok, ready to wear clothing with prints, stripes and floral patterns to rock in during the Summer!

The NYMD All Stars presentation featured 2 - 4 models per brand wearing looks from the Private Policy, Lucio Castro, Krammer & Stoudt, Wood House Army and Descendant of Thieves collections. For Krammer & Stoudt, designer Michael Rubin painted brightly colored words, masks and patterns on black denim pants and jackets, white t-shirts, sneakers and surf boards. Fashion designer Matteo Maniatty incorporated scarves, floral shirts, and pink in trousers and shorts for his Descendant of Thieves line. He pulled off the balance of masculinity and fashion pretty well.

Model poses in mermaid pants from ABYSM Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Model poses in outfit from ABYSM Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Model poses in outfit from the Timo Weiland Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Model poses in outfit from the Feign Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Models pose in outfits from the David Hart Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Models pose in outfits from the Descendant of Thieves Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's DaySpring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Models pose with outfits and surf boards from the Krammer & Stoudt Spring Summer 2020 collection during
 New York Men's Day Spring Summer 2020, on June 3, 2019 at 450 West 31st Street
 New York, NY. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

The Barbara Tfank Fall Winter 2019 Collection

By Marie-Cecile De Jager

Marianna poses in a cream brocade high low bridal gown with Monvieve veil, from the Barbara Tfank Fall Winter 2019 collection on
February 13, 2019 at The Elizabeth Collective during New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

On February 13^th 2019 established fashion designer Barbara Tfank presented her Barbara Tfank Fall Winter 2019 collection at The Elizabeth Collective on West 56^th street,  Manhattan. The Elizabeth Collective, a former residence of legendary actress and style icon Elizabeth Taylor,  exudes an atmosphere of nostalgia and romance. The perfect décor for showcasing Barbara Tfank latest collection and also her debut in bridal wear.

Barbara Tfank’s designs are in favor by many. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, actress Uma Thurman and singer Adele; all were seen wearing her flawless creations.The invited guests were understandably eagerly awaiting Tfank’s latest designs. Lovely models gracefully descended the winding staircase wearing elegant outfits in blue, cream, silver, bronze and olive green color tones. Brocade, satin, tulle, voile, flower patterns; it was all subtile and distinguished. And the guests were in admiration.

In between the presentations Soprano Sydney Anderson performances contributed to the serene scenery. Highlight of the collection were gorgeous bridal gowns worn along with exquisite, handmade Monvieve Veils. A fairy-like finale! 

Marianna poses in a cream brocade high low bridal gown with Monvieve veil, from
the Barbara Tfank Fall Winter 2019 collection on February 13, 2019 at The Elizabeth
Collective during New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Marie-Cecil De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Soprano singer Sydney Anderson poses in an outfit from the Barbara Tfank
Fall Winter 2019 collection on February 13, 2019 at The Elizabeth Collective
during New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

TK poses in a black satin slim dress with diamonte tulle sleeve, from the Barbara Tfank
 Fall Winter 2019 collection on February 13, 2019 at The Elizabeth Collective
during New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography

Left Caroline poses in a gold embossed tulle full skirted gown with bordeaux sash
with Monvieve veil; and Carla poses in a cream gold panel back bridal gown with
Monvieve veil, from the Barbara Tfank Fall Winter 2019 collection on February 13, 2019
 at The Elizabeth Collective during New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Marie-Cecile De Jager/Shawn Punch Photography