Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017 day 1

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Rose Sharifi "An Exotic Bloom" couture
collection, at Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, on February 10, 2017,
during Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Last month, Couture Fashion Week celebrated its 25th season with a three day fashion show extravaganza. The event took place at The Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan from February 10th to the 12th. Fashion designer, producer and artist Andres Aquino presented another series of runway shows exhibiting couture gowns from around the world. Over 20 fashion designers from Vietnam, India, Australia and many more countries participated. This article highlights three designers from the Friday February 10th shows.

Cory Couture by Vietnamese designer Cory Tran presented 13 beautifully crafted outfits. Twelve looks were formal gowns and one look consisted of shorts, a crop top and short sleeve matching jacket. Black was the base color of most outfits, with lots of yellow and graphics of birds stitched and added in jaw-dropping detail. American designer Rose Sharifi unveiled her eponymous label's "An Exotic Bloom" collection. There were six very feminine gowns covered with flower details. Most look light in weight and give off a carefree, joyous feeling.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Cory Couture 2017 collection by
Cory Tran, at Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, on February 10, 2017,
 during Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Model Cyrene Renee walks runway in an outfit from the Cuero Design Fall 2017 collection
 by Paulina Cañas, at Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, on February 10, 2017,
 during Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

The last show of the night was Cuero Design by Chilean fashion designer Paulina Cañas. Ms. Cañas showcased 12 contemporary womenswear outfits. She color coordinated garments makeup and accessories. For instance one model wore a red short skirt, red jacket, red lips, eye shadow and red earrings. Another model wore a sand colored skirt and top with blue jacket, blue lipstick, blue eye-shadow along with gold and blue earrings. The designer's use also of green, white, black & silver gives the impression she was very much influenced by nature and minerals. Click on link to view all collections from day one of Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017.

Fashion Gallery New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2017

Model walks runway in a swimsuit from the Avid Swim "Cadiz Resort" 2017
collection by Gionna Nicole, during Fashion Gallery New York Fashion Week
Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Ashlee Bowers Fall 2017 collection,
 for the Designers' Premier Fall Winter 2017 runway show during
FGNYFW Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Fashion Gallery New York Fashion Week held their FGNYFW Fall Winter Collections 2017 runway shows in New York City, from Friday February 10th to Sunday the 12th. The three-day series of fashion shows took place during New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall Winter 2017. There were a total of twenty-four collections presented with designers from Norway, Colombia, United States and many other countries. Five individual and six group shows provide a wide range of styles, looks and fashion options. The event was held at The Steward Hotel, located at 371 Seventh Avenue, also known as Fashion Avenue.

Friday consisted of solo shows from Avid Swim by Gionna Nicole, Kepaza by Pernille Fristad and Layana Aguilar. The Avid Swim "Cadiz Resort" 2017 showcased 13 swimsuits. One of them were for men, and one was a Burkini. On Saturday, fashion students Maria Balestino and Ashlee Bowers from Philadelphia University participated in the Designers' Premier show. Naldo Montañez, Kita Griffin and Nicteel by Owana Lima also participated in the first group show.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Jimmy Burner Fall Winter 2017
 collection, by Jimmy Burner on February 11, 2017; during
 FGNYFW Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Model walks runway in an Antonia dress from the Jeilyné Santana Bridal collection,
for the Designer's Collective Fall Winter 2017 runway show during FGNYFW
Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Later in the day, the very talented 18 year old Jimmy Burner from Houston, Texas unveiled his collection of twenty menswear and womenswear outfits. The Designers' Collective was held that evening showcasing lingerie by Taryn Winters; bridal gowns from Jeilyné Santana Haute Couture; and men's & women's street style clothes by Another Place. Included in this group was Flesh by Malin Molden and Black Rat by Siri Sveen Haaland. Both designers are based in Norway.

Sunday afternoon began with the Emerging Designers fashion show, which was made up of Asian, African and Norwegian design influences. The collections on the runway were S'MM by Jihyun Kim, Keminevar by Raven Ledbetter, as well as garments from Line Skjervheim Gilhuus, Lisa Anker-Rasch Strom and Heggy Gonzalez. The last group show was Prêt-À-Porter. Brands showing their Fall Winter 2017 lines were Chapman McIntyre by James Chapman and Jacob McIntyre; Antidote by Christine Andresen and Antinoo Menswear by Lily Montes from Colombia. The final fashion show of the season was the Mondo Guerra Fall Winter 2017 "Late to the Opera" collection by the Project Runway winner.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Lisa Anker-Rasch Strom Fall Winter 2017
collection, for the Emerging Designers Fall Winter 2017 runway show during
 FGNYFW Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Mondo Guerra Fall Winter 2017 "Late to
the Opera" collection, on February 12, 2017; at The Stewart Hotel in New York City,
 during FGNYFW Fall Winter 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Early start to New York Fashion Week Fall 2017

Model poses in a sunset silk double face satin bias cut dress with asymmetric shoulder
 drape and spaghetti straps from the Roumel6 Fall 2017 collection by Denitza Skorcheva,
 during New York Fashion Week Women Fall 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model poses in a deep water silk velvet smoking wrap over black Chantilly lace blouse and
 velvet pant from the Roumel6 Fall 2017 collection by Denitza Skorcheva, during New York
 Fashion Week Women Fall 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Wednesday was part of the unofficial start to New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall Winter 2017. The official start date for NYFW is the second Thursday in February and September. With hundreds of fashion show occurring within an eight day period, some designers choose to get a head start and show their collections early in the calendar. Three such brands that helped kick off the latest fashion week season are Roumel6, PH5 and Hayley Elsaesser.

Designer Denitza Skorcheva held a fashion presentation for her Roumel6 Fall 2017 collection in which three models posed on a set in Drift Studios; located in the art gallery rich section of Chelsea, New York City. Models wore one outfit per scene and there were two scenes. The pieces are soft, elegant and made from luxurious materials such as satin, silk velvet, Chantilly lace and beaded tulle. When talking about the inspiration behind the collection, Ms. Skorcheva stated "how they feel against your skin is so important to me, because that changes your mood also".

Model poses in an outfit from the PH5 Fall Winter 2017 collection by Wei Lin and
Mijia Zhang, during New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model poses in an outfit from the PH5 Fall Winter 2017 collection by Wei Lin and
Mijia Zhang, during New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Designers Wei Lin and Mijia Zhang held their PH5 Fall Winter 2017 "Art Meets Science" collection presentation in Bortolami Gallery, which is also located in Chelsea. The duo found inspiration in artist Martin Creed's work No. 227. The set was made up of large white and transparent balloons. Fifteen models stood side by side on their own small, white boxes. The clothes are colorful, yet restrained; playful and at the same time sexy.

Canadian designer Hayley Elsaesser held a presentation of menswear and womenwears for her eponymous Fall Winter 2017 "My Little Pony" collection in Milk Studios, located in the Meatpacking District. The designer partnered with Hasbro to create high-fashion streetwear based on themes and characters from My Little Pony. The twenty-three looks focused heavily on bold, colorful prints on very sensible silhouettes.

Model Daria poses in a Rainbow Dash sequin dress from the Hayley Elsaesser Fall Winter
2017 collection, during New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Kelly poses in a Rainbow Dash button up with Locket Love skirt, and Joon Ki poses in a celestial
 blue wool pant, lightning bold knit and pretty plaid jacket from the Hayley Elsaesser Fall Winter
 2017 collection, during New York Fashion Week: Women's Fall 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography 

petitePARADE at Children's Club Fashion Show

Model walks runway in an outfit by Fun & Fun, during the petitePARADE Children's
 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Aisabobo during the petitePARADE Children's
 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Children's fashion platforms petitePARADE and the Children's Club teamed up to present a children's wear runway show on Monday January 9th, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. The fashion show featured twenty-four brands that specialize in kids wear. Each participating brand presented between one to three outfits, with some accessorized with bags provided by State Bags. The clothes covering both girls and boys catered to ages ranging from toddler to tween.

One really cute outfit for small girls is a blue and white stripe dress with sleeves, and white see-through overskirt with small blue bows from the Doe A Dear collection. It's great for baby showers and/or recitals. Mod Girl offers great choices for a sporty, active, girl about to enter her teens. A standout look in particular is a colorful exercise pant worn with a black zipup hoodie and pink long sleeve tee.

Among the boys wear, Fun & Fun showcased a super stylish blue jackets with red strips on the cuffs and collar, with soft, tiny rivets across the surface of the jacket. A cool and dressy look from the TO Collection with a ensemble of brown trousers, white shirt, blue and orange tie, and blue blazer with orange boxes. All looks from the runway show can be viewed at petitePARADE at Children's Club.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Condor, during the petitePARADE Children's
 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Doe A Dear, during the petitePARADE Children's
 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Model walks runway in an outfit by TO Collection, during the petitePARADE Children's
 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Pickles N Roses, during the petitePARADE Children's

 Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016

DJ Alden poses on runway during the petitePARADE Children's Club fashion
show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Mod Girl, during the petitePARADE Children's
Club fashion show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, on January 9, 2016.

Rivini and Alyne by Rita Vinieris Bridal collections Fall 2017

Model walks runway in a "Cherish" bridal gown from the Rivini by Rita Vinieris Fall 2017
collection on October 7th, 2016 during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
(Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Luxury womenswear designer Rita Vinieris presented her Rivini and Alyne Fall 2017 bridal collections during this past New York Bridal Fashion week in October. She presented both collection with a runway fashion show. There were thirty-four bridal gowns shown in all, with seventeen from the Rivini collection and another seventeen from Alyne. The combination of the lines offered classical, understated wedding dresses; as well as bolder, sexier options.

Two bridal dresses from the Rivini collection that really stand out are "Irresistible" and "Affinity". The Irresistible gown is very sexy. It is a diaphanous beaded ballgown with long sleeves and a layered skirt. This gown commands confidence, and the intricate beading is captivating. The Affinity gown is subdued and pretty. Its designs is of graphic rose lace sheath with flutter sleeves worn with a light tissue organza overskirt.

One dress from the Alyne that appears understated from a distance is "Adorable". However, the high quality of ribbon lace pattern design is very apparent up close. The shape is elegant and the detailing is stunning. Even though the "Cherish" ballgown is relatively simple with a plunging V neck, open back and crystal belt; when matched with the Rita Vinieris layered pleated tulle cape; it creates bold and dramatic look. More images can be view at Rivini and Alyne by Rita Vinieris Fall 2016.

Model walks runway in an "Irresistable" bridal gown with diaphanous beaded
ballgown, long sleeves and layered skirt, from the Rivini by Rita Vinieris Fall 2017
 collection, during New York Bridal Fashion Week. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Model walks runway in an "Affinity" bridal gown with graphic rose lace sheath with
 flutter sleeves, worn with a light tissue organza overskirt, from the Rivini by Rita
 Vinieris Fall 2017 collection, during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
(Photo: © Shawn Punch 2016)

Model walks runway in an "Adorable" bridal gown of ribbon lace with off the shoulder
detail embellished with embroidered shimmer appliqués, from the Alyne by Rita
Vinieris Fall 2017, during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
(Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Model walks runway in a "Desire" bridal gown of transparent corseted re-embroidered
lace with intricate scalloped hem, shown with a Rita Vinieris Feather Collared Veil Cape,
from the Alyne by Rita Vinieris Fall 2017 collection, during New York Bridal Fashion
 Week. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Model walks runway in "Kiss" a rose beaded ballgown with deep v-neck and short
cold shoulder sleeve bridal gown from the Rivini by Rita Vinieris Fall 2017
collection on October 7th, 2016 during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
(Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Model walks runway in an "XOXO" bridal gown with beaded bodice and high
 slit layered tissue organza ball skirt, from the Rivini by Rita Vinieris Fall 2017
collection, during New York Bridal Fashion Week. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016)

Fashion Palette Australian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017

Models walk runway in swimsuits from the Lil & Emm Spring Summer 2017
"Summer Romance" collection for the Fashion Palette Australian Swim
Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

The Australian fashion production company Fashion Palette, held their Fashion Palette New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2017 runway shows, this past September, during New York Fashion Week Spring 2017. Talented fashion designers from Australia, as well as expert makeup artists led by Alison Jade, and hair care specialists from Davroe flew to New York City to showcase their latest fashion pieces and beauty styling. The fashion show was divided into two series of runway shows. There was a collection of Australian swim/resort runway shows in the early afternoon; and women's evening and ready-to-wear at night. This article focuses on the nine swim/resort Spring Summer 2017 collections from the early afternoon.

In the resort category, the Sabo Luxe collection by Thessy Kouzoukas and Yiota Karalouka was soft and sensual. Deep v-necks, exposed shoulders and hem lines way above the knees were the looks presented. The BOSSA collection had earth tones approaching copper and blue. Long skirts, dresses and sleeves moved with fluidity. Sara Bailes presented a more foot-on-the-ground approach with her attractive collection that would look pretty on various body types. Alphabe The Label by Brenda Chang and Cathy Karuga, featured pleats, lace and intricate detailing. Natalia Rolt's collection of all-white fabrics is unconventional and sexy. Every outfit is sure to turn heads on any yacht or cruise ship.

The swim outfits were definitely show stoppers. The Ark Swimwear bikinis have a harmonious cut to them that follows the shape of the body, rather than trying to shape it. Frankie Swimwear by Rebecca Klodinsky showcased pretty head-wraps, paired with smoking hot bikinis. Floral patterns and knitting made up the Ete Swimwear collection by Jessica Williamson. Some pieces almost blur the line between swimwear and lingerie. Electric pinks, blues and purples, pop in the Lil and Emm swimwear collection. Please click on link to view every look from the Fashion Palette Australian Swim/Resort Spring Summer 2017 runway fashion show.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Sabo Luxe Spring Summer 2017
collection by Thessy Kouzoukas and Yiota Karalouka for the Fashion
Palette Austrialian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show.

Models walk runway in outfits from the Ark Swimwear Spring Summer 2017
collection for the Fashion Palette Australian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017
fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in outfits from the BOSSA Spring Summer 2017
collection for the Fashion Palette Austrialian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017
 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in outfits from the BOSSA Spring Summer 2017
collection for the Fashion Palette Austrialian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017
 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in swimsuits from the Frankie Swimwear Spring Summer
2017 collection by Rebecca Klodinsky for the Fashion Palette Australian
Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in swimsuits from the Sara Bailes Spring Summer 2017
 collection for the Fashion Palette Austrialian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017
 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in swimsuits from the Ete Swimwear Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Jessica Williamson for the Fashion Palette Australian
 Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Models walk runway in swimsuits from the Lil & Emm Spring Summer 2017
 "Summer Romance" collection for the Fashion Palette Australian
 Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Model walks runway in resortwear from the Natalie Rolt Designs Spring Summer
2017 collection by Natalie Rolt, for the Fashion Palette Australian Swim
Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

Model walks runway in resortwear from Alphabe The Label Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Brenda Chang and Cathy Karuga, for the Fashion Palette
Austrialian Swim Resort Spring Summer 2017 fashion show on September 8, 2016.

The Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

The Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 fashion show presentation by Austyn Zung, was held on October 26, 2016 in Ann Taylor New York City showroom in Times Square.  Models stood or sat on chairs onto of white platforms that were a few inches tall. The collection of thirty-one looks were feminine, colorful, soft, elegant and pretty. The designer found inspiration from her recent trips to Spain and Tanzania. 

According to Ms. Zung, "In Spain we were very influenced by the Matadors and the Flamenco dancers; so you'll see a lot of ruffles and attention to fringe detailing...and you'll see the accessories have a very Spanish feeling to them." She continued, "When we moved on to African, we really gathered in all the different patterns and prints. I was really inspired by all the textual cloths and vibrate colors". Furthermore, "We're still really loving the wide-leg pants and flowing skirts, and a lot of shoulder showing."

The diverse casting of models reflect a keen eye, and an appreciation of cultures by the designer. A one-shoulder top with flower-print skirt, would be an extremely alluring look for a dinner date. African inspired prints are blended smoothly into today's fashion. There are also elegant black and white top separates that fit perfectly in any business setting. Each garment stands well on its own. Click on link to view the complete Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

One-shoulder ruffle top from the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Skin is in for the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Hung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

One-shoulder top and flower skirt from the Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Austyn Zung, on New York on October 26, 2016.

African print dress from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

African print outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in an outfit from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017 collection by
Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.

Model poses in a flower and animal print dress, and loafers with tassels from Ann Taylor Spring Summer 2017
 collection by Austyn Zung, at the Ann Taylor showroom on, New York on October 26, 2016.