The FIT Future of Fashion 2017

Model walks runway in an outfit by Jin Young Kim, during the Future of Fashion
2017 runway show at the Fashion Institute of Technology on May 8, 2017.
Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

On Monday May 8th, the Fashion Institute of Technology also known as FIT, held Future of Fashion 2017 graduates' collection fashion show at the Feldman Center located on their campus in New York City. The school is on West 27 street and Fashion (Seventh) Avenue. The runway show presented a total of 79 outfits from 67 students ranging from sportswear, special occasion, children's wear, knitwear and intimate apparel. The venue was packed with press and many accomplished members of the fashion industry absorbing the youthful, excited energy.

High fashion designer Dennis Basso, Ralph Lauren CEO Stefan Larsson, New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing were just some of the many heavy hitters that came out to support the graduating class. Students were mentored in their design process by FIT faculty and professional designers such as Sophia Theallet, Karen Sabag and Flora Gill. The clothes were modern, elegant, sexy and mature. They could sell easily in any department store.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Carolina Sanz, during the Future of Fashion 2017
 runway show at the Fashion Institute of Technology on May 8, 2017.
Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

Model walks runway in an outfit by Jongah Lee, during the Future of Fashion 2017
 runway show at the Fashion Institute of Technology on May 8, 2017.
Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

Judges such as Ken Downing, Vogue Runway Director Nicole Phelps, and stylist Kemal Harris voted for designs they thought stood out. The Critic Winners for 2017 are: children's wear - Jongah Nicole Lee;  intimate apparel - Jin Young Kim; knitwear - Yekaterina Burmatnova & Aleksandra Gosiewski; special occasion - Carolina Sanz; sportswear - Bria Hendrickson, Jinwoo Hong, Samantha Kirshner, Taylor Ormond and Selen Sahin. The event was partially sponsored by Calvin Klein Inc., together with the Calvin Klein Family Foundation. Please click on link to view all looks from the FIT Future of Fashion 2017 runway show.

Designer Dennis Basso and FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown arrive at the
Future of Fashion 2017 runway show at the Fashion Institute of Technology on
May 8, 2017. Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

Ralph Lauren CEO Stefan Larsson arrives at the Future of Fashion 2017 runway show
at the Fashion Institute of Technology on May 8, 2017.
Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

Graduating students left to right, Jinwoo Hong, Carolina Sanz, Jin Young Kim, Yekaterina Burmatnova, Aleksandra Gosiewski, Taylor Ormond, Bria Hendrickson, Selen Sahin, Jongah Lee and Samantha Kirshner pose with their Critic awards during the Future of Fashion 2017 runway show at the Fashion Institute of Technology on May 8, 2017.

The 2017 Pratt Fashion Show

Model walks runway in an outfit by Ray Liu, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show on
May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

On Thursday May 4, the 2017 Pratt fashion show took place in Spring Studios in New York City. It was Pratt Institute's 118th annual graduating design student fashion show. Fashion designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who run the fashion brand Monse and are co-creative directors for Oscar De La Renta, received the Pratt Institute 2017 Fashion Visionary Award. They were presented the award by their close friend and stylist Kate Young.

The runway show was comprised of 139 menswear and womenwears pieces from fourteen graduating fashion students. Two students walked away with awards. Lyudmila (Mila) Sullivan was selected to present her work at Graduate Fashion Week London where she will compete with peer institutions in Europe. Jessie Sodetz was selected to show her collection at the Ralph Pucci Showroom during New York Fashion week this September.

Model walks runway in an outfit by Seokwoon Yoon, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show on
 May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model walks runway in an outfit by Sara Teator, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show on
 May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model walks runway in an outfit by Anwar Roberts, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show on
 May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model walks runway in an outfit by Jessie Sodetz, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show on
 May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Model walks runway in an outfit by Lyudmila Sullivan, for the 2017 Pratt fashion show
on May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia receive the 2017 Fashion Visionary Award,
during the 2017 Pratt fashion show on May 4, 2017 at Spring Studios in New York City. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Lots of colors and fabrics, best describe the overall look of the show. For example, designers Seokwoon Yoon and Ray Liu; models walked in clothes that resembled soft, protective armor. While Sara Teator used soft pastel colors, and Alex Mangus employed darker earth tones. Both incorporated very shiny material. Anwar Roberts created a very sexy dress that flowed with rich red, purple and orange silk strips. Jessica Li made casual lounge wear look very stylish and appealing. The students were taught under the leadership of Fashion, Chair Jennifer Minniti. Click on link to all of the looks from the 2017 Pratt Fashion Show.

David's Bridal Fall 2017 fashion presentation

Models pose in a bridal gowns for the David's Bridal Fall 2017 fashion show presentation on April 19, 2017;
during New York Bridal Fashion Week. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

On Wednesday April 19th, David's Bridal held a fashion presentation showing a sample of 10 dresses from their David's Bridal Fall 2017 collection during New York Bridal Fashion Week. The fashion show was held at Home Studios at 873 Broadway in New York City. Models wore wedding dresses from Zac Posen, Jenny Packham, Cynthia Rowley, Oleg Cassini, Galina, Galina Signature, Melissa Sweet and David's Bridal. The full collection features 24 bridal styles and 11 brides maid styles.

Most of the dresses shown had very a revealing back. One such look was a gown by Galina Signature. It has a deep v-cut in the front, flower details, and a very low cut in the rear with flower details that beautifully frames the back. It is quite a sexy dress! One that is even more open is look from Zac Posen. This piece has a strapless, sweetheart neckline. The top half of the back, along with the arms and shoulders are fully exposed.

Model poses in a Galina Signature bridal gown for the David's Bridal Fall 2017
 fashion show presentation on April 19, 2017; during New York Bridal
 Fashion Week. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Model poses in a Zac Posen bridal gown for the David's Bridal Fall 2017 fashion
 show presentation on April 19, 2017; during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Model poses in a bridal gown for the David's Bridal Fall 2017 fashion show
presentation on April 19, 2017; during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Model poses in a Galina Signature bridal gown for the David's Bridal Fall 2017
fashion show presentation on April 19, 2017; during New York Bridal
Fashion Week. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

For an option of a little more coverage, there is an elegant wedding dress by Oleg Cassini. It has a powder blue underdress, covered in a long-sleeve, soft, transparent shell, with flower detailing. And for another dress with color, there is the light-pink, strapless bridal gown from Cynthia Rowley. Please click on link to view more dresses from the David's Bridal Fall 2017 collection.

Exley NB Fall Winter 2017 presentation

Fashion designers Annie Campbell poses with models during her Exley NB Fall Winter 2017 collection fashion
 presentation, at The Soho House in New York City on March 7, 2017. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

   

Last Tuesday, fashion designer Annie Campbell showcased her Exley Fall Winter 2017 menswear collection with a fashion presentation at the Soho House in New York City. Five models posed and mingled in the label's outerwear pieces while guests snapped photos, wrote down notes, and admired the looks on the men and on racks. The jackets, vests and raincoats are very modern, wearable, cool and attractive. They also feature several technical innovations.

The one and half year old brand is based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Ms. Campbell, found inspiration for this season’s collection in the varying conditions of life in New England: “From the wet cement on city streets to the wonderland of snow banks of melting slush with the path tracks from people before you, this collection is a reflection of meaningful perceptions found throughout New England’s city and coast life.” A new ‘Quilted Vest Liner’ with wool knit collar and functional front patch pockets is introduced. It looks really versatile and is perfect for layering.

Model poses in an off-white, lightweight rain jacket, from the Exley NB Fall Winter 2017
collection by Annie Campbell, at The Soho House in New York City on March 7, 2017.
(Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Model poses in an oil, quilted vest liner from the Exley NB Fall Winter 2017 collection
by Annie Campbell, at The Soho House in New York City on March 7, 2017.
(Photo: ©Shawn Punch)

Also, "a majority of this season’s collection encompasses a certain level of water resistance, with the highest being made of fully waterproof fabrics with sealed seams, as featured in the ‘Lightweight Rain Jacket,’ ‘Raincoat,’ ‘Utility Parka,’ ‘Waterproof Topcoat,’ and ‘Waterproof Panel Jacket.’" Please click on link to view more images from the Exley NB Fall Winter 2017 fashion presentation.

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