Menswear finds a diversity of inspiration for Spring Summer 2018

NBA Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried walks runway in an outfit from the
 Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2018 collection by Jace Lipstein; during New York
 Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Grungy Gentleman Spring Summer 2018
collection by Jace Lipstein in Dream Downtown; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Style comes in many forms. A wide diversity of looks and trends were introduced to the fashion public during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018. Three really cool collections that appeared this season were from Christopher Lowman, Teddy Ondo Ella and Grungy Gentleman. They spanned themes of preppy-wear, African heritage, and modern athletic chic. These three fashion shows were held outside of the big Skylight Clarkson menswear events, and represent strong passion and deeply personal visions.

The Grungy Gentleman collection runway show was designed by Jace Lipstein. NBA Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried opened and closed the show, which took place at Dream Downtown. His final look was a white trench coat, dark grey top, and blue jeans worn with white Timberland boots, specifically made for the Grungy Gentleman collection. Jackets, shorts, trousers, tank tops, blazers, shirts and sweaters make up the 59 looks for the Spring Summer 2018 season. Accessories such as Maui Jim sunglasses and Mitchell & Ness hats added even more cool to these distinctly masculine garments.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Teddy Ondo Ella Spring Summer 2018
collection at Art Beam on July 10, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2017. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Teddy Ondo Ella Spring Summer 2018
collection at Art Beam on July 10, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2017. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

GQ's fashion editor Mobolaji Dawodu used inspiration he found in the African country of Gabon for the Teddy Ondo Ella collection. The series of 25 looks is a kaleidoscope of colors on soft silky fabrics. The trousers are slim-fit, but thankfully not too tight. The shirts have an array of interesting prints such as afro picks, lemons, and huts. There was also an amazing dance performance before the fashion show by dancers flown in from Gabon. Art Beam on 540 West 21 street was transformed into slice of a small African village.

Model poses in an outfit from the Christopher Lowman Spring Summer 2018 "Harvard Punk'd"
 collection at HGU New York, on July 10, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model poses in an outfit from the Christopher Lowman Spring Summer 2018 "Harvard Punk'd"
 collection at HGU New York, on July 10, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Christopher Lowman's Spring Summer 2018 fashion presentation collection is titled "Havard Punk'd". The 15 outfit set draws "inspiration from the modern day college student battling the everyday chain of emotions such as financial instability and mental health issues that lead to the possibility of becoming a college dropout." Denim plays a big role here and contributes to the relaxed vibe. Some of the models also wore The 574 Sport, a new sneaker by New Balance Athletics for the style-conscious consumer. This presentation was held in Restaurant at ROSE HILL, located in the 112 year old HGU New York Hotel.

New York Mens Day Spring Summer 2018

Models pose in outfits from the Maiden Noir Spring Summer 2018 "Return To Stone Garden" collection by Nin Truong,
 for New York Mens Day at Dune Studios on July 10, 2017; duing New York Fashion Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018.
Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

An army of young, strapping male models took over island of Manhattan for four days last week during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018. As usual, the first day of menswear fashion shows was kicked off by New York Men's Day fashion presentations. The day long event took place on July 10th in Dune Studios, located at 55 Water Street in the Financial District. The event showcased twelves collections, with six in the morning and another six in the afternoon.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the David Hart Spring Summer 2018 collection
 for New York Mens Day at Dune Studios on July 10, 2017; during New York Fashion
Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017)

Model poses in an outfit from the Daniel Hecther Spring Summer 2018 collection by
 Christophe Bodin-Pechabrier, for New York Mens Day during
 New York Fashion Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017)

The morning shows featured the Spring Summer 2018 collections from David Hart, Krammer & Stoudt, Wood House, HEAD OF STATE+, Daniel Hechter and Bristol. Each presentation had its own layout and style. The David Hart collection stood out by utilizing it's space to make a runway show. The theme was tropical or specifically Cuban, with stylishly designed colorful suits, sunglasses and hats. Another collection that was full of great, wearable clothes is the Daniel Hechter collection by Christophe Blodin-Pechabier. There is a healthy mix of casual blazers, shorts, trousers and sweaters that fit perfectly on a masculine man.

Model poses in an outfit from the Descendant Of Thieves Spring Summer 2018
 collection by Matteo Maniatty, for New York Mens Day during
 New York Fashion Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017)

Model poses in an outfit from the Heliot Emil Spring Summer 2018 "P.T.C.S."
 collection by Julius Juul, for New York Mens Day; during
 New York Fashion Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017)

The afternoon shows consisted of Private Policy, Descendant of Thieves, Maiden Noir, R. Swiader, Heliot Emil and Life in Perfect Disorder. Descendant of Thieves designed by creative director Matteo Maniatty, had the most visually interesting presentation. Models rotated in a choreographed way through a maze of metal cages and masks. Attractive swim-trunks, trousers, jackets, blazers, polos and short sleeve shirts are offered in this collection. The most edgy outfits in all of the shows was from the Heliot Emil's P.T.C.S (Post Traumatic Combat Stress) collection by Julius Juul. The collection "follows the aesthetic of an individual dealing with a post war existential crisis.." Think military wear, mixed with street wear, combined with clothes from insane asylum for a funky outcome. Please click on link to view every look from New York Men's Day Spring Summer 2018.

Models pose in outfits from the Life In Perfect Disorder Spring Summer 2018 collection, for New York Mens Day
 at Dune Studios on July 10, 2017; duing New York Fashion Week: Mens Spring Summer 2018.
(Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017)

Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party 2017

(L-R) Elizabeth Hurley, Leonard Lauder and Victoria Beckham attend the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
 "Super Nova" Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City.
 Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

On Friday May 12, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation held their "Super Nova" Hot Pink Party at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City to help raise funds for breast cancer research. Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley was the emcee for the event. She also serves as Global Ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham hosted the event as an Honorary Co-Chair alongside Leonard and Judy Lauder.

Elizabeth Hurley wears a Jovani dress to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
 "Super Nova" Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 in New York City. Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017

Victoria Beckham hosts the Breast Cancer Research Foundation "Super Nova"
 Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 in New York City. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Several luminaries in the fashion, entertainment and sport world showed their support by attending. Fashion designers Donna Karan and Vera Wang made an impactful and fun appearance. Actress Lois Robbins looked the epitome of luxury in a green, gold and purple Roberto Cavalli dress. Costume designer, creative director and author June Ambrose showed up wearing an amazing smile, black head-wrap and gorgeous black, orange, silver and pink dress by Christian Siriano.

Misty Copeland attends the Breast Cancer Research Foundation "Super Nova"
 Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 in New York City. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Donna Karan attends the Breast Cancer Research Foundation "Super Nova"
 Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 in New York City. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

Misty Copeland, made a brief appearance on the pink carpet. She was sexy, classy and elegant in a white dress. In 2015 Ms. Copeland became the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater's 75-year history. Two of the power couples that attend were event Co-Chairs Jonathan and Lizzie Tisch; and Brian and Amy France. Please click on link to view many more celebrity arrivals at the BCRF 2017 Hot Pink Party.

Actress Lois Robbins wears a Roberto Cavalli dress to the Breast Cancer Research
 Foundation "Super Nova" Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 inNew York City. Photo: © Shawn Punch 2017 

June Ambrose wears a Christian Soriano dress to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
 "Super Nova" Hot Pink Party on May 12, 2017 at the Park Avenue Armory
 in New York City. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2017

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.