The Fashion Group International Night of Stars 2017 gala

Kerry Washington arrives at The Fashion Group International's Night of Stars
 2017 gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 26, 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Paris Hilton and Chris Zylka arrive at The Fashion Group International's Night of Stars
 2017 gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 26, 2017.
Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

The Fashion Group International's 34th annual Night of Stars gala was held on October 26 in Cipriani Wall Street. Fashion designer Simon Doonan hosted the event which was themed "Modern Voices. Belgian based designer Dries Van Noten received the Superstar Award. Proenza Schouler fashion designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez presented the award to Mr. Noten. Famous actress Kerry Washington was presented the Lord & Taylor Fashion Oracle Award by her friend and first stylist, ELLE's Fashion Director Samira Nasr.

The star studded night was filled with dozens of celebrities and the who's who of the fashion world. Marc Jacobs, Martha Stewart, Dwayne Wade, Tommy Hilfiger and professional surfer Kelly Slater were just some of the presenters. Paris Hilton was the DJ for the event's after party. She arrived with her boyfriend, actor Chris Zylka. Some of the honorees included designers Isabel Marant, Thom Browne and Simone Rocha who all were handed Star awards; Terry Lundgren, Chairman of Macy's who was given the Humanitarian Award; and with sibling designers Rebecca Minkoff & Uri Minkoff, who shared the Technology In Brand Development Award. Please click on link to view all the award winners and more red carpet arrivals during The Fashion Group's Night of Stars 2017. 

Designer Isabel receives a Star award and poses with photographer Inez Van Lamsweerde
 at The Fashion Group International's Night of Stars 2017 gala at Cipriani Wall Street
 on October 26, 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Designer Dries Van Noten receives the Superstar award and poses with Porenza Schouler
 designers Jack Mccollough (left) and Lazaro Hernandez at The Fashion Group
 International's Night of Stars 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Designer Thom Browne receives a Star award and poses with Dwyane Wade professional
 NBA player, at The Fashion Group International's Night of Stars 2017 gala at
 Cipriani Wall Street on October 26, 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography 

Marie-Claire Daveu receives the Sustainability award and poses with surfer Kelly Slater,
 at The Fashion Group International's Night of Stars 2017 gala at Cipriani
 Wall Street on October 26, 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch Photography

Claudia Schiffer for AQUAZZURA launch Saks Fifth Avenue

Supermodel and designer Claudia Schiffer arrives at her Claudia Schiffer for
Aquazzura launch event at Saks Fifth Avenue, at 611 Fifth Avenue, in New York
 City on October 17, 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch/Photo Image Press

Last night, supermodel Claudia Schiffer appeared with shoe designer Edgardo Osorio to launch the Claudia Shiffer for Aquazzura capsule collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, located at 611 Fifth Avenue in New York City. Ms. Schiffer, a tall, blond, German model of international fame is celebrating 30 years in the fashion and beauty industry. She climbed out of a black SUV on Madison Avenue & 50th Street and was greeted by dozens of fans and photographers in front of the flagship store.

Ms. Schiffer posed in front of a Saks display window which showcased four of the ten shoes she designed for Italian luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA. She chatted and posed for press pictures with the brand's co-founder and designer Edgardo Osorio. The two were later joined by Tracy Margolies, the Chief Merchant of Saks Fifth. The ten styles of shoes now available for purchase include pumps, flats, booties and boots. Please click on link to view more images of the Claudia Shiffer for Aquazzura launch event.

Window display of Claudia Schiffer for Aquazzura capsule collection at Saks Fifth
 Avenue on611 Fifth Avenue, in New York City on October 17, 2017.
 Photo: Shawn Punch/Photo Image Press

Designer Edgardo Osorio and super model Claudia Schiffer arrive at their
Claudia Schiffer for Aquazzura launch event at Saks Fifth Avenue, at 611 Fifth Avenue,
 in New York City on October 17, 2017. Photo: Shawn Punch/Photo Image Press

Luxury and escape during New York Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2018

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Nick Graham Spring Summer 2018 Atlantis
collection, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 11, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Nick Graham Spring Summer 2018 Atlantis
collection, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 11, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Muscle, hustle, and escape were three themes that played out during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018. It was a celebration of flesh to go along with a sense of travel, luxury, and ease. Some examples were the Nick Graham "Atlantis" collection, Parke & Ronen, and the General Idea fashion show. Each label had a menswear runway show that was held at Skylight Clarkson Square, located at 550 Washington Street in mid-July.

Was the city of Atlantis real or just a myth? That question was asked along with the importance of climate change in a video before the Nick Graham Spring Summer 2018 men's fashion show. The collection has 28 looks ranging from deep blue to red. Ropes serve as belts, with life sized lobster, crab and sea horse pins echoing the aquatic message. The clothes are great resort-wear and look perfect for a cruise. The breezy shirts and light suits scream fun and leave the idea of work one million miles away.

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Parke & Ronen Spring 2018 collection
 by Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 12, 2017;
 during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018.
(Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the Parke & Ronen Spring 2018 collection
 by Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 12, 2017;
 during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2018.
(Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Fashion designers Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel presented 50 outfits for their Parke & Ronen fashion show. The "collection draws inspiration from the lyrics of John Denver's song Rocky Mountain High, with an emphasis on the lyrics "serenity of a clear blue mountain lake". Further "...the Earth, nature and unique beauty of Rocky Mountain summer's led us to a create a collection inspired by the idea of Americana as seen through rose colored lenses."

Models walk runway in outfits from the General Idea Spring Summer 2018 collection
by Bumuk Choi, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 13, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Model walks runway in an outfit from the General Idea Spring Summer 2018 collection
by Bumuk Choi, at Skylight Clarkson Square on July 13, 2017; during New York Fashion Week:
 Men's Spring Summer 2018. (Photo: Shawn Punch Photography)

Creative director Bumsuk Choi also appears to pay homage to the earth's natural elements with his latest General Idea collection. Fire could be represented with his use of reds, water with blues, grass with greens, land with camel, and the sun with yellows. This 33 look set of men's fashion, like Nick Graham's was sprinkled with a handful a womenswear pieces. Some models walked the runway rolling or holding matching suitcases, which made to feel of travel all the more clear.

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.