It’s easy to be clouded by the flash and star power of New York’s Fashion Week. There is always a surplus of beautiful fabrics, clothing, models and the demi-gods of the fashion and celebrity world. The industry is filled with ever-changing, stop-and-go trends and designers who make mad rushes to bring our feasting eyes something new to adore and obsess over. Seldom do people bring together the world of fashion and charity but the International Fashion Society put aside the worries of the economic downfall and put together “Fashion Fights Cancer” for the 5th annual event to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital at the Audi Forum on Park Ave.
The event brought together designers from Archives, Kahri, Whistle and Flute, Falls, Lotus Grace, and Byron Lars Beauty Mark, among other brands. Set in the beautiful open space and full length glass windowed Audi Forum, FFC delivered an easy walk-through between racks of vibrant and poppy spring collections, luscious German engineering (particularly a sleek silver R8 with V8 FSI), and models draped over convertibles like leggy import girls. A bar set deep in the back of the showroom poured on wine and pink French liquor. A miniature cupcake tree stood so tantalizingly in the middle of white leather banquette couches, even models couldn’t help but scarf one down, but only one.
Falls presented their current spring collection, consisting of webby, layered knits in dress/sweater hybrids and bright patchwork tops. Feminine eyelet and gauzy ruffles let on airs of country girlishness and easy, breezy comfort. Whistle and flute toned down the color, leaving only a few bright accents in their simply cut, classic pieces embellished with perfect touches of metallic zippers, tabs and lurex pinstripe. Neutrals ruled their showcase in black, khaki, silver and blue ensuring staple pieces for present and future. Jacquard and denim dressed filled the rack at Lotus Grace, as well as pea green embroidered dresses and a Carrie Bradshaw-esque oversize flower one shoulder purple mini dress.
Interestingly enough, Archives showed opaque jewel toned over-the-shoe tights. But don’t worry folks, they were fully functional with rubber soles to quell any rippage underfoot. Plenty of passerbys (inconsequentially, many were middle aged men getting off work) viewed the designs via the floor to ceiling live mannequins in the windows.
Thankfully and rightfully, the conversation was held at slightly higher regard in terms of the music at FFC, especially when this blogger heard for the 5 millionth time, Justin’s “Sexyback”.
St. Jude’s will also bring another charity event to the fashion forefront next week featuring high end designers, some of whom will create dresses designed by two St. Jude’s patients.
– Rachel Em
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn