This Day/Arise Magazine featured four designers in their African Fashion Collective 2009 show in the Bryant Park tents. Tyson Beckford, Alex Wek, and many other African-American super models walked the runway. Xuly.Bët, Funkin’ Fashion Factory was first up in the evening’s lineup. The models proudly strutted down the runway in form fitting sportswear constructed from corduroy, velour, denim, and pleather. A patent-leather head to toe look and denim jumpsuits rounded out the ensemble. The androgynous face of Grace Jones stretching and morphing on a screen behind the models was the real crowd pleaser of this portion of the show.
The second designer, Tiffany Amber, followed with pretty shantung dresses edged with intricate beading. Her attention to detail was evident in the colorful flower embroidery and wooden beadwork of her garments. Stoned Cherrie’s collection consisted of swing jackets and high-waisted cigarette pants, pretty cap sleeve dresses and blouson-sleeved shirts. The teardrop cut outs rimming the neckline of a dress had images of little purple women dancing inside- a beautiful, intricate detail. Momo’s collection was composed of animal printed silk knits and cashmeres which would be apropos in Palm Beach. The flapper-style hats provided a nice cohesive element to her line-up.
The show was extremely entertaining and festive and the exuberant crowd was one of the most supportive audiences I’ve ever encountered at a runway show. The presentation closed with looks from all four designers along with long white cotton dresses printed with President Obama’s likeness, which made for a perfect ending to an optimistic, upbeat show.
– Lyndsay Skeegan
Photos By Sandra Rosales
Yeohlee- In a tight line up of 23 looks Yeohlee Teng presented her answer to recession dressing. The focused collection was true to the spirit of Yeohlee: structured, wearable clothing that relies on cut and construction in lieu of ornamentation and fluff. It should be noted, this is what Teng does best- great coats and jackets with a minimalist luxe that feel timeless. In the way of suiting the collection offered a clear message: a gentle boot leg pant with a long jack with ample lapels. Teng posed the body suit as this season’s staple, showing it in both black and a metallic Lurex. The body suit served as a building block for the designer staple tunics and poncho-esque pieces. Amid the proliferation of charcoal and black there was a glint of hope (perhaps a node to brighter time ahead) in the way of metallic lurex jersey used to great affect for easy cocktail wear. The shinning line-up included a blouson sleeved-tent dress, an asymmetrical hem dress and a body suit with matching draped top.
Akiko Ogawa-This mid week show offered much of what appears to be a la mode in New York: asymmetrical structured jackets (in this case juxtaposed with draped skirts of the sarong sort). Akiko Ogawa presented an edgy take on Fall favoring fitted jackets with bold shapes and tailoring coupled with nubby sweaters and lean trousers. The collection reflected a sleeker take for the designer who in earlier seasons displayed a penchant for feminine overtures.
