RC3 Fashion Week Coverage: Kahri by Kahrianne Kerr

Now that I am the marketing/writing representative for RC3, I will also be writing blog entries on behalf of the brand. Soon they will solely be on the RC3 blog, once the website is redone. 

KAHRI by KAHRIANNE KERR

Twice a year, fashion is front and center for a week. And it has commenced once again for Spring 2014.

The RC3 Team continued this season with seeking out new emerging designers and straying away from the mold. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a fun glamorous event, but there is just something about fresh blood... or creatives that we just can't resist. As a new contact from Ms. Kahrianne's show said, "You can grab the magazines and newspapers the next day to see the Mercedes Benz collections." And she is completely correct. Between the LIVE footage and periodicals, no one can miss MB Fashion Week.

Then there are the Indie or upcoming "It" designers. Although there is press at those events as well, there isn't nearly as much as MB's. And searching for this crowd is no easy task. I can be the first to support that statement. I only wish that I could get a media pass and obtain a contact list for all the scheduled designers. When it comes to outside the tent collections, there is so much more that goes into finding the ones you want to see and how to contact the publicist handling the event. There is a lot of fishing for the right fish or even to get a bite at all.

The Kahri collection was a great find. Not only because of the designs themselves, but the actual event, venue, and people. We all know I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to poor event planning. This my friends did not come off as something thrown together. I actually felt that a lot of detail was thought out beforehand. Loved it.

Now for the designs. As I said on Instagram, the collection was innovative and detailed. But I think my vocabulary can exceed that. For example, "A simple yet risky way of using black and white." RC3 Photographer said. It actually inspired me to wear more black and white in more stylish patterns. Also, I was captivated by the stitching on those designs as well. In my opinion, that is what made many of them even more appealing. I'll refrain from talking about the blue pieces because we know I will be a little bias since it is my favorite color. Very quickly I will say that the choice of blue was magical.

The rocker chick ambiance was also appreciated by the RC3 Team. Nothing is better than loud make-up and a pseudo Mohawk style. What makes it all even better was when the designer came out herself and she was nothing less than what you just saw. Just as edgy and confident.          

Nothing like a night at the Empire

Photographed by RC3Design

Empire Hotel Rooftop is now one of my favorite new places to visit. The atmosphere not only is elegant but always feels a little exclusive, in a good way. Like you're in on a secret place no one else knows about. Sounds weird but I think I just described a grown up tree house.

And as our photographer friend Miguel Rodriguez from RC3Design said, "The service always seems so attentive." I could not agree more. The wait staff and security are always a pleasure to be around and not suffocating or dismissive.

To the right is an abstract picture @RC3Design tweeted from the event. 

This was my first attendance to a Fashion Trunk Show and it was very relaxing. Buyers looked through the collections for what they had interests in buying. Photographers snapped away at the models. All while enjoying beverages and appetizers. An atmosphere that had a nice balance of fashion and socializing.

Besides Soham Dave's collection, there were Jacki Easlick creations displayed. The handbags were not only great to look at but seemed very durable and practical in design. The designer was the former Design Director of Kenneth Cole and has a very impressive list of accomplishments.

I hope that both designers had a very successful night and all the guests enjoyed their night as I did. 

Photographed by RC3Design

Soham Dave & Jacki Easlick designs photographed by RC3Design

Fashion: Jia Collection

Photographed by RC3Design

Photographed by RC3Design

I will be honest with you all. I was very excited to attend the Hampton's Summer Preview Party featuring Jia's Collection. The crowd, the clothes, the environment. And to make it even better, it was on the Empire Rooftop. All that was missing was the sun.

But lets get back to the collection itself. Many of you may have seen my tweets and one said,

And I meant it. The collection is definitely in my top five. And as my favorite partner freelancer said, I am starting to become more and more about fashion. So in that case, I must be right.

Photographed by RC3Design

Photographed by RC3Design

Note: Made possible by the iPhone 4S. We went mobile on you.

Jia Collection

Website: http://www.jiacollection.com/

Twitter: @Jia_Collection

They had the cutest little cards with photos of the styles on them. The brand seems very dedicated to having unique marketing which I admire. And the jewelry was "I want it" worthy, to say the least (E. Tuscany). Lets just say, I was a fan of everything from location to the orchids on the tables. A+ for Jia! Your team & sponsors did a great job.

Day 6: Nolcha Nolcha

Like I have said many times, I never claim to know it all. I just tell you my opinion and perspective then you read it. It's one of the best relationships I have ever had. 

With that said, I received a chance to speak with Arthur Mandel who is a part of Team Nolcha. He gave me a lot of information about the fashion week. Therefore, now I have more information to share and can answer some questions you may have.

1. Is Nolcha in competition with Mercedes Benz?

Nolcha Fashion Week is not in competition with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. "The event is officially listed with Mercedes Benz as the two recognized Fashion Weeks by New York City Economic Development Corporation; offering a range of cost effective options to increase designers recognition and develop their business."  

2. The audiences are completely different.

Actually, they are more similar than one may think. There "are buyers, press, bloggers and stylists seeking to discover independent fashion designers. The audience is there for business--" 

3. Why is there even a need for another Fashion Week?

"Our goal is to the offer the opportunity for a talented independent designer the opportunity to showcase and support their collection in a professional setting  during New York Fashion Week."

Nolcha Fashion Week is a leading award winning event for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. Over the past five years Nolcha Fashion Week has established itself as a platform of discovery promoting innovative fashion designers through runway shows and exhibition during New York Fashion Week. 

Post any other questions you may have as a comment. 

Day 3: Be Nice

Photographed by RC3Design
Venexiana Fall 2012

Advice in my opinion is an asset to life; whether you take it or not. Hearing what someone has to say sometimes opens you to understand xyz more. And sometimes it even teaches you just how much you disagree. Either way, without advice, you're a fool.

On Day 3 of Fashion Week, the advice to be nice had a grand presence. It was in my conversation with two people I don't even know, two separate times and places, but both were fashion related. With that said, I listened to what they were telling me  and I realized (by the second convo) that the perception people have about this industry may be wrong. Many people believe that they have to imitate a diva persona to get ahead but it seems that just the opposite is being passed on by great personalities of this world.

The media/entertainment industry, especially reality tv, does not help. I agree with this but people need to realize that those things should not dictate your beliefs. For example, I know plenty of people who love Miranda Presley in Devil wears Prada. And some of those people have taught themselves that being that way is the only way to be at that rank and surrounding. This is unfortunate and foolish. Cause even If everyone was that way in that industry, wouldn't you think the nice person would be the one that stuck out? Let that marinate.

oooo

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella,
 Miss Teen USA Danielle Doty
Miss Universe Leila Lopes attended 

Venexiana: I was very excited to attend this show and it did not disappoint. The clothes were beautiful, as well as the people. There were little fumbles on the runway but I LOVED THAT. I don't know but it just made me smile and I think it's cause it portrayed what I tell you guys all the time. We are not perfect and imperfections sometimes are what's most admirable. For Example, like my imperfection in not proofreading my writing all the time. Haha. But in the end, the show was a pleasure to attend. And I even got to go backstage. Seeing Kati Stern up close was kinda amazing too (aka REALLY AMAZING). She has intrigued me to find out more about her. The woman is dedicated if she can come up with 70 designs for one collection. Look at her proving my "12 minute show" remark out the water. I like that.

Day2: Oh the Atmosphere

Besides sitting on my couch with a heating pad on my back, doing some social media management and watching Private Practice... I did not witness any additional shows on Friday. BUT I still have some stuff on my mind.

Designer Pamela Quinzi
Taken by RC3Design

Pamela Quinzi's launch party was like going to a friend's birthday party. I've had times I go because I really want to support them but then I get there and know no one. And you feel a little out of the loop cause it isn't your usually group. Awkward. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it caught me a little off-guard. There were some others who felt the same. But seeing how excited Pamela and friends were, was nice to witness. Although it wasn't enough for me to stay until the collection was actually presented.

At Pamela Quizi Launch Party
Taken by RC3Design

Favorite moment: The DJ announced two important people just walked into the building (June Ambrose and another woman). A photographer walks up to me and says, "Do you know who they are?" I felt a little embarrassed cause I felt like I should, but said, "No". He laughed, " Me neither. Then they probably aren't worth taking photos of. This is a waste of my time." --- This by far summed up my experience at this event.


Congrats to Pamela Quinzi on her new shoe collection

One thing that aggravates me about Fashion Week is the arrogance people display. Not everyone displays it, but unfortunately many people do. For some reason this event changes nice people into pompous ones. All of a sudden their... you know what doesn't stink. And I don't like that. Everyone who is anyone seems to be at Fashion Shows. But in my opinion, not everyone is "somebody". Although many of the attendees seem to think otherwise.

LESSON: We should stay humble. My belief is that there is no success in pride. 


P.S. I know who June Ambrose is now. But still can't find the name or picture of the other lady. Don't worry, I will keep looking.

Day 1: Nolcha & Mercedes Benz

As a disclaimer, those who are looking for a fashion blogger,  I am not it. My focus is targeted to event planning and marketing. The actual clothing is not.

~First day~

Adrienne Bailon at
Nolcha Fashion week

The day began at Nolcha Fashion Week, which was my first time there. There were five collections (Baruni, Antonia Paris, Rebeca Tiago, Riza Manalo, and Castro-Rojas) presented at the show we attended. Adrienne Bailon even made an appearance. Then a launch party was on the agenda but because of lack of time, we headed straight to Pamela Quinzi's... party (post about that tomorrow). 

Nolcha & Mercedes Benz

Nolcha Fashion Week - Designer: ANTONIA

THE CROWD- 

         At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (MBFW)  there is a clear attendee roster. Buyers, Stylists, Celebrities and other fashion influences. The event is a lot about money and glamour. Meanwhile the Nolcha Fashion Week seems to be more about support and the road to success. I say this because as the people piled in at Ailey Studios, there were more wide-eyed attendees who were just excited to have an opportunity to be at attendance to a fashion show. This is a quality that many MBFW goers lose. But there was also the common interest in finding something new and fresh in the air. 

Nolcha Fashion Week
Designer: Rebeca Tiago

Nolcha Fashion Week
Designer: Baruni

Nolcha Fashion Week
Designer: ANTONIA

These events say "show is at 8:00" but actually begins at 8:30. This is a similarity that both fashion weeks. But MBFW has shows that you wait 30 minutes for but they last about 12 minutes. The part I like about Nolcha is there are numerous collections shown at once. Therefore the 30 minute wait ends up being more worth it. 

THE SIZE- 

         There is definitely a difference in venue and audience size. But isn't the saying "quality over quantity"?

In the end, I surprisingly found myself torn about which I prefer. Maybe that's why they have both; so I don't have to.

For the Fashionistas-

I stumbled upon a designer I did find worth mentioning. Rebeca Tiago. You know this is true because I remembered her name and line without using google to look it up. Gorgeous clothes and Creative technique. Essential item was a red star she strategically placed on models. As well as her name. Brilliant. 

What were your favorite collections from yesterday? 

FW: Money... Sigh (Part One)

Obviously we aren't all Rolling in the Deep when it comes to cash flow. But by no means does this excuse us from having a first class, inconceivable, mind-blowing, prodigious time at FW. This just means we need to plan better and work a little harder at it.

Dining at the best locations may not be unfathomable. Did you know it is Restaurant week in New York? Well it is and ends Friday. Therefore, maybe try an elegant restaurant to christen your FW. Then after that, be more concerned about your pockets.

Finding Cheap Eats is not an easy taste. I could eat from a street vendor any day, but where would you sit in this frigid weather? That may become a problem. A habit I picked up from when I traveled in Europe was eating at buffets. This flat fee of probably less than $10 will fill you up for the majority of the day. And look at that you Do get to eat more than a satisfying amount. I always come through.

If you're looking to eat near Lincoln Center, this is a more strategic taste. I am a true believer in it's okay to eat appetizers for your meal. BUT you do not want to be fulfill once you pay the check. Therefore, look up the menus and reviews for each place you may want to visit during your week of fashion. This will help you make a custom budget for that location and keep you from being smacked in the face by the total on your bill after eating.

My Tip: If you're not into names and prestige, settle for maybe going a distance away from Lincoln Center. It will amaze you in the difference a couple of blocks can make in price.

Next Money saving tip will be on clothes & transportation.

Fashion Week: Social Rejection

Before Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (#MBFW) actually happens, there are many things to consider before you think you're going to go waltz into the tent and schmooze all day and night. For one, there are a series of emails that have to be sent out. Well for those who aren't an Oscar nominee or Anna Wintour, we have to send emails. And if you don't have an intern or assistant to help you with these... YOU definitely have a lot of emails to send out. And many of these emails will have replies that say as follows...

Hi Selena,

Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately due to capacity we are unable to accommodate your request for the Richard Chai show.

Best,

Natalie

They vary in how they tell you the news, but they are all along the same lines. And I am here to tell you, do not take it personally. It doesn't mean you have failed to be the best in your field or your invitation request wasn't elegant enough. And ultimately it doesn't mean you're not impressive. The reality of it all is that... you're probably not going to make them money, so why waste a seat? And they are absolutely right; which is unfortunate for you. But you need to be mindful of these things. 

There are of course other designers and fashion shows during "Fashion Week". You need to look for those and support them. Mercedes Benz is the top of their class but aren't the only ones making a buzz. Therefore if you're a photographer, journalist, fashionista, stylist or whatever; you can find other places to exercise your  talent and find inspiration. 

Reminder: Also, don't forget that you can watch the shows live from the runway on Youtube. 

What are your anticipated Fashion Week moments?

Who's that girl? Lalalalalalalalalala

So my Press Release is not done but I'm glad a lot of you read it. How do I know? Haha I just assume those page reviews meant you actually read it.

Anyway, today is not about my press release, it's about females in the media. Love it!

Rachel Zoe. Tyra Banks. Kimberly Kardashian. Khloe Kardashian. Kourtney Kardashion. Kimora Lee Simmons. Lauren Conrad. Guliana Rancic. Kendra Wilkinson. 

Of course there are "articles" or reviews of the hottest female reality stars, but who cares about that. I want to focus on the ones who influence other females to strive for more. Girls want to be the next Kardashian, style like Rachel and do everything like Kimora. But why? 

Some people review Reality TV as the worst thing that happened to television, but ironically enough its what keeps people watching TV. From Dancing with Stars to Surviving a horrific camping trips, people are consumed.

The Kardashians. Khloe-Kourtney-Kim are the 21st century version of the new Three Sisters (Chekhov), but of course happier and less morbid. These women really have found a way to be influential to our young girls today without being bad role models. Some parents may disagree, but if you think about it, none of them have been caught snorting crack in restaurant bathrooms or cutting up their faces to look like cats. KK women work, play and keep it real. Do I know if Kim's wedding wasn't a complete PR stunt? No, but even if it was, I applaud it from a business perspective. Publicity stunts are just that, publicity. And if you can't take the game, go play another one. I believe these women have shown nothing but the fun side of professionalism. Personally, my fave sister is Khloe. I can relate to her most and its nice to see your type of personality admired by many. I am honest and loyal; both sometimes get me in trouble or unnecessary altercations with friends and family like Khloe. Whether its Keeping up with the Kardashians, Khloe & Lamar, Kim & Kourtney take New York, or Khloe & Kourtney take Miami, I'm pretty much hooked.

Tip: I find myself learning more about media and partnered industries when I watch shows like these. My fave is when a show mentions Fashion Week (FW). I pay attention to the different aspects they display or names of companies or key players.

Rachel Zoe. This is one of the newer reality stars I've watched within this last year. The Rachel Zoe Project isn't my fave show but it definitely helps me with understanding some fashion industry stuff (couldn't think of a better word). Only reason I'm not the biggest fan of the show is cause its kinda the same thing over and over again. Someone leaves the company- OMG. They hire someone new- BUHNANAS. Will they cut it?- Yo no se. It's Fashion Week- Crazy Crazy. Now its Oscar season- Style Style. Repeat. So... that's why I'm kinda eh about it. And I feel like her personality is very blah. BUT I will say, she's amazing at delegating and time management (granted she has flopped at that from time to time on the show, but I like the realism). I admire as a business owner that she has so much faith in her staff and that she doesn't have her hands in every single thing. That's amazing. And real. As women, we try to do everything but the fact of the matter is we can't. So A+ to her.

Insight: In your own life, sometimes reality can seem unrealistic. For example, I'm in my early 20's and have a published book.

Kimora Lee Simmons. She has been my fave for the past few days. This mogul is a sum of what I hope to be one day; especially a mom. She's an amazingly involved mother. Kimora is everything Reality TV should be. As an entrepreneur, I have found security in her for my future. Granted I may not end up a gazillionaire like her, I hope that I'll begin to manage both family and business like she does. As I posted on my facebook fan page, the way her show is filmed is admirable. It ultimately focuses on her managing business and family. From what I've watched so far, nothing has ever been about her love life and in depth personal life, personal professional drama. And even her pregnancy wasn't a focus on the show. That's fabulous.

There is so much more I can write about this topic but I don't think I'll have everyone's interest for that long, but look out for additions to this post later on. And don't forget to keep it real like reality (so corny but cute).

*I proofread for once. YAY

Fashion Week continued...

I wanted to add  tips to all of you rising fashionistas and upcoming {student} fashion designers.

Volunteer at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! - You are not above volunteering. Humble yourself to enjoy an amazing experience. I would advise it to anyone who is remotely interested in working in the fashion industry.

Watch Fashion Week online- When I was working at my other job, I included my student workers and co workers in the grand experience of Fashion Week. It bonded us a bit and we enjoyed the perks of it all without even being there. How ConVe-nient?

Thought you lovely people would like those tips. Enjoy! My loyal Packrats (Explain in one of my other blogs. Or follow me on twitter!).

What is this Fashion Week people speak of?

This September, I had the lovely opportunity of joining the Fashionistas and Supremes of Glamour in their version of Easter Sunday (or Lent possibly). The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was everything... some of the things I assume many of us thought it would be. From the anticipation of waiting on replies to my numerous emails to the stress on my feet-- It was a fabulous week.

At my internship, the team was invited to a couple of shows. But the one that stood out was Tibi. Ohhh Tibi. I gained a great contact from that name; or at least I think she is a contact now. But more importantly, this was the show we were excited to go to. Okay, well I was excited to go to. I was very happy I got us into that show. But unfortunately as we approached the door, suddenly we weren't going INTO anything. The show had filled up and we weren't going to get into the show.










That blank represents the words I don't even know how to communicate. The frustration of that evening.

Although it would be easy to take my frustration out on Tibi (or the designer Amy, or my contact), I will refrain from doing so. It is not their fault, but I sure wish I didn't waste time and money just to miss going into the show. More importantly! Missing my chance to see SOPHIA BUSH. For all those who know me or are a fan of mine... you should know what that means. One Tree Hill.

Life goes on, as we learned in my last post.

Fashion's Night Out- NYC was the ultimate trendsetter for the week. My favorite area of the grand event was the Meat Packing District (where a friend asked, "why is it called the meat packing district? is that where they pack meat? why do we wanna go there?"). I got to see Usher go into Dolce and Gabana, where we all got a nice wave. But the most fun that night was when I almost broke my ankle on a slanted sidewalk.

Right then and there--- I decided this all was NOT worth an ankle. So life went on. But not before I was visibly annoyed about the whooolllleeeeee situation.

In conclusion, I am very happy I got to experience this glorious event. But the glam is solely for the celebs and hawty tawty media because it's their world. But I am going to anxiously wait for the day that Fashion Week will be the same for me as it is for them. That'll probably be A-mazing. Lets see how Fall 2012 goes. :) Yay. (Not sarcasm)

P.S. I did go to other shows. So it definitely wasn't a horrible week. Just wanted to make sure you lovely people knew that.