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.          

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.

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?