Stepping onto the streets of NYC after eight years of not being there felt like I was home again. And, walking into that monster circus tent at Bryant Park for Fashion Week was simply surreal! The energy was electrifying, like a rock concert for fashion that lasted all week (think Woodstock, but better clothes). The sheer volume of people and the unbelievable styles and fashions, both on and off the runways, was an assault on the senses. It made for great people watching, never a dull moment. Actually, it was a bit overwhelming to soak in so much individuality in one place!
I was happy to see so many people donning some fabulous jewelry. Sadly, many of the designers I got to see did not accessorize their collections in a big way. Although in general, designers in NY and Europe made some amazing statements with both faux and fine jewelry. But the show goers did not disappoint, adorned to the nines in the latest trends! Fall accessories are big and bold and all about making a statement. Everything from chunky gem rings to layers of bangles and cuffs up to the elbow! I also noticed HUGE necklaces that resembled body armor. The colors for the season are those of royalty: deep purples, blues, reds and even yellows and greens. And, fashion fans also piled on the chains, with yellow gold more pervasive than I’ve seen recently.
Aside from jewelry, I noticed lots of gladiator sandals in all sorts of varieties. Huge totes and scarves were main accessories, along with leggings and boots. NYC's colorful atmosphere was in full swing. It felt good to be there, and even better to be a part of the fabulous fashion scene. Walking up the steps into the tent every morning made me feel important! With all the photographers lined up and down the stairs, and crowds of onlookers trying to figure out who was going in and coming out, it was a red carpet experience—what a way to start the day!
With the presidential election looming, the theme at the tents was appropriately: Vote for Fashion. I can support that platform! And, I can definitely get behind this assignment twice a year for both the spring/summer and fall/winter shows. There wasn’t a thing I’d change about my Fashion Week experience… Well, may be next time I’ll schedule a foot massage… Oh, and a manicure, too… Perhaps, more shopping time… And, there was this restaurant I wanted to check out... Okay, okay—you can’t take the city out of this girl!
Gloria Sullivan, author of Cents of Style
