Fashion lovers braved the frozen tundra that was New York City for a week of sensational shows and events from February 11-18. Despite temperatures in the negative numbers, the fashion forward jetted from show to show, scattered throughout the city. Inside Moynihan Station, Clarkson Square, Milk studios and a few choice locations such as the Highline Hotel, Chelsea Piers and designer showrooms, the crowds kept warm thanks to the hot looks on the runways. For the first time this season, various designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff and Proenza Schouler chose to show in-season, meaning that models wore styles suitable for spring, which is just around the corner, and perfect for Miami year-round. These styles are available for immediate purchase, a departure from typical Autumn/Winter Fashion Weeks wherein the clothing is unavailable for months. Presenting sponsor Lexus indulged VIPs and editors in two chic lounges, one at Moynihan Station and the other at Milk studios, home to MADE Fashion Week and shuttled them around in style in state-of-the-art luxury Lexus vehicles, ten of which had been custom-wrapped in designer Jeremy Scott’s vibrant, colorful prints. The week brought thrills and chills and lots of exciting fashion. Below are a few of Miami Socialholic’s favorites.
DVF
If awards were given for most creative fashion show, Diane von Furstenberg would be this season’s winner. Not only was hers among the most well-attended show, but it was actually a fun and engaging party. “For our Fall 2016 Experience we are bringing everyone into our house, recapturing intimacy. We are also offering, for the first time, a few silhouettes available for immediate purchase, just in time for Oscar parties and glamorous events,’ said the designer. The show and party took place on the first two floors of the DVF boutique. The first floor was set up like an office, complete with cubicles, desks, filing cabinets and models answering phones and engaging in “work-like” poses, which included throwing paper airplanes while “She Works Hard for the Money” played. The clothing consisted of beautiful, printed pieces perfect for the office or day-to-night outings. Upstairs in the showroom, Diane herself danced upon a stage/dancefloor alongside Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn, Lilly Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, and Irina Shayk who were dressed in stylish jumpsuits and sexy dresses, ready for a night on the town. Diane welcomed guests including Carine Roitfeld to her stage, to sit with her on her red couch in the form of lips. Playing over and over- “We are Family” as the models, sang, danced, did Jello shots, played and partied on the fun-filled stage. The entire evening reflected Diane’s motto:
“Life is her journey, her clothes are her friends, as she becomes the woman she wants to be.” The wardrobe was inspired 
by “the movement of dancing,” silk, chiffon, embellished appliques, beads and fringed jackets complimented blouses, bustier tops and leather skirts with insets of soft chiffon and, of course, the wrap dress made appearances in both the first and second floor vignettes. The palate included rubiate, amethyst, grey, gold, black and carnelian and an array of vibrant colors.
Diane was joined by granddaughter Talita von Furstenberg and son, Alexandre von Furstenberg, Princess Olympia, Rachel Zoe, Fran Lebowitz, Anna Wintour, Coco Rocha, Jaime King, Ashley Madewke, Skyler Samuels, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Olivia Palermo, Leandra Medine, Shea Marie, Cara Santana, Leigh Lezark, Chiara Ferragni, Giovanna Battaglia, Camila Coelho, Adriana Abascal, Margaret Zhang, Jenny Bernheim, Jessica Hart, Martha Graeff, Dani Song, Aimee Song, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Courtney Kerr, Peyton List, Danielle Bernstein, Eleanor Calder, Lily Kwong, Derek Blasberg, Fern Mallis and Chelsea Leyland.
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman’s elegant presentation at the High Line Hotel in Chelsea showcased gorgeous prints and designs inspired by the 1970s, modeled after a party in someone’s opulent living room. The star of the show was 95 year old artist/model/television personality, Ilona Royce Smithkin, who dazzled guests with her antics on the sofa- leaving no doubt that she is Mara’s latest muse. Smithkin playfully posed with two gorgeous redheaded identical twin girls and joked around with guests, including: Mia Moretti, Hannah Bronfman, Chelsea Leyland, Jennifer Morrison, Danielle Panabaker, ZZ Ward, Cory Kennedy, Langley Fox Hemingway, Kate Greer, Athena Calderone, and Liza Voloshin, to name a few.
With live violin music from gorgeous duo, Chargaux, who played modern music and David Bowie covers, Mara’s message was clear: female beauty, confidence and power transcend age and time. “I wanted to create a presentation that’s experiential, where the pieces are bold in imagination. I wanted to create a moment that speaks to fantasy and inspiration.”
The theme was 1970s-glam with a collection inspired by her favorite icons from the disco era. “It was about bringing all my muses into one place,” said Hoffman, “Grace Jones, Jerry Hall, and Cher.” Hoffman’s sequined zebra prints, lavish jumpsuits, sexy halters and velvet detailing, juxta-positioned with her signature exotic prints dominated the collection.
Yigal Azrouël
Dashing designer, Yigal Azrouël’s eponymous women’s collection was once-again comprised of high-quality fabrics to drape structured, ultra-feminine, modern silhouettes. The designer’s signature aesthetic, expert draping and precise attention to detail prevailed throughout his contrast of light and dark pieces. “I have a dark side in me, but the light is always there no matter what,” said Azrouël, evidenced in his black rose motif, a symbol of “beauty in darkness.” He opened the show with leather bomber jackets, with details of color-blocked mink. Pieces also included feminine dresses, ruffles, bell-sleeves and high-necks and textured pieces with brocades, jacquards, velvet and embroidery. Celebrity models Coco Rocha and Alexandra Richards were spotted in the audience.
Fenty x Puma
Music and fashion celebrities, including Chris Rock, Pete Wentz, Ne-Yo, Jeremy Scott, Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour flocked to Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma runway presentation. The award-winning singer-turned-designer modeled her own designs, comprised of sportswear which parallels Rhianna’s street style. Models, including supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, sported hair coated in thick white paint and wore llace-up bodysuits, chokers, modern sneakers and boxing boots to accentuate the “hoodie-dresses.” Classic bomber jackets and other outerwear were key pieces in collection. “If the Addams Family went to the gym, this is what they would wear,” mused Rihanna. “I’m inspired by attitude more than anything, literally from my album to my collection, everything has been stemming from what makes me feel something, what moves me.”
Desigual
As electrifyingly vibrant as any Desigual store, the runway show set against pitch darkness was a colorful feast for the eyes. Set to blaring music, models worked the cutting edge looks, from dresses, to jackets to coats, all designed with Desigual’s signature patterns in bold colors. The Barcelona-based decorated the runway with playful brocade floral prints, bright colors, and striking accessories- obliterating any chance of the winter blues.
Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller’s fall collection was a combination of colorful beading and embroidery with a youthful vibe. Vibrant sweater prints and furs were incorporated into the designer’s classic collection. Miller was quoted saying “I was thinking about how to make winter brighter, happier.” As a result, Miller created a whimsical fall collection displayed throughout the fog-filled runway in Clarkson Square. The entire space was set up with bench-like seating arranged in single and double rows, so every guests got a perfect view of her beautiful pieces. Her name was etched in an enormous block of ice, which served as the backdrop for the models who paraded around the expansive showroom. Spotted at Miller’s show and after-show dinner at Acme: Carol Alt, Necar Zadegan, and Roshumba Williams.
Rachel Zoe
It was a family affair at the Rachel Zoe Presentation. The designer well known for her chic and elegant bohemian styles was joined by her lovely family on Valentine’s Day. Drawing inspiration from the 1930s, the presentation included tailored silk slip dresses, beaded gowns, and luxurious textiles. After the show, Rachel posed for photos with friend, Brian Atwood, and her husband, Rodger, parents, sister, in-laws and niece and nephew.
Nighttime Pursuits
As is often the case, NYFW was as much about the fabulous fetes as about the fashion on the runways. Several noteworthy events kept our social schedules packed and our dance cards full long after the last model had strutted her stuff on the catwalk. On February 11th, Watch!, the official magazine of CBS, The Surrey, and the Cornelia partnered once again to sponsor their second “Evenings at the Surrey,” an invitation-only salon series that featured world-renowned violinist and fashion muse Charlie Siem, who is as pleasing to the eye as to the ear.
Siem, a 30-year-old music wunderkind who has earned international fame with his impeccable onstage performance, classic training and easy elegance, has become one of music and fashion’s most sought-after talents, performing around the world in the most revered music halls while appearing in ad campaigns for Dior Homme, Armani, Hugo Boss and Dunhill.
The violinist conducted a private performance for an intimate group of guests before participating in an interview with Derek Blasberg, the newly announced “Man on the Street” for Vanity Fair magazine, where Siem discussed his career in music and his role as a fashion muse. Guests also eagerly participated in an interactive Q&A session, asking Siem about his practice habits and if he ever tires of playing the violin.
Both Rhianna and Kanye West held their Fashion Week after parties at Chelsea hotspot Up & Down on different nights. Rhianna performed at hers while Jeezy was a no-show at his. A$AP Rocky brought down the house and we spotted Scott Disick clad in a head-to-toe mink coat.
Herve Leger threw a fun after party at the 18th Floor at the Standard Meatpacking (AKA the Boom Boom Room). Guests enjoyed sweeping views, free-flowing cocktails and great dance music, including disco.
But the talk of fashion week was the Diesel Madison party at a mansion on East 63 Street on Saturday, February 13. Despite single-digit temperatures, a crowd of a thousand turned out for Diesel’s flagship store opening on Madison Avenue and to the incredible after party in the mansion- the most fun of the week.
The party featured performances by Travi$ Scott and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE, Brian Newman. DJ sets by Virgil Abloh &
Heron Preston and The Dolls: Mia Moretti + Margot and appearances by Naomi Campbell, Diesel creative director Nicola Formichetti, Diesel founder Renzo Rosso, Ladyfag, Adrien Brody, Chloe Norgaard, Coco Rocha, Virgil Abloh, Hari Nef and oodles and oodles of models. Diesel emojis playfully displayed throughout the voyeurist-themed party to tie in the campaign message of DECODED and will offer guests photo opportunities. The continuous campaign theme humorously comments on social media behaviors for SS16. With three floors of party experiences including all types of music: from a sexy speak-easy on the ground floor, to a neon-room with dance music on the second floor to an ultra-private upstairs den- this party was one for the books.
Other notable guests included: Carlotta Kohl, Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor, Lara Lieto, Hannah Bronfman, Ophelie Guillermand, Adam Selman, Mariano Di Vaio, Cleo Wade, Chiara Ferrangi, Richie Shazam, Julia Fox, Barbara Palvin, Chiara Ferragni, Masamichi Katayama, Mina Cvetkovic, Boychild, Alicia Rountree, Caroline Vreeland, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Casey Spooner, Gigi Burris, Jefferson Hack, June Ambrose, Sara Cummings, Sita Abellan, Phil Winser, Rianne Ten Haken, Tasya Van Ree, Chloe Norgaard, Calli Beckerman, Sam Beckerman, Amirah Kassem, Shaun Ross, Eniko Mihalik, Brendan Fallis, Jillian Mercado, Fiona Byrne, and Caroline Brasch Nielsen.
Lexus Makes a Fashionable Entrance
Lexus, the luxury car brand, has taken over as the official automotive sponsor for NYFW. Lexus along with famed fashion designer Jeremy Scott collaborated to create 10 SUVs in the various prints from his space cowgirl/pin-up girl fall collection. Special VIP’s were treated to excellent fleet service to and from shows taking place at three separate venues throughout New York—Milk Studios, Moynihan Station and Clarkson Square.
