New York Fashion Week is finally here! We both wanted to wear something dazzling to the Chromat runway event. They put on such a show for us, it's only fair to return the favor. But the day before there had been a huge snow storm with accumulations over ten inches and all bets were off, at least for us. Some brave souls brazened it out, but we feared the cold, the splashes of slush from passing taxis, the soggy shoes from unexpected puddles, and the semipermanent white salt rings that appear across the toes of one's shoes once the shoes finally dry. Luckily, we rallied at the last minute, since we ended up in (ahem) front-row seats. And, once again, with no prior consultation, we showed up in color coordinated outfits.
Weather or no, it's always a pleasure (to put it mildly) to see what treats Chromat has in store for us during Fashion Week. One always knows to expect something eye-popping, although one never knows what form it's going to take. Titled Buoyancy, the Autumn/Winter 2017 collection is inspired by "life vests and floatation devices designed for extended survival in rough, open water"! This season, we were treated, for starters, to an energetic and eye popping introduction, which we have videotaped for you in its entirety here.
For those of you who'd like to see it full size (much preferable), click here.
One of designer Becca McCharen's themes for this show was inflatables/puffers. We wanted to get to inspect them close up, since they were such an inspired choice. The design team collaborated with innovative outdoor company Klymit to design inflatable garments that aid with internal buoyancy and help the wearer stay afloat and protected. Brilliant, because everyone these days wants to feel protected, right?
Of course we had to show you the puffer hat, paired with the very feminine, demure little dress.
One of the most amusing dresses takes a hint from Rei Kawakubo, putting sleeves where you least expect them. But you could also say there's a hint of the pannier dresses from the French court of the 18th century.
Becca is known for dressing models of all sizes and giving them carte blanche to express their sexuality on the runway. When the plus size models came down the catwalk, the crowd burst into applause.
There was also a man on the catwalk. Becca put him in a marvelous dress.
The trench coat never goes away. Below is the Chromat version. Becca's models are always styled in an edgy manner. This time, many of the models strutted down the catwalk with slim chains dangling from their mouths, septum rings or other face jewelry.
Becca showed the puffer/inflatable concept in several different iterations. Here's a sleeveless puffer shirt paired with the most feminine cargo style pants ever.
We've seen Becca do a very narrow color palette (black, white, red), but she doesn't shy away from bold color. Here, an apple green vest over a pale green zippered swim suit with knee length green rubber boots -- with wedge heels.
In a similar color scheme, a puffer jacket. Don't the models have the most amazing legs? They appear to be oiled for emphasis. It works!
Another puffer coat. Slightly more conservative in color; equally outrageous in design. If you didn't know better, you'd think it was down-filled.
Toward the end of the show, this dazzling white vision came floating down the runway, and one could be forgiven for thinking that Becca had done a traditional (well, not so traditional) bridal gown for the finale. Instead, it almost seemed as though she had re-imagined Gary Cooper as a woman in the old movie about French Legionnaire Beau Geste. (You young ones look it up on Wikipedia, or watch it on YouTube.)
But Becca wasn't done with us yet. For the finale, she presented a bright red puffer dress with cutouts.
Think you know what the back looks like? You don't.
Would you like to see all the models parading at the end? Check them out!
As before, if you'd like to see it full size, click here.
Now, for those of you who'd like to see some of the attendees, we're happy to oblige. The woman on the left is wearing a Chromat cage.
Loved these women. And look at the bright lights around their shoes.
More fans.
Some Chromat fans signal their allegiance by cutting their bangs short, Becca-style.
It isn't fashion week without Lynn Yaeger and we were not disappointed. We were seated across the aisle from Lynn, who never disappoints. Her one concession to the weather - big, warm boots.
Seated next to us was TV star Camren Bicondova who plays Cat Girl on Gotham - Jean's favorite character. At the end of runway show, Jean approached her in full fan mode and Camren couldn't have been sweeter. She has the most amazing wide set eyes. Check out the show.
One of our faves at fashion week events is photographer Andrew Werner. He's like the hardest working man in rock and roll - at every show. looking calm, composed and dapper, with his signature collection of lapel pins. And he has a wicked sense of humor!
In the spirit of saving the best for last, here's one of the more creative fashion week outfits - head to toe white faux fur! Yeti-man gets extra points because his fur was spotless and in NYC, that is no small feat.
We're back and we're bad. Stay tuned for more fashion week escapades.