What an epic kick off to MADE Fashion Week!
The morning started with a debut runway show from designer Jonathan Simkhai. It was an edgy collection that featured a modern take on layering. Most notable was his play with transparent fabric; mixing sheer fabrics such as lace, chiffon and mesh to create strong feminine looks.
Front row, I caught up with my girl Danielle Bernstein of @WeWoreWhat who exclaimed, “if anyone knows how to work blush pink it’s Jonathan!” After the show, Jonathan stopped by the American Express VIP Lounge for a Q&A where he toasted with champagne and gushed about his mother being his inspiration.
Coco Rocha, Louise Roe, fashion blogger Aimee Song, Fern Mallis, Stacy London, Whoopi Goldberg, Nicole Wallis and Micah Jesse front row at Marissa Webb (Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/GettyImages)
The after lunch set came in droves to MADE to see Marissa Webb present her self titled collection. Power Dressing seems to be the best way to describe the look of the Marissa Webb woman. With a nod to menswear, she took tailored looks and made them look effortless, easy, yet wildly confident. She layered on lace, popped pale pink hues and cinched coats at the waist for a feminine touch. All together the look was sexy, sophisticated and very New York. I was thrilled to sit front row alongside strong, powerful women including model Coco Rocha, Louise Roe, blogger Aimee Song, Fern Mallis, Stacy London, Whoopi Goldberg and Nicole Wallis.
Not a newcomer to MADE, Whoopi told me backstage that she came back this year just to take her “The View” co-host Nicole Wallis to her very first fashion show!
Day 1 at MADE Fashion Week wrapped up with a runway show by Ohne Titel inspired by the 70s. Designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams, who met while studying at Parsons, stopped by the American Express VIP Lounge after the show for an exclusive Q&A for Card Members and took photos on the Bosco photo booth.
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s shows and Q&A’s with Wes Gordon, Cushnie et Ochs, and Chromat. Follow the BTS action on Twitter and Instagram @MicahJesse!
[Ed Note: I am a paid endorser of American Express]