NYFW 2020 [Day 4]: Noon By Noor, Sally La Pointe, Cynthia Rowley

Wearing: Philip Lim dress (via Rent the Runway), Kate Spade bag, Sweet Baby Jaime coat

Wearing: Philip Lim dress (via Rent the Runway), Kate Spade bag, Sweet Baby Jaime coat

On a rainy Tuesday, I needed my sunshine — in the form of a bright, yellow Kate Spade bag. Day 4 of NYFW, after a quiet Monday, with a day full of shows, a takeover for @cfashionista (my first time EVER doing one), and a meeting at MOEassist. Honestly, it was probably my favorite day all week.

 

Noon By Noor

Fashion meets BAHRAIN Architecture

 

hARD TO EXPLAIN HOW HAPPY i WAS TO BE ATTENDING THIS SEASON! IT WAS EXACTLY A YEAR AGo, that I was attending MY FIRST nyfw SHOW, AT NONE OTHER THAN nOON BY nOOR. sO, WHEN i READ THEIR CONCEPT WAS INFLUENCED BY bAHRAIN’S DOORS AND ARCHITECTURE — iT FELT LIKE A SIGN (AS MY PROFESSION IS ARCHITECTURE) FOR A GREAT SHOW!

Noon by Noor Fall-Winter 2020

Noon by Noor Fall-Winter 2020

Fall’s colors are inspired by the golden hour of sunlight at dusk. Muted hues... from sandstone and darker woodwork tones”
— Noon by Noor concept
 
Noon by Noor Fall-Winter 2020

Noon by Noor Fall-Winter 2020

Intricate geometric shapes, carving a shallow relief on wooden structures, doorways, and architecture — this was the inspiration celebrated in Noon by Noor’s FW20 fabrics and silhouette shapes. I appreciate their constant connection to Islamic culture and traditional cuts. The natural linen-wool and bold knitwear mixed with soft silks and chiffon mimics the fluid shapes of architectural design. Particularly the geometric square necklines and slit cuts, in a very chic minimal and romantic fluidity that is signature Noon by Noor, who are known for their playful, luxe-feminine designs and intricate embellishments.

As for the show — I loved the contrast in the models’ shoes, chunky platform boots with the soft feminine pieces is exactly how I would style it. The perfect fall collection to follow their very similar spring designs [SS20 show]. The designers draw inspiration from both Eastern and Western influences, with an emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail. I could easily see this collection styled from modest outfits, to work attire, to a chic night out in the city.

 

Sally La Pointe

unAPOLOGETIC in-your-face bold

 

An army of bold colors and monochrome beauty. The collection was all about making a statement, from turquoise to chartreuse to shimmering violet sequins. Once the lights dimmed, the room was quiet and it felt intense before the show even began. A spotlight amidst the darkness, followed each color down the runway. The sequins sparkled so bright — to a point where you forgot you were in Spring Studios, Sally LaPointe transported us all.

Sally LaPointe Fall-Winter 2020

Sally LaPointe Fall-Winter 2020

Fall 2020 collection started with the idea of there being no rules. Drawing inspiration from the attitudes of muses like Grace Jones and Bianca Jagger.
— Sally La Pointe
 
Sally LaPointe Fall-Winter 2020

Sally LaPointe Fall-Winter 2020

With muses like Grace Jones and Bianca Jagger it’s hard to follow the rules, as Sally LaPointe stated she “started with the idea of there being no rules” on femininity. She wanted the clothes to be “unapologetic ditch the conversations - just be you” vibes with bold colors, shimmering glamour, and belt bags — very in tune with Sally LaPointe’s image. We’ve seen her experiment with casual clothing in the past but this season the glam is back in her signature head-to-toe color designs. She’s hit all the major trends I had been seeing on the runway, particularly with colors and sequins. Of course, LaPointe took it to the next level of empowered monochromatic looks in a pitch black, spotlighted runway.

The Grace Jones/Bianca Jagger influence comes in with the with boucle leggings, feather details, and shiny leather. There was sex appeal and elegance, balanced through the juxtaposing approaches — the sophisticated draping vs. tight, clinging latex; in the shimmering sequins vs. patent leather; even in the rules of color vs. no rules on feminine design. The balancing and mix of materials, colors, and shapes combined with accents of fur/feather, accessories, and knitwear is what made the entire collection feel complete.

On the show itself — speechless. I’ve gone to Spring Studios before (where the show was held this season, Feb 2020), but leave it to Sally LaPointe to transport you to another world. As soon as the lights dimmed, music started, and the models came out — you felt the pulse. The pulse that something amazing was about to happen, and of course, Sally LaPointe never ceases to amaze. Watching the full army of models descend down the runway, each color grouped together, was the perfect ending to the show. It took me a second to realize we were still in Spring Studios.

 

Cynthia Rowley

As Models Emerged

 

lET ME START BY SAYING — i HAVE NEVER WANTED TO GET UP AND STRUT DOWN A RUNWAY MORE THAN AT CYNTHIA rOWLEY’S f/w 2020 SHOW! tHE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE, NOT ONLY IN THE BEAUTY OF THE DESIGNS, BUT IN THE MODELS THEMSELVES! tRUST ME WHEN i SAY, THIS SHOW WILL BE MEMORABLE FOR ALL. The row behind me cheered for every model coming down with the most badass attitude, I was dancing to the music, the woman next to me startled me When she threw off her robe, as she was an incognito model. Just Wow!

Cynthia Rowley Fall-Winter 2020

Cynthia Rowley Fall-Winter 2020

We asked our models to give their best 90s supermodels strut. They all brought it!
— Cynthia Rowley (Instagram)
 
Cynthia Rowley Fall-Winter 2020

Cynthia Rowley Fall-Winter 2020

Cynthia Rowley knows how to have a good time, especially given last season’s Tribeca street SS20 runway show. Given this season’s location was at Spring Studios, Rowley brought her energy and color to brighten up the space. Cynthia Rowley’s FW20 collection embraced the spirit of the her brand through the unique approach to prints and unexpected, patterns. The floral prints mixed with dark colors, made the collection feel like a fresh, groovy fall. I loved the addition to tulle over some of the models — making the clothes all the more fun. The flared sleeves were my favorite, especially layered under a dress.

Of course, what definitely brought the whole show to life were the models giving their best 90s supermodel runway walk! As any runway show, the music started and models began to appear up and down the runway, but the immersive experience at Cynthia Rowley’s show this season was the model sitting right next to me in the middle aisle. As models jumped up from random seats through the space to walk down the runway show, the one next to me got up (my heart skipped a beat). I was so startled, for a second, almost getting up myself ( JK, I wish! ). The energy was without a doubt fun and uplifting as the rows around me cheered and applauded. Rowley definitely embraced the spirit of the unexpected, from the music, to the models, to the clothes — it was a reflection of the designer’s unique approach to fashion.

Favorite songs from show’s playlist: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode & All The Things She Said by t.A.T.u.