NYFW [Day 2] While Working Full-Time

Wearing: CO. jumpsuit

Wearing: CO. jumpsuit

[Day 2] consisted of casually walking out of my office “for lunch” and then darting to the subway to catch the train within my hour (…and a half ) break. I don’t usually take a lunch break, but I definitely couldn’t miss the L’Agence presentation (it was my first time invited). ! Meanwhile, my cousin Salma attended her first solo show (!!!) for the Concept Korea runway collection, since I had to go back to work. This season is was difficult to detach from wanting to attend everything. I had to remind myself I only get paid for one of my two jobs… and that’s the architecture one (therefore my priority). I did, however, give friends tickets to attend and experience… only 3 ever told me about the experience, but it’s okay.

Presentations are a bit different from runway shows. Instead of models walking down a long stage, they’re standing all together (a bit like a display showroom). Brands usually give a 2-3 hour window for attendees to come in-between shows, so it’s much easier to attend but also more informal. You can sip on a cocktail (not if you’re headed back to work…) while walking up to gaze at the collection and mingling with others.

 

L’Agence:

Absolutely beautiful presentation that screamed of parisian-inspired summer. The los Angeles-based brand, L'AGENCE, debuted for the third year at NYFw and brought the French Riviera to chelsea art district. I was in love the moment I laid eyes on the designs.

 
L'Agence S/S 2020 - Vogue

L'Agence S/S 2020 - Vogue

brand continues to evolve each season, The LA sensibility and wearability is something... that is threaded through every collection.
— Jeffrey Rudes
 
L'Agence S/S 2020 - Vogue

L'Agence S/S 2020 - Vogue

Deep in Chelsea, Manhattan within an industrial building, the French Riviera awaited with L’Agence’s new collection. The classic luxury-inspired outfits screamed summer romance couture with a Mediterranean love affair. The accessories were nothing short of perfection - the silk scarves, belts, and sunglasses left you ready to jet-set to France or set sail on a yacht. I will definitely be pairing every outfit with a silk scarf and Chloe Gosselin footwear, because how else can we summer in 2020!

The slips and belted shirt dresses were just enough to take my breathe away when entering the presentation space. L’Agence went a step further and truly captured the essence of laissez-faire French lifestyle. Done in the form of garden rose prints and short/suited outfits with, of course, the silk scarves (an accessory I’ve only seen Krystal Bick beautifully rocking). Needless to say, the collection was well worth running up and down the streets on my lunch break.

 

Concept Korea:

edgy. When I think of Concept Korea I think edgy. featuring up and coming korean designers: LIE - 이청청 IISE - 김인태, 김인규 LEYII - 이승희 gave us all a sneak peek into korea’s interpretation of design. Let’s just say It will be inspiring my NY outfits this year.

 
Concept Korea S/S 2020 - Purple PR

Concept Korea S/S 2020 - Purple PR

Inspired by UNESCO’s cultural heritage of humanity, LIE’s S/S 2020 collection draws inspiration from ‘Haenyeo’, who are female ocean divers indigenous and unique to the South Korean province of Jeju Island.
 
Concept Korea S/S 2020 - Purple PR

Concept Korea S/S 2020 - Purple PR

What I love about Concept Korea, similar to my ICY Dynasty post, is it is a fashion show aimed to helping emerging designers. The shows allow them to promote outside of Korea, in New York - the fashion capital. The young breakout designers featured were: LIE, IISE, and LEYII, with very artistic approaches to their designs.

LIE (Life is Expression) approached everyday wear with a twist, adding in their own innovative design elements and various fabric highlights, creating a truly unique collection. IISE with a street interpretation of Korean heritage, each piece made in Seoul. The concept of “Chaebol”, specific to South Korea, represents a family owned companies, with their design approach to modern uniforms for these fictional companies in the IISE world with a combination of Korean fabrics, techniques, and a mix of modern and traditional design aesthetics. LEYII contemporary brand focusing on women’s femininity, labeled “blossoming flower” Blossoming Love. There is a synergy between the beauty of blooming flowers and a woman on the cusp of falling in love. The collection displays parallels between an adolescent flower that is on the brink of full bloom and a woman experiencing the titillating sensation of a looming love.

Even though I didn’t experience this show myself, I was happy my cousin went on her own. I know it can be quite challenging to try new things, like attend a NYFW show alone, but she ended up loving the experience. With a collection this beautiful, how could you not! - she did mention the performance and intros to each collection was amazing.