What would you wear to NYFW?
MANILA, Philippines - It was nearly impossible to avoid all the New York Fashion Week talk from last week. On Twitter, our favorite blogs and bookmarked websites, NYFW survival guides were posted, coverage was continuous and gossip was juicy and vicious. From watching The Man Repeller’s pre-NYFW boot camp video to hearing about so-and-so PR girl getting slapped in the face by a French editor (then getting slapped with a million-dollar lawsuit), finding out what pretzeling on the front row meant, and why Cathy Horyn calling Oscar dela Renta a “hotdog” isn’t necessarily a bad thing (but calling her a “stale three-day old hamburger” is), it was like being made privy to this secret, ultra-exclusive world. But try as we may to familiarize ourselves with industry jargon, there’s a good chance that not many of us will get to use it in the actual context. And no matter how many photos we download from the wires, we may never get to actually see those faces onscreen in the flesh. In fact, the only thing we were really able to relate to were Mindy Kaling’s hilariously fake #NYFW tweets. (We quote: “Took off heels and pretended to be Malia Obama to sit front row at Prabal Gurung. It worked until Tavi & Anderson Cooper ratted me out #nyfw.”)
Still, it never hurts to dream, does it? And when we do, the first thing we like to fantasize about is what we would wear. This week, YStyle asked a number of notable figures in the fashion industry about what they would wear to NYFW, the things would or wouldn’t do, and who their dream seat mates would be. Then we asked some of the country’s most talented young illustrators to bring their fantasies to life, if only on paper.
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Check out Soleil Ignacio, Tokwa Peñaflorida and Kris Abrigo’s work on the Facebook page of Thursday Room, on Twitter @ThursdayRoom, and on Tumblr at thursdayroom.tumblr.com. See more of Veronica Chua’s work on chuaveronica.tumblr.com and Valerie Chua's work on quietgirl.net.
BJ Pascual, photographer
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
Since this is “fantasy” anyway, let’s go all out. (Laughs) My outfit would be Alexander Wang S/S 2013 because they “sent” it to me in advance.
Why would you choose this outfit?
I love mixing sportswear with tailored pieces. I would usually mix, say, a baseball jacket with tailored pants and brogues, or a blazer with sweatpants. So the Alexander Wang S/S 2013 menswear collection is perfect because this time they went a bit more polished instead of their usual full-on sportswear collections.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
It would be fun to be sandwiched between Grace Coddington and Anna dello Russo. I’d love to have a conversation with Grace, and hope some of her talent rubs off on me. Anna, I imagine, would be f*cking hilarious: “Fashion Shower!” LOL.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
I wouldn’t know, I’ve never attended any. (Laughs)
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
None yet. I hope next year!
As a photographer, which cities would you like to cover for
Fashion Week?
New York and Paris. Most of the designers I follow show in those cities. Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone, Marc Jacobs, etc. in New York; Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, Marant, Celine, etc. in Paris. Oh, and Acne in London!
Sari Yap, editor in chief, Mega
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
I would wear a Filipino designer. But if I didn’t have time to prepare (and an outfit is normally the last thing on my mind), I would pick something out of the Lanvin current collection.
Why would you choose this outfit?
Lanvin resonates with my aesthtetic: relaxed but elegant.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
I don’t really care who my seatmates are. If they are in the front row, they must have reason to be. I am just there to do a job.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
My number one do would be to observe everything. My don’t, attract unnecessary attention by trying too hard.
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
I have been to shows in New York Fashion Week, and have covered Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysian Fashion Weeks. I have to repeat, it is a job that can be very pleasant, but it does involve taking notes, picking photos, discerning trends that are useful for one’s market and scrambling to go to different venues and watching up to six shows a day. At the end of the day one can get quite dizzy but there are still parties to go to. Fashion being art, the highlight of any fashion week for me is when a collection is so beautiful and groundbreaking that it brings tears to my eyes. That has happened to me only twice in my career.
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
I am leaving the coverage of Fashion Week to the younger generation!
Jessica Yang, model
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
I would probably wear something boyish, but femme! Definitely going for local designers because I’d want to show everyone abroad how talented Filipino designers are. And wearing local designs to NYFW is definitely one of the best way to spread this message.
I will dress up myself like a prince, instead of a princess, like my hair will be a braided messy up-do. Makeup will be defined eyebrows with clean make up. For my lace piece, I will probably go for Joel Escober (Myth) — he is just so good at playing with the lace details — or this newly-graduated designer from FIP: Bryan Peralta! he is amazing.
Why would you choose this outfit?
Tough with a lacy twist is always my favorite dream look.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
I don’t know. By luck, by chance, anyone who’s sitting at the front row are big people, so I won’t be picky. But if ever, I don’t want anyone super bigtime in the fashion industry. I’d love to just sit beside Lana Del Rey. For some weird reason, I am very curious about her personal aura and the way she does her stuff. (Laughs)
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
Um, clueless. Just enjoy and be inspired!
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
Not yet.
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
India Fashion Week! Yes, I know my look won’t make anyone think I can carry off Indian fashion. Actually, I don’t think I can, but I would love to walk for India fashion week if I had a chance. Ever since I was in high school, I’ve been madly in love with the traditional Indian womenswear. I’m even thinking of getting married in those beautiful dresses. Plus, I love indian music, so I think I will have tons of fun walking for those Indian fashion designers. And I’m expecting traditional with modern twist. Oh, I’m excited already!
Pauline Suaco-Juan, editor in chief, Preview
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
Pinoy design. For this hypothetical, I decided on Veejay Floresca, whose collection at the last Philippine Fashion Week was one of our favorites (and Preview’s Top Ten!)
Why would you choose this outfit?
I like the sheer trend! I also like how he reinvented the barong, mixing it with lace and the paneled skirt; it’s Pinoy but not in a costume-y way.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
The Preview girls — I like getting their impressions about the collection ASAP. Plus, captioning for Twitter and/or Instagram is more fun that way.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
Fashion Week — New York, London, Milan, Paris, or even Philippine — is work. For fashion journalists and stylists, it’s about watching as many shows as possible so you know what’s out there and how the designers have evolved. At the end of the day, it’s about fashion — the clothes and accessories that will become content next season. People forget that Fashion Week is a trade show and it’s serious work for those in the industry; it’s not all just entertainment and preening for the cameras.
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
Milan Fashion Week once upon a time.
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
All, of course! That’s just a given for any fashion journalist. However, until the time our economy kicks off and these brands actually thrive in Manila, I would rather use the funds of Preview to buy pictures from all the Fashion Weeks — which we’ve been doing for years now, by the way. That’s a better deal for our readers.
Patrick Ty, creative director, Metro
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
If I were to attend NYFW, I’d wear one of Burberry Prorsum’s utilitarian meets high-shine looks out of their S/S 2013 collection.
Why would you choose this outfit?
The eclectic-functional vibe of the outfit appeals to me. I like the sartorial quality of the navy field jacket and the slim gray trousers. In total contradiction to those two basic pieces, the unexpected surprise that the metallic inner shirt and footwear brings to the outfit is new to my eyes. I think this is progressive men’s fashion at its finest.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seat mates with?
I would love to be seated beside Olivier Lalanne of Vogue Hommes International. There is very little known about Carine Roitfeld’s former right hand at Vogue Paris and I am very interested in his opinions. I would also love to be seated beside Derek Blasberg. Both are editors I admire.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
I don’t suppose there are rules in fashion weeks whether in New York or else where. Fashion-types hate rules. Besides, as journalists, we are expected to socialize with each other, watch the show, form an opinion, and socialize again soon after. It’s more of an expectation than a rule.
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
I was lucky to have been able to go to shows in a number of cities such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Paris over the last few years. Each show, each season has always been an exhilarating experience but Paris Fashion Week is always special to me. The very first show I attended in Paris was particularly memorable. It was Louis Vuitton’s A/W 2009 presentation. I clearly remember not remembering anything about the actual show as I was overly starstruck and busy checking out the other editors who inspired me to pursue a career in publishing.
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
Paris always excites me, but I would love to see a Prada show in Milan.
Jo Ann Bitagcol, photographer and former supermodel
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
The photo (of my outfit peg) came from Bea Ledesma, so I wasn’t able to get credits. Am guessing jacket is by Martin Margiela, trousers from Jil Sander, shirt by Dries Van Noten, and loafers by Martin Margiela as well.
Why would you choose this outfit?
I’m loyal to shapeless silhouettes, minimalism and androgyny.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
Anna Wintour, Stephen Gan, Jappy Gonzalez.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
Do wear your style. Don’t forget your cameras.
As a former model, have you ever walked during Fashion Week in another country? How was that experience?
Yes, it was educational. I learned about design and people. Fun! I felt like I was in a different world, playing a certain character.
As a photographer, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
Not yet. given a chance, I want to cover Paris couture shows.
Cheryl Tiu, associate publisher and deputy editor, Lifestyle Asia
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
I would wear this engineered pleather top with hand-cut details by Russell Villafuerte, and black skinny jeans, paired with Kermit Tesoro’s Death Grip Chrome Impaled Heels which have these really cool skulls at the back. I would accessorize with this gorgeous neckpiece made out of gold vintage chains, crystals and a skull charm by Adante Leyesa, “Evil Eye” ring made from agate and malachite by Joyce Makitalo and this ostrich clutch with gold-plated medieval cross with ruby and emeralds by Gabriel*Martel.
Why would you choose this outfit?
I usually make it a point to wear Filipino designers whenever I travel, because I think we have some of the best and most creative designers out there, and I’m all about giving them global recognition. What better venue is there to showcase some of the best and most creative talents we have than at NYFW?
I opted to wear pants because they are easy to move around in. Overall, the outfit is simple and not over the top, yet the eyes are drawn to the details. My style has always been black with a hint of rock n’ roll, and I am especially loving leather and skulls right now.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
Blake Lively, Anna Wintour and Bryanboy.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
I remember my good friend fashion blogger Ingrid Go telling me how she had to run from show to show one Paris Fashion Week in five-inch heels, lugging her camera around. The experience wasn’t pleasant. She said that apart from how you look, being comfortable was the most important above all. So with that piece of advice in mind I would suggest wearing comfortable shoes, or at least packing foldable ballet flats in your purse so you can easily slip into them when running off to the next show.
Also as an editor, it’s important not to forget the real reason why you’re there — to cover the shows. I can imagine how some people can get carried away by the personalities and the environment that they end up a little side-tracked. More than the glitz and the glamour, the job comes first. We are there for a reason.
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
None yet!
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
New York and Paris excite me the most. The former because it’s a mix of emerging and top designers, plus, just as interesting are the personalities — editors, bloggers, celebrities, buyers and merchandisers — who attend the show. And the latter, of course, showcases the world’s top designers and the haute couture shows. I’ve seen and heard so much about it having some of the grandest and most theatrical shows. I remember when Karl Lagerfeld turned the Grand Palais into Krypton for Chanel, that was pretty amazing. Paris is also the last fashion week among the Big Four, and as they say, you “Save the best for last.”
Charmaine Palermo, stylist and publicist
If you could attend New York Fashion Week, what would you wear? Who would design your outfit?
My style icons are Emmanuelle Alt and Kate Moss forever. (Laughs) If I were to attend NYFW, my look would be a mix of Balmain and Isabel Marant. Sexy, relaxed pieces with sharp details. I would wear these sick Nicholas Kirkwood booties, pile on jewelry from Low Luv by Erin Wasson and Narra and finish it with a square frame Alexander Wang shades or my ever-reliable Rayban Wayfarers.
In reality though, I’d wear Filipino designers to show them that we have world-class talents that are at par with international standards in quality and design: custom-made Gian Romano structured jacket, Charina Sarte sexy metallic slouchy tank, Viktor Jeans by Ino Caluza skinny leather trousers, Kermit Tesoro sky high booties, then accessorize with Narra jewelry, Alexander Wang shades, and a Givenchy Antigona animal print bag.
Why would you choose this outfit?
It best represents my style and I can move around with this outfit.
If you were sitting front row at NYFW, who would you want to be seatmates with?
Editors Emmanuelle Alt, Carine Roitfeld, Kate Lanphear, Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian and Kanye.
What are your NYFW do’s and don’ts?
I’ve never been to one yet, but I guess like in every event you attend, always be on time, anticipate traffic. Plan your day ahead so you don’t miss shows you’ll cover. Be ready with extra phone batteries, small emergency meds kit, crackers, foldable flats etc. Don’t make rude comments. Take the opportunity to network, but don’t be in people’s faces where you get annoying.
Have you ever covered Fashion Week in another city? How was that experience?
Not yet.
Given the choice, which cities would you like to cover for Fashion Week?
I would love to have the chance and cover New York, Paris and London Fashion Week. I want to experience Tokyo and Rio Fashion Week also. That’s on my bucket list.
