All thanks to some technical complications, I haven't been able to post my galleries for the shows or my daily recaps of what has been one of the busiest weeks I have been a part of. There was no shortage of entertainment and excitement, and let's not forget the caffeine that got me through it all. The central location for the week was Skylight Clarkson Square in the Meat Packing District, but a few shows were held at brand show rooms and galleries, and all the parties being held throughout the city.
Such a fun shoot at The Gent on Day 1 with Daniel Seung Lee! Click through for his work!
Armed with my camera and a folio filled with phone charging cables and hair spray, I embarked on day one of NYFW: Men's; the look was simple that day with an olive suit and white oxford, all anchored by my brand new white sneakers! My first day on site featured a relatively new brand called Artistix by Greg Polisseni, who is an artist from upstate New York with a unique take on vintage apparel. Drawing from his personal paintings, he creates collections based around his artwork, which can be anything from the lining of one of his stunning jackets to the entirety of a piece. I had a chance to cover the show and interview Greg one-on-one, so go check out the gallery for more! The next stop was Suit Supply, one of my personal favorites, over in the SOHO Loft showroom where they typically bring clients for made-to-measure purposes. When I tell you that I haven't seen a collection so flawless in my life, I mean it! Every piece was perfect, from the fit to the styling, but most importantly, it told a story and had a deeper meaning than just a collection of clothing; check out that gallery as well!
Luckiest guy at the show, standing in front of the AC! Click through for more of Artistix!
Just a part of an amazing Suit Supply SS16. Click through for more!
After the hustle and bustle of the day, I was able to make my way up to Chelsea to hangout at one of the coolest spots of the week, The Gent. This little gathering point for GQ Insiders acted as a great chill-zone for in-between and after shows, with activities running all day to create even more excitement around NYFW: Men's. It's too bad the WiFi wasn't up to par with the demands of everyone there, otherwise there would have been much more frequent posting on my part throughout my adventures. Once the sun set over the city skyline, there was a chance to unwind at the Grand Opening of The Baccarat Hotel in Midtown for some champagne and caviar and some other assorted goodies as a warm up to the rest of the New York scene. No level of extravagance was spared with bottles floating around the rooms and garçons delivering the most decadent finger foods, but I had to keep in mind that I had an early call the next day for one of my favorite designers.
Bravo Mr. Bastian! Bravo! Click through for more!
So many amazing looks from Asaf Ganot SS16! Click through for more!
The big surprise of the week, Nautica SS16! Click through for more!
Day 2 was where fashion week really hit home for me with a full lineup of shows and activities planned before a late flight. I styled together a look I called the rugged businessman, with refined details such as the whole-cut double monks and chambray cutaway shirt combined with rugged staples like the CPO jacket and sun-faded denim. The first show on the docket was Michael Bastian's Bel Air Presentation, quite an amazing show and one of the best I saw, but I had a truly surreal moment on the way there. After getting off the crosstown bus, I was walking toward Skylight Clarkson Square which was lined with Cadillacs when suddenly, from behind the SUVs emerged at least 15 street photographers to take my photo; I just told myself to act cool and pretend like this was whats expected, when in reality, my heart was pounding out of my chest. The next show was uptown a ways at the ArtBean Gallery where Asaf Ganot displayed some serious muscle with some edgy and fun jackets and accessories that you will be hearing a lot about in the next few months. My favorite piece was a powder blue tux with a split lapel that reminded me of a futuristic Harry from Dumb and Dumber! Then came the biggest surprise of all, the Nautica SS16 presentation, a well known name, but not a brand anyone would peg as game-changing in the menswear world. Expectations were of trunks and swimsuits and a few raincoats, and what I got was some exquisite knitwear surely to be on the shopping list of many come next spring.
Day 2 Style! Click to visit the amazing lady that took the photo!
As of now, I am still completely drained from all the fun I had with in the city, and if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat! The inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men's was a successful experience on all fronts, but especially on my front, having made meaningful connections with some like-minded, equally stylish people and finally getting a chance to immerse myself in style and fashion like I had never done before. It truly is a shame that this only happens once a year, but I plan on returning in full force next summer for event that will only continue to get better. As always, be dapper and different!