SilynRose

7:04 – When I arrived, the red carpet outside was empty and patrons were already seated on either side of the quaintly arranged venue – 519 madison ave in New York. It is a family owned store called Marmi that sells handbags and shoes. We are literally surrounded by handbags and shoes. Who wouldn’t be comfortable in such a layout. I presume I was among other fashion bloggers along with photographers had rsvp’d. A few models walked in, or at least very tall well dressed women who I took to be models. It certainly wasn’t the typical fashion show that you’d see on tv.

One cameraman covering the event walked the floor photographing women’s shoes, mine included – so if you see a picture of brown, beige and white L.A.M.B booties and toes painted orange, they are mine. I am seated next to Helene, who I introduced myself to after being prompted by a photographer to pose for an impromptu photo with her.

7:11 The DJ is playing uptempo jazz and people are striking up conversations. There is a bit of tension. I imagine people are, like me, making guesses about who’s who among the crowd members. Cameramen are, as usual in these situations dressed in dark colors, and jeans with the hope that they disappear. They fawn over an Asian woman clad in a bright red dress bedazzled with gold. She has earrings that are full fringe. Then enters a male with writing all over his clothing – newspaper style. He disappears into the back room, perhaps to assists the models getting ready in the back.

There is standing room only in the front near the front door. A few people make use of the waiting time and pose in front of the Beverley Olivacce backdrop.
I am actually surprised that more people aren’t overdressed. When Fashion Police covers a fashion show, it becomes clear that the audience is as much of the spectacle as the clothing donning the runway.

7:23 Jazz still playing, room slowly filling to capacity… And then it happens. The wine is passed out and two models come down the runway. I actually miss the shot because I hadn’t realized the woman coming down the runways was a model. Then a woman I thought was a model actually came out with a tray of wine. I believe the people are doing double duty. The Asian woman I spoke of earlier is prompted by a photograper to walk the runway. One of the audience members starts passing out nuts. Another audience member begins picking up the nuts that have been spilled on the carpeted runway. Helene had to literally hail for the next round of wine. We’d been passed up 3 times.

7:35 Helene asks me if I know Bev. I say no. She says she has known her for many many years. A woman in a black dress makes rounds passing a tray of cheese and cured meat. The man across from me is wearing a brightly striped shirt, which he has open revealing his very hairy chest. I am certain that the people standing way back by the door will not likely be able to see much. Two patrons greedily dig into the tray of meats and cheeses. Ohhh. cute guy to my right. Not sure when he came in. Another woman bumps into my twisted afro puff. It’s like the third person to have done so.

7:46 One woman passes out crudités – which is a raw veggie platter. One cameraman passes by and asks me to put my bag under my seat.
7:56 – Another round of wine and some fruit. One male in a gray suit takes to the backdrop to be photographed by a photographer.
My mind wanders to the fact that I need to do observations in a Kindergarten class tomorrow morning. I just notice that most of the cameramen and women are shooting with Canons.

8:05 – I find myself still waiting, but I am now recalling the wording of the press release. It is an informal showing, I am now unsure whether or not there will be a parade of women down the runway.

I think about my own outfit. It is not as cute as I thought it would be. I had originally planned to wear a gold sequined pencil skirt. I am glad I did not. I imagine I would have felt extremely uncomfortable. Instead, I have on a brown quilted circle skirt and a white button down, collared shirt.

8:09 – One of the hosts just motions to the DJ to quiet the music. The fashion show begins.

I stare intently at the clothing in the collection as they are displayed on the models’ bodies.

In order, the show was – Career wear, holiday/evening wear, spring, and a Caribbean inspired cruise/vacation wear.
My favorite pieces were in the soft but structured career wear, the short gray evening dress with fur sleeves and pretty much the entire vacation line.

8:45 Beverley Olivacce, the London native, came out and greeted the audience speaking in an enchanting British accent. She shared that this was the third time she’d shown a line during New York fashion week and she thanked us for being a part of this.
Photo of Beverley Olivacce
More food and wine is served and I met a few designers and the man in the print clothing – a photographer named Carl.

What a wonderful entry in to the New York fashion show circuit. Thank you Beverley Olivacce. Great show!