Zang Toi Fall 2019 - God Bless America

Yep, God Bless America is not a happy, carefree statement anymore. Zang Toi, accomplished designer, immigrant, is wonderfully proud of the opportunities he has had. Zang Toi's Fall 2019 collection was a celebration of that in an elegant display of red, white and blue. As always, the clothing was an unapologetic display of luxury for all the guests to dream of.
Sadly, even aspirational, beautiful fashion, and someone who is showing pride for the country that he loves is now a contentious political matter. Sitting front row of this show was Marla Maples and Donald Trump Jr. I know some guests and photographers had decided not to attend because of that. Donald Trump Jr's and everything he represents, all of the disgusting, evil things his father and administration have done churns my stomach. You know what? All of those things have NOTHING to do with the fashion show in front of me. I was there to support an accomplished Asian designer who has shown only support for a diverse bunch of photographers. Zang Toi is a generous, sweet soul who casts the most striking models of all ethnicities, many of whom are also immigrants.
Sumptuous silk velvets dramatic capes and ballgowns, super-luxe denim for daytime. What says American style more than a pair of jeans and sneakers? Season after season I fall in love with a collection that ignores the ugliness outside and creates an elegant ideal for how many people would like to see instead.
The showstoppers were the draped American flag gowns that held an air of World War II pinups and patriotic posters. The hair and makeup were all about vintage Hollywood glamor. If Rosie the Riveter were on the runway this season, her headscarf would be luxurious silk, and denim jumpsuit would be tailored to all of her curves.
I wish fashion could be only about art and beauty, but the country is always in danger of losing both now. Zang Toi's Fall 2019 is taking a stand not to let that happen.

All photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYFW Studio 189 from Rosario Dawson

Today we are taking a trip to Africa. Studio 189 Fall 2019 was one of my favorite presentations on several fronts. First, I was reunited with two immensely talented ex co-workers who now work on this brand. Jennifer Chun is amazing designer who know doubt was responsible for the best looks you see here. Ngaa Bedell, now relocated to Ghana, worked her magic from across the world and back in NYC to make sure it looked good.

Founder actress Rosario Dawson established Studio 189 as a sustainable fashion label celebrating the craftsmanship of African communities and the art of indigo dying. The silhouettes were incredibly chic and modern,  showcasing the updated expressions of local patterns beautifully.

The model casting was equally beautiful and diverse. The presentation incorporated dance and lots of team members excited to talk about their work.

Congratulations to everyone who worked on the Studio 189 fall 2019 collection. What a triumph!

All photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYFW Jiri Kalfar Fall 2019

I love the pretty ones. People's Revolution debuted Czech designer Jiri Kalfar's Fall 2019 collection to NY Fashion Week. It was a beautiful, but cutting edge collection with lots of crystal embroidered laces and luxurious velvets paired with sexy modern prints, satin skinny jeans, and funky stripes.
I would totally wear anything from this collection. I love a bit of posh mixed with contemporary street style silhouettes. I love the hair pieces and hats that acted as an updated version of a tiara for the socialite on the go.
Kalfar's muse was Tatyana, the ingenue heroine of Russian novel Eugine Onegin. Tatyana in this story is passionate, accustomed to finer things, initially naive, romantic, but grows to be headstrong and loyal. I can see the women wearing this collection embodying the modern version of that.
The designer was flanked by supermodels Paulina Porizkova (who once played my designer boss on an episode of Bull), and Alina Baikova who came out to model and support Kalfar's debut.
Congratulation on your NYFW debut Jiri Kalfar!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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