Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2014 Part 2: The Catwalks

By: Anne M. Raso
(Continued from Part 1)

Now that the parties are done, on to the real reason why all people fashion gather in NYC during the first week of September - the fashion shows! This past Mercedes Benz Fashion Week showed off the collections for Spring / Summer 2014, and while few people will really ever purchased the expensive ensembles shown on the catwalks (well, at least Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s is affordable to the average American woman), it was a taste of trends to come.

I had four or five favorite shows and I admit that I love the glitz and glamour of the shows that are exclusively eveningwear. We were very impressed that Venexiana gowns had interesting embellishments on the waists including what looked like 1940s crystal brooches—and long trains. The models marched down the catwalk to the best of 70s rock and roll and the contrast of the formality of the gowns and the rawness of the music simply rocked!

Venexiana 

And speaking of rock, I totally enjoyed Kids Rock in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall. Many sports pros kids were in the show and they ranged in age from two to 14. The little models seemed to want to do repeats on the runway and both handlers and moms had to grab them before they interrupted the next model’s stint! Nike and Levi’s were two of the sponsors, so a lot of colorful athletic wear and jeans for kids were included.

Kids Rock

As mentioned above, Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s showed off classy but affordable looks for the woman who likes the classics with a modern twist at a good price. There were a lot of good office looks including comfortable flowing black pants and skirts, but I loved the fact that oodles of swimwear cover-ups were in her show—something that is a staple of every woman’s wardrobe but often overlooked in Fashion Week shows. The beauty of this collection is that the pieces look high end when most are under $50; some could easily be confused for Chanel items, especially the cream and white silk dress blouses.

Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's

The Czar by Cesar Galindo presentation in The Box by Lincoln Center had a line of over 600 people waiting to get in and make the rounds. The models made a big deal of spreading their pleated gowns to show off the volumes of beautiful silk fabric and bright colors. This collection went from classic to off-the-wall; no doubt that Galindo could dress both Katie Couric and Lady Gaga and both would be happy.

Czar by Cesar Galindo

Strut is always one of my favorite Fashion Week shows as it has real moms from all walks of life walking down the runways with their kids, in items ranging from $15 K-Mart sneakers to $800 Marc Jacobs dresses and possibly some even higher end items. This is one of only a handful of shows that does not neglect the plus size woman. Adorable wild-maned DJ Fulano (who is all of 12) supplied the music once more, which included plenty of his current faves.

Strut

Now I have to rest up for six months to survive the next Fashion Week! You never know whom you might meet at a show, lounge or party—that is what makes it so awesome and alive. (Did I fail to mention he outrageous designs on the Fashion Week participants flowing in and out of the tents at Lincoln Center?)