story / Noelle Scaggs of Fitz And The Tantrums
photos / Noelle Scaggs ++ Sam Margevicius
I began my freshman year of MB’s fashion mayhem fresh off of a delayed plane ride from Toronto, frantically trying to make it to my first runway show event ever! I really had no idea what to expect. I certainly didn’t think I would be sat in the first row of the runway sitting just a few bodies away from Paris Hilton, Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons, Jackie Getty, right next to model Birdie Belle & my friend Aqua along with some of the top in fashion editorial writers in the game. But there I was changed in my Charlotte Ronson skirt to watch her present her 2013 Spring/Summer collection. It was a surreal experience for me bumping into all of these notable people I used to literally sell Charlotte’s earliest collection to when I was in the retail game many moons ago. Ronson has come a long way since her small line of edgy tees I was obsessed over when she first started. The 2013 Oceanic Collection was an array of feminine sea tones with a mix of a slightly sporty rock sass. One of my favorite pieces that she’d showcased in various colors over a few of the looks was her, plastic cropped athletic jacket. It reminded me of the plastic rain coats that were famous in the late 60’s. There was also a great mixture of checkered boucle, dotted sheer paneling, rompers and Peplum dresses.
After the Ronson event I rushed over to John Varvatos for their event which turned out to be more of a party then a collections showcase. The party featured Q-Tip on the turn tables along with a performance by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The party was great because I got to scope the scene to see NY at it’s fashions best, in fact the entire evening was spent with my fabulous assistant photographer for the festivities, Sam Margevicius, pulling over random strangers who’s style of dress stood out in sardine packed night club.
Jonathan Simkhai was probably one of my favorites of New York Fashion Week primarily because his 2013 Spring/Summer collection was inspired by my home state of California, specifically Venice Beach. He really captured the spirit of the LA beach scene so much so, that I questioned the fact that he is native New Yorker. The palates of soft and midnight blues , lilacs, sorbet orange and element tones, some florals some geometrics paired with boucle fabric, raw silks and leather called forth the the highlights of the 70’s beach life for me. The models hair long and pressed straight wearing iridescent lensed sunglasses and necklaces that simply stated, “Venice” for a moment made me homesick. Jonathan collaborated with, A Peace Treaty, for the jewelry a fantastic company that supports ethically produces artisan level accessories and apparel. One of my favorites of the presentation was the Boucle Baja Zip Jacket.
The Erickson Beamon presentation turned out to be a blast! I had the honor of being apart of this grandiose occasion inspired by the opening scene of 1966 French Film “Qui êstes vous Polly Maggoo!!?” as a VIP audience member. An invited group of us were seated in the sets scaffolding, watching as the models adorned in Erickson Beamon’s 2013 silk woven dresses, oversized earrings mirrored necklaces and Swarovski clustered bangles were being carted around by handsome men in full tuxedo wear. I had the opportunity of visiting the Erickson Beamon showroom the day before to pick a piece of jewelry for the event, and boy did I pick. The collar necklace I wore was a piece designed as an homage to Alexander McQueen dripping with crystals and a 20’s Berlin inspired Gold Linked top created and worn in a performance by dancer, Wendy Whelan. Some of the other participants included classical singer, Vikki Beamon, Jeffery Palmer, Becka Diamond & Marla Maples.
Tuesday was a whole other level of NY Fashion Week frenzy. My schedule included so much that I had to pick and choose based on time and location. I attended the Falguni & Shane Peacock show where both myself, and Adam Lambert were drooling over the futuristic bodysuit evening gowns and mirrored mini dresses. A display of stage friendly fashion Lady Gaga would be proud of strutting around town in. I ran across Up-Town to Soho to view the presentation of my favorite shoe and accessories designer/stylist extraordinaire, Marjan Malakpour, for her SS13 roll out of Newbark shoes and accessories. The shoes in soft suedes and leathers consisted of the Newbark take on the modern smoking loafer, with Swarovski Crystal finishes many paired with a various sized clutches and gadget holders in the same fabric and palate. Marjan also rolled out a small selection of shoes for retails elite clientele created in collaboration with Hoorsenbuhs designer, Kether Parker. The quad display included 2 different styles for men and women all made of Dune American Alligator finished with Hoorsenbuhs buckles made of rose or yellow gold with or without black or white diamonds included.
They were a beautiful, beautiful sight to behold!!
I finished my fashion evening completely torn between attending the infamous The Blonde’s show or the 70th birthday celebration for Betsey Johnson. It was a rock, paper scissors moment and Betsey’s took the gold. The Johnson event was what she has always been known for; Glitz, Glamour and Rock & Roll. Cyndi Lauper opened up the evenings festivities bringing back the teenage-hood of many of the attendees as we sang along with her during the performance of her biggest hit, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The runway show was a chronological display of fashion trends beginning with the 60’s leading up to Betsey’s 2013 Spring Collection of princess dresses, swimwear, 4 wheel driven luggage and leopard printed catsuits. The show ended with her daughter, Lulu Johnson, jumping out of a giant cake, models rocking crimped hair and racer back tees labeled with the words, “Guys (heart) BJ’s” dancing across the runway, balloons swaying through the confetti filled air, and the grand finale of Betsey’s signature end of show Split. The crowd went wild for it! I think I may have even seen tears falling from the eyes of Wendy Williams. It was the end to a perfect night.
To see more of Noelle’s NYFW experience check out all of my photos here ++ here.