Studio 189 Fall/Winter 2019 at New York Fashion Week

Studio 189 Fall/Winter 2019 is a celebration of indigo, exploring the role indigo from Africa has played in the development of denim culture. The collection introduces sustainable pieces made with organic cotton, recycled glass beads and upcycled denim, and techniques from hand batiking and bògòlanfini to natural indigo dyeing in Uganda, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

This 'Sunday Best" collection marks the first time Studio 189 has presented a fall collection, as well as the first time showing at Spring Studios. Among the colorful patterns and vibrant color are elegant kimonos, fitted jumpsuits, dresses, floor length ruffle skirts and bomber jackets.

Studio 189 launched in February 2013 in honor of Valentine's Day's One Billion Rising campaign dedicated to stopping violence against women and rape with the idea that fashion could be an agent of social change. The sustainable fashion brand was co-founded by Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson.

 - Kim Weling

Hakan Akkaya Fall/Winter 2019 at New York Fashion Week

Hakan Akkaya Fall/Winter 2019 at New York Fashion Week was inspired by glam rock, a style of rock music that developed in the UK in the early 1970s, performed by musicians with outrageous costumes, make up and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter. 

A more extreme version of glam, "glitter rock" was made famous by acts such as David Bowie, Elton John, T. Rex, Alice Cooper, Slade, Gary Glitter, Queen, Sweet and Joan Jett. These performers were known for extravagant clothing, were often androgynous, and played with nontraditional gender roles. 

For  the Fall/Winter 2019, Hakan Akkaya created a collection of fearless iconic proportions and glamorous rock stars. Hakan was also inspired by Turkish stars such as Hayko Cepkin, Baris Manco, Zeki Muren and many Turkish icons. In Hakan's opinion, self confidence is the best outfit, 

rock it and own it. 

The 70s and 80s rock looks mostly in black and silver, featured studded details, shoulder pads, sparkle and sequins, leopard prints, large lightning bolts, leather, fur and jumpsuits. Among the looks included an oversized puffer coat, which has been dominating the runways at New York 

Fashion Week. 

- Kim Weling

Pony x Harbin Autumn/Winter 2019 at New York Fashion Week

The Pony x Harbin show at Spring Studios at New York Fashion Week on February 9th was a celebration of streetwear and the Chinese New Year, kicking off with a Chinese opera performance fused with rock music. The most noted runway look (and also spotted on guests at the show and in general throughout the runways at New York Fashion Week) are oversized puffer jackets. The 90s influence included layered looks of plaids, hoodies, black/white/grey camo. Vibrant red, yellow, purple and blue was mixed with black, grey, white, and metallic silver. 

While models walked the show, a Chinese calligrapher painted down the middle of the runway. The runway show concluded with a choreographed dance of Kung Fu performers and a traditional Chinese lion dance, showing the fusion between Chinese style and western culture. Afterwards, the celebration considered with a presentation, Harbin beer and hors d'oeuvres for guests. This was the only show I attended on Saturday night and I'm glad I went! It was filled with creative, exciting performances and a young, edgy, fashionably and energetic crowd. 

  

- Kim Weling