Fashion Week Brooklyn Spring/Summer 2016 entitled “Destination Brooklyn” celebrated their 9th year of bringing us fashion from around the world to the borough of Brooklyn. This year much like New York Fashion Week did, the venues for the shows were held in all different locations each day. The shows that I attended took place at the Red Hook Labs, where runway collections of couture and ready to wear designs were showcased.
Menswear designer Karl Revis’ line was shown posthumously by his mother, in his honor. The designer was fatally shot earlier this year, but his designs AKARI lives on. Athletic yet sexy, casual yet classy, edgy yet basic that is how I would describe this capsule collection. His interpretation on everyday basic men’s silhouettes was transformed into extraordinary pieces with the use of leather, metallic and studding.
Joyce Pilarsky is a veteran to Fashion Week Brooklyn. She has shown her collections at this event a few times in the past. Known for her intricate bead work she continues to be consistent with her works of art. This year she featured a beautiful bridal gown with a head piece that was absolutely breathtaking! Pilarsky aims to promote Filipino fabrics and other Filipino indigenous materials from different regions in the Philippines, in doing so this provides more jobs for creative women in her country.
Millesim Collection is like the US Rent the Runway version but in France. This company’s business is based on renting fabulous evening gowns for the night for a fraction of the cost! Sequins, satin, or lace you name it they have it. This myriad of evening wear encompassed looks that were fun and flirty as well as sophisticated.
Alton Toussaint created looks that were reminiscent of the 80’s with a modern spin. High waisted pants and lace tops were the high lights of this newbie designer’s ensembles. Cocktails dress and military inspired hats rounded out his collection.
Claire Cosigny took the minimalist approach by having her line made up of basic silhouettes and literally a splash of colors. Matching cuffs on some of the garments is starting to become a part of her signature style. I remember seeing this detail on a past collection of hers. It was very clean cut and simplistic.
LubOV TumanOVA was my favorite designer at this show! I loved the use of self-fabric on her hunter green gown which had straps across the front as well as the subtle lace details of the red skirted jumpsuit. I found her collection to be very well made and a great mixture of traditional evening wear for that timeless woman as well young and trendy styles for that risk taker fashionista!
Although the fashion shows went on, I wouldn’t say it was without a hitch. It did not start in a timely manner and the venue was lackluster. This venue was a far cry from the previous location at Industry City in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn. It was not at all what I expected and was disappointed with it. Fashion Week Brooklyn has the potential to be so much bigger and better than it is. I am hoping that for the 10th year celebration it will be above and beyond my expectations. I am a fan of this show because I like events that bring culture/arts to our communities. I am rooting for you Fashion Week Brooklyn and hope that next season the show will be done with more style and effort!
Photo credits Fashion Week Brooklyn
