Love was on the runway this Valentine’s Day as fashion designers presented collections during Small Boutique Fashion Week.
For the third season in a row, I had the honor of attending the three-show event, and I am increasingly impressed with the quality of designers and the tight-knit atmosphere.
Every year, Small Boutique Fashion Week runs in conjunction with New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, providing a platform for emerging designers who are looking to get a start by selling to small boutiques.
Here are my top picks from the 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows:
Earlier, I told you about the two young designers who turned New York Fashion Week up notch as they showcased collections at Small Boutique Fashion Week.
Now, you can see one of the models in action, rocking Pinky Sez Designs. Her precision and confidence levels are through the roof — we weren’t ready for that ponytail whip!
Pinky Sez designer Tyyan Williams, 13, walks down the runway after showcasing her collection at Small Boutique Fashion Week on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015.
Their adorable faces weren’t the only thing that granted these young girls the talk of the town.
Five-year-old Savannah Smith of Savannah Banana’s World and 13-year-old Tyyan Williams of Pinky Sez Designs debuted mind-blowing collections during Small Boutique Fashion Week on Saturday, Feb. 14.
The event, in its seventh season, is a business-oriented runway show and market geared toward small business owners, emerging designers and novelty designers that are looking to get a start by selling to small boutiques and unique shops.
Savannah and Tyyan triggered a domino effect of grins and giggles from the audience as little princesses stormed down the runway with confidence in each sway of the hip.
Savannah Bananas World was the perfect mix of funk and class, consisting of neon-colored attire and tutus. And Pinky Sez was all about pop colors of pink and playful yet intricate patterns that would make anyone do a triple-take. See for yourself below.
Savannah Banana’s World
Pinky Sez
Check back for more footage from the show. If you would like to see something in particular, please send an email to pensandpumps (at) gmail (dot) com.
Last month, I photographed Small Boutique Fashion Week (SBFW), which ran in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz’s New York Fashion Week, and I’ll be shooting Brooklyn’s fashion week on March 13-16.
What I love most about “smaller” fashion shows is that they often bring a little more “umph” to the runway. Models are usually allowed to bring their personalities on stage, which makes the clothing come alive, and I can actually see myself wearing the designs. After all, I believe fashion should reflect a lifestyle.
Anyway, SBFW offered an array of designs by emerging designers. While reds and blacks dominated the runway, my favorite looks included brights and patterns (I might just have the winter blues lol. Spring is right around the corner though!)
Below, I list my top five designers, which were chosen mainly because of consistency and the way the clothing fit the models (presentation is everything).
34-24-36’s designs stood out among the bunch with its “get-down-to-business” attire that still accentuated femininity. Subtle additions such as patterns and lace accents were smoothly implemented and turned the sophistication up a notch.
2. Cleofe’ Clothing
Cleofe’ Clothing’s incorporation of leather, lace, and lavender was genius. Leather is always a winner in my book, but too much can definitely be a turn off. The flowy skirts and tops gave the perfect balance between soft and hard– an edgy elegance.
3. Eclectic Mind
I’m a lover of patterns on patterns, and Eclectic Mind did a great job of putting a twist to the trend. It’s incorporation of lines gave the clothing some structure, but a few of the looks gave an odd illusion on the shape of the body.
Michi Knitwear designs exuded comfort with class and gave off a “grown woman” vibe. The vertical lines were very appealing to the eye. I feel like if you walk in the room with Michi Knitwear on, your presence will definitely be known.
5. Maudlyn Barnes
Maudlyn Barnes designs gave off a festive calm. Its ruffles and crop tops spice things up while its soft colors even things out. Some of the tops looked a little cheesy, but the gorgeous, intricate bottoms made up for it.
*Honorable mention: Irregular exposure
Although this designer wasn’t at the top of my list, this look was absolutely one of my favorite looks of the night. The red makes a statement itself, but the boxy shoulders and draped pants put the icing on the cake. Totally reminds me of Janet Jackson, who I adore.
Other designers included Anna Machado, Bella Craze, Candy Rock Couture, Designerz Destiny, Jagged Hanger, Kavash, Kimora Black, Laposhe, Marcella Co, Nippy Lavern, Rochelle Carino, and Runway Couture.
A few more photos from the show will be available at voneciacarswell.com. In the meantime, you may take the poll below or comment to let me know which designer was your favorite.
Pens & Pumps 