Photo courtesy of Linette Montana
Celebrities, bloggers and the fashion elite crowded the bustling streets of New York City last week for one of the most prestigious international fashion events of the year — New York Fashion Week. Mixed in among those familiar faces were 12 University of Texas students who interacted with designers, witnessed the action backstage and networked at one of the fashion capitals of the world. Sent to New York on behalf of the University Fashion Group, these students shared their experiences.
Story by Hannah Shih
Student: Linette Montana
Major: Textiles and Apparel: Design, Business Certification, French Minor
Classification: Senior
Favorite experience at NYFW?
Even though this was the first time I had ever been to New York, touring it wasn’t what made my experience so great. What brought tears of joy to my eyes was seeing Naeem Khan’s collection backstage for the first time. As a designer, I appreciate great detail in garments as well as innovative construction and silhouettes, all of which were featured in Naeem’s collection in such a grandiose way. Witnessing such things is what makes you envision your future as a designer and makes you want to reach such levels of expertise.
Photo courtesy of Channing Baker
Photo courtesy of Alisha Contreras
Student: Channing Baker
Major: Textiles and Apparel: Merchandising and Consumer Sciences
Classification: Freshman
Favorite experience at NYFW?
Camping out with some [of the] other UT girls in front of the venue where Ralph Lauren’s show was going to take place and taking photographs of bloggers and celebrities as they entered the venue It was so exciting to see some of my favorite fashion icons in person. I was taking pictures alongside some of NYC’s best fashion photographers, which was an unforgettable experience.
Student: Alisha Contreras
Major: Textiles and Apparel: Design
Classification: Junior
Who was your favorite designer and what made this show special?
My favorite designer and show definitely had to be Naeem Khan. The details of the designs in the show were simply extravagant; it’s so hard to put a show like that into words. Being able to watch the show, as well as knowing what went on behind closed doors preceding the runway, really showed me how much hard work and effort is put into making the runway flawless. I was able to appreciate the designs and the designer that much more, knowing how many people were working their butts off backstage to make everything perfect.
STUDENT: KATHLEEN DE LA LLATA
Major: Design
Classification: Sophomore
Favorite experience at NYFW?
My favorite experience was interacting with the models whom I felt lived a different life than my own and were exposed to different things. It was good to know that girls are girls, and we can have a conversation [ranging] from the difficulty of walking with certain high heels to our favorite designs.
Photo courtesy of Manuela Rincon
Photo courtesy of Manuela Rincon
Student: Manuela Rincon
Major: Design
Classification: Junior
Who was your favorite designer and what made this show special?
My favorite show would have to be The Blind Fashion Show that happened on Thursday. I think it’s great that Myriam Chalek put this whole show together to empower women and show that a disability does not define an individual’s ability, limitations and standard of beauty.
Can you tell me about your favorite experience at NYFW?
My favorite experience besides working some of the shows would be the free time I had to explore New York, shop, eat and see the museums. I love riding the subway and listening to all the sounds and music from the streets. The subway is a great way to people watch. If you ride the lines long enough you can see and hear the world.
STUDENT: JAY MARTINEZ
Major: Textile Apparel Design and History
Classification: Senior
Who was your favorite designer and what made this show special?
I could honestly say that I was surprised with my own choice, but Naeem Kahn’s collection left the biggest impression on me. I’ve been a fan of Gustav Klimt’s drawings for years, and seeing Mr. Kahn’s designs [on] the runway was like seeing Klimt’s paintings modernized and come to life. I was both amazed and enthralled by his collection this season.
Photo courtesy of Madi Kolodgie
Student: Madi Kolodgie
Major: Public Relations
Classification: Junior
Describe your personal style and how you tackled your own outfits for NYFW.
My personal style is monochromatic casual. I bought a camel-colored coat that I wore pretty much everyday. I would pair it with blue or black jeans and a black sweater or a white tee. I also brought a few pairs of booties and white Nikes for when I knew I would be walking [for the] majority of the day. I mixed in more upscale pieces like leather overalls or leather pants, with a slouchy sweater to give a more relaxed vibe.
Photo courtesy of Melina Perez
Student: Morgan Meadows
Major: Public Relations, Business Certificate, Textiles Minor
Classification: Junior
Favorite experience at NYFW?
Following the Lela Rose show, the dressers were mingling outside of the show. Lela Rose came down the stairs and personally thanked us saying how she always appreciated having “fellow Texans” be a part of her show. Lela was such a good sport that she proceeded to take a picture with our group before leaving the venue.
Student: Melina Perez
Major: Apparel Design and Merchandising & Consumer Sciences
Classification: Junior
Favorite experience at NYFW?
Gogo Graham was such a cool experience because she is a transgender designer who makes clothes for transgender women. Seeing all these women so comfortable around each other, having this support system around them and just looking so amazing in all the clothes Gogo created with their personal styles in mind was really the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
