Raven Takes NYC

Last stop: The History of Fashion presentation at FIT museum

It’s the last stop on this summer study tour and we ended at the the FIT history museum of fashion.

It wasn't your typical museum visit, going through the different exhibits. It was a personal presentation of fashion throughout the years starting in the 1800′s all the way to the 1990′s.

A lot of the information we received during the presentation I had learned in my fashion media class but seeing actual pieces along with it took it to a whole different level!

Ellen shared so many “fun facts”. Get ready for some fan-girling!!

Claire McCardell. She is my new favorite person. She put pockets in everything! Pockets are my best friend, so basically I’m best friends with Claire McCardell (even though she passed in the 50′s).  

(That dress above has pockets!)

Also we have her to thank for leggings and denim. Praises to this life-saver of fashion.

Honestly, the best part was seeing the pieces in real life! Some of my favorite pieces included:

A Christian Dior dress with with Merry Widow corset.

Le Smoking women's suit (A high styled pants suit based of the evening or smoking mens’ robe)

A Chanel 255 bag—before logos became a trend.

I’m glad we ended on this stop. It was different from the other stops. It wrapped everything into a beautiful bow. We’ve seen so many sides of the fashion industry and we now we were able to see where everything and how everything came to be. 

Thank you to Kent State, Professor Piazza and everyone who allowed us to visit  their companies! 

Stop 12: Sam Edelman showroom.

We had the amazing opportunity to visit the Sam Edelman office and showroom. 

Due to some transportation issues, I missed the tour of the office but I made it just in time for the showroom presentation. 

Ashley, the head of PR, gave us a full presentation of the showroom and the company. And after Ashley’s presentation we had the honor of hearing and meeting Libby Edelman (Sam Edleman’s wife and business partner) and the head of the design team Marissa 

It was an amazing presentation. The company has been around for 13 years The Company has it’s own in-house PR ran by Ashley and her partner Claire. 

Sam Edelman is not a shoe company, they are a fashion marketing company and a lifestyle brand. I love how they represent themselves! It’s such a laid back atmosphere but they still have such an elegance about them. All the thought that goes into the shoe is bigger then you would think. 

As Libby was explaining their process of designing and coming up with the trends, I was memorized and inspired. It’s not just about the shoe and the comfort or the style, it’s all about the girl, what’s in her closet, where is she going, what her life is like. 

The draw inspiration from everywhere! I wish I could give more detail and and pictures but they have to keep that strapped down! 

This was a great experience and presentation! 

Thank you to Sam Edelman team! 

(Me and Libby Edelman) 

Stop 11: Premiere Vision: The global textile event.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go on this stop but, from the website it seems like it was a very fun event. A textile event on Pier 94. Fabric and a view.

There are over 300 exhibitors at the event from all over the world. The event only last a couple days and shows fall/winter 17/18 collections.

I wish I could have went it sounds like a great event and it was on Pier 94. Maybe next year!

Stop 10: Dover Street Market.

Waiting for the store to open at 11 am, the class waited by at the corner. You would never know what was inside this building looking on the outside. It’s just a regular goldstone building with two giant wooden doors. 

This is a perfect example of why you should never judge a book by it’s cover. 

Behind those wooden doors is a seven floor designer play ground.

  Dover Street Market originally started in London on Dover Street (Of course) but, The store opened this New York location about two years ago. The store sells many designer labels but the brand it’s most know for is, Commes Des Garçon, who came up with the idea of Dover Street Market a.k.a their own interpretation of a department store.

Known for it’s displays, each floor is has a different theme and the floors seem to made up of mini boutiques. 

 If I actually had the money to afford the items in the store, I’m sure I could spend all day there but, until that moment comes I’ll just keep snapping pictures.

Stop 9: 20th annual textile show, Korean Preview in New York.

Our class had the honor to go to the 29th show of the Korean Preview. Also known as the the Korean fabric show, The Korean Preview started in 2002 only showing every other year until 2009 when it became an annual show.

Each year the event has 1,000 buyers come through the event viewing the different fabrics. Obviously all the fabrics are from Korea and made in Korea.

This year was the preview of 2016-2017 fall and winter fabrics and their “theme” for the show was functional and technical fabrics.

Compared to Chinese fabrics, these Korean fabrics are a higher price but the quality is well worth the price. Some customers that visit and purchase fabrics from this show are H&M and Topshop - Fast fashion.  

The show was very interesting seeing all the different fabrics. My two favorite parts were the “Trend Forum”, which was a display of upcoming styles and fabrics that we will be seeing in the upcoming season. I feel like I noticed the fabrics more than the trends because they were used so well in the designs.

Also, we went to a booth that made the bedazzled designs for t-shirts and we also got free designs that we can put on our own clothes!

Until next time, please stand clear of the closing doors

Stop 8: Fifth Avenue Woman.

We had the opportunity to visit Fifth Avenue Woman showroom for this stop. 

We were welcomed into the snug showroom by Sophia, the jewelry designer. She has been in business for over 20 years. 

Her pieces have been seen in many stores. From TJ Maxx to Bergdorf Goodman. All her pieces are hand made in the showroom. 

 Many of her pieces are made from stones and pearls which comes from her Thailand roots. Sophia is a great storyteller and as she showed us some of her favorite pieces I realized how much her Thai background means to her because, it comes through the jewelry, As she told us stories of what Jade and Pearls mean in her country you could feel the energy and passion that went into crafting each stone and pearl. 

Of course, once again, we were able to purchase some jewelry from the showroom. I couldn't help my self. I bought a jade ring, made from real jade, and two stone bead bracelets. The pink means love and the dark metal (I can't remember the actual name of the stone) mean anti-depression. Not going to lie i just liked the way the dark metal one looked, but as a bonus it’s an “anti-depressed, so that’s good!

Stop 7: The Met: Manus x Machina Fashion in an Age of Technology exhibit

This exhibit left me speechless. It made me appreciate fashion as an art so much more. See the history of how some of these garments were made and the use of technology left in ah. 

I found myself walking around with my jaw to the floor literally left speechless.

Welcomed by the main piece - the Chanel wedding dress. 

Every bead and sequin had stitched. It makes you wonder what else I’m I going to encounter in the is dazzling jewel of an exhibit. Just remember it’s all in the details! 

Seeing the history was probably the most jaw dropping part. Knowing that these pieces were hand cut and everything was mostly done by hand is amazing! 

I’m going to let the art speak for itself because I’m just gonna keep repeating myself. 

Seeing every straw up close knowing they were cut by hand - jaw drop.

Then I first saw these pieces I thought they were printed fabric. I was about to just keep walking past, then I read the description I couldn't believe it. Be sure to notice the little details in the things or you’ll find yourself missing out.

Pleading is underrated. You buy clothing with pleaded you don't really think about it. But just remember back in the day, like way back before machines, they were had pleaded. Some pieces still are like this evening gown. 

Speaking of hand pleading how about hand cutting.These pieces among others were hand cut! Can you imagine?

Back to detail. Don't over look it! I almost did as I was walking past these classic Chanel suits until something caught my eye in the light. Under nothing the netted quilting were sequins.

The details don't stop there...

This piece begins the technology portion of the exhibit. Many pieces were made with 3-D printing and well as remote controlled designs. Unfortunately I couldn't get a video of some those pieces.

They even had an exhibit highlighting deconstruction.

This was by far one of my favorite stops if you couldn't tell. I wish I could say more then what I have repeated multiple times in this post but as you see in these photos, the art of fashion will leave you speechless. 

Stop 6: Mood Fabrics.

This stop brought 12 year-old Raven back to life!

Let me give a little spiel about 12 year-old Raven. She would write the schedule of Project Runway down as a reminder so she wouldn't miss it. She would rewatch every episode even if she had already seen it twice. When they were sketching, you guessed it, Raven was sketching. When they were sewing, best believe Raven went and grabbed her sewing machine and a piece of fabric. 

When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer and eventually make it onto Project Runway. I promised myself that if I ever got the chance to go to New York I would visit Mood Fabrics. 

Fast Forward to present day Raven, I chose to go into journalism but, despite by career path, a childhood dream came true today and I got the chance to go to Mood Fabrics.

And of course we were welcomed by Swatch, the famous dog of the store!!! Fashion and dogs! Gotta love that combo.

The store has three levels filled with fabrics from all around the world. It made me wish I knew more about fabrics. But I could still appreciate all the different fabrics. 

The way Mood receives its’ fabrics is from the leftovers of the mills.

Not only can you buy fabrics but, the store also has sewing classes. 

We also had the opportunity to visit the Mood Home, where interior designers and fashion designers go to shop for home design. But every now and then a clothing or costume designer goes in and grabs a few pieces of fabric.

“With that being said, thank you Mood”

Stop 5: Material Connection

This stop was a little different than our other stops. Material Connection has a focus on innovation. They find different fibers and materials and becoming the middle man for designers, electronic engineers and much more. 

What do I mean by innovative?

How about a leather that is heat sensitive?

All of the materials are voted into the library of materials. They are also categorized — well duh, library! Get it!

Science meets creativity!

Some of the customers are Nike and Air Jordan. They have found different materials to make different shoe materials out of. 

A short stop that made a lasting impression.

Stop 4: Doneger Creative Services. 

Doneger is known for it’s trend forecasting and merchandising for retail.

We started the tour with Liz, the sales director for Doneger. She went over the process for trend forecasting through Doneger’s different trend books. Which are available online or they can be sent to you. There are multiple different books. “Color Concept”, “Design Concept”, “Design Workshop”, “Color Workshop” . 

Each book has inspirations and themes. Whether it be art, film, food, lifestyle, or what was trending last year. 

Fun Fact: It takes a span of 6 months for every color to be forecast. A very fast turn around.

PART 2

Yeah, that’s right. We got a part 2. Jamie, who has many hats at the company, gave us a presentation of her trend forecasting. She travels the world to see what will be next over here in America. 

It was so fascinating how everything translates itself from design to street and then again in the U.S. 

Most of the trends are forecasted as far as two years ahead! 

I wish I understood more of the technical side of forecasting but Doneger is so interesting for someone who doesn't have the full knowledge of fashion forecasting.

Stop 3: Fox Unlimited.

Our third stop on this study tour took us to one of the leading fur and leather suppliers for designers. Yes, we stopped in with some fur suppliers in the middle of June. But, it’s their busiest time of the year surprisingly!

The company is owned by brothers Marvin and Jack. The family owned company has provided fur to designers such as Alexander Wang, Elizabeth & James, Ralph Lauren and wait for it… Yeezy himself. That’s right, the fur you saw during Kanye West’s sold out Madison Square Garden show during this year’s fashion week, Fox Unlimited provided the fur. As well as, the fur you saw on the Kardashians and the Jenners. Another fun fact they designed those fur looks the day of the show. Pretty impressive!

The company not only provides fur for other designers but they have their own line of furs, Tasha Tarno. The prices are at a lower retail price to cater to the younger customer.

All the pieces are made within the studio. They have their own factory in the back of the studio. With that little fun fact being know, don’t be shocked if you were in the building and saw designers and celebrities going in and out of the studio office.

Stop 3: Hautelook.com. This stop was a little different from our first two stops. We actually had the opportunity to sit and hear the details that go into running an online store. 

Hautelook.com is a branch of Nordstrom and NordstromRack. You’ve probably seen the commercials for the website, I know I have. But, before I was able to get the insight and the background of the company from the buyers of the website, I really didn't know what the website was about.

It’s a website that offers beauty, home and fashion. They always have the next big trend. They have events every week to sell the products that they have on their website. 

The buyers, Julie, Aaron and Jamie, all work on home goods for the website as a team. Their job is to go out and find the best products for their customers which is usually female between the ages of 25 and 45 and lives in a metropolitan area. 

Even though the office seems so relaxed and chill they are defiantly very organized and hard working.

Stop 2: Rebecca Minkoff. I have three words for you - interactive touch screens. Those aren words you don't hear too often when it comes to shopping. But Rebecca Minkoff is one of the only stores to successfully have interactive touch screens incorporated within the customers shopping experience.

Lonnie, the store manager, opened our eyes into the future of shopping with one touch to the mirror. In the lobby area of the store a giant mirror plays the video of the Rebecca Minkoff collection during fashion week. With one touch the screen turns into a giant iPad. 

Not only can you order drinks while you shop but you can also start a fitting room without touching a piece of clothing. 

The fitting rooms have the interactive touch screen mirrors as well - That’s where the fun begins. The fitting rooms recognize an item once its been placed in the fitting room and it helps you build outfits with those items and others within the store. If you want one of those items all you have to do is choose the item and your size right on the screen! 

Wait! It gets even better. Everyone knows when they find that outfit and need a second opinion but they don't have anyone there with them so they send that awkward mirror selfie... like this one. 

Well, have no fear, no more awkward mirror pics here. They have the technology to have the mirror take a picture of you and send it to your friends directly from the fitting room. But, some times you want to put a little filter on it. They have something for that too. The fitting rooms can change lighting!

The technology doesn't stop at the fitting rooms. Rebecca Minkoff has tech accessories and I’m not just talking about phone cases. They are on a whole other level. Notification bracelets that vibrate when you get a notification on your phone, a wallet that not only carries your phone but charges it too, and a USB port that doubles as a bracelet. It’s basically every fashion spies dream, A.K.A a working women. 

Not only is Rebecca Minkoff  progressive with integrating technology with fashion they also were the only company that had their collection ready to buy in the store directly after their show during fashion week this year.  

They sure do know how to treat their customers right! They had a 20% off sale on regular priced and sale items. So, of course I had to take advantage! I walked away with designer jeans and a necklace for $60! I never thought I would be a person to buy designer jeans, let alone have the jeans be the best fitting pair of jeans I have ever had. If you couldn't tell by now this was my favorite stop on the tour so far, even though it’s only stop two. Mixing technology and fashion is my weakness! Thanks Rebecca! (Yes, I’m on a first name bases because those jeans just became my new best friend).

As we walk into the New York Hilton and up the escalator, we were welcomed by a pink carpet into the heavens of shoes. The pink and white signs read “FFANY” (Fashion Footwear Association of New York). Every shoe lovers dream but, this event is a little different. FFANY is a closed event to the public. Most of the time the event is for buyers in the industry but, thanks to Kent State’s NYC studio we had the great opportunity to go to the expo.

Our first stop at the shoe expo was at Seven Dials, a company owned by White Mountain. We got the chance to sit down and get the details of the company and the buying process from Kelly Fox, the buyer from Seven Dials. Seven Dials shoes are geared towards a younger consumer. You might have seen their shoes featured in Seventeen Magazine or in Macy’s stores. The shoes are trendy, wearable and affordable. I couldn't help but shop within my head while she was explaining the process of designing and selling.

The company focuses on updating the most popular shoe from the prior season. Seven Dials has a wide variety of shoes but, the ones I keyed in on this particular day were: sneakers, platforms, sandals, lace-ups, block heels, peep-toe booties, oxfords and metallics.

Our next shoe stop was the SCAD booth, Savanna College of Art and Design. Unfortunately, these shoes can’t be found in stores. These shoes were made by hand by the students themselves. Some were couture and high fashion others you could probably see in your nearest shoe store. Being able to see that kind of talent up close and in person was amazing.

That’s not where the shoe show ends. In parts of the hotel, the rooms were set up as mini shoe showrooms. We were able to walk down the halls to sneak a peek in some of the rooms before we headed to the Shoes4aCure shoe sale in the lower level of the hotel. Shoes that were normally 75 dollars were on sale for 20 dollars! And that’s not even the best part, 50 percent of the money goes towards cancer research. 

FFANY was such an amazing opportunity and a shoe loves dreams! Thanks to FFANY and Kent State’s NYC studio.