Hello, New York City! There's something about Jersey and Philly girls... we will take to the streets and blend in as a New Yorker effortlessly. When in New York, we do as the New Yorkers... link up with fellow correspondents and hit up some of the most exclusive brand events that New York Fashion Week has to offer!
New York is always a vibe... anytime... all year long; but the ambience that the city radiates during its fashion seasons is nothing short of a cultural experience. The whole mood from the moment you enter the city is absorbed and you get the impression that the the city streets is its own open runway. Whether thrifted or home-crafted, duped from Canal Street, or couture/high-fashion; native, visitor or transplant, you know the rules... make something outta nothing and make it fashion!
Want a firsthand account of the sights, sounds, and stylish moments that define a day at NYFW?
My day kicked off at Puma’s gifting suite, and let me tell you—Puma set the tone for what it means to spoil your guests from the moment you walk through the doors.
The brand is all about promoting health, wellness, and sustainability, so from the jump they welcomed guests with green juice served in glass bottles, water packaged in paper containers, and a variety of healthy snacks, including granola bars, apples, and bananas.
As you moved through the venue, Puma displayed an exclusive sneak peek of the PUMA x A$AP Rocky Collection as well as the PUMA x FENTY Collection.
And RiRi fans—if you’re ready for a nostalgic summer sandal, this collection is definitely bringing back those early 2000s jelly shoe vibes
Nope! The pampering didn't stop there because as we were greeted by upbeat members of the Puma team, we were also informed that we could fill our Puma goodie bags with sneakers from the range of designs on display?! Yes, sneakers with an S—because your girl left with THREE pair! While cliché, we undeniably felt like elated kids in a candy shop. The event not only provided free merchandise, it also offered a space to network with fellow content creators and take aesthetically pleasing photo ops. Puma set the bar for sure.
Next up, we hit up the Free Assembly and Scoop exclusive pop-up shop. These Walmart brands are providing fashionable, but budget-friendly styles for the whole family and even something for our doggie parents. Quality was an apparent theme... there was a sense of comfort when up close and feeling the fabrics that you were not only getting quality, but you didn't have to break the bank to do so. I would be remise if I didn’t grab a piece from the Scoop collection... the Grey Scuba Hooded Jacket screamed "Natasha..." a knit material and oversized chic look. My purchase came with a gift... a NYC Scoop vinyl bag along with the cosmetic bag overflowing with full-sized cosmetics from E.L.F. primer, Mario Badescu, and Being Shampoo. If you're all about being cute on a budget I would recommend that you shop Free Assembly and Scoop because where I come from, balling on a budget means being financially responsible while still serving cover-ready looks
When color and abstract shapes come to mind in the fashion world, who do you think of? Of course the dynamic identical twin duo, BruceGlen. The brothers' personalities are just as colorful and bold as their clothing; stepping into their intimate setting, we were immediately graced with the presence of Bruce and Glen interacting with their fans in a way that was so refreshing to see from the personalized videos to taking the time to hear each supporter relay a message of gratitude. Up close and personal with the brothers, self-proclaimed as the Fashion Preachers, felt like an escape... like time stopped. They use fashion as an escape during these trying times to decompress and said, "Dreaming and going after your dreams is super important...and using your gifts is the highest form of life lived on this earth."
Now, Millennials, step to the front! Because if you were a Disney Channel fan, then you know we had very few Black girls to look up to on the network.
So, if I say "pigtails, a white Peter Pan collar shirt, a red carriage, a maroon skirt," and then I shout—
‘I’m cute, I’m loud, and I got it goin’ on!’
You already know that’s the one and only Penny Proud! So, you can only imagine my thrill when I ran into thee iconic Kyla Pratt at the BruceGlen pop-up shop. Kyla was rocking a BruceGlen top and skirt combo with cutest purple kitten heels. The actress was incredibly friendly and outgoing. She gave "homegirl" charm. I was able to ask Kyla why she considered herself a Woman for the Culture and she said, "Because I celebrate everything us, baby! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR ANCESTRAL HISTORY, and I want all of us to feel the same way. So, I’M DEF A WOMAN FOR THE CULTURE. PERIOD!"
If I had to rate Fashion Week, it’s giving 10s across the board from the perfectly curated events, the vibes of "I see you girl" when coming across a fashion girlie, to knowing that fashion is a personal quest of who you are at this moment in time but will evolve with you in every era of you.
Until September, New York—this Philly girl is heading home, but you already know I'll be back for the next runway moment!
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