Friday, September 13, 2024

Ekouaer Debuts Collection at New York Fashion Week

Ekouaer Debuts Collection at New York Fashion Week

Ekouaer made a stunning debut at New York Fashion Week on 8 September, unveiling two exquisite collections that captivated the audience with their unique take on women's loungewear. Adding to the allure of the event, supermodel Helena Christensen graced the runway, bringing an extra layer of sophistication and star power to the show.


Held at the iconic Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York, the show set the stage for a presentation that was as calming as it was elegant—perfectly encapsulating Ekouaer's mission to create a utopia of freedom, relaxation, and health.

The first collection, designed by Ekouaer's in-house team, emphasized a "less is more" philosophy, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and the power of understated elegance. Every piece was thoughtfully crafted to offer an "oxygen space" in the world of clothing—a sanctuary where women could forget life's troubles, escape work pressures, and rejuvenate their tired bodies. The luxurious, soft fabrics were carefully chosen not just for their comfort, but for their ability to gently embrace the wearer's inner essence, reminding them of the tranquility that Ekouaer strives to infuse into every garment.

The overarching theme was a return to authenticity—a call to escape the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with oneself. This collection was not merely about aesthetics but also about fostering a lifestyle where simplicity and comfort reign supreme. Each design was a cherished addition to any wardrobe, offering a tangible connection to Ekouaer's core values of authenticity, comfort, and inner peace. It was a celebration of the comfort found in being true to oneself—a reflection of Ekouaer's dedication to guiding people back to a long-lost sense of authenticity and leisure.

The second collection was the result of a collaboration with Isabella Cortese, the co-founder of Nube Studio in Barcelona. An Italian designer with an impressive background, Cortese graduated from the prestigious IED Moda Milano and has built a career that includes notable roles such as apparel graphic designer at Moncler and head graphic designer at A Better Mistake. Her collaboration with Ekouaer brought a fresh perspective to the show, blending her rich imagination with the brand's commitment to timelessness.

Cortese's designs were deeply inspired by nature, with flowers serving as the central motif. The collection beautifully captured three distinct moments of blooming during the spring-summer journey: the early morning mist, the golden sunset, and the serene midnight. Each piece was not just a garment but an invitation to savor life's quieter moments—a core mission of Ekouaer.

Through delicate floral prints, Cortese expressed the passage of time and the evolving emotions that accompany it. The result was a range that felt both deeply personal and universally appealing, syncing the wearer's breath with the rhythm of nature and offering a moment of tranquility amid the busyness of daily life. These designs were more than just fashion statements; they were an embodiment of Ekouaer's vision of creating an oasis of calm and authenticity in a fast-paced world.

The models on the runway embodied this natural elegance, with floral elements seamlessly integrated into their looks. Their graceful postures and the subtle yet impactful designs highlighted the quiet strength and charm that the collection sought to evoke.

Whether at home or on the road, these pieces offered a connection to nature and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in simplicity—a true testament to Ekouaer's dedication to crafting an "oxygen space" in fashion.

Ekouaer's debut at New York Fashion Week was more than just a fashion show—it was a celebration of inner peace, authenticity, and the timeless allure of nature. With these two collections, the brand has successfully introduced a new kind of luxury that speaks to the soul and resonates deeply with those seeking comfort and style in their everyday lives.

This momentous occasion in Ekouaer's journey towards global recognition highlighted the brand's commitment to its mission: to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide by offering them a sanctuary of tranquility in the form of fashion.

Source Ekouaer

Friday, September 6, 2024

HIROMI ASAI SS25 collection unveiled at New York Fashion Week

HIROMI ASAI SS25 collection unveiled at New York Fashion Week

New York based fashion brand, HIROMI ASAI, has been trying to revive the essence of Japanese Kimono for modern luxury fashion. The designer, Hiromi Asai, first presented authentic Kimonos on runway at the New York Fashion Week in 2016. Subsequently, HIROMI ASAI has been developing men's wears made of Japanese Kimono textiles, which were presented at Pitti Uomo, New York, Miami, and Paris Fashion Weeks every season since 2017. HIROMI ASAI gets international acclaims for its unique styles and concepts, and outstanding qualities.


HIROMI ASAI presents Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collection on runway at Flying Solo New York Fashion Week Show, starting at 3pm ET on September 9, 2024. The collection title is "TRANSITIONING SEASONS", which represents the sequence of seasons and unveils once-in-a-lifetime encounter clothing. Different from the previous collections, this collection features patchworks and vivid colors. Japanese traditional motifs are excellently integrated in this collection, which implies the course of nature during the transitional seasons. HIROMI ASAI always respects Japanese tradition and evolves traditional Japanese textiles to worldwide high fashion by progressive forms with all details inspired by Kimono. Japanese craftsmen, who usually manufacture textiles for authentic Kimono, and Hiromi Asai developed new textiles for this collection. The collection was tailored by Japanese unparalleled techniques. HIROMI ASAI SS25 collection could be recognized as treasures created by Japanese artisanship.

"This collection is different from any of our previous collections. Please take notice of variety of colors, which represents the transitioning seasons," Ms. Hiromi Asai said. "The essence of Kimono stays in the fabrics rather than in its forms. We are evolving Japanese traditional textiles to luxury high fashion for all over the world."

HIROMI ASAI SS25 collection is also unveiled during the Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2024 and the Paris Fashion Week on September 30, 2024 After these premier debuts, this collection will be available at the boutique and showroom in New York.

Source HIROMI ASAI - Mode & Classic LLC

 

Monday, September 2, 2024

Vans Celebrates New York's Skate Community with a Block Party in Brooklyn

Vans Celebrates New York's Skate Community with a Block Party in Brooklyn

Vans' core mission is to celebrate skateboarding's impact on culture and champion the skateboarding world's creatives who are "Always Pushing" progression. Part of that uplifting of the skate community includes throwing events globally — like a memorable music and skate installation at the Sacré Coeur during Paris Fashion Week and sponsorship of The Bunt Jam 2024, a raucous celebration of Toronto's skateboarding culture — and now Vans is set to touch down at Vans Skate Space 198 in Bushwick, Brooklyn for an all-day block party.



Occurring right in the middle of New York Fashion Week on September 7, the party is a celebration of the brand's long-standing support of NYC skate culture and an opportunity to bring together the individuals, brands, and shops in New York that, just like Vans, are "Always Pushing."

During the day, there will be an open skate session at Vans Skate Space 198's extensive concrete park and a prize-filled skate jam with a cash-for-tricks component and gift card giveaways from skate shops KCDC, Labor, and Tenant. For those newer to the world of skating, KCDC and Sk8Babes will also host free skate lessons. Sign up here for skate lessons.

Accompanying the skating will be a community-focused "Off the Wall" market from Vans family members like LQQK Studio, Quartersnacks, PunkandYo, Homerun, Star Team, EC Melodi, FTI, Nayfandwavey and more. Vans Skateboarding team members like Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow, Dick Rizzo, Shiloh Catori, Rowan Zorilla, Zion Wright, Curren Caples, and Efron Danzig will be in attendance. Additionally, there will be DJs throughout the day, including LQQK Studios, Ben Kadow, and King Marie, as well as food and beverage vendors.

The good times don't end when the sun goes down either, as Vans will transform the space into a "skate rave" at night. After a Skate Session with the Vans Skateboarding team, the venue will turn the lights down and the bass up, featuring fresh ghettotech from Detroit's HiTech and New York's Jubilee.

About Vans

Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the leading skateboarding and original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live "Off The Wall" embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture across action sports, music, art and design.

Source Vans


Nayrouz Olarte Launches Global Fashion Trade Organization

Nayrouz Olarte Launches Global Fashion Trade Organization

Nayrouz Olarte Announces the Formation of International Fashion Federation, a Global Trade Organization for all Stakeholders in Fashion, Tourism and Hospitality.

Multi-passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist Nayrouz Olarte, known for her transformative leadership as the former President of the Board of Orlando International Fashion Week and founder of the HER Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of the International Fashion Federation (IFF). This groundbreaking global trade organization is dedicated to uniting stakeholders in fashion, tourism and hospitality committed to a mission that enhances the cities of tomorrow through the synergistic power of fashion.

 

While other leading fashion organizations focus on global trade, designer recognition through awards, and education and resources for support with things like materials, supply chain and manufacturing, IFF will focus on the connection between the fashion industry and the business interests of a thriving city.

"By propelling fashion into a cultural conversation, we can form a collective interest and impact communities just as the performing arts have done for centuries. I believe that fashion can bring the world together because it's a universal language of self-expression; it's the art of our everyday lives. Infusing fashion into the fabric of a city has a profound impact on its culture, tourism, and luxury markets. Florida is the second most valuable real estate market in the country, and we envision matching that value from an art, fashion, and cultural perspective. I've seen firsthand how an emphasis on fashion can revitalize a city, and I'm passionate about expanding this work throughout Florida and then into other parts of the world," said Nayrouz Olarte.

Nayrouz's past experience in her culinary career, serving her community in a pivotal role at Orlando International Fashion Week, and as founder of HER Foundation set the stage for this vision to come to life. Olarte's focus for the past several years has been in the non-profit space. She launched HER Foundation and hosted an inaugural HER Gala where she partnered with Jackie Siegel and Victoria's Voice Foundation. That fashion show gala event caught the attention of the board of directors at Orlando International Fashion Week and she was later named CEO. She has shown the city of Orlando how powerful the intersection of fashion, luxury lifestyle, hospitality and tourism can be. Her first project upon launching the International Fashion Federation will be called Glamour for Good, a show to benefit NonPareil students with Autism. 

Business leaders, city planners, and innovators are invited to join the IFF as founding trustees or members, shaping a future where fashion plays a central role in urban development and cultural enrichment. This is an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement that leverages fashion as a catalyst for social transformation and economic growth.

Source: International Fashion Federation

 

Saturday, August 31, 2024

eBay Launches its First-Ever Pre-Loved Fashion Week in New York and London

eBay Launches its First-Ever Pre-Loved Fashion Week in New York and London

Today, eBay announces its inaugural Pre-Loved Fashion Week, in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and British Fashion Council (BFC). A live, shoppable runway show, "Endless Runway," will feature pre-loved looks from designers like Khaite, Off-White, Christopher Kane and Simone Rocha. The shows will precede the SS2025 Official New York and London Fashion Week schedules – followed by daily drops on eBay curating the best pre-loved fashion from top designers.

 


Today, eBay announces its inaugural Pre-Loved Fashion Week, in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and British Fashion Council (BFC). A live, shoppable runway show, "Endless Runway," will feature pre-loved looks from designers like Khaite, Off-White, Christopher Kane and Simone Rocha. The shows will precede the SS2025 Official New York and London Fashion Week schedules – followed by daily drops on eBay curating the best pre-loved fashion from top designers.

"eBay has been a driving force in promoting more sustainable fashion," said Kirsty Keoghan, eBay's GM of Fashion. "With the launch of Pre-Loved Fashion Week, we're showing up on fashion's biggest stage and demonstrating that authentic designer fashion doesn't have to be out of reach."

eBay's Commitment to Circular Fashion

Nearly $50 billion (roughly £40 billion) worth of secondhand luxury products were sold worldwide in 20231, fueled by younger consumers looking for accessible entry points into the traditionally exclusive luxury market. On eBay, pre-loved and refurbished makes up 40% of eBay's gross merchandise volume, and in June 2024, global eBay users searched for "vintage" over 1000 times a minute, on average. This demand for pre-loved has created a groundswell of support for circular fashion initiatives and Pre-Loved Fashion Week demonstrates how easy it can be to find high-quality, authentic pre-loved designer fashion on eBay.

"New York Fashion Week showcases the best of American fashion and beyond, and it is amazing how eBay brings together such a stellar selection of vintage, archival, and coveted items from these brands," said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. "eBay Pre-Loved Fashion Week and its Endless Runway live show connects the past, present and future – and delivers a powerful reminder that the future of fashion is circular."

"As we celebrate 40 years of London Fashion Week, we are excited to partner with eBay to showcase the incredible British brands and designers that have played such an important part of London Fashion Week over the past four decades," said Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council. "The Endless Runway catwalk will bring new life to archival pieces while making fashion week accessible to a wider audience and empowering consumers to prioritize sustainable and circular fashion choices."

eBay Endless Runway: New York's first Pre-Loved Fashion Show

Curated and styled by fashion creative Wisdom Kaye and co-hosted by fashion writer Liana Satenstein, the eBay Endless Runway presentation in New York will feature immediately shoppable items (via eBay Live) from previous collections and archival pieces from designers showing during NYFW – from Toteme to Brandon Maxwell to Eckhaus Latta to Ralph Lauren. Endless Runway will be the first entirely pre-loved runway show at NYFW. eBay will continue to showcase its unparalleled selection by releasing daily drops every day of NYFW that feature pre-owned pieces from top designers showing their new collections in New York.

"Working with eBay to bring Endless Runway to life has been so creatively rewarding," said Wisdom Kaye, Fashion Creative represented by IMG Models and WME. "When I style my own outfits, the goal is always to break through conformity, to create something that's totally one-of-a-kind – and choosing pre-loved gives me limitless possibilities. Plus, it's the most sustainable way to actually own the designer items you love but feel unattainable."

Shoppers can tune in to watch the eBay Endless Runway on September 5, 2024, at 12 PM ET exclusively on eBay Live, eBay's live shopping platform accessible via the eBay app. The daily drops of additional pre-owned pieces will be released every day of NYFW at 6 PM ET beginning September 5 through 11 at ebay.com/pre-lovedfashionweek.

eBay Endless Runway: Celebrating 40 Years of London Fashion Week

Curated by eBay's Pre-Loved Style Director Amy Bannerman and co-hosted by model and presenter Leomie Anderson, the eBay Endless Runway presentation in London will feature immediately shoppable items from past collections and archival pieces from the iconic designers and brands that have shaped the last four decades of London Fashion Week – from Christopher Kane to Molly Goddard – available exclusively on eBay Live. Following the show, eBay will share additional curated edits of the very best coveted pre-owned pieces from top British designers showing at London Fashion Week in the past 40 years.

"eBay is the first brand to show up at fashion week with an entirely pre-owned offering on the main schedule, which feels like the perfect way to mark 40 years of London Fashion Week," said model and eBay Live host Leomie Anderson. "Being able to shop pre-loved and vintage items on eBay has been crucial to developing my style over the years, and eBay Pre-Loved Fashion Week and the Endless Runway shows how anything and everything you are searching for can be found on eBay."

Shoppers can tune in to watch the eBay Endless Runway on Thursday September 12, 2024, at 6.00pm BST exclusively on eBay Live, eBay's live shopping platform accessible via the eBay app. The daily drops of additional pre-owned pieces will be released every day of London Fashion Week beginning September 12 through 17 at ebay.co.uk.

About eBay

eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume.

About CFDA

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 with a membership of more than 420 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. Pillars include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the IMPACT initiative, as well as Sustainability in Fashion. The organization provides its Members with timely and relevant thought-leadership and business development support. Emerging designers and students are supported through professional development programming and numerous grant and scholarship opportunities. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, the organization owns the Fashion Calendar and is the organizer of the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes and engage in civic initiatives.


About British Fashion Council

The British Fashion Council (BFC), formed in 1983, is a not-for-profit organisation focused on the relentless innovation, responsible growth and local and global amplification of the British fashion industry. Its mission is to champion British fashion on the world stage by pioneering world class programmes that unlock and elevate British creative talent. This is fuelled by an extraordinary diverse and inspiring community of advocates, icons, experts, and fans.

The BFC amplifies excellence in creativity and its role in the UK's cultural influence through The Fashion Awards and London Fashion Week. The BFC prepares businesses for positive change through relentless innovation with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B), Web 3.0 and pivotal areas of the UK Circular Fashion Eco-system through the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). The BFC enables responsible growth through a dynamic, inclusive, and unified community that advocates for creativity, innovation and collectively supports the industry to grow and talent to gain access.

The BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 11852152) was created in 2019 for charitable purposes and grant giving; attracting, developing, and retaining talent through education and business mentoring. The BFC Foundation offers support to designers through four talent prizes: BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, BFC NEWGEN and the BFC Fashion Trust. With the support of the BFC Colleges Council, the BFC Foundation offers BA and MA scholarships to students, as well as links with industry through design competitions and Graduate Preview Day. The Fashion Awards is the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation.


 

McDonald's USA Invites Fans to Elevate Black Fashion Designers with Call to 'Show Up and Show Out in Black'

McDonald's USA Invites Fans to Elevate Black Fashion Designers with Call to 'Show Up and Show Out in Black'

 Did you know that only 7.3% of fashion designers in the U.S. are Black? [1] McDonald's USA understands the significance of this issue and has called for change through its Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion program, an initiative that pairs five rising Black designers with five fashion industry insiders for career-shifting mentorship and more.

The Golden Arches is now doubling down on the cause by bringing Change of Fashion to one of the industry's biggest stages, New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The fashion industry and fans nationwide are invited to Show Up and Show Out in Black-owned brands by supporting and shopping Black fashion designers during the month of September and beyond.

Coofandy and Ekouaer's New York Fashion Week Debut Kickstart Global Expansion Plans

Coofandy and Ekouaer's New York Fashion Week Debut Kickstart Global Expansion Plans

Leading international menswear brand Coofandy, and women's sleepwear label Ekouaer are set to make their debut at New York Fashion Week with a runway presentation at the iconic landmark building Cipriani at 25 Broadway on the evening of Sunday, September 8, 2024. This event will showcase their modern philosophy in both design and business.


Launched in 2015 with an Amazon storefront, Coofandy began as a startup offering accessible style for menswear aficionados, the initial collection range of de rigeur business shirts and suits soon expanded to include casual knitwear, tuxedos, and even beachwear. The brand's rapid ascent saw revenues surge from $6 million in its first year to a staggering $200 million by 2023. This explosive growth propelled Coofandy's expansion across European markets, focusing on the business shirts and suits category.