independent fashion

NYC is one of the fashion capitals of the world and known to house some of the best runway shows in the world. Many people are not aware that in the streets of New York is where you see what New York fashion is all about. I will give you a rundown of the best place to see and shop for fashion in NYC. Today I will talk about the stellar shopping in Union Square and the fashion forward look in Harlem, NYC. Welcome to a sneak peek at NYC Concrete Runway!

Union Square

Manhattan is full of great places to see some fabulous fashion. Though I love Fashion week, I can see some serious style at several places in Manhattan. One of my favorite places to check out some style is Union Square. Union square is full of fashion and style. From the Uptown diva to the downtown diva, Union Square is one of my favorite picks to see some serious style. Fashion around Union Square is a snap shot of the style of NYC. Union Square is the best place to find a kaleidoscope of style and fashion. The best place to see fashion is at Greenmarket farmers in market Union Square. Some of the best fashions can be seen there. Who knew that buying veggies could be so stylish.

There are also some great stores in the Union Square area you that need to be seen in order to embrace the style of NYC. One of my favorite fashion havens is Nordstrom Rack in Union Square! This is the best place to brand names on a knockoff budget. Everyone is having money issue with this recession so this is great for all my L&L divas and divos. So if you love great clothes and designer labels but you more is a bit short, than Nordstrom Rack in Union Square is it. Yeah Nordstrom Rack!

I love Vintage shops and Union square is filled with great vintage shops! If your look is vintage than high fashion than go to the fabulous Shareen Vintage in NYC. This shop is full of fashion goodies. You can find fashion gold in the racks of Shareen Vintage. They hold some of the best designer names and classic apparel than any huge department store. When you buy vintage, you buy a piece of fashion history. There are tons of vintage shops all over Union Square, make sure you explore Union Square for all it fashion treats.

Harlem

From the runway to the Boulevard, Harlem NYC has been an inspiration to many fashion designers and stylist. Many designers in the industry use the style and essence of Harlem as a muse to their collection. There are tons of places to go in Harlem to find fashion gold but nothing compares to 125th street! 125th is home to the legendary Apollo and some of the best fashions the city. From urban to chic, Harlem has it all. Just take the A train up town, get off at 125^th street and look at all the different styles, looks, and up and coming trends that Harlem has to offer. Many do not realize that Harlem is the place where many fashion trends start.

There are tons of stores that are a must when visiting Harlem. First make sure you stop by House of Hoops by Foot Lockers. This store has the most exclusive sneakers on the market. If you are a sneaker head than this is you one and only stop you will want to make.if you are a lover of urban inspired fashion than definitely check out Atmos NYC, Dj Jays, and Jimmy Jazz. These stores have a great selection of apparel.

For all my cosmetic diva out there make sure you stop by two stores on 125^th street, M·A·C cosmetics and Carol’s Daughter. Both of these stores has everything you need to get your makeup tight and you hair and skin look right. There are also many great mainstream and boutique on 125^th, which makes shopping a breeze. I would suggest visiting all shops along 125^th. There are some huge labels that call Harlem home like American Apparel and H&M. While the shopping at all the stores in Harlem is great, some the best items you can find are on the tables of the dozens of street vendors that lines 125^th. I found some chic and reasonable accessories street side. You can get just about anything from the street vendors, from hoop earring to great novels. Harlem is a shoppers dream.

Well my L&L readers, this is the conclusion of the Concrete Runway: NYC – Union Square and Harlem edition. Later on this week I will give you a look at the infamous Madison Ave in NYC and Soho!

Photo Courtesy

Emerging independent designers get to showcase their collections at Nolcha Fashion Week: New York thanks to the mastermind behind this event, Kerry Bannigan. There was a need to fill a void during Fashion Week where globally minded designers could come together to exhibit their collections. Nolcha Fashion Week: New York takes place simultaneously during New York Fashion Week and brings apparel and accessory designers from all over the world including Brazil, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Russia and many other countries. I was able to interview Kerry Bannigan and asked her to share a few behind the scenes details about this amazing event and it’s benefits to the fashion world.

What was your inspiration behind Nolcha Fashion Week: New York?

Listening to fashion designers discuss the need for a cost effective platform to showcase their collections to trade. We wanted to provide this but ensure a professional environment and ability to strengthen a designers brand.

In September 2006 we did runway shows for 6 designers in New York and London. Several seasons on and we have worked with over 160 brands and have introduced the Accessory Exhibition, Ethical Fashion Preview and Beyond the Runway Award.

How has Nolcha Fashion Week changed over the years?

Each season we expand the Nolcha Fashion Week: New York platform including additional opportunities for designers and our sponsors. We have introduced the Accessory Exhibition and the Ethical Fashion Preview; as well as launched the Beyond the Runway Award this season thanks to LooseButton, MSLK, Ernst & Young, Orrick and Studio Light.

Our support from sponsors grows each year and it is thanks to these companies, such as NY Post, DonQ Rum, Riazul Tequila, Gibellieri Shoes and Marcel at the Gramercy Hotel, that we can offer affordable options for the independent fashion market.

What do you know now that you didn’t know the first season?

That no matter how precisely you plan or how organized you think you are something will always happen last minute, especially when dealing with so many creative personalities. You learn to find a fast solution then laugh.

How can this event benefit the fashion world?

Nolcha Fashion Week: New York provides a select showcase of independent fashion designers who are seeking to grow their brand in the USA market. The event supports the fashion designer with a turn-key solution; while providing a convenient destination for media, retailers, stylists, show rooms and other industry executives to attend and connect with relevant contacts to conduct business. We introduce a lot of brands to New York and therefore give our guests the advantage of working with cutting edge brands.

What was the greatest compliment that you received about this event?

We receive many compliments about the event but for me the biggest compliments are in the actions of our returning sponsors, designers and industry support.

What can viewers look forward to at this years show?

This season we have introduced the Ethical Collective runway show in association with Bel Esprit showcasing sustainable brands Elena Garcia, Tammam, Miksani and Nicole Bridger among others.

We will be debut an interesting selection of designers including Hepsen Uzcan, N Kwon, Stella Simona and Narciss.

Which designer would you say is the “one to watch”?

Dora Abodi continues to intrigue me and I think the industry will be impressed, once again, by her latest collection.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with my readers?

There is the chance to work with our Style Director, Gabrielle Teare, backstage for a runway show. Visit www.facebook.com/nolcha

Nolcha is a leading business platform for independent fashion designers and retailers via educational, online and event resources; making business easy for the fashion minded. The Nolcha platform includes Global Fashion Brands, a fashion brand placement resource connecting retailers, stylists and media to independent fashion designers; Fashion Entrepreneur Report, daily How To fashion business videos; Nolcha Fashion Week: New York, currently held during New York Fashion Week providing key exposure to press, buyers, and industry figures for independent fashion designers from all over the world to break into the New York fashion market, in both apparel and accessories; events during London Fashion Week and Independent Retail Week in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco, an initiative to drive business and increase revenue for independent fashion retailers.