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.