It’s taken me some time since getting back from Paris to collect my thoughts. It was such a whirlwind trip and I made so many great memories. Like so many creatives before and so many to come, Paris is truly a place to be inspired. It’s not the history or even the shows that I attended which were divine, of course, but it’s the people. The energy, the vibrations, everything is so elevated. You’re surrounded by all of these individuals and for some it’s apparent why they are t

A break from Palais de Tokyo, I found myself at the American Cathedral for the Songzio show. Stepping in for my Parisian mentor Florence and experiencing some invitation difficulties I quickly found myself sitting second row for this show. An Oz green sheet of light making the inside of this cathedral almost unrecognizable, and the bass of a house beat not even the most powerful church organ could yield, this is not your typical Sunday mass. This collection really leaned into

There is something special to be said about the students of the Academy of Art University. Not only is the student body dedicated to pursuing their own individual talents in the creative field, but they are persistent in their mission to deliver unique works of art to inspire industry professionals and their peers. What better way for our design students to share their creations than at our Academy of Art Graduation Fashion Show! This year was a particularly sentimental showc

When it comes to conversations around fashion, I’ve always been interested in the intention behind the work. Oftentimes in our culture and society today, everything is so instantaneous, and everyone is eager for the finished, final product. This is why I enjoy being a journalist because I get to have the opportunity to sit down with creatives in the fashion industry and actually get to know the designer. Yet, even I have my own preconceived notions about how the interview wil

I landed in Paris at approximately 11a in the morning. I made my way to Bd de la Chappelle which I had originally thought was walking distance to Sacre Coeur and central Montmartre, yet I was sorely mistaken. However, for myself, I am just so happy to be in Paris, that it didn’t really matter to me just how far away I was from my chosen destination, let alone that I was in one of the less safe neighborhoods in Paris. My friends would later make a point to escort me to and fro

My last show to attend for my second day of menswear week was Natasha Zinko. Gathered outside with a growing group of fashion week goers we are soon ushered into another waiting area with some shade. Much appreciated. As we wait there is some ambiance music, classes of sparkling lemonade in paper cups that don the Ukrainian flag colors. A foreshadowing of what we’re about to experience? Absolutely and not so surprising as Zinko is Ukrainian born with family who still reside i

School of Fashion alumna Emily Landsman has been working in the footwear industry for over 20 years. It is no surprise that her new footwear brand, Della Terra, is finally coming into its existence, but it may be surprising in how it’s come to fruition. Della Terra, which means “of the land” in Italian, is an homage to Landsman’s last name and a testament to the journey that her customers have with her shoes. It’s not an end, but rather an ongoing relationship with a brand th

The final show I attended was at the Palais de Tokyo. It was the end of fashion week and I expected to simply sit back and observe with the intent of reporting, and not really experiencing. However, I was quickly corrected and redirected to a different experience with Steven Passaro’s presentation. A few models and a couple dancers assembled under the low ceilings one floor level underground made a much bigger impact than expected. Are You Fully Living is the name of this col

In an era of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know we can still rely on Fashion Week. Viewing this year’s menswear designers via the digital fashion platform Runway 360, which allows fashion enthusiasts to keep up with every fashion show, we saw collections demonstrating themes such as community from Onyrmrk, traditional Japanese artistry courtesy of KoH T and vibrant imaginative cinematic references from Ka Wa Key. Keeping in line with Covid-19 restrictions, designers present

Paris has been long known as the center of inspiration for so many creatives. Writers, movie producers, musicians and painters flocked to Paris, and still do, to tap into the endless fountain of creative inspiration. In the twenties, F. Scott Fitzerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein seemingly fled the United States for the City of Love to discover or rather unveil that layer of creativity that they felt America had robbed them of. In this century, not much has changed.

Sleep is an escape and waking is a requirement I can’t deny. What I thought would only last for a few weeks has consumed me for several months now. Living with bipolar has been a curse but if you can believe it, also a blessing. Yet here we are, another morning that’s just like all the others except I can’t hide beneath feather duvets or my sweatshirt and Calvin Klein men’s briefs. Today I have an engagement and I plan on showing up. However, as I look at my closet it feels l