West 17th Street
LAUNCH NYC presents: Manufacture New York Incubator Runway Shows
Fall/Winter 2014
We didn't recognize any of our fellow attendees at last night's Runway show-featuring three designer labels…which had us a tad nervous.
But once the first model walked down the runway and removed a neoprene looking, boxy jacket-to reveal a sharply crafted black ensemble-with industrial vibe accessories...we thought to ourselves-this is going to be good.
And it all was really well done in fact. The focused ensembles by the three collections- Minnoji, Modu, and Mimi New York---had a point of view, were well styled and made- and bonus points- perfectly fitted, modern attire…that are the kind of clothes that individuals who respect and know fashion -would want to wear. In fact this is the kind of show individual boutique owners should attend if they want to survive online sales and big box stores with marketing might.
The whole concept of a pop-up shop, featuring a few clothing lines and accessories-reminded us of Berlin Fashion Week in a good way…whereby talent without the big money muscle-get to show/sell their wares.
What was also special-the collections were made In NYC ---"launched" by Manufacture New York-a fashion incubator & factory for independent fashion designers, produced in partnership with photography retailer Adorama where all our professional photographer pals get their equipment.
Our fav was the first designer Milena Encheva-and her Minnoji label of very sophisticated clothing.
 |
| Milena Encheva-totally rocks her look |
Originally from Bulgaria…Mincheva has tailoring skills second to none. It reminded us of Francis Costa's work for Calvin Klein which makes sense as that is on the designer's resume. www.minnoji.com
The second group was by a design team Yuteng Mo and Shicheo Du---with menswear inspired women's clothing for their label Modu. www.modu.us
Mimi New York should find favor with Lady Gaga-or those that want that kind of fantastical sustainable couture use of fabrics that are swoon inducing- 19th century silk lace, antique embroideries and jet beadwork-reassembled into gowns that command attention. All amazing-and sensuous too.
The shoes by Zack Lo -incredible too-kudos to the models for walking in them well.
FYI:
LAUNCH NYC runs February 5-12th, including upcoming runway presentations from Carrie Hammer, Laurel DeWitt, Tabii Just, Daniel Silverstein, Gita Omri, Laquan Smith, Namm Clothing and Luar Zepol.
For more information, visit:
MNY Mission Statement:
Our mission is to reawaken and rebuild America's fashion industry, foster the next wave of businesses, and create a transparent, sustainable global supply chain. Manufacture New York is a hybrid fashion incubator and factory dedicated to providing independent fashion designers with the resources and skills to streamline their process, from concept to customer. We are driving the transformation of local manufacturing, so it can be the most affordable, innovative, and sustainable option for all.
About LAUNCH NYC:
LAUNCH NYC is an 8-day experience that takes NYFW to a whole new level. LAUNCH NYC combines a state-of-the-art runway with luxurious retail and showroom space. Designers can show their latest collection on the runway, and then host their samples in the adjacent showroom for private appointments with buyers and press, while selling from their current collection to New York's fashion-loving public in the retail pop-up store. This is a model for the future that not only makes sense from a marketing and branding point of view, but also from an economic standpoint for independent designers. LAUNCH NYC is an innovative, integrated New York Fashion Week experience that is sustainable for designers and the fashion industry as a whole.