The grind of fashion show coverage during New York Fashion Week is an impossible undertaking. Especially when no designer is offering something spectacular that would knock your socks off. With the exception of the very few design talents who present classic, well made seasonal offerings that are refined, admired and sold to select tastemakers, the show are just that – `shows.’ The issue is what was being shown. Unfortunately, most of it is not worth seeing, but, that’s another conversation. What was impressive this season, was a series of panel discussions billed as `The Talks’ where industry insiders sat on a panel to discuss topical issues pertaining to the inside dealings of the fast-paced fashion industry, that the `shows’ are built around.

BEYOND THE SHOWS – BEHIND THE SCENES

Topics covered included `From Castings to Campaign’ with JESSICA ANDREWS of Teen Vogue as moderator. `How we changed it’ presented by VISA, featured female disruptors on breaking boundaries and re-writing the rules. `Meet the Front Five’ presented by E! went behind the scenes with industry tastemakers, featuring designers REBECCA MINKOFF, LA QUAN SMITH & IMG Model CANDICE HUFFINE, make-up artist ROMY SOLEIMANI and Teen Vogue’s EIC, LINDSAY WRIGHT PEOPLES. `In Conversation with NOOR TAGOURI and NIKKI OGUNNAIKE’ expounded identity and inclusivity: what can be learned from the present to change the future.

BOZOMA ST JOHN

Spring Studios Seventh Floor —- was the perfect venue for these `Talks’ that usually ended in a short Q&A fenced by a meet & greet of the participants. BOZOMA ST JOHN, CMO of Endeavor, the mega-watt company that owns IMG (who are the producers of NY Fashion Week) moderated a powerful panel themed `Fashion as an agent for Social Change’ which examined the rise of sustainability, inclusivity, and Africa luxury brands. The panel featured actress ROSARIO DAWSON and ABRIMA ERWIAH co-founders of a thriving fashion company labeled Studio 189. These two young ladies who have been friends since teenagers said the company has been a blend, born out of friendship. They were inspired by a trip to the Congo at a time when Abrima worked for the Italian design label Bottega Veneta. “We also saw an incredible circle of sustainability in Ghana and started the company,” said Abrima. Rosario added that she comes from a proud family of Latino women in New York City and spoke of the great experiences women bring to entrepreneurial efforts on a global level. Moderator, Bozoma spoke of her pride of the continent of Africa and the richness it brings to the industry as a whole. Studio 189 Clothing has roots in Africa and Bozoma expressed pride in the owners taking action on this high level, in terms of their production and creativity. “I always ask why some big organization isn’t doing something…..It’s not about just the women wearing clothes. Now we have the tools to make our dreams come through.”

PASSION MEETS PURPOSE

Later that evening, author/editor CONSTANCE C.R. WHITE (How To Slay on Rizzoli Books) moderated the panel on `Passion Meets Purpose’ presented by Tresemme’ set the tone for `Inspirational Women who speak out and stand out with Style,’ discussed barriers they overcame on their journeys to success. Guests panelists were fashion designer CARLY CUSHNIE, artist/immigrant activist PAULA MENDOZA and fashion stylist (Michelle Obama) consultant MEREDITH KOOP. Paula, answering the question of – `What does art matter now?’  “I spoke to over 100 artists on the value of art and beyond to make sure the truth is being told. Artist and art have the power to inspire love especially in this climate of hate.” On her activism, Paula later talked about documenting the caravan to the US border. “It was some of the most difficult human situations I’ve ever seen. It was complete chaos with no one in control. In the swarm of chaos, how can we do something.” She emphasized the necessity for `team effort’ in every situation: “The idea of community is not a solo endeavor, it’s a sale….togetherness is better dealt with as a community.”

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE

Designer Carly Cushnie said “Being a designer is something I always wanted to do. From my art projects in school, I knew, but that feeling shifts when you are selling and creating  something that’s functional and putting my customers needs first, and it’s not about ego.” Carly continued; “There are always going to be obstacles. I’ve had my business for ten years, being naive and too bold probably worked for me. Like retailers saying “no”, and not being able to fund the show or keep up with the cash flow. For me, it’s been about surrounding yourself with a great team and support system and working together as a team. I’ve come to realize its all about a team effort.” When asked by moderator Constance C.R. White about a defining moment in her career, Carly said: “I’ve been lucky enough to dress an amazing group of people, also, seeing a random person wearing your dress, someone went into a store and purchased my dress.”

DEFINING MOMENT

Meredith Koop known for styling First Lady Michelle Obama said her purpose in life is ever evolving and you can change. “Serving this person, I felt that was my purpose at that moment. I try to align myself with people who have the same values.” About overcoming obstacles, Meredith revealed; “A lot of my obstacles were internal and that affected my work. I have a personal care regiment, there is a long list of things I have to do to show up for life…like therapy, medication, work-outs.” On the topic of defining moments in her career, Meredith revealed; “There were so many moments…to see something you did present, and how people reacted to it. Being in the White House, it’s crazy, you don’t even understand it – the whole thing is bizarre, but I always wanted to be respectful.”