CAAFD - SS19 NYFW

Above design by Patricia Wijaya
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On September 10th September 2018, the CAAFD, The Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers, presented some of the most promising international emerging designers for the SS19 Collective Showcase. Partnering up with iFashion Network, and set at both Pier59 and Industria venue.
 
Presenting MOUTON BLANC, Zabetta Couture, Ayni and Thunyatorn at Pier 59 whilst the Industria collective showcased designers and brands Helena Bajaj-Larsen, Yufash, Sania Studio and Patricia Wijaya.

MOUTON BLANC
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Myles C.O Gittens opened the first show with a violin performance ahead of Hakuyo Miya’s brand Mouton Blanc SS19 collection. 

This was the second CAAFD sponsored showcase for the designer. The collection was a mix of fantasy, now synonymous with Miya, mixed with a wearable femininity and a palatte of white and some darker tones. Drawing upon inspiration from Miya's Japanese roots as well as his experience of time spent in Paris. Highlights of the collection were overalls and a jumpsuit in a fresh mix of textures. Miya’s collection was a beautiful balance of dreamlike femininity in this chic and wearable collection.

RUTH ZABETTA

Next Ruth Zabetta showcased her second CAAFD sponsored showcase. The epitomie of summer, this collection showed off Zabetta’s talent for creating truly feminine pieces, with modern lines and silhouettes. 

​Having been raised in both Spain and the Dominican Republic, Zabetta has drawn upon her rich cultural background to create this stunning and fresh collection. 

AYNI​

​Ayni was next up as the the brands creators, Danish designer Laerke, and Adriana from Peru marked their debut with the CAAFD for this SS19 collection. 

The design duo’s name is Peruvian and means, “Today for you, tomorrow for me.” Living up to their name, the designers explore and honor their ancient traditions, and source local materials to create a model of sustainable production. Not only are the designers looking to shine light on their culture, they also hope to create an ethical yet fashion-forward and high quality element to their designs.
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​Creating pieces with sheer materials and pieces inspired by swimsuit cuts, Ayni’s collection was one reminiscent of summer days, clear skies and sun drenched vacations with a palatte of yellows, reds and blues. 
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​THUNYATORN

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Designer Thunyatorn Ng stands proudly as the first Thai fashion designer to have presented at New York Fashion Week. Seeing the gap in the market in traditional Thai style clothing, Ng spent years researching Thai styles and influences to infuse into her collection. 
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With the aim of highlighting Thai clothing across the United States by blending traditional Thai styles with a modern take. Ng’s collection of dramatic dresses presented in black and gold were each shown with an incredible gold headpieces worn by each of the models. Featuring animals in 3D designs, which only further emphasized the drama of her elaborately designed dresses.
 

​HELENA BAJAJ-LARSEN
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​Next up for the CAAFD was the second show at New York's Industria Collective Showcase. 

Opening with Designer Helena Bajaj-Larsen who is of Half-Indian, Half-Norwegian heritage yet Parisian born and raised. The 23-year old designer is a newly graduated student of Parsons School of Design and launched her label just six months ago. 
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With her collection of specialized hand-painted textiles all created by the designer herself, Bajaj-Larsen manages to infuse her love of textile craftsmanship with her fashion design. Creating pieces for the woman with a, ‘nomadic lifestyle,’ whose travels take her across a variety of countries, allowing her to explore a number of cultures, all of which are mirrored in this collection. 
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​The result is grounded in reality but with an air of whimsy. Uniquely designed and styled, with Bajaj- Larson's one of a kind fabrics and beautiful sculptured jewelry adored on the models, made for an eclectic and internationally inspired collection.
 

​YUFASH 
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Estonian born founder of Yufash, Kadri Klampe has created a collection for women who, “Doesn’t follow trends; she sets them.” Newly founded in 2015, but already worn by Little Mix, Billie Lourd, and seen on the hit TV show Scream Queens, Yufash is a fresh brand ready to be worn by the power women of the world.

With all the pieces fabricated in England, the collection is a mix of traditional pieces reimagined. Highlights include the Yufash cape, with bright lilac lining, and mixed fabric which reflected the light. Another hero piece was a vintage inspired dress, however made unique to Yufash by his choice of fabric which was a stunning palate of fresh white adorned with gold blue, yellow and green leafing detail which changed under the light. 

​The collection literally made for a light show in this uniquely designed collection, as the models walked down the runway, members of the audience, for this show only, were allowed to use a flash, creating an effect of a collection that was a blaze on the runway. 

​SANIA STUDIO
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​Sania Maskatiya and Sania Studio’s designs are recognizable by their attention to detail, and ability to beautifully accentuate the female form. 
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The designers draw inspiration from nature and the environment with their classic pieces that are modernized through styling. An example of this was the opening look with the designers fresh lime green blazer, with unique fabric design, paired with a polka dot vest and pink ornately designed shorts. 

Using high end fabrics, expertly cut and draped to create their luxurious collection, the duo draw upon the specialized hands of some of the best artisans in Pakistan with generations of experience.

The collection was a fresh take on spring / summer with a beautiful blend of bright fabrics, and gorgeous wearable chic dresses, pants and crop tops that would work from day to night. With a true understanding of how to perfectly draw attention to the female silhouette, the collection was a stunning balance of strong yet feminine pieces for the graceful woman with a sense of fun. 

​PATRICIA 
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Launching her line in 2016, Patricia Wijaya created her line of Prêt-A-Couture in Jakarta. Her stunningly innovative SS19 collection was inspired by both fairytale and technology, a ‘Cinderella like aesthetic in the future.’ With her bold choice of cuts and intricate headwear.
 

The collection, with its strong lines, and dark palette of deep blues and gold takes all the best elements of fantasy and fairytale, and has told a story of strength elegance and beauty on the runway. 
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This inspired collection is one of an updated fairytale that reflects the powerful strength of women today. (Shoes provided by Cava Prive and jewelry made by Dale Beevers)
 

All Images via Imaxtree
With thanks to the CAAFD

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