FLYING SOLO SS18

Flying Solo Store-  New York 
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When I first visited Flying Solo last year in New York, a store founded by independent designer, Elizabeth Solomenia created for independent designers, they had about 30 designers stocked there. Now just one year on, the store has gone from strength to strength. Due to the popularity of the store, they've relocated to a stunning store on W Broadway Street and now stock 68 designers, and have expanded into menswear.
 
As an obvious fashion lover, this store was a dream come true. With its high ceiling, palatial setting and a goldmine of talent, Flying Solo store is as unique as the talent that it houses.
 
The store is entirely run by the designers themselves. They help with sales, curating the store and when their customers come in, at least a couple of the designers are there to give them the full history of the brands. It’s a showcase of incredible designer talent and even more than the previous store, serves as a beautiful gallery of fashion.
 

Stacy Fan interviewing NOT designer, Jenny Lai

It’s a hub of artists, a creative and collaborative team effort and represents what fashion should be about, expressive, inclusive and gives a global point of view with designers from all over the world sharing their talent in store.
 

Stacy Fan wearing pieces by The Flying Solo designers. Sunglasses by Spinoza, T-shirt by WeAnnaBe, Backpack by Schedraui, Trousers by Elena Rudenko, Rings by Solomenia and Modern Tales.
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During this visit I interviewed over 16 designers, just days after they showcased their SS18 collection to huge success. Despite the amount of work the designers had to put into the impressive Flying Solo show which was held at the Flying Solo store, they were all spritely, passionate and excited to tell me the inspiration behind their collections. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to these burgeoning designers whose collections were as beautiful as any of the top designers I saw at this year’s NYFW. 
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Stacy Fan with Flying Solo founder and jewelry designer Elizabeth Solomeina looking at all the publications the Flying Solo designers have been featured in. 

NOT

I first meet with Jenny Lai, the designer behind NOT.  Known for playing with interesting silhouettes and colors, Lai’s inspiration for SS18 was to create a tactile collection of pieces that reinvented materials such as terry toweling and fleece. Usually known for creating a layer of warmth under clothes, Lai has turned the material into outerwear reinterpreting them into high-end pieces.
 

Stacy Fan taking a close look at Jenny Lai's collection 

Having created the collection out of Japanese fleece using a Japanese knitting machine from 1906, most of the collection is multi functional. With many of the pieces not being recognizable as a traditional garment. For instance a jacket that can be worn as a scarf as well as a top, the collection is unexpected and fresh. Included in the collection is fleece trousers, a dress where the arms go into a sleeve and come out again, creating a unique silhouette, trousers with extra long panels at the front, and cap sleeve tops, the collection is unlike anything you will have seen before.
 
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Lai’s signature tank has remained in the collection as well as a drop crotch unisex pant. Reversibility also plays into the collection, experimenting with materials and the way in which garments feel against the body, Lai tells me she wanted people to feel both the inside and outside of the material at the same time. With a capsule collection of ten pieces, Lai wants each piece to be an essential in your wardrobe with no pieces wasted. Lai has once again created a stunningly innovative collection, with her reimagined structured garments and fresh take on material.

Stacy Fan with NOT designer Jenny Lai

WEANNABE 

 
Anna Sokol, the designer behind WeAnnaBe moved to New York from Ukraine. She fell in love with the city so much so that it inspired her latest collection. Using vegan leather accents, the New York horizon is depicted on her striking suits and details on her knitwear.  With modern classics, and using unique textures and fabrics, the brand specializes in high quality, smart-casual wear at a reasonable price point.  
 

ELENA RUDENKO 
 

​With the inspiration of the rare flower, Eucalyptus Macrocarpa, that can only be found in the south-west of Australia, Rudenko’s collection is a stunning example of femininity and functionality. With the idea behind the collection of ‘buy less, have more’, Rudenko’s pieces are multi purpose. With pieces that are made up of hand-embroidered organza, all inspired by the Eucalyptus Macrocarpa, as the shape of the flower is integrated into the pieces binding the collection together.
 

With a palette of light blue, pink, grey and sprinkles of yellow, the collection with its light and airy materials is romantic and functional wearable art. Rudenko tells me, “I feel that the art inside garments has become a little lost,” rectifying this, Rudenko has created the pieces as beautifully on the inside as they are on the outside. With a coat that can be shortened by detaching the bottom, a shirt that can be worn as either a loose fit, or buttoned tighter to create a more fitted silhouette with sleeves that can be worn long, or shortened to a three quarter sleeve. Each piece has been thought through to make it multi functional for her customer. Tops that can be made strapless, dresses than can be shortened, a silk dress with removable sleeves, a leaf shaped belt that can be worn over an array of garments, Rudenko’s collection is luxurious and versatile in its carefully thought-out detailing. A beautiful collection, by an inspired designer. 

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AGNESA VUTHAJ 

A former beauty pageant winner, Vuthaj has always loved bags. With the idea of beauty creates beauty, Vathaj set about creating a collection of stunning bags. Handmade in Italy, the collection is bright in color and uses materials such as python leather, pony hair and Italian leather. Creating a feel of uniqueness, with her hand painted clutches, the collection is stunningly chic.  
 

Stacy Fan with designer and Albanian beauty queen Agnesa Vuthaj

SPINOZA
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​If you’re a lover of sunglasses, but dislike the dents they can often create on your face, then you’re going to adore Spinoza’s creation.  Founded by Silja Kim, who spent time evaluating and assessing the perfect material for her brand to create a lightweight, durable and comfortable frame. Deciding on medical grade non-breakable metal, Spinoza sunglasses and eyeglass frames are lightweight, flexible and standout without being flashy. They're so comfortable you might even forget you have them on! With their practical functionality they are perfect for sports and have proven to be particularly popular with golfers for their durability and fashionable yet classic design. With their high grade lens, they are less loud than other brands and beating out the rest of the competition in both functionality and design technology and at half the price of other high end sunglasses, are that much more affordable. 
 
Despite being a start up, Kim is passionate about helping people with cataracts in India and Africa. At just $50 USD an operation can be done to remove a persons cataracts and help them see again. For every sale, Kim is donating 1% of all profits to the cause and so far has already helped 12 people see again. Another reason to love Spinoza! 

ARIELLE LOUISE 
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With her background in fitness, Louise knows what a woman requires from her workout wear and as a result has created a unique fitness line. Fashionable and transitional enough to dress up, and sexy enough to feel feminine whilst working out in, the line is designed for high impact and high fashion. From the street to the gym, this line is designed to fit into every aspect of your life.
 

THE MODERN TALES
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Founded by Jennefer Keyserman, jewelry line Modern Tales was born out of former clothes designer, Keyserman’s love of jewelry. With an archive of jewelry that spans back from her grandmother’s collection as inspiration, Keyserman’s collection truly emulates the designers love of both jewelry and the memories of her grandmother. With a collection of show stopping pieces, including statement cuffs, rings, and ear cuffs, the collection makes a statement in the literal sense with words engraved on them such as ‘Activism’, ‘Inspiration’ as well as pieces that make a statement simply through design.
 
Keyserman latest collection, "Subconscious" was inspired by the idea of free speech, and the freedom to express what you feel. It's everything you could hope for from a collection, bold yet wearable for everyday, statement making but classic at the same time and reminding us of the importance of freedom of thought, and free speech.

PODOBENA 
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Made using semi-precious metals and gemstones, designer Andrea’s latest collection, ‘Venus’ was inspired by the female anatomy, representing the strength and femininity of women.
 
With the Venus Collection the designer is hoping to ignite women to feel proud and a sense of empowerment. A portion of sales is going to Planned Parenthood.
 

ENDA 
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With her Japanese heritage, the designer behind Enda is inspired by bold femininity. With the latest collection that uses Japanese brush strokes and the inclusion of pieces inspired by 60’s mod, the collection is the perfect blend of East meets West and classical elegance reinvented.
 

Stacy Fan with Enda designer and founder. 

​HALSTENBACH
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A stunning uncomplicated collection made up of silk and cashmere, designer Andrea Halstenbach has created a brand that encompasses luxury and classic forever pieces that surpass trends and make for staples in your closet.
 
Using the highest quality of materials and produced in selected knitting mills in Italy, the capsule collection can be worn from day to night, and worn by women of all ages.   
 

SOLOMEINA
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Talented jewelry designer and founder of Flying Solo, Elizabeth Solomeina draws inspiration for her jewelry line from the materials that she uses. With instantly recognizable designs that play with height, the designer used diamonds in her most recent collection. With harder and darker materials this collection has a heavier feel than the previous one, however juxtaposed with stones including pearls, gives the collection a perfectly balanced strong feminine feel. The Solemeina collection is striking and instantly recognizable. 

IZA BY SILVIA D'AVILA 
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​If you are looking for one of a kind, standout jewelry, look no further than Iza. The designer hand makes every single piece making them impossible to duplicate. The designer has created pieces that go beyond simple jewelry, with incredible works of art including a forearm cuff, the designer is as unique as she is talented.
 

STELLINO JEWELS 
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Inspired by designer Mariagrazia Stellino’s homeland of Sicily, Stellino jewelry is a blend of Sicilian nature, history and art, blended with the edgy geometric architecture of New York, resulting in an elegant harmonic collection. 

Using cutting edge technology and hand finished, each piece aims to celebrate the uniqueness of women. Designed with 3D designs and 3D printed in limited edition the collection is made with top manufacturers locally in New York.
 
 

JASMINE CHONG 
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Jasmine Chong embraces easy luxury, creating stunningly crafted womenswear pieces that embrace different body types. Centering the core of the collection around Chong’s dedication to embracing and celebrating the female form. With a fluid and delicate aesthetic that works for women of all sizes, Chong insists on laying out a variation of sizes on display at Flying Solo, as Chong tells me, “It’s important for people feel that they can wear my clothes.”
 
The designer’s collection draws inspiration from personal stories that she portrays through colour, structure, fabric and form, resulting in pieces that are strong in their aesthetic yet romantic at the same time. Chong has created a perfectly elegant collection to portray the multifaceted layers of a woman, showing both her strength and softness at the same time.
 

MINAN WONG

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Talented designer, Minan Wong’s SS18 collection is inspired by nature and botanicals with all products made locally in New York. Speaking of the importance of locally made and sustainable, Wong says, “I want to be known for sustainable American high fashion. It’s also really important to me to support local companies.”
 
As with her FW16 collection, Wong’s latest collection was also inspired by botanicals, but this seasons collection also includes some younger fresher pieces. Gorgeous denim dresses, with cap sleeves and fresh blouses, the collection is beautifully feminine with a fresh modern take on her classic pieces. 

SUGARBIRD

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​Made in Budapest Hungary, Sugarbird is innovative and daring in design. Having collaborated with companies such as Disney and FOX Studios, Sugarbird’s latest collection is inspired by the celebration of self-confidence, with a collection called ‘Me’ the pieces are a fun way to celebrate yourself, with words emblazoned on jackets and dresses such as, ‘Queen and ‘Sexy Back’. The collection is eclectic, ranging from sexy and show-stopping dresses, to edgy athelsurewear inspired pieces, and Disney collaboration dresses. The collection has something for everyone as long as you aren’t afraid to make an entrance when you walk in the room!
 
 

DISETA

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Diseta is a young Argentinian brand, founded by two female designers who, using only handmade silk imprint their style on their beautifully made collection. Focusing on classic simple and elegant style, the Argentinian made pieces work for both their home country as well as the fast paced New York lifestyle.
 
The designers created a finale dress especially for the show (pictured above). Speaking of the stunning dress the designers tell me, “ The first time we saw it walk down the runway, it was so airy and light, seeing it float down, it was magic.”
 
With a collection made up of strikingly dynamic and modern structural pieces and timeless in style, Diseta might be a new brand, but they are here to stay.
 

Stacy Fan with the designers behind Diseta

HATHAIRAT

​With bold statement pieces, the designer tells a story through her clothes. Futuristic but wearable and not trend driven, Hathairat relies on her own intuition when it comes to designing for her woman. With bold and striking pieces, her collection is synonymous with a fit and flare, color blocking, and with her use of luxurious fabrics, signature prints, ruffled details and multi layered, Hathairat's clothes are voluminous in both look and feel.
 
Hathairat cleverly manages to create both dream like, almost fantastical style pieces, yet makes them wearable, creating an uplifting elevated style. With pieces that take you from day to night, for the woman who wants to live out her fantasy.
 

Stacy Fan with designer Hathairat Maneerat

CHANTEL DESIGNS 
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Chantal Assad, The Swedish-Lebanese designer behind Chantal Designs has created a collection of unique, modern stand out pieces.
 
Assad launched the ready to wear collection in 2010 and used her experience of both cultures from East and West to create the silhouette that can be taken from day to night.
 
Assad's latest collection is inspired by sportswear, included in the collection is a front cropped shirt with long flowing back, that can be paired with classic black trousers or jeans for a more casual feel. Also in the collection is an oversized jersey dress that can be worn everyday and easily dressed up or down with the addition of a few accessories. Chantel Designs is a go to brand for everyday dresses that are as beautiful as they are comfortable.
 

KATIE LARES

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Katie Lares is the designer behind her namesake brand, creating leather accessories. Based in New York, Lares makes all her bags locally in New York with the collection inspired by New Yorkers. Handmade using the highest quality of materials and traditional craftsmanship in New York’s garment district, Lares latest collection of handbags are striking as she uses kitchen hardware from the handle of cabinets and repurposes them as the handle on her bags, creating a beautiful structure. Classic yet modern with a twist.
 

Stacy Fan with designer Katie Lares

IRIDESCENCE 
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​​Originally from China but a graduate from Parsons, the designers behind Iridescence, Yiming Lin and Angie Ray are influenced by both the East and West. Using high quality fabrics, the designs are striking and standout. The latest collection, a collaboration with fellow Flying Solo designer, Daniel Silverstain, the latest Iridescence bags measure 7 by 7 inches and are triangular in shape. With a modern and urban feel, the bags are beautifully standout. 
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SCHEDRAUI

Stacy Fan with a Schedraui backpack

The sisters behind Schedraui, Stephanie and Grace were born in El Salvador and have a shared view of positivity that has inspired the DNA of their brand. “Our concept is gratitude. Every bag has a message inside, things such as, ‘Choose to Shine’, or 'Begin and End Your Day with Gratitude', says Stephanie Schedraui. The quotes are embossed inside the bags in gold. This season’s collection includes some stunning rucksacks that are both practical and fashion forward, with one of the most stunning in rose gold. All the bags are made with Italian leather and only the highest quality of materials.
 
 

For more information visit: FLYING SOLO
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