It’s hard to believe that I just wrapped what I believe will be my eight consecutive season of NYFW. Every single season that I attend always feels like a pinch me moment. For so many years it was something I daydreamed about. Anyway, enough with my mush- here are some of the highlights that I loved:

Artist Ashley Longshore was the resident artist on display this NYFW, and essentially the queen of all fashion week. Her brightly colored paintings and humorous quotes were seen displayed on many floors of Spring Studios. Longshore also painted live during Christian Siriano’s runway show, and closed out the Dennis Basso show! I can’t get enough of her quirky, gorgeous paintings. Let’s hope we get to see more and more of her.

Cynthia Rowley continued to play homage to her love for Montauk with more brightly colored wetsuits. The color combinations gave me a 70’s feeling- we’ll take one in every color please! Continuing to be one of my favorite shows every season- Rowley delights us with free flowing fabrics, bell sleeves, and yes, more color.

Suite by Jennifer Diedrich was at the beautiful Norwood Club. Honestly, I’m not sure a more perfect venue exists anywhere. A seriously romantic townhouse that boasts immaculately decorated rooms, the space was the perfect setting for Diedreich’s playful, and romantic collection inspired by Truman Capote. Guests were invited to trade in little gems (like the kind you might get at a birthday party) for drinks. Walking around in haze from champagne and delight, one could even say they felt the collection was novel worthy.

Laurence and Chico put one thing in my head all week long. Hats. And lots of hats. Not just any old hats though- huge enormous hats that were larger than life, and occasionally larger than a lot of model’s frames. Waiting patiently to figure out where and when I can get my hands on this much tulle and tweed fabric.

Dennis Basso (not surprisingly in the least) was another season of pure uptown elegance. The creative direction feels more modern. Think upper crust lady with an infinity for trying out the latest matcha spots in downtown Manhattan. I’ve always been a huge fan of the sheer ladylike-ness that Basso also portrays. In a world of pushing the envelope with (appreciated) street fashion, it’s nice to enjoy some very straightforward femme fashion too.

Anna Sui served us frothy, femme goodness this season. It was my first time attending and to say that the room was hype would be a severe understatement. Sui also has a seriously stunning exhibit at MAD museum that’s not to be missed. It features her life’s work, and also even a few darling early photos taken by the late Bill Cunningham.

FAVORITE THIS SEASON

RaisaVanessa was my absolute favorite runway show this season. My first time attending, I was totally mesmerized by the entire show and was engulfed by how much I enjoyed every single look. Remember when Barbie had different “party dress” outfits? Me too, and so does RaisaVanessa. I especially squealed when the first pink ruffly number made it’s way past me. Rich in every sense, RaisaVanessa reminds us all to have a little more fun with fashion, embrace ruffles, and big shoulders.