NYFW Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month

This season UPS kicked off NYFW with an opening party at the Bodega Baque pop up shop in downtown. The party celebrated the collection which is a collaboration between UPS, famed streetwear designer Angelo Baque, and several small Latinx designers. As Latinx Heritage month kicks off later this week it was the perfect moment to highlight these talented designers and small businesses. The event was a huge success with fashionable attendees showing off their stylish streetwear looks as the party spilled out on to the sidewalk. The Bodega was decorated with pieces from the collaboration including hoodies, t-shirts, and hats. There were also appetizers and drinks! Baque attended the event and enthusiastically told me that New York is back! 

The following week NYFW The Talks featured a panel with Angelo Baque himself and several other latinx designers and business partners including Thermal Taveras, Carlos Cuerto Danny Buezo founder of Kids Of Immigrants, and Moderator: Karla Martínez de Salas. The panelists discussed how their culture has influenced their work and has inspired them to create some amazing projects and collaborations with the community. 

For Taveras culture informed his work as a designer through bringing in imagery inspired by the art he saw in church growing up and being a New Yorker as well. For Baque having immigrant parents from Ecuadaor and a strong connection to music has always informed his designs. He said that he often designs a collection imagining a soundtrack in the background. 

For Cuerto who works on the corporate side at UPS he talked about the work ethic his family and community instilled in him to always the the grind on. He also mentioned that growing up in a collectivist culture with  n emphasis on community ahs helped him to work well on a team and excel in a team environment which is so important for success in today's world no matter what industry you're in. 

Additionally the panelists mentioned that they have been able to take a fresh perspective on their own culture often growing up as children of first generation immigrants. Baque said, "I'm ok with being a trail blazer. Holding open doors for others like me to come behind me and hearing from other Ecuadorian kids that I inspired them is how I know I've done good." the panelists also talked about ensuring that the community comes first when they partner up on projects such as the UPS collab which will donate proceeds to a latinx scholarship fund here in NYC. 

Baque talked about dealing with obstacles when he entered the fashion industry from finances to discrimination and how he has overcome them. He now focuses on transparency and sharing the lessons learned so that others can ask for help and won't be afraid to reach out. 

For Cuerto being results oriented and making the most of opportunities has always helped him overcome obstacles he's faced in his career. 

For Danny Buezo putting the community over competition and overcoming shyness and gaining self confidence has helped him to succeed in business. 

The panelists also discussed the best ways to help new talent. They all agreed that it often starts at a personal level and helping evolve form a scarcity mindset and encouraging people to ask for help can make all the difference, According to Cuerto UPS has also worked to ensure that money invested is going to programs that are actually helpful and research is key in finding programs that will have the most effect. It was a great way to kick off a stylish Latinx Heritage month! 

Costuming the Ballet: History and Storytelling through Fashion

From fashion to the stage the New York City ballet company history and innovation are key to creating amazing designs. Gianna Reisen, Marc Happel, Humberto Leon, Zac Posen and Moderator: Donya Archer Bommer discussed 10 years of creating costumes for the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala which is coming up this year on September 28th. According to the panel, the fashion gala is the one event where costumes take precedence over all the other performance elements and the Ballet has worked with over 30 renowned designers over the years creating a crossover between fashion and dance. Gianna Reisen choreographer and former ballerina said, "For the fall fashion gala the costumes are the first thing to think about because ethe fashion element is so important to an event like this." 

According to Marc Happel, Dancers have an affinity for wearing costumes that previous legendary dancers wore. They love the connection tot he past and the tags of the costumes even bear the names of past dancers who performed in them. So it creates an incredible sense of living history. The New York City Ballet is also unique for its archival collection of costumes which many designers have used when creating the costume designs. This season, the audience will be in for a special treat with the costumes. The panelists revealed that the costumes will be adorned with over 800,000 Swarovski crystals which are currently being sewn in the workshop in preparation for the gala. 

Zac Posen who has been a household name in the NY fashion scene for years is one of the designers the ballet has tapped in the past to work on the Fall Gala. He spoke about his experience designing costumes for that and other projects at the ballet. He talked about how excited he was to explore the archives when he first started the project. His designs focused on deconstruction and he recalled an instant where he had a discussion with his subject Lauren who he was designing for. He said all designers should have this moment where they are able to connect with their subject and for him he was able to get in touch with the sense of reflection the dancer was experiencing at the time about career, past performances and more. Posen also discussed how when looking through the archives he got to feel the presence of the past dancers when looking at the costumes. This inspired Posen to create what he called a "distorted line of history of the pieces" He recalled turning pieces inside out and also was inspired by the extreme discipline required for ballet dancers. He focused his designs on capturing a place of beauty and darkness a style which he affectionally named  "fucked up Degas". Marc Happel chimed in remembering the comical label. 

For another designer who had previously partnered with the ballet, Humberto Leon, the ballet became a place for him to explore social controversy and design. He even ended up showing his collection at the ballet one season and he recalled that the performance aspect has allowed his pieces form that collection to take on a life of their own. He said hat he wanted people to wear the clothes beyond the ballet and interact with arts in a beautiful way. 

The choreographer Gianna added her perspective as a former dancer saying that costumes should make dancers feel confident and powerful. Bringing high fashion into ballet is such an interesting balance and challenge because Gianna wants to ensure her dancers feel good in their costumes. She added that the care and time the designers put into personalizing the costumes really makes a difference for the dancers. She said that it's a whole different experience as a dancer to wear something you feel good in. 

Marc Happel pointed out that designers also take away new lessons and perspectives after experiencing working with the ballet. So the exchange is not just one sided with designers bringing fashion perspectives to the ballet gala but they also walk away with often new outlooks and techniques. 

Posen agreed there is definitely a crossover and recalled some of the things he had learned saying, "my experience was learning close up vs. distance and considering things like lighting, space etc. is huge. Designing for the audience being far away there's a boldness that needs to take place." 

For Humberto Leon thinking about movement and flexibility that is used in dance helped him realize how uncomfortable most normal clothes actually are. He told the audience that it really helped change his relationship with clothing. 

Zac Posen encouraged the audience to explore the ballet as you never know what you might learn from it. The inspiring panel wrapped up and I don't know about you but am definitely looking forward to seeing those 800k Swarovski crystals! 

New Designers at NYFW To Watch This Season

While NYFW has been back from Covid for two official seasons now this may be the first season many people feel is a true New York Fashion Week experience. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb opened fashion week on Thursday night at Gracie Mansion and according to an article on FashionNetwork.com he stated, “This season is about power and action. Of course the pandemic meant a gradual return but this is finally full on fashion week.”

But for many in the industry fashion week is full of new faces and new challenges this season and rather than feeling a familiar return there is a new energy in the air. In an exclusive interview industry veteran Bridget Foley who previously worked as Executive Editor of WWD for over a decade stated, “New York fashion week has always been about finding new designers and new talent but I think what we’re seeing this season is a revalidation.” Industry experts have noted that this season in many cases reflects a selection of new designers and up and coming talent that has not been offered in past years. Some notable up and coming brands to watch include Deity New York, Fe Noel, Puppets and Puppets, Wiederhoeft and more. Foley noted that while it can be very difficult for new designers to pull together a show we are seeing a revalidation on the promise of what new talent can bring to the industry.

Foley also said,“The fashion industry has a sense of community which is very important. And we are seeing many new faces in the audience with influencers, social media, etc. which is great. The fashion industry is one of the most kinetic industries in the world and has continued to evolve.” Among those new faces includes New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Adams of NYC who have both been spotted attending events this season and last season. This in itself speaks to the revalidation of the fashion show as well as this specific fashion week. Foley said, “I think that we’ve realized we can’t take it for granted. Fashion is an enormous industry that accounts for many jobs and millions of dollars. In NYC it’s very diverse and we’re seeing more points of view. It’s very important for the people in power to recognize that.” She went on to say that she has noticed a renewed focus on the importance of supporting new talent with the potential to create powerful and successful businesses and give opportunities to new designers and brands.

While new faces are one side of the coin the lack of some familiar faces from the scene should also be noted. Some brands who were fixtures on the NYFW calendar for years such as Ralph Lauren (who instead chose to show in LA this October) are not showing this season.

When discussing the changing dynamics of this week’s lineup Foley said, “We’re seeing a clarification of what the fashion show means.” She noted that many brands have shown an increased selectivity when choosing to participate in fashion week or not saying, “Even the most low key show is very very expensive to put on. Some brands have realized the money could be better spent on other things.”

She added, “I love fashion shows. But it’s true that sometimes it’s not the best way to communicate the aesthetic for that brand or collection.” With consumers tightening their belts and many brands still rebounding from Covid losses budgets have become a deciding factor in many brands decision to put on a live show. Foley noted, “Some brands realize they just can’t afford it.” Covid has forced a collective step back and offered all of us the chance to evaluate what is truly important in our lives and what we want to spend our energy on and this is true for the fashion industry as well.

Of course many fan favorites are still showing this season. Foley pointed out that for many designers fashion week creates a creative rhythm that is hard to replace. She said. “Many designers design for the show and that’s something that plays into it.”

However, if bigger brands are generally cutting back on fashion show spending, how can new brands with even tighter budgets afford to participate?

Foley said, “It’s so hard for young designers to get established. Staging a fashion show is enormously expensive.” She added that new designers also must consider if they will stand out against major brands and get noticed or if they will be lost in the chaos of fashion week news. In order to put on a successful show designers must pull together sponsors for hair and makeup, find venues, and hire models and support staff.

According to designer Renee Bishop of the up and coming brand Deity New York putting together this season’s show was According to designer Renee Bishop of the up and coming brand Deity New York putting together this season’s show was not an easy road but she was ultimately able to create the event she had envisioned.  She recounted the experience of putting together her first full fledged runway show in contrast with last season’s presentation format in which the clothes were displayed on mannequins saying, “With pressure comes diamonds, and that’s how I feel about putting together my second runway collection, after presenting last season in a presentation format.  My team and I started back in June, right after we presented the Deity resort collection.  Spring / Summer looks great…filled with texture and color; it’s this mix of the natural and manufactured. I can’t wait for it to be in the runway! New York is so wonderful to present in for all its diversity. New York Fashion Week is for everyone and that makes it all the more special.

Despite the challenges the industry has faced navigating the post covid fashion week landscape many are still excited for the return to in person events. Foley said, “It’s interesting that for all of the alternatives no group of options has emerged as a really sound alternative to fashion week.” For Foley there is no other moment like a fashion show. She feels that whether it is in person or on a screen it is a truly powerful experience for brands and audience alike to feel the magic of a live fashion show and presenting a new collection for the first time. She said she feels it can often be the strongest way to communicate a collection’s aesthetic.

One of the ways fashion week has been adapting to these new norms is by creating more involved partnerships with sponsors. One example is UPS who has partnered with fashion week the past two seasons by highlighting small designers from minority communities. Designers and UPS have worked together to create new ways of partnering up. Angelo Baque streetwear designer and founder of Awake New York said that his vision is to create new norms for corporate partners and ensure that giving back to the community is the first priority. 

According to UPS brand representative Carlos Cuerto, "UPS is ecstatic about the opportunity to support New York Fashion Week. We are developing a very strong partnership and committed to the development of fashion designers and the fashion industry as a whole. UPS is a catalyst of their growth as well because once they scale and you know designers, launch their brands and commercialize their products, UPS wants to serve as a partner when they ship it, you know, and they conquer new markets domestically and internationally. UPS wants to be part of that growth. We are committed to the support of underrepresented minorities and we know that fashion serves as an avenue to access a lot of diversity like latinx, women, also African American owned businesses so we want to make sure that we serve as a catalyst for their growth." 

It will be interesting to see how these partnerships and runway shows evolve as fashion designers navigate this new landscape and more exciting developments continue to grow! 

Perspectives on Sustainability at NYFW

 

This NYFW brought together experts from many industries to discuss sustainability as well as several designers in the Black in Fashion showrooms this season whose focus is on sustainable and lasting design. The theme from this NYFW which coincided with the US Open in New York was all about bringing together cross functional perspectives into the fashion space and events like the Glam Slam which I covered here, as well as the sustainability in design panel at NYFW The Talks did just that according to Sean Nelson CEO and founder of LoveSac who said, "We’re here at fashion week discussing sustainability, furniture, fashion, and sports. What ties it all together? Good design" 

The panel featured Ghanian designer Abrima erwiah model and activist Olivia Ponton, interior design consultant Laura Hodges, and CEO of LoveSac Sean Nelson. 

Each one brought a unique perspective to the topic of sustainability but the overall sentiment of the panel was that everyone can participate in creating a more sustainable future whether in a big or small way and no action is too small to make a difference. 

Nelson founder and CEO of LoveSac the company that makes home furnishings that can be easily reconfigured started out by talking about the design philosophy at LoveSac which he calls "design for life" and believes offers a different path to sustainability. This philosophy has worked well for the company and is something that Sean believes can be applied to all different types of design. 

For Laura she also works with her clients to pick out products that she knows will last and stand the test of time. She spoke about how there have been increased trends in the design world that have mirrored what has happened in the fashion world with fast fashion companies. She often consults her clients to be wary of chasing after too many trends and rather to focus on things that will last 30-40 years or a lifetime. 

Abrima also echoed these ideas that sustainability is something that we weave into the fabric of our everyday lives rather than a far off concept. She said that when she started her label she had not set out to be a "sustainable brand" but was simply following the traditions of Ghana which are heavily focused on creating lasting goods with as little impact to the community as possible. For Abrima following the supply chain was also an important part of setting up her business as she wanted to know where every aspect of her products were coming from. She talked about how the process of understanding how things were made helped her to innovate around it and create more sustainable supply chains. This is also another huge area that is often overlooked in conversations about sustainability but process and supply are areas ripe for innovation. 

For Sean his focus has turned from creating new products to creating scale and offering modifications to existing products rather than forcing customers to purchase entirely new models. Sean has worked to make sure that technological additions to his products such as speaker systems are compatible with even older models of LoveSac products. This perspective can also be applied to other industries as well and offers a more sustainable alternative to mindless consumption. 

Olivia who was originally drawn into her work as a sustainability activist by the pollution of oceans and her love for the sea, also spoke about the importance of thoughtful purchases. She said that for her being able to wear an outfit more than once and being able to re use clothing items was a sign that the clothes were well made and it was a good purchase. She is also a fan of thrifting which can also be a way to make keeping up with fashion trends more sustainable. 

The topic of sustainability touches many industries and Abrima pointed out that it is important not to oversimplify it. She added that understanding why we buy or make something in the first place, along with how to properly dispose of it or not, is also key to creating better habits. When it comes to recycling or getting rid of products good intentions may not be enough and according to Abrima we often don't have to do as much as we think. For her the guiding principle is the connection to humanity and that there isn't a one size fits all answer. 

Laura also added that there is a misconception that sustainability always means compromising design and she has ran into this stereotype with clients in her work as a design consultant. Along the theme of doing less said that she often doesn't advertise the sustainable elements of the products she picks out for her clients but instead focuses on the good design. She added that everyone taking small imperfect actions is often better than a few people doing it perfectly. 

Sean also echoed the importance of good design as a path for sustainability. He said that making products that can be passed down to future generations as well as just making good products overall must be included in the conversation. 

The overall conclusion was that good design is sustainable which is a sentiment many companies in the fashion industry and beyond can benefit from. 

Some young designers are already leading the way. Several of the labels that came to showcase at the Black in Fashion showrooms during Spring Studios this season emphasized good design and lasting products. 

I spoke to the The designer for Madame Adassa a Los Angeles based clothing brand that specializes in luxury women's wear. She spoke to me about her latest collection inspired by an Amazon Queen and said that she always tries to make designs that her customers will keep in their closet for a long time. She stays away from the trends and focuses on classic pieces that her customers can wear for years to come. 

Another designer Kwame Adusei who is originally from Ghana but is now also based in Los Angeles took me through his latest collection and design philosophy which is heavily influenced by traditional Ghana clothing styles. He places an emphasis on practicality and utility in his designs which also make them easy to wear again and again. 

For Isha Dusnton creative director of Izayla, sustainable design ties in with creating pieces made for women on the go. She uses a special material that is made to travel, fold, and last for long wear without wrinkling. When she spoke to me about her latest collection she explained that she was designing for style and color post pandemic but wanted to keep the elements of comfort and practicality that had dominated covid fashion. She said that she is designing for women who are not going backwards to the uncomfortable norms before covid but rather taking the lessons learned and creating a new better way of dressing and living that takes women's comfort and movement into consideration. 

All of this inspiring innovation definitely gives the fashion world something to think about as the conversation around sustainability continues to grow in importance for consumers. 

Glam Slam Day 2: Maison Kitsune Celebrates US Open at NYFW with Pop Up Shop

This season NYFW held the Glam Slam series of events to celebrate the US Open bringing together fashion and sports as well as giving fans an opportunity to meet some of their favorite athletes. Sponsored by Chase Sapphire the rooftop events included panels, drinks, bites, and of course fashion. On day 2 Juan Martin Del Potro & Vicente Munoz came out to discuss tennis, men's style, and more. 

Juan Marco del Potro discussed his transition off the court and into the role of commentator. He told the audience he would always miss tennis but his role as commentator has given him a unique perspective to keep up with the game. He talked about how he felt the fashion and styles for men's tennis had evolved and the latest trends he was seeing. He shared that color was definitely the future echoing what we heard about women's trends in the earlier panels. He added that he had also noticed more options for designers in men's tennis which was a great improvement for the players who had more diversity of options. 

The tennis star shared what it was like coming from Argentina to the Big Apple for the US Open saying "it was a gig difference". He also spoke about his career as a top 10 player in the world and how he achieved his dreams. He emphasized that no matter what you are going after it is important to never give up and always give 100% effort even in practices. He also talked about how being resilient and staying in the moment had helped him in his career. 

 

Guests enjoyed beats by Gonnie Garko as they took in the rooftop views from Spring Studios. The DJ and pop up shop were courtesy of Maison Kitsune a French Japanese brand that focuses on style and simplicity. The brand has recently launched a series of events called back to Launch to celebrate the return of in person events. The pop up shop featured classic pieces from the Maison Kitsune line that could be used for sportswear, athleisure, and more. According to brand representative Charly Araton. the brand has been focusing  on offering their customers designs that can be worn outside as they have noticed a demand as people enjoy the good weather and a summer outside their homes. 

Guests enjoyed shopping the collection while watching the screening of the US Open after the panel and it was a great way to relax in between busy fashion week events! 

NYFW Ones to Watch: Frederick Anderson

Designer Frederick Anderson presented his SS23 runway collection at Moonlight studios during NYFW. The "garden party" collection which was inspired by a poem from Maya Angelou was a fun and sophisticated take on the trends we've been seeing on the runway this season. Whimsical floral designs, expert drapery, relaxed and breathable suits, and oversized accessories all came together to create the colorful and elegant collection. The show attracted several influencers, philanthropists, and celebrities and the star-studded front row brought together influencers from all industries keeping with the theme of this NYFW which has brought together traditional fashion outsiders. 

The show was definitely a success and the designer came out to celebrate with everyone after the event. The designer has recently garnered a lot of attention as a designer that isn't afraid to play with color, sequins and more even during the pandemic. The designer has also received a lot of buzz from the fashion industry recently and is set to host the annual FGI Night of Stars Awards next month. 

Some of my favorite pieces included a candy pink ruffle two-piece set, brightly colored dresses with 3d floral appliques, and more. The collection did remind one of a garden party as we look towards spring with trends for bright colors and whimsical design elements continuing. However, there was definitely a modern edge to the collection that appealed to the 2023 consumer. 

I can't wait to see more from this designer! 

Cynthia Rowley Debuts Her Athleisure Capsule Collection at NYFW Glam Slam

NYFW Glam Slam events kicked off on Friday with appearances from fashion and tennis' most glamorous names. Cynthia Rowley, Claudia Lebenthal, and Alexandra Stevenson gave a sunset panel on the Spring Studios rooftop where guests enjoyed bites, rose, cocktails, and got to shop an exclusive preview of the new Cynthia Rowley sports capsule collection. The designer who is set to present her SS23 collection on Tuesday talked about creating the capsule collection, designing for sportswear and more. 

The designer is also a fan of tennis herself as well as an avid surfer and she talked about how she often tests her own designs. She said that she feels all sports are influencing what's happening in fashion right now. Of course you can't talk about fashion and tennis without mentioning Serena Williams. The panelists agreed that Serena has pushed the envelope with catsuits, and  Rowley added that she loved the catsuits because they were right up her alley. Rowley added that it's not just tennis where you can wear what you want and express yourself more For Rowley fashion is another way for people to express themselves even in sports and that is what has inspired her when designing this latest collection. 

Alexandra Stevenson talked about getting into fashion as an athlete recalling that when she was a junior she fell in love with a Cynthia Rowley design that Julia Roberts wore and has loved fashion ever since. Stevenson has also noticed several new trends in the tennis world when it comes to fashion including the return of crop tops, shot skirts, ice skating style dresses, and more defined silhouettes. 

She said, "for me tennis style has always been fun and girly" 

Rowley spoke about the trends she's noticed as a designer saying, "I think fashion and function are an important part of design but if I think in fitness overall I think we will see more colors." 

As one of the pioneers of Surf leisure clothing and athleisure clothing she certainly has the experience to pick out the upcoming trends. She went on to describe her process for designing athletic wear saying that often sports brands think they want an athlete to design and that for her its way easier to learn about the functionality that is needed for a certain design than to teach someone who's an expert in the sport the basic principles of good design. For Rowley it starts with good design and she works to incorporate functionality by researching what is needed for each project. She said there are certain fabrics that should stay in sportswear and not cross over but she has definitely had to learn through experimenting which ones those are. She recalled trying to create some dresses out of neoprene once saying, "I thought they would look snatched but it's a functional fabric so I had sweat dripping down my back and it was an important lesson to understand why things are used in certain ways." 

Alexandra described wearing some of Rowley's designs saying, "It feels like I'm in athletic clothes but they look like gorgeous Cynthia Rowley clothes!" Other customers love wearing her pieces as well because the designer is so diligent about testing them out and even tries them on herself! 

Rowley said of her hopes for future projects, "I love sports and a good challenge. I would like to dress a guy. I think you shouldn't have to give up who you are because of your profession." 

She described how she felt about her latest capsule collection which was available at the pop up shop at Glam Slam saying, "We did just launch an all sport collection which ahs tennis dresses and shorts. It's a capsule collection that's meant to be cute for playing golf or just going to the grocery store. I think people are looking for things to do outside more and more and they want to look cute." She also talked with me more about the collection saying, "It’s just a little capsule, and it is all sport. So it’s meant to be worn for tennis, golf, pickle ball, kind of whatever you want, and then you look super cute on the street too. It’s just really for everything. Yoga, you know, all sports"

When asked if she had been watching the US Open Rowley said, "The energy the past 4 days was out of this world." 

Finally Rowley spoke about her upcoming fashion week show on Tuesday which will feature her SS23 ready to wear collection. She said, "I'm a little stressed right now." 

I spoke to the designer about her upcoming show and what it feels like to be back to in person shows after doing virtual events for so long. She said, "(NYFW) is fully back, I know. I mean, I always love a fashion show and always hate a fashion show. It’s so stressful, like I have couriers flying on an airplane to bring samples to us tomorrow, and like, it’s always, no matter how far ahead you plan, no matter what you do, you know, things happen and it’s like, you’ve got to deal with it and hope for the best. I mean right now I’m dealing with, you know, a lot of just organizing a lot of stuff, but also dealing with mother nature. So let’s all just cross our fingers, say a little something, whatever you say for good weather. Yeah, it’s looking a little intense, but I think it’ll be okay."

Glam Slam at NYFW: Laura Brown and Maria Sharapova Talk Tennis, Fashion and More!

 

Laura Brown former Editor of InStyle Magazine and fashion expert interviewed Tennis and fashion icon Maria Sharapova about her style, life after tennis, and more on the opening day of NYFW Glam Slam events which are bringing together fashion and sports for the first time at NYFW. The event featured a pop-up, gourmet snacks, Rose by Ott Wines, and amazing rooftop views overlooking downtown. The glamourous event brought fans of tennis and fashion out to enjoy an afternoon discussing style and a special screening of the US Open. 

Laura Brown wore a flowy maxi dress by Australian designer Dena Pharaoh Pezzano. Brown said, "Extremely excited to be here at the Glam Slam! Just finished a great chat with the inimitable Maria Sharapova, I love her, always been a fan of hers, and we sort of pseudo know each other socially, so it's nice to be out here under an umbrella."

When I asked her about her look for the event she said, "Oh, it’s actually a really beautiful Australian brand called Saloon Design House by two lovely girls from New South Wales" 

Maria Sharapova wore a bright red coat over her jeans and jokingly referred to the hot day saying, "Here I am in a coat the things we do for fashion!" The weather was definitely warm and made for a hot but sunny event that still had guests feeling like it was summer. The conversation then turned to fashion obviously and Sharapova described her first experiences with defining her style on the court recounting a time at Wimbledon early in her career when her opponent showed up in the same Nike dress as her. She recalled that was when she realized that she wanted to wear her own unique styles on the court. She said, "I wanted to have my own perspective and point of view represented." She told the audience that she believes that what players wear give them strength since it is like their version of a uniform. 

As for her taste in high fashion she recalled that it developed when she started attending events off the court and at a Wimbledon ball she fell in love with a Louis Vuitton piece. She said, "That was when I started understanding fashion." She recalled, "The first fashion show I ever went to was Marc Jacobs." She also described the process she went through as a public figure learning about how the fashion world worked with stylists, borrowing clothes from designers, and how many people want to influence your style. She described her process of learning about the industry saying, "Like, it was, I always kinda had a lot of slack for having a passion in fashion or design, or like, people, it didn’t quite resonate with people, like you can’t be good at that and that, like, they just wanted to separate those buckets, which I didn’t really realize, I think, because I was too young, but I was very curious to learn and I’d put myself out there in these meetings that were, you know, like for older people, not me, but I learned a lot, you know? I would come out of those meetings, and I think it takes a lot to raise your hand and ask a question as opposed to always have an answer, and you know it probably takes confidence and letting go of your self-esteem, and allowing people to teach you.” Many women face steretyping or are met with confusion for having what can seem like conflicting passions. But Sharapova was able to combine her interests and overcome the obstacles even at such a young age which was so inspiring. 

Brown asked the tennis icon how she felt about the game today and whether the fashions on the court have changed. Sharapova said, "I feel like players have a lot more say in what they wear a feel like there is a lot of fearless fashion confidence and risk taking. It's important to be original. When I went on court I remember wanting my style to represent elegance." And even off court today the fashion icon still has an elegant wardrobe. 

Since leaving tennis and becoming a mom Sharpaova has started many new ventures. She discussed the transition from pro athlete status saying, "My career taught me time management. When you are a female who has a strong platform, you need a sense of self esteem to move on." She is now working on her business plans and is investing in women owned companies and businesses she believes in. And she still keeps tennis on in the background at her house or Friends reruns. The inspirational mom said, "I've seen it from the side of being a woman in that spot that didn't have equal pay and that's always been a fight for us so I'm continuing that from the business side as well." Some of her proudest achievements included being open to learning new things, not knowing everything and putting herself in the position to ask questions and seek guidance anyways. According to the star these are all things she plans on taking into the business world as well. 

Of course the topic of equal pay can't be discussed without the mention of Venus Williams and Sharapova said, "She's such an inspiration. She wanted to go out fighting with grit and grace and she did. I've watched her stand up for equal prize money and equal pay throughout her career." Laura Brown added "and sparkles! When in doubt wear sparkles." referencing the amazing looks Venus has served up during the US Open this year filled with glitter and crystals. Seeing women who are standing up for what they believe in and looking good while doing it is the ultimate goal. 

Sharapova ended the panel with advice for the next generation saying, "I always stay hungry for more. As a woman when you're at the top of your game you're often faced with a lot of adversity. It doesn't get easier." 

It was a truly inspiring panel and a great way to kick off NYFW!