Nolcha Fashion Week

September 28, New York, NY - Nolcha Fashion Week: New York celebrates its third year showcasing independent fashion designers via runway shows, accessory exhibition, ethical fashion brand preview, informative fashion business panels concluding with a menswear installation.

With a busy week of retailer meetings, press interviews and showroom introductions the Nolcha team worked continuously to provide the select fashion designers with an invaluable experience during New York Fashion Week. Sponsors included Paul Mitchell, Rae Cosmetics, Clarins Skin Spa, Selve – The Luxury Shoe Customizer, Coca-Cola, Fuze, Riazul Tequila, Saaga Vodka, Don Q Rums, Carlton Hotel, The Bohemian National Hall, Flowers by Topaz, Aveda and EDUN Live.

Here is a recap on the week’s events:

September 14th, 2008: NOLCHA KICKS OFF WITH ETHICAL FASHION PREVIEW

The Ethical Fashion Preview in partnership with Bel Esprit Showroom debuted to an enthusiastic audience to spotlight fashion designers in apparel and accessories who create collections using environmentally friendly materials and processes, and manufacture their collections respecting fair trade and fair wage principles. Designers from the US, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany and beyond exhibited contemporary and chic collections that brought a fresh and exciting point of view to the spring season.

DESIGNERS: Alberto Parada, The Andean Collection, Article 23, Castaway Design, Elena Garcia, Emesha, L-Shandi, Moonlight Jewelry, Ms BoDangles, OJASVY, Parvesh Jai, Passchal, PKD Spa, Playback, Rene Geneva, Redhanded Handbags, room to roam and Van Markoviec.

Taking place in the old world charm of the Carlton Hotel on Madison, the setting resonated with the diverse collections and welcomed guests with Aveda’s sensory rituals while celebrity stylist, Jon Reyman, founder of Beauty VT -  the interactive beauty website -  demonstrated how to achieve salon perfect hair. Rae Cosmetics provided beauty touch ups with their mineral based lightweight and sweat proof brand as guests refueled at the Starbucks Coffee Bar.

PDK Spa, a selected designer that participated at Ethical Fashion Preview mentions: “We were very impressed by the entire event - from the quality of the venue to the depth and caliber of Nolcha's guest list. We hope that we will remain in Nolcha's qualified and creative hands to assist us through every stage of our development in finding the perfect match for our unique collection.”

The star-studded evening cocktail party sponsored by Riazul Tequila, Saaga Vodka and Don Q Rum saw model Eva Marcille, model and actor Jason Hurt, Melyssa Ford, actress Kisha B. Kool, DJ Erick La Peau and more celebrating with the Ethical fashion brands.

September 15th & 16th, 2009: NOLCHA RUNWAY PRESENTATIONS & ACCESSORY EXHIBITION

The Nolcha Fashion Week Runway shows and Accessory Lounge were housed at the iconic Bohemian National Hall in association with Czech Republic Consulate General. Rae Cosmetics provided the exclusive makeup direction with polished skin and pinky accents for spring, the Paul Mitchell team showed the extreme of their talents from creating dreadlocks to securing the perfect French chignon and the models donned shoes from selve – the luxury shoe customizer.

The Capsule Collective kicked off the runway shows with Christina Crawford who gave the audience a splash of femininity in between perfectly tailored trousers.  Sado by Carlotta Gherzi put forth a somber Spring with greens and dusty blues warming up the show with short shorts and flowing dresses.  EmeDesigns unveiled a printed gown with a train that was award-show worthy.  Nadia Nour brought out her inner rockstar with vibrant reds fit for any green goddess and Jessica Joyce closed the show with translucent deconstructed sculptural pieces that floated down the runway.

The evening runway show was opened by Czech Republic designer Šárka Šišková with a collection called “Planets” which featured floor length gowns full of movement. Australian designer Pizzuto flirted with the audience by way of fitted hand-painted silks and rhe finale lay in the hands of fellow Australian Sue Vanikiotis’ label Anaessia Sydney; known for her superior romantic vision and soft feminine palette, exquisite cocktail dresses embellished in rosettes and Swarovski crystals floated down the runway.

The Accessory Lounge was a welcome scene for all involved.  Buyers got to chat one on one with designers, while fashion insiders were treated to on the spot styling.  Collections ranging from show-stopping statement jewelry to classic functional handbags in touchable lavish textiles encircled the room.

Wednesday September 16th opened with a special feature from St Vincent’s and the Grenadines as sponsored by Invest SVG. Tami B released key stand-outs such as beautiful metallics like sun setting on water accompanied by sandy neutrals and some safari influences.  Shernicia pleased the audience with her understanding of color mixed with modern day sex appeal like body conscious cutouts.  It was a citrus explosion from Kimmistic. Clo’s Kimon Baptiste. A cornucopia of volume mixed with figure hugging dresses which represented a contrast in two colliding worlds inspired Karen de Freitas for her collection Soka.

The Luxe Collective Runway show featured designers who were selected for their fabric choices as well as their sensibilities in lifestyle. Agnes Valentine swimwear opened with the impact Ursulla Andress had on 007.  The vibrant perfectly sculpted swimwear was a treat on the eyes.  Minna K’s cocktail attire was a study in movement, like a beautiful symphony of color and sophistication.  Telina Webb unveiled her KabukiU traditional Japanese kimonos, the ultimate in home loungewear. Elda de la Rosa’s sumptuous gowns had a Latin flair with floral nuances from top to toe.  Dora Abodi completed the show with her smart, innovative look at modern high-end ready-to-wear; a nude color palette and experiments in textiles sent a contrast in bondage and volume down the runway.

The final runway presentation opened with Rock Hard Atelier who was a lesson in “multi-function” and “multi-wear” for that girl-on-the-go with removable pieces that went from day to evening.  AFANADOR by Jorge Afanador was a mixture or texture and art.  Screen printed basics created from the designers original paintings paired alongside laser-cut shifts that followed Spring’s peek-a-boo trend.  Maybelline NY’s Born to Be Fashion Forward competition winner Quiet Riot’s Buffi Jashanmal created a mix of metallics and skin-tight black and fringe for the hip world travelling girl with unconventional style.

Tomas Hart, Commercial Consul of the Czech Republic in New York, states: “"Nolcha Fashion Week was a great showcase for talented emerging designers.  It was an honor for us and our exclusive venue Bohemian National Hall to host the runway shows and to see one of Czech designers, Sarka Siskova, involved. We are sincerely committed to presenting Czech fashion designers here in New York. I look forward to continuing our relationship with Nolcha and supporting their mission to assist the independent fashion market in New York City."

There was a continually packed riser of domestic and international photographers and TV crews. Celebrity guests at the various events included recording artist TeirraMari, model Eva Marcille, and Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Dwight Eubanks. Spry Lee and Betsy Jones of BET, Elaine Welteroth of Ebony, Esquire, Bride’s Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and other editor’s enjoyed front row views.

September 16th, 2009: FASHION BUSINESS PANELS EDUCATES TOMORROWS STARS

Leading fashion industry experts lent a hand to independent designers in a tough economic climate and provided insight on business development, marketing, communication, leadership, retail and operations with the inclusion of understanding ethical fashion criteria and practices in the New York fashion business world. The panelists were:

Christine Driscoll, Business Development Manager of EDUN LIVE, finds that her current role is a fulfilling position in which she is able to manage a brand with an important social mission allowing her to come into contact with many inspiring individuals and companies who are striving to incorporate ethical practices into their working lives. She often travels to Africa to visit farming and production facilities.

Judy Galloway, Owner of G Marketing Group, is a branding specialist, market researcher and futurist. She has worked on multiple brands in the beauty, fashion, healthcare, fitness, luxury, home, hospitality and financial service categories including Avon Products, Revlon, Bumble and bumble, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, RehabCare Healthcare, MasterCard International, New York & Company, H&M, and Hamilton Beach Appliances.

Fashion Designer, Elizabeth Olsen, created Olsenhaus to merge passions for design, fashion, function, being a voice for animals, the environment, human rights, ethical business practices, and unwavering values. Olsenhaus has been featured in major press from Vogue, Marie Claire, Lucky, Oprah The Wall Street Journal, Daily Candy, Vegnews, Nylon, People and more.

Holly Landau, CEO of Landau Leadership, is a sought-after presenter and facilitator on topics such as leadership, corporate strategy, diversity, innovation, and corporate communication. She continually draws from her varied experiences - as a US Army Officer at The Pentagon, an art college student in London, an Operations Manager for Aveda, and a successful business owner - to inspire others to think both creatively and strategically.

Debora Pokallus, Founder of Bel Esprit Showroom, exhibits the collections of innovative and creative international designers committed to respect for the world and its inhabitants, and through its worldwide network, gives designers opportunities to participate in international fashion events and trade shows, exposure in fashion magazines and press, along with marketing, PR, sales and distribution assistance.

September 17th, 2009: MENSWEAR INSTALLATION AT INDUSTRY NETWORKING EVENT

The evening event held at the Time Hotel Inc. Lounge indulged industry insiders as they networked, enjoyed live entertainment and previewed the latest Astor and Black custom clothiers’ handmade suits via a mannequin installation. The bespoke collection included fabrics by Scabal, Dormeuil and Loro Piana among others. The relaxing environment offered guests the opportunity to interact with the brand that aims to provide the highest quality in hand craftsmanship for an unprecedented value.

For more information about Nolcha Fashion Week contact:
Kerry Bannigan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Nolcha Fashion Week: New York
Award Winning Nolcha Fashion Week held simultaneously with New York Fashion Week consists of runway shows featuring emerging and independent designers from around the world, accessory exhibition, industry networking events and fashion business seminars held by reputable industry figures.  www.nolchafashionweek.com

About Nolcha
Nolcha is a leading operator of educational, event and b2b services devoted to independent fashion entrepreneurs and related retail businesses. The Nolcha platform includes Nolcha.com, an online fashion portal delivering daily business education; Nolcha Fashion Week, currently held during New York fashion week and providing key exposure to press, buyers, and industry figures for emerging and independent fashion designers from all over the world, in both apparel and accessories; events during London Fashion Week with key partners and Independent Retail Week in New York and Chicago, as an initiative to drive business and increase revenue for small fashion retail brands. www.nolcha.com | www.nolchafashionweek.com