Fashion Board Blog Entry (Carolyn)

A few days ago I had the privilege of seeing some designers work up close and personal in NYC! On June 24th, 33 mannequins decked out by top designers were displayed on Broadway in NYC! This "Sidewalk Catwalk" is the closest you can get to a fashion show in NYC-but for free! There was only one rule: the materials used had to be durable enough to stand up to the weather for three months. Because of this the designers had to get very creative with what they used in their construction.

My top five favorite were Naeem Khan's, Rachel Roy's, Mark Badgley's/James Mischka,Nanette Lepore's,and Betsey Johnson's.

Naeem Khan:
The handmade embroidery leotard that this mannequin is sporting is simply stunning! The arms and legs are covered in steel studs which add a contrast between the two textures.




Rachel Roy:
I love how she was so unique in choosing her mannequin color. The neon orange really made this funky outfit pop! I also am in LOVE with the above the knee snakeskin boots!





Mark Badgley/James Mischka:
What I love the most about this dress is that I can actually see myself wearing this. I wish they made this for sale, it would be the perfect formal event dress to go with your summer tan! The flowing sheer white cloth is draped over a layer of sparkly sequins.




Nanette Lepore:
The over sized neon flowers of this manneuquin really capture the "energy" of NYC. She used straws, heavy paper and wired material to create this eccentric look.





Betsey Johnson:
This one had to be by far my favorite out of them all! How can you not love this?! From the hot pink to the fresh flowers placed in tubes around her belt, this mannequin just stands out from the rest! I love how she made it so personal with different messages written in sharpie and pictures of her family.









Here is a quick look at some of the other mannequins:


(Catherine Malandrino)



(Nicole Miller-mohawk is outdoor carpeting, fabric is glow in the dark!)



(Adam Lippes)



(Stephen Burrows)



(Isaac Mizrahi)



(Niyati Karwat/Emily Saunders)



(John Bartlett)



(Thom Browne)



(Diane Von Furstenberg)



(Jill Staurt)



(Elie Tahari)



(Isabel Toledo)



(Donna Karan)



(Michael Kors)

(To see the entire version of thsi post refer to "sidewalk Catwalk")