Cicily Daniels Reflects Back on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014

My fellow fashionistas will appreciate how my heart skipped a beat when I first walked through the doors, past security, and entered into the Tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW).  I had my cute dress, fierce heels, and sunglasses on, hoping that I looked the part. Though I have penned articles for Fashion Reverie in the past, this was officially my first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as a fashion commentator, so I was a bundle of jittery nerves.

Inside there were swanky-looking bars, booths from various sponsors, and a lot of extremely, well-dressed people. I was in the midst of Fashion Week, and I took a breath trying to take it all in.

Unlike regular fashion insiders who cover MBFW season after season, I went to as many of the booths as my energy permitted, because I wanted to do everything.  I mean, where else would I get a custom made zipper bag printed with my photo on it at the Samsung booth, or a tote bag from ebayNow, or a tasty, frozen Greek yogurt, all at no charge?

For a few shows, I was acting as a fashion commentator and had backstage access to designers. However, for one show, I was actually acting as an assistant to one of Fashion Reverie’s photographer.  During MBFW, the photographers wait in a separate area before their show with equipment, and even stepstools in hand.   When they are allowed inside, there is a pretty serious rush with each photographer jockeying to find riser space, in order to allow for the best sightlines.  It was interesting standing on that side of the rope, with another group of artists in their own right.  I got nervous because at one point, my credentials were in my bag and I was told that I needed to wear them around my neck at all times.  IDs were checked multiple times, because it is very serious business.  After my photographer’s assistant stint was complete, I was actually able to sit with Editor-in-Chief William Gooch and enjoy the show from the floor.

Perhaps, because I had been with the photographers for the last half hour before the show, the first thing I noticed when the lights went out was the almost musical sound created by the clicking of the cameras.  The innumerable shutters create a whirring, soft percussion that added an additional layer of beauty to the show.

The show in question was the Ralph Rucci spring 2014 runway show, and it was my absolute hands-down favorite.  Rucci is one of only two American designers in the past 150 years, who has been invited to show his haute couture collection in Paris by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.  Seeing his show, I immediately understood why.  His 2014 spring collection was breathtaking and effortless, featuring exquisite details and beautiful textures.  Every look was truly a work of art.  I will find a way to wear Ralph Rucci in my lifetime!

I also was hanging out with supermodel Coco Mitchell at the show. Coco Mitchell has modeled Ralph Rucci’s collections for countless seasons, and was wearing a stunning Ralph Rucci original the day of his runway show.  It was fascinating to watch the myriad of people seeking her out before and after the show.

Other highlights from New York Fashion Week (NYFW) included a brief conversation with Rod Stewart at the Helen Yarmak presentation.  Vanessa Williams was also there. The presentation was in Yarmak’s penthouse showroom and extended onto her rooftop balcony, featuring signature cocktails and a photography session.  Talk about a swanky location!  “Helentini’s were served as her signature cocktail, a cute fashion trend that we should all copy at our next soiree.  Her fun fur collection featured bright bold colors and patterns.  One of the models in Helen Yarmak’s spring 2014 presentation was “The Face” winner, Devyn Abdullah, who modeled in several shows this season—Pamela Rolland, Czar by Cesar Galindo, Joanna Mastroianni, David Tlale.  We talked about her acting aspirations, and exchanged numbers.  Iconic fashion model Pat Cleveland and her daughter Anna also modeled in Helen Yarmak’s presentation. Celebrities and fashion royalty surrounded me, so, I did some hardcore fashion schmoozing!

My first fashion week was quite a whirlwind.  I interviewed three designers for video segments.  I attended multiple presentations and shows—Ralph Rucci, Sukeina, Giulietta, Ann Yee, Helen Yarmak, Malan Breton, Kye, Rita Visnieris, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Fashion Shenzhen—sometimes taking cabs back and forth from multiple same-day events.

I had the unique opportunity to be backstage, and at rehearsals and was reminded that like Broadway, what we see on the runway is ultimately, a big show.  The behind the scenes work on styling, lighting, makeup, hair and even location making all the difference to how the clothing in a collection can be appreciated.  I hung out with some celebrities, and envisioned the moment when I would be in the front row at all the shows as a celebrity attendee.  Still, for spring 2014, I was there, in the middle of the world of fashion, witnessing glamorous collections, and hobnobbing with the fashion elite, and it was amazing.  CATCH ME NOW!!!

And now I am on to one of the most important days of my life, my wedding, which is in a few weeks.  Still, I am having goose bumps about my first NYFW. I can’t wait until the next one!

—Cicily Daniels