NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

I decided not to attend NEW YORK FASHION WEEK this season. I mean, I love the shows and the parties, but the last couple of times had been so hectic to organize, and stressful to snag that coveted front row seat that it almost didn’t see worth it.

Well, that all changed when I got an email from Catherine Saxton, a PR women that I met a couple years ago in NYC. She asked if I might be interested in walking in the Zang Toi charity fashion show benefiting Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong Foundation. You know, I love to strut my stuff on the runway and I’m also a huge fan of doing charity work, particularly with ones that raise money for Cancer research (It was a good excuse to attend NEW YORK FASHION WEEK), so of course I agreed!

I planned my trip quickly. I sent out some emails to announce my arrival, bought an airplane ticket (Virgin America rulz) and I was off. Due to my recent visit to Greece (see my last blog), I could only make it to NYC for the last two days of Fashion Week and barely make it in time for the charity event.

I went to the airport at an ungodly hour in order to make it to the city in time for fitting with Zang Toi, a Malaysian designer who creates magnificent, couture masterpieces. I was to wear 2 gowns for the show. I tried on the first one, a black cap-sleeve blouse and bustled ball skirt with grey pleated ruffle trim. I felt as if I was from another era. Since it was a bit too long (I wish I was as tall as those Amazonian super models), it was a bit of a challenge to walk in. The second was a floor length gown with an ode to the Empire State building stitched on the side. It fit like a glove (an EXTREMELY tight glove). It was so tight that I could barely walk, let alone breathe. They promised to take it out an inch or two before the next morning.

When the fitting was finished, I grabbed some food and headed to the apartment for some R&R (I didn’t want to look groggy for the fashion show and I was sure they would be plenty of wild NYC nights ahead). I watched movies and hit the hay early.

The next morning, I woke refreshed and headed to Daniels, a very expensive French restaurant and the venue for the event. I arrived backstage and was whisked into makeup and hair. The makeup was light and fresh (Only cover up, concealer and lip-gloss. No blush). My nails were painted white while my hair was swooped into a modern beehive. I already have a HUGE forehead, so I was a bit concerned with the height of the extensions pinned to the top of my head. I would never wear my hair that way in real life, but on the runway it’s fun to be a character and rock whatever the designer desires.

Before the show, I was interviewed for the website “The Quest For IT”.
Check it out at: http://blogs.uptownlife.net/tiawalker/?p=284

There was a live auction and then it was time for the show. All the models (including Danielle, the winner of America’s Next Top Model and Ms. USA) dressed in their first looks and lined up. When it was my turn, I struck my fiercest model pose and strutted down the runway to the live band. Let me tell you, spinning in a floor length gown (that is WAY too long) is a challenge! I nearly took a spill more than once! My heel kept getting caught in the train. My sister Rhonda, who was in attendance, said she didn’t notice (I’m not so sure though). I changed quickly into my second look, which luckily fit a little better than the night before (I could now shuffle my feet and take small breaths). I felt glamorous and sexy. I strutted with a little more confidence this time, until I had to climb up the 2 stairs at the end of the runway. My knees could barely bend, so I leaned and yanked till I was safe behind the curtain. I don't think it was my finest runway show, but it was FABULOUS nonetheless.

After the show, I took out my beehive and did my best to make myself look presentable before heading to the Victoria’s Secret Suite for some freebies (I LOVE free stuff). It was very mellow, but I got some great stuff including a $200 gift card!

That evening, I had dinner with my friends Mary, Lydia and Keisha at Ago. We gorged on yummy pastas, caprese salads, lots of bread and wine. Then, we hit the parties! We started at the J. Mendel after-party at the Box where we had a couple cocktails and met up with another friend Keira, from Miami. Next, we headed to Rose bar, where we bumped into more friends and went on a party hopping extravaganza. I think I jumped to at least 5 different fashion show’s after parties (which all seem like a blur after such a busy day). We danced and drank till my eyes could barely stay open. I hopped in a cab and headed home to pass out.

The next morning, I woke a bit groggy, but it was a beautiful day! I walked in the park, had lunch with my friend Mary, and then headed to the tents for the Badgley Mischka show. It’s always stressful to get in, but I finally made my way through the crowds and into my seat. I sat front row in the center of the u-shaped runway with my friend Lydia. The models stalked the runway in colorful gowns and bathing suits (I coveted more than one)!

That evening, I went to the Baby Phat show (one of the most fun, rocking shows of NEW YORK FASHION WEEK) with my brother Evan. The gorgeous models strutted their stuff to bumping hip-hop tunes as we rocked along. After the show, we went to the Baby Phat dinner at the newly redone and recently opened Plaza Hotel. Every year, Kimora Lee Simmons has a very exclusive dinner after her show. The last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to attend and hobnob with some very cool people. This year, I sat next to Teyana Taylor from MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen (she is the cutest thing) and met Maxwell (I am a HUGE fan of his music)! Everyone ate fois gras (Not me) and steak (Yummy), and then headed to the after party upstairs in the ballroom. I was exhausted, but couldn’t help grabbing some Cold Stone Creamery ice-cream (with Oreos and snickers) and a quick dance on the dance floor before heading home to bed.

This NEW YORK FASHION WEEK may have been way shorter fashion week of my past, but it was still wild and a bit tiring, but as always… NEW YORK FASHION WEEK is FABULOUS!