College life. Six classes taken throughout the week. "Eating out" at one of the cafeterias on campus and choosing something off the same menu every day. A mediocre nightlife, that is when I'm not writing papers until 6 AM or watching late-night movies and Law and Order marathons with a cup of Ramen noodles.
So, leaving my quiet campus to walk the yellow brick road into a dark room filled with fashion lovers, a blue lit runway, a mosh pit of press and yes, Nigel Barker, was definitely appropriate for my first visit to the tents of New York Fashion Week. It was as if I stepped into Oz!
At the ever classic Perry Ellis show, thirty male models (one of whom was a dead ringer for creepy thin man from the Charlie's Angels' movies) strutted their stuff in beachy cotton blends and linens.
There were tons of pastels, mostly blues, lilacs and tans. Many of the summer country club looks consisted of sweater vests, Members Only-esque jackets, and cardigans.
One of the standout pieces was definitely this purple leather jacket.
Next stop was Edwing D'Angelo, whose show was studded with plenty of familiar faces from America's Next Top Model , including Lisa, Eugena, and Bianca.
While the music relayed a jungle atmosphere, the beautiful cast of ethnic models wore an assemblage of looks in classic black and white. The designs straddled a fine line between couture and ready to wear and that's always a plus.
My favorite piece was without a doubt this high collared long sleeved white Cinderella mini with black detailing across the cinched waist.
Best part of this show? Definitely one of Elle's past Models of the Moment, Wendell Lissimore. <33
Lastly, I made my way to check out the Jose Duran collection, which was opened by Miss Jaslene from ANTM in a dramatic white grecian gown. 
The avant-garde line is very sophisticated and artsy. It has unique silhouettes and plays with interesting geometrics. Duran uses his signature silks to drape many of his looks, but interestingly incorporates sculpted iron and fiberglass into his designs. The highlighted pieces are his metal corsets.
It was a wild, wonderful and colorful trip to New York Fashion Week! And then I woke up...back to the black and white world of college.
-Nastasia
