Buyer’s Diary SS14 | NYFW

We love September in New York. The Summer’s balmy weather is replaced with a much more civilized, and comfortable, fall warmth; the city is abuzz with New Yorkers back from their summer weekend-hideaways, and visitors alike.

However, the very best part of September in New York is that we get to buy for the upcoming Spring and Summer –our favorite buys of the year!  (Canadian girls live for summer –pant-less, sock-less, bulk-less summer).

This trip was a perfect mix of “work”, food & drink, and visiting with friends –new and old. The collections this season were nothing short of amazing –both our old favorites + some exciting new collections we saw for the first time, pulled out all the stops.

Take a browse through the highlights of our trip below:

Theyskens’ Theory was our first stop and one of our favorite collections of the season. Olivier Theyskens’ is known for differentiating his minimalist designs through his unique way of styling the pieces together. This season was all about layering. He created looks that were stunning together, while the pieces on their own may be unsuspecting – it’s always refreshing to buy a true “collection” rather than piece-by-piece.

Olivier himself made an appearance this time. It was interesting to listen to him describe his vision.

Next stop –Helmut Lang. Always such a breeze to buy. The collection is always so versatile, and wearable while maintaining it’s signature minimalist characteristics. As in many other collections for SS14, the 90s inspiration was pervasive –in the greatest way.

Here’s Nga having a quick rest: 

Kelly Wearstler is equally talented in her jewelry design as she is with her, notoriously incredible approach to interior design. We want this display piece! What do you think?

Caroline from Jenni Kayne is always such a treat  to work with –and the growing collection of JK shoes doesn’t hurt! SS14 was bigger than ever– D’Orsays + so  much more, including a white loafer we fell in love with.

3.1 Phillip Lim is hands down the most exciting collection we see in NY –we feel he has absolutely nailed the last 3 seasons. There was a definite 90s presence in this collection –but, as everything is done better in hindsight, this season managed to get the 90s look just right. The details and designs of the pieces were inspired by Geodes and the ocean – we promise that you won’t see anything like it anywhere. Needless to say, the buyers have already created a list of personal orders from this collection.

We love visiting gorgeous, and extremely talented, Angélique Chmielewski! SS14 marks her 3rd collection, and this one is our favorite so far (though it’s really hard to play favorites). She nails minimal, androgynous silhouettes while maintaining an irresistible femininity. We instantly wanted to own all of her pieces –and we probably will.

Visiting with Tish & Michelle from Michelle by Michelle Mason is always a lovely experience. We can always bond with them over food… and fashion, of course. This season looked amazing –perfectly feminine and subtly sexy.

There are two new brands we have on our radar but you’ll have to wait to find out (s00n, very soon) . . .

OK, OK! Onto the food and fun (not that the buying isn’t fun – it really is)

We’re playing favorites with these two meals:

All Good Things –this TriBeCa gem is aptly named. They are home to all things that are good: a flower shop, bakery and coffee shop, meat market, fish market, cheese market, bar, cafe, AND  formal dining restaurant. We went for lunch (and were delighted to find razor clams on the menu, as well as the most delectable squids). It was so delicious that we almost were back for dinner…

…but, instead of going back to All Good Things for dinner, we opted for Chinese!

Mission Chinese –love the food and atmosphere equally. Our meal was the perfect balance of traditional and modern Chinese flavors.

Last but not least – on our last night we got together with some friends at our favorite BK spots – The Wythe Hotel,  followed by 5 Leaves.

Well, that’s a wrap –what a great trip! Stay tunes for the Paris edition in a few weeks.

xo

Nga & Anna