As many New Yorkers already know from first-hand experience, unlike other big cities around the world, life goes on during snow days… especially the life of a fashionista. From February 6th through the 13th, thousands of fashionistas and fashionistos traveled near and far to the big apple for one of the largest, most anticipated and invigorating, bi-annual events in the fashion world: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Fall/Winter 2014 Collections at the Lincoln Center.
2014 MBFW FTL Moda + Art Hearts Fashion
For anti-fashionistas, let me start by describing the high caliber of such an intense week-long event. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, New York is the mecca of fashion for all style mavens, gurus, enthusiasts, and wannabes around the world. Taking place in the nation’s fashion capital, it’s the forefront venue for all elite United States based designers to showcase their upcoming season’s collection. Fall/Winter Collections are always shown in snowy February, while Spring/Summer Collections hit the runway every scorching September. As amazing as it all sounds, not just anyone can attend these prestigeous shows; the experience is all through exclusive invite only. Top designers, models, photographers, buyers, editors, publicists, stylists, entertainment celebrities, musical artists, and athletes can all be found under one roof throughout this exhilarating week of fashion heaven. Anyone who’s anyone is found in attendance.
Last Thursday, February 13th, at 5pm at the Lincoln Center Theatre, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation hosted the FTL Moda + ART HEARTS FASHION Event to promote the connection between fashion and philanthropy. It was the closing show for this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. As the largest AIDS organization in the United States, their vision for the event was to support the next generation of young designers while promoting AIDS awareness.
Celebrating trends in Italian style, the show commenced with FTL Moda designers presenting an escalation of styles straight from the catwalks of Italy; brands carefully selected by the finest Italian institutions. Italy’s rising stars Kokler and Silkskin opened the night’s event with contemporary and ready-to-wear collections followed by evening-wear collections from Giada Curti, Jamal Taslaq, and Gianni Tolentino. I Mondelliani, Silvia Massacesi, and Maria Greca provided the accessories shining on the runway. Haute Couture Designer Nino Lettieri closed out the Italian segment of the show with his grand finale.
Founded in 2007 by Ilaria Niccolini Production, FTL Moda has been presenting runway shows internationally and has established itself within the Italian fashion community as a bridge for Italian designers to present on an International level. In 2012, FTL Moda partnered with ART HEARTS FASHION, a leading art fashion platform to create meaningful and artistic fashion events.
The ART HEARTS FASHION finale segment showcased fashion reinvented on the runway in an artistic demeanor. M the Movement, the urban style eco-friendly line from Michael Herrera, opened the art inspired segment, followed by Mister Triple X, the edgy streetwear line by Erik Rosete whose fashion line was conceived through a story. Control Sector followed with forward thinking street fashion apparel. Afterwards, Altaf Maaneshia presented a charismatic and captivating collection. The segment ended with a dramatic finale by designer Furne Amato whose work can be seen on top celebrities including Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Shakira, and even New York City’s own Jennifer Lopez.
Established in 2011 by designer and entrepreneur Erik Rosete, ART HEARTS FASHION presentations have been held coast to coast benefiting multiple charities including Aids Project Los Angeles, Women’s Cancer Research and the Hurricane Sandy Relief Kitchen. ART HEARTS FASHION events are highly supported by celebrities and have become a premiere platform for designers. Celebrities in support have included Lindsay Lohan, Adam Lambert, Bobby Brown, Floyd Mayweather, Jojo, Perez Hilton, Gloria Govan, Tatum O’neal, Tia Mowry, Neon Hitch, Bonnie Mckee, Evenesence, Alexis Arquette, Philip Bloch, Colette Carr, Kayla Brianna, and the growing list goes on.
Are you interested in supporting fashion for a cause? Feel free to text “GIFTLIFE” to 20222 to make a $10 donation to ART HEARTS FASHION, a platform where multiple donations can be accepted. A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donors must be age 18+ and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code “GIFTLIFE” or for help, text HELP to “GIFTLIFE” for help. – See more at: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/designers/ftl_moda__art_hearts_fashion_presented_by_aids_healthcare_foundation#sthash.YIF3L5Qp.dpuf
*Photo credit for all photos depicted: House Photographer, Andrew Foord.
By: Christina Marie Edwards | NYC Fashion Enthusiast.
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & Tumblr: @miszsstina
Email: ce@newyorkevents.co