An Alexander in London

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BLUE BOMBER JACKET |  ODETTE &ODILE TWIGGY WHITE 
SUN SHADES | FOREVER 21 HOT PINK RIBBED SWEATER-KNIT CROP TOP |
EGO SKYE KITTEN HEEL SOCK BOOT | GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | GUCCI BELT | 
MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY

---

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKU NEW YORK. 

When it comes to working with photographers, I'm quite selective. There's really only been one person aside from myself that photographs street style for me, and that is my husband, but when I had to travel to London and he had to stay behind, I needed to find someone reliable and with quality (which my standards can be very high... eek!) but when a new friend of mine from this year recommended someone she had worked with, I took a look at her Instagram and was immediately open to her style and vibe. But like any first encounters, they can be a bit awkward, even nerve-wracking to some, but Elena and I had commonalities such as a passion for photography, both Eastern European, and same headstrong go-getting kind of attitude. We broke the ice quickly. 

But when the time came to shoot, her camera suddenly was not turning on. At first, we (I know a thing or two about cameras) both thought it was just the battery/sensor that had a small dust or something on it and we tried to clean it. Nothing. We took out the memory card and restarted the camera again, and tried many other crazy things one photographer will try to get the camera to work (this is definitely part of the problem in the digital world, yeah?) again, but to our dismay, nothing was happening. We finally ended up at a camera repair shop about a five-minute walk in central London.

 When we arrived, Elena saw a man with a Canon body similar to hers, and immediately wanted to test his battery on her body. He was happy to do so, but it still didn't solve the problem. Her camera was still not turning on. A technician in the shop finally assesses her body and battery and can confirm that there is something wrong with the body. She was disappointed as everything was fine that morning (as I know me, myself, a photographer will check to make sure everything is working before even leaving the house!) and on top of working with me, she had 3 more clients that day. She tapped away into her phone before the man with the Canon, named Alexander, popped in once more.

Overhearing she had to work for fashion week that day, Alexander, 'Alex', straight up offers his camera to her, with no expectations. At first, Elena refuses, even at some point offering money herself to borrow his camera. He says no and then asks for one thing in return. If she ever needed an assistant and just had the time to give him a few tips, and he was not a professional photographer, that would be the next best thing. I honestly have to say that meeting Alex and his friend Amelia the way that I did was something you don't have happen to you every day. What are the odds we'd all be in the same camera repair store in the heart of London on some random weekday in the middle of the afternoon and for this to occur? It's as if as just when I start to think that the world is just crazy and that's that, an angel descends down to earth and I mean... wow. I am still so touched by one person's kindness. All thanks to an Alexander in London, my first shoot was a success! 

Photos by: Elena Gola

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS

NYFW AW 18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: MKT STUDIO RED LEATHER JACKET | VIP SHOP PLAID WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG
H&M TURTLENECK | GUCCI BELT | ACCRUE KANDINSKY SUNGLASSES | FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 2

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BURGUNDY FOX FUR COAT | CHLOE BAG | LEVI'S JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 3

WEARING: NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | SAKU NEW YORK LACE TRIMMED SLEEVE KNIT TOP | 
SAKU NEW YORK WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG 

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 4

ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | THACKER NYC BOYFRIEND SHIRT | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED GLASSES | 
BRAHMIN MELBOURNE CROSSBODY | KOIO CAPRI BIANCO SNEAKERS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 5

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK COLOR BLOCK LONG WOOL IVORY COAT | WHO WHAT WEAR™ SWEATER | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS | 
MAD-STYLE PEARL MULTI RING CHOKER | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES | 
DRESS LILY FRESH BLUE CROSSBODY BAG

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 6

WEARING: MKT STUDIO JUMPSUIT | ZAFUL STRIPED JACKET | ASSEMBLY NEW YORK BLACK COAT | 
ALLES BAGS FRINGE BUCKET | EGO BOOTS | DIOR GLASSES | FOREVER 21 BELT

SHOP THE LOOK

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS

NYFW AW 18 Full Recap

SEVEN ALL AROUND

Where can a city girl find a chic-but-wearable shoe? Look no further - Seven All Around embodies comfort but with an elegant style. Often times there is a lack thereof, whether it's too clunky or not aesthetically-sound, it fails to hit a complete mark. Heesung Choi, the founder of the footwear brand debuted ahead of New York Fashion Week. Her resumé is impressive: After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Choi spent the first eight years of her career at Rag & Bone (as one of the founding employees), where she worked on both women’s ready-to-wear and footwear collections (including the brand’s early collaboration with Manolo Blahnik). Most recently, she was head of design for Public School. The South Korean-born designer wanted to create shoes for herself that would accommodate long hours of fittings and dinner with friends in New York, working remotely with her mother in Seoul to develop the shoes. From ankle boots to platform oxfords, and even flatform sandals, they are all extremely wearing while simultaneously very presentable. The built-in cork padding and sneakerlike cushioning are definite design details and measurements that will in all likelihood be a major success. 

GRETA CONSTANTINE

Set in a three-story apartment, each Greta Constantine model wore thigh-high boots in a variety of reversible, colored sequins paired with skirts, dresses, and trousers that channeled the ultimate Eighties glam. Reversible sequins were the majority of the collection, like a green and blue trouser with a matching, oversized loose blazer. To add a dramatic flair, brocade blazers and sheer blouses had defined, exaggerated shoulders, and large sashes were tied around waists. The collection was bold, but held a nice reminder that fashion can still definitely be fun.

COLOVOS

Colovos is known to be minimal with an arty streak. The show-opening loose-fit trench set an easeful silhouette, one which emphasized to their tailoring: Jacket volumes were lightly gathered in back. Dresses layered over pants, a look that can tend to look over-styled, but here rather a nonchalant can-do quality. Webbed nylon shoulder straps on dresses were definitely stressing on the trend of utility. The Colovoses are jean experts from the early days. They showed their denim head to toe today, and the jeans had a baggy-but-tapered fit that looked current and trendy. Makeup done by Mac Cosmetics: lead by Romy Soleimani. Hair done by Pureology: lead by Ruth Roche. Nails done by Zoya: lead by Alicia Torello and jewelry by Laura Lombardi.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

A fusion between modernism and romanticism, BCBGMAXAZRIA was one of my favorite backstage experiences of NYFW along with the presentation. I really enjoyed their exploration of the contrast of feminity, masculine, hard and soft, playful and strict. But what made it all flow together so beautiful is this effortless manner while doing so. It's what BCBGMAXAZRIA is known for and they did not disappoint when it came to the AW18 collection. A job well done to the creative director, Bernd Kroeber and to the five female artists, including fashion illustrator Blair Breitenstein, that created artwork that was incorporated into the venue. Makeup by Huxley: lead by Jodie Roland. Hair by Cutler Salon/Redken: lead by Emily Heser. Nails by Zoya: lead by Naomi Gonzales.

CONCEPT KOREA

This season, Concept Korea presented two womenswear labels: Lie by Chung Chung Lee, and Greedilous by Younhee Park. Park presented her collection first, which included a collaboration with Beyoncé stylist Ty Young. Park was influenced by beauty in women, particularly on extreme glamour, the Palace of Versailles and the romance of Marie Antoinette’s style. Lee took a more political bent, titling his collection “GLOBAL WARMING; It’s not justICE.” The play on words is meant to bring awareness to global warming—more specifically icebergs. He tells us that fractured icebergs were the point of inspiration for many of the collection’s prints, patterns, and details in addition to colors of the Arctic Northern Lights and blue skies. “They serve as a reminder that this beautiful environment could ultimately disappear,” Lee says. Overall, the exposure of Korean Fashion in the American market is booming. Watch out, guys. You'll be seeing a lot more in the next few years.

NINE WEST 40TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The perfect way to kick off New York Fashion Week? Attend a fabulous party! I was fortunate enough to be invited to Nine West's 40th Year Anniversary party in downtown Manhattan at the VNYL. At the party, Nine West also launched its vintage-inspired capsule collection. Featuring 11 styles, the limited-edition line includes signature silhouettes and trends from the past four decades, including platform heels with a nod to the ’70s, architectural pumps that defined the ’80s and wedges that epitomized the ’90s. I remember my first pair of Nine West shoes from junior high, and they were the black platform heels everyone was wearing :) Good Times.

YUNA YANG

Models sashayed through the halls of the Margo Feiden Gallery in Greenwich Village presenting Yuna Yang’s bespoke womenswear collection. “Love Yourself”, the title of her collection, was embellished across the front of hats, on the backs of jackets and down the sides of sleeves. According to press notes, she “wanted to send a message about the importance of loving yourself. Every woman, regardless of race and status, should be treated fairly and equally”. A resonating message that coincides with the current changing landscape, not just in fashion, but throughout every industry. Inspired by colors, textures, and narratives in fine art, the original work by Al Hirschfeld was a splendid backdrop to the pieces incorporating east and west influences. Represented by a diverse range of models, her collection combined high and low elements visible in her designs and fabric choice. Leather ruffled skirts were paired with lace varsity jackets while silk organza dresses floated over jeans. Sporty, luxurious and an all-around feeling of empowerment.

TIBI

Even though I didn't get to see the Tibi show, I did go backstage with Aveda to learn more about the look for the show. Ultimate cool girl vibes, the collection was inspired by cities, construction, and architecture.  Striking a perfectly brilliant balance between fashion and utility, the looks did not disappoint as the ultimate wardrobe for the NYC woman constantly on the go. I adored the unpolished look of the hairstyles, it kept the looks versatile yet clean. Hair by Aveda: lead by Frank Rizzieri. Makeup by Stila Cosmetics. Nails by Jin Soon.  

TANYA TAYLOR

Known for her signature hand-painted floral prints, Tanya Taylor's AW 18 had less of that but with that came a greater emphasis on silhouettes, like curvy drapes and asymmetrical slouches. Tanya Taylor’s watercolor fall florals and plaid patterns came together in perfect harmony. More surprising were the pieces that nixed print altogether, like the zeitgeist-y turtleneck dress with rows of hand-stitched chrome sequins. The paillettes got bigger and flashier on a completely backless high-low tank styled over houndstooth trousers. Fans of ’90s and early-aughts style will say it’s evident of the “going out top” revival, but the pants (brown houndstooth with hints of neon pink) were worth a second look too. And the pops of color with yellow, pink and orange sealed with collection with perfection.

BEVZA

Only the second season Bevza has shown in NYFW, it was my first. Ukrainian-origins of the designer was apparent in the collection. Diaphanous silk dresses with ruching at the bust; they came in sweet candy colors like sugar pink, pale blue, and a rich green, a number that was inspired by Eastern European folklore and fairytales, it just sometimes works. As if it was a mixture of upper-class royalty and peasantry, the most spectacular outputs were the most abstract ones: a snow-white dress with linen reliefs and a deep neckline on Alla Kostromicheva, and outfits with complex assignments that repeat the shape of hosiery belts in that gentle pastel range. Specifically, the designer sent out a series of puffy nylon coats printed with animal skins and pieced together in strips to create the illusion of fur. Truly spectacular and with the times! I enjoyed this show immensely, and am hoping to see more of this kind of fluidity in Bevza's later work. 

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO

Fall is a terrific collection for Cornejo, full of bright shades such as turquoise and a reddish orange and novel-for-her fabrics such as a wide-wale cord that she cut into a skirt suit (not as traditional as it sounds) and a slinkier evening corduroy that turned up on a jumpsuit and an asymmetrically draped dress (one of my favs). The centerpiece is a tartan that she took the stuffing out of, draping and smocking it to create the easeful shapes she’s known for. This season was all about sustainability, as Cornejo reports that 84 percent of the collection is made locally in New York, which substantially reduces her clothing’s carbon footprint.  

LOVE & XX'S, 

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS

Please Add Me to Your Linkedin Network

WEARING: THACKER NYC BOYFRIEND BLAZER | CINON GRAPHIC TEE | H&M TURTLENECK |
BDG JEANS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS | CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | GUCCI BELT | 
ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES

---

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CINON, THACKER NYC & ACCRUE.

NYFW officially kicks off on Thursday, but it really started for me yesterday as I went to presentations and some events already! It's going to be a crazy week, and even crazier month as I will be heading to London for LFW straight after NYFW! Gahh! I'm super excited, but I know there's a lot of work to do. I'm extremely humbled to be traveling for work. And even after only 4 seasons in the fashion week-game, I'm starting to explore more of the European industry! Perhaps, Milan and/or Paris will be in the near future? Well, instead of hoping and wishing for your dreams to come true, go out and GET IT! Something that's crucial in the fashion world. So in today's post, I'm sharing my tips on how to make it and also survive fashion week. It's short and sweet and non-lecture-y so keep on reading to hear my experiences and stories of the past couple of years on top of my suggestions. :)

RULE #1

Anyone that has played it safe their entire life and followed the rules accordingly won't get too far to exceeding something absolutely amazing. And even though I was brought up well and know the difference between right and wrong, I am definitely the kind of woman to break a few rules. Okay... maybe more than a few. It's not for any vindictive or manipulative scheme - but I am willing to go the extra mile and reach out when maybe others say you shouldn't. Guys, just do you. Not to say you can crash any party or show because that's not how it exactly works but don't be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself. Each season I strive for better in terms of my building networks, photography/editing skills, and more. It's all work and no (okay, maybe a little...) play for me.

RULE #2

Be nice! Leave your personal sh*t behind once you leave that front door in the morning. The scene around NYFW can be intense and downright overwhelming if don't really know what to expect. But like anything else, if you bring forth a positive attitude and the wonderful act of kindness, I guarantee you that will go a long way. And YES, don't forget to say thank you, please, etc; because people will remember you for it. I always try to make an effort to thank each agency and/or designer that invites me to their shows for example and send my photos/video of my coverage along with the thank you note. It's just an added touch to detail that people appreciate (I know I do!) and being good to others means others being good to you. Don't be entitled, rude and/or obnoxious. Which brings me to rule #3 

RULE #3

My biggest pet peeve during fashion week: blocking everyone's view with their arm literally stretched out to the middle of the runway attempting to get the 'shot'. HEY. We're all here for the same reason, d$c*head! Try to refrain yourself from ruining the show for everyone else. We all can get along and keep our knees and elbows in place, yes guys, NO MANSPREADING either! Ha ha ha! What's your biggest pet peeve during this chaotic hectic week? Or for fashion month in general?

Okay, last little tidbits before I run off to meetings: If you are not feeling well (as in you're physically sick) or may feel like you're burning out - it's a long week for us. We don't just attend shows. There are meetings with agencies, showrooms, designers and then some, on top of photo shoots, events, and yes, editing content, answering emails/phone calls, and more. If you need to skip a day to get some rest and catch up on work, then do it. But only if you really can afford to. It's different for everyone. But... just pace yourself, try to enjoy rather than only take photos, and yeah, have some fun! 

Finally, this look is definitely fun and not at all serious but still boss. I discovered this graphic t-shirt brand based out in Paris called Cinon where they make amazing and comical limited edition t-shirts, like this one that says, "Please add me to your Linkedin" which pretty much sums up this week's MO. Ha ha ha! Is it just me, or isn't Heather Locklear one of the hottest women to ever exist? I mean that face! I layered it up with a winter camel turtleneck and a tobacco boyfriend blazer. Shop the details below. Hope to see old & new friends this coming week. Wishing you all a wonderful time during New York Fashion Week! Catch up with you guys soon. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS

NYFW SS18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
GUCCI BELT | LOUISE & ELEANOR LULU CLUTCH GREEN APPLE | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 1 LOOK #2

WEARING: MALIKA RAJANI METALLIC LEATHER JACKET | VAGABOND HONEY BODYSUIT | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 2 LOOK #1

NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | GWEN SALAKAIA SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 SHIRT | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 2 LOOK #2

WEARING: SAKU LEOPARD PRINT VELVET DRESS | SØSKEN STUDIOS COAT | 
MAD STYLE NECKLACE | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 3

WEARING: VIP ME BLUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERY BELTED MAXI DENIM DRESS | 
FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | 
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS | MAD STYLE SUNGLASSES

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 4

WEARING: DEUX A BOMBER JACKET | DEZZAL ASSYMETRIC MERMAID SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 GRAPHIC TOP | ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM | MEDUSA PARIS BUCKET BAG | 
MAD-STYLE IGGY SUNGLASSES

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 5

WEARING: BROOKS BROTHERS MEN'S SHIRT | H&M LONG GREY SUIT JACKET | 
YEAH BUNNY FLORAL PANTS | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO VELVET BOOTS | PERSOL GLASSES

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 6

WEARING: MEDEA MARIS ORGANZA TRENCH | NATIVE YOUTH DRESS | 
YOINS GREEN BATCHEL BAG W/ CONTRAST TRIMS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 7

WEARING: ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | OLIVER BILOU ROXY CLUTCH | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES 

SHOP THE LOOK

Hey, everyone! In today's post, I'm featuring all my looks from NYFW SS18! A total of 8 different outfits, you can shop similar pieces from each day by following the links through text and/or image. This season I went with a lot of different accessories from bags to shoes, to trendsetting wear, but I think the biggest challenge during this fashion week was finding something stylish enough yet comfortable enough for all day to night wear! On most days I stayed in sneakers or my newly obsessed metallic boots that are not only sleek but super wearable for those long grueling days. The last thing I want to worry about while working is feeling uncomfortable in an outfit. Have you guys checked out my full recap of all the NYFW shows I attended this season? There's a ton of coverage, plus backstage access to such amazing shows like Tibi and Public School... come check it out here and don't forget to follow me on Instagram! And if you have a question about any outfits from this post, please comment down below! 

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS