So I’m not one for cliché…but time really does fly when you’re having fun!  And New York Fashion Week is exactly that!  My favorite week of the year DID NOT disappoint and has left me with endless creative inspiration, motivation and a smile I can’t wipe off my face.

With overwhelming inspiration flowing through my veins, I am beyond excited to share my New York Fashion Week recap with all of you!

Now before I get started, let me remind you why fashion week is SO important.  I am OBSESSED with fashion but more importantly the empowerment it represents.  For me, fashion week is an opportunity to share that passion vision with fellow fashionista’s who speak my language.  It is a time to connect, grow and just have a blast together!!!  So to make the most of the week, I crammed everything NYFW into my post-work evenings and enjoyed an unforgettable weekend with fellow bloggers, designers, photographers…FRIENDS!  Check out highlights from my New York Fashion Week experience below!

Though NYFW kicked off on Thursday, my experience began fashionably late (as per usual) but did not disappoint!  I had the pleasure of attending the Patrick Church “Drive Thru” at the Toth Gallery with my fellow fashion loving friend, Isaiah.  Church, a British designer, began his journey in fine art and has transitioned his passion into painted street wear; however this is his first collection showcasing both printed pattern looks and his classic painted pieces on models.

And speaking of models…the designer creatively captivated the room with his appreciation for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages-EVERY SINGLE ONE of his models was a woman over the age of 65, letting go of her insecurities and proving fashion is ageless!  Between this groundbreaking concept, the incredible designs and the turnout of guests sporting his one-of-a-kind pieces, it was a fantastic way to kick off New York Fashion Week!  BONUS: the Patrick Church “Drive Thru” is on display through September 28th at the Toth Gallery, so check it out! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Knowing Church’s love for print, I opted to wear a bold print for the evening-and what better print than leopard!!!! The 11 year old in me LOVES that all things animal print are “in” this season (but let’s be honest, I never stopped wearing them!).  This dress is from a prior seasons Allen Schwartz collection, complimented by this white blazer from Zsa by Clavon Leonard.

Now let’s dive into the other highlight of my NYFW SS19 experience…

Now I may be partial BUT my favorite showcase was that of my dear friend and designer Clavon Leonard. He debuted his SS19 men’s and women’s collection at The Loft in Midtown Manhattan and HE BROUGHT LIFE to an otherwise rainy, grey New York Fashion Week.  Though traditionally a luxury suit and accessories designer, in recent seasons Clavon has debuted designs ready to wear straight off the runway!  The designer also showcased a gallery walk through of his designs; however my personal favorite portion of his exhibition was the launch of the Clavon Leonard SS19 Resort collection.  With clear inspiration from the 70’s and the seasons go-to hues, how could he go wrong?

For this runway show, I had the pleasure of wearing one of Clavon’s designs from his SS19 collection.  This bold, bright, sheer piece pushed me outside my comfort zone of dark colors and I can’t thank him enough for that!  I am also wearing the white blazer from Clavon’s Zsa by Clavon Leonard collection.

Though attending runway showcases are an unbelievable dream come true, my favorite part of fashion week is the street style and connections made outside of the shows!  There is nothing like running into friends from years past, fellow fashionista’s connecting over the love for a designer, or silently cheering as a photographer stops to capture the essence of a friend!  It is sad to see another season of NYFW come to a close but my excitement for next season is at an all time high and I can’t wait to share my continued inspiration until then.

Stay up to date with my latest looks when you follow my SHOP section at A Grim Sense of Style, follow me on Instagram, and on Pinterest.

*Patrick Church photos courtesy of Emily Lipson.  Clavon Leonard photos courtesy of Luis Nunez.