Pink Maison Uplifts Emerging Designers at New York Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is host to many fashion shows, and not all are created equal. While the designs that are shown on the runway are undeniably the star of the show, the steady stream of content coming at the average fashion lover can make it challenging to stand out. It is not easy for a designer or brand to put on a great show, even more so for emerging designers. If they can accomplish the monumental feat of designing and executing all of the work that goes into their own collection, where can a budding designer look for a platform to share their work at NYFW?

Fashion design is an art like all other art forms – it is a seed planted by a dream but is born of blood, sweat and tears. It takes tremendous effort to put it out into the world. In this house of creative worship, art is the baptism of emerging designers into the fires of the fashion industry.

Look no further than Pink Maison, a showroom and incubator dedicated to amplifying multinational and sustainable emerging brands. Last week, a handful of emerging designers & students found a platform to showcase their designs thanks to creative director Jessimar Etwart’s commitment to fostering creativity and the art of design.

In an intimate and bright showroom in Chelsea, Manhattan, these independent designers had the exciting opportunity to present their collections to a packed house. For most, it was their inaugural showcase. The widely diverse and multi-generational crowd hummed with the type of excitement and supportive energy that can only be generated by a crowd gathered for a singular purpose: to cheer on and support budding artists.

As proud family members holding bouquets of congratulatory flowers and assorted fashion enthusiasts decked out in their best interpretation of this season’s trends gathered, the show kicked off in a kaleidoscope of color from designer Priyanka Chouhan. Modern and wearable two-piece sets cut from luxurious jewel tone fabrics were the stand out pieces from Chouhan.

Next up, Maya Westenger displayed her keen eye for spring trends by using patchwork denim for almost her entire collection. Grommets and lacing kept the looks modern and fresh while her construction skills were evident in the unique structure of her stand-out pieces, which included a jacket fit to perfection and a patchwork denim bustier cone bra that was undoubtedly one of the best pieces of the show.

Sujuane Smith’s collection wowed with its ultra-cool streetwear and impeccable styling. The models wore wide brim hats and oversized hoods in asymmetrical two-piece silhouettes cut out of solid black, pink, and white fabrics.

Another standout was design student April Htwe’s bridal collection in ivory and cream satin. She displayed her fresh perspective with an interesting and fresh take with a mini bubble-hem wedding dress with a long, sheer panel train that is somehow minimal and yet just enough “extra” for the modern day bride not interested in wearing a traditional full-length gown but desires to make an impression.

It’s always fun to root for a rookie, and thanks to Pink Maison and creative director Jessimar Etwart, this show delivered a satisfying production in dream making.

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