CAAFD (The Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers) yet again unveiled six emerging brands during the New York Fashion Week.  The newly selected and returning brands were: Moon Chang, A Humming Way, Farida Temraz’s Temraza, María Sonia, Yufash and Phoenix Ba. Collectively the brands showcased their Spring/Summer 20 collections one after the other. Individually, the brands exquisitely showcased their unique work of art and passion, exhibiting a mix of bright colors, elegance, flair, couture, and some edge. Some highlights from the designers’ collection are: 

The show was opened by Farida Temraz presenting her couture brand ‘Temraza’ with flair and elegance. Though the designer has made quite a name for herself in the red carpet circuit in the previous two-three years, this was Farida Temraz’s first time to be listed on the official fashion week schedule as part of CAAFD newly selected designer and she did not disappoint. With a total of 24 pieces, the collection consisted of evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal couture. The color palette picked by the designer was mostly pastel with the occasional electric blue and white seen in a couple of pieces. Temraza’s common thread was the floral element which Farida Temraz used in almost all her pieces, giving them a refined and elegant touch. 

Phoenix Ba’s Spring/Summer 20 Floral Motifs Collection Exhibited  Majesty. The Toronto-based designer presented 15 pieces and her collection showed surface textile techniques. The collection consisted of evening wear with A-line and sheath gowns. There were also a couple of skirts, a pair of pants with a tube frill top along with a floral jumpsuit. She incorporated the floral theme throughout the collection as each piece had intricate floral work in it. A lot of different materials were used like mesh and tassels in a couple of pieces. Phoenix Ba’s love for hair accessories was also on display as each model walked with floral hairbands or other floral hair accessories matching their outfits.

Paraguayan Fashion Designer Maria Sonia Shines Bright with Colorful Silhouettes  – think of Spring and every bright color that comes with it and that is exactly what you will find on the runway for the Maria Sonia Showcasing at the NYFW. The CAAFD approved designer presented a collection of 15 pieces. The scenario was quite different from what you generally expect at a fashion show’s runway. The models walked boldly, freely on the runway, lifting their trains and showing them to the audience. It was a rhythmic dance as the model twirled around to fully show their outfits. The collection consisted mostly of gowns and cocktail dresses. Though the silhouettes were mostly structured, there was a sense of free flow in Maria Sonia’s pieces. Overall, it was fun and vibrant.

Yufash Spring/Summer 20 showcased a unisex collection. The designer exhibited a mix of casual, dressy and evening wears with simplicity in mind.  We saw men with t-shirts with bold shining prints and the ladies with glowing evening wears with technology influenced prints. Yufash executed elegance with minimalism.  The designer, Kadri Klampe is an Estonian-born, founder and designer who created Yufash as a unique and forward-thinking brand made for the confident and powerful women of the world. 

A Humming Way Spring/Summer 20 Collection Met with Warmth and Excitement During CAAFD NYFW.  An Indian brand inspired by the old world regalia of the state of Rajasthan in India. The collection was titled “Matsutake,” and represented the mushroom’s characteristics of adaptability with utmost brilliance. Matsutake is also known to spread a feeling of hope and that is what Sweta Agarwal tried to emit through her showcasing. The collection had 14 pieces in total. It had a mix of cocktail dresses, gowns and jumpsuits all in a palette of soft pink, browns, gray and white. The collection had a lot of mirrors work to trace the roots from which the designer label began. A humming Way’s entire collection was soothing and quite welcoming.

Moon Chang, the brand to close the show, presented their Spring/Summer 20 Collection leaving audiences in awe.  Her Collection was titled, “Hybrid Beauty.” It showed Moon Chang’s personal journey during her PTSD experience. The mood was set with the haunting yet beautiful music being played in the background. The models make-up was done in a way to make their eyes look swollen. She presents a collection of 11 pieces with the focus color being black. The cute elements of ribbons and ruffles in her oversized dresses created a contrast of cuteness in ugly places. Moon Chang, as one of CAAFD favorite brands, never disappointed. Her presentation was met with a one-word sentence, “WOW”.

About CAAFD:  Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers is a non-profit organization founded through a collaborative effort by a few key pioneers in the fashion industry with the ambitious goal of promoting designers who aspire to expand their brand awareness and do business in the United States. CAAFD educates, promotes and empowers aspiring designers and fashion professionals in gaining a foothold in the fashion business, giving them every opportunity to become the renowned designer they yearn to be.

Picture Credits: CAAFD/iMaxtree/FrontRow Press