MM6 Martin Maison Margiela Fall 2014 NYFW

The loyal followers of Maison Martin Margiela look to the diffusion brand MM6 as a New York label. Clothes that mesh perfectly with the muted palettes of the city whilst adding that somewhat avant-garde element which makes the line urban and just fashion forward enough to stand out. 

Rather than follow the norm and show at the infamous Lincoln Centre (so not Margiela's style), the Fall 2014 collection was shown at a simple yet clean show space in Chelsea, the Skylight Modern. 

A traditional benched seating set up was replaced by an assortment of quirky and unique chairs not only reflecting the brand ethos but the qualities of the MM6 customer also.

Many of NYFW invited are e-vites and operate by simply scanning the provide barcode on your smart phone at the venue to revive your stetting allocation. However MM6 decided to keep it somewhat more "old-school" with neon vintage style concert posters and wristbands giving the event a somewhat rave-like feel. 

Canadian singer Sean Nicholas Savage, accompanied by a keyboard, provided the stirring live soundtrack for the Fall 2014 show. A simple palette of white black and red helped portray the 'fashionable city girl on her way to/from boxing practice' feel, which was the unique inspiration behind the collection. 

The unexpected inspiration behind the collection was reflected in the ensembles which made their way around the showspace. An overall outdoorsy, masculine, minimal vibe was evident with black wellies worn with tailored shorts and paper like cotton shift dresses which crinkled and emulated paper so exactly that it was hard to believe that it was actually cotton. 

Lets not forget to mention the bubble wrap which stormed social media platforms when MM6 unveiled their bubble wrap tee worn over a simple bandeau. Perhaps not the most wearable piece in the collection, however the t-shirts with slight accents of the insulator will be the more coveted pieces come Fall 2014. 

Lamintaed denim in oranges and white was made to look like leather and used for boy shorts which stood prominently away from the body. Whilst button down shirts were so cut away they were more of a bib worn over bandeaus to expose large areas of skin. 

Fingerless gloves made to emulate boxing gloves were the only accessory in this Fall 2014 collection and were seen on every model though out the show.

Eyebrows were a big N-O in this show with many of their models haven their eyebrows bleached by the Mac Cosmetic team prior to the show. Whilst make up was kept to a minimum with nothing but a clear gloss worn on the eyelids and a slight accentuation of the models lip colour. 

Thanks to certain celebs who are loyal followers of the Maison Martin Margiela Brand including Kayne West, Kelly Roland and Lady Gaga, the somewhat exclusive brand has been brought more in the fashion lime light. MM6 offers somewhat more tamed versions of their mainline collection and provide a practical entry point for those wanting to get their hands on a bit of the action.  In the words of Jay Z "Maison, uh, Martin Margiela" we dig your MM6 Fall collection and cannot wait to see the West/Kardashian family peruse around in your bubble wrap come Fall. 

New York Fashion Week Day 3

It's always puzzled me how über cool bloggers and fashion folk walk along with their fabulous coat draped in such a chic manner over their shoulders exposing their even more wonderful outfit underneath without it falling off. It's true that once you put on your outerwear (unless you are going for the 'trench coat as a dress' kind of look) it fully conceals what could be your most fantastic outfit to date. I am certainly not saying that this is one of my more fantastic looks, rather my favourite knit and a pair of oversized vintage levis yeah sometimes comfy is chic. Anyhoo, I decided outside of the Eyebeam show space which Rolando Santanta just showed his most fabulous collection at, to try this little styling trick out. To much astonishment and a couple of failed attempts, I managed to succeed cue silent squeals of delight and with my friend Shelly on snapping duty she clicked away capturing this joyous moment just so perfectly! Last day of fashion week tomorrow. Gosh what a blast!

New York Fashion Week Day 2

Braving the elements much. 

So it has hardly peaked above -4°C this entire fashion week, which well, is a bit of a bummer. However having persevered with this ferociously bitter New York winter for a few months now, I have developed my skills in layering down to an absolute fine art.

Noone would ever know I had long johns and thermals ontop of my cashmere undies under every single outfit. Oh wait you do now.

Rather than step out in shorts and a big ol' fur (like yesterday's outfit - click here) I opted for a slightly more conservative ensemble channelling a combination of Catwoman and Bob Dylan (who knew they were such a complementary pair). 

What I'm Wearing: SUPERCALAFASHIONISTIC Beanie, Zara Sweater, Versace for H&M Leather Jacket, Aritzia Leather Trousers, La Redoute Clutch & Topshop Boots (& gold socks).

New York style has rubbed off on my somewhat, head to toe black seems to be an option I return to on far too a regular basis. Despite this and donning enough golden studs to set off a dozen metal detectors I head back off to the Lincoln Centre for the Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2014 show. 

Bumping into my total best friend, yeah I'm kidding, Chiara from The Blonde Salad who is one of the sweetest people ever (click here to view our last event together in NYC) was another great highlight of Fashion Week so far. Together we shivered side by side for another snap together which I posted to Instagram (@georgiabenj) faster than you can say 'cheese'. 

And how snazzy is the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week insta-wall. Packed full of the latest insta-pics with #mbfw tagged to the photo, hidden away inside the Lincoln Centre show space.

Lets not forget to mention the fashion scanner. Rather than physical invites which are of course pretty damn cool, at NYFW you scan the barcode that comes with your email invite and it prints out a little ticket for you with your seat allocation. Gah technology these days. 

Looking forward to another busy day tomorrow, fingers crossed the snow holds off!

Donna Karan Fall 2014 #NYFW

30 years in the business clearly leads to a whopper of a show. With Donna Karan celebrating her 30th year anniversary at the top of the New York fashion scene, it's not surprised she had one of the best #FROW's this fashion week so far; Katie Holmes, Hugh Jackman, Rita Ora, Trudie Styler and Bernadette Peters to name a few.

Using her New York roots as the inspiration of the collection, Karan presented the perfect balance of soft and structured, reflecting the electricity of the New York skyline. “I have the honor of looking at the city lights from my apartment every night,” said Karan, "this place is so, so beautiful, and I wanted to capture that."

Showing at a somewhat draughty cue shivering guests down on Wall Street the designer was enabled to have a large show space which would accentuate her designs; think exposed beams, rugged brick walls; that authentic New York City vibe. The huge LED screen at the start of the runway sparkled and shimmered in complementary hues which not only reflected off the mirrored runway but matched each look as models including Karen Elson, Karlie Kloss and 19-year-old British beauty Malaika Firth.

Boasting a collection in black, dark grey, white and ruby, Karan and her team created combination of masterful tailored jackets and blazers teamed with sumptuous sheer skirts showing off the over-the-knee boots worn underneath a great substitute for trousers indeed.

Fabrics included silks and chiffon's draped impeccably, devoré velvets, black viscose, ivory shearling and shaggy fur, some of which were embellished and beaded to depict the twinkling New York night sky.

The womanly focus of this collection was undeniable with belted waists, illusion bodysuits, sheer gowns exposing large areas of skin- it's safe to say sex appeal was at a maximum. "It's all about the body", said Karan. "The movement of the body and the expression of the woman and how she is so core in her strength."

With a jubilant tear from Karan as she did her victory lap down the runway, the audience applauded in celebration of this fantastic mark on the companies 30th year anniversary.

"New York is what I stand for — the past, the present, the future."

A fashion moment in history. 

This was no regular Fall 2014 collection, this was a tribute to the city that made Donna Karan who she is. New York.

New York Fashion Week Day 1

It would be safe to say that my first New York Fashion Week experience kicked off with a bang. Heading over to Lincoln Centre for one of the earliest shows of the day in nothing but a big old fur coat (well it look as much as my shorts were teenie tiny). 

The fountain filled courtyard is somewhat different to my old stomping ground of the traditional #LFW cobbles. Perhaps it was because it was -4°C with a wind chill of -11, and still yes I was in shorts. Rather than an influx of bloggers, street style mavens and aspiring photographers, the courtyard is not merely full but scattered with the big names in the business. The creme de la creme of this fashion world. Not to name drop photo drop too but I bumped into my absolute favourite fashion duo, The Beckerman Twins. Two gorgeous girlies with the most incredibly fun style I know. If only my twin and I dressed liked Cailli & Sam!

Douggying with the Beckerman Twins! Oh yeah!

What I'm Wearing: Kate Spade Sunglasses, ASOS Coat, Karl Largerfeld Shirt, H&M Shorts, Wolford Socks, Topshop Shoes & 3.1 Phillip Lim Bag. 

Now show time! Swiftly grabbing our seats, with my lovely friend Hattie, camera's at the ready we snapped, instagrammed and filmed away to our hearts content. Stay tuned to see my full report on the BCBG show (click here). 

A fantastic show and a great kick off to this years Fall 2014 shows. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @georgiabenj for all my up-to-date adventures this Fashion Week.