VIVAFASHIONISTAS’ Alyssa, Michelle, & Kourtney in the first walk!

Being a part of the VIVAFASHIONISTAS team has a number of benefits, chief among them being able to collaborate with all of the team members.  Another is the ability to represent VIVA and cover exciting events (e.g. Steve Madden’s appearance).  So when the opportunity to cover Metropolitan Fashion Week’s 6th Annual Forbidden Fashion Show held in The Loft at Russell’s, I jumped at the chance, rearranged my schedule, packed my gear, and got there early!  After all, how often is one bidden to a Forbidden event?  With one’s camera? You’d get there early, too….

Alyssa Cave, Fashion Editor for VIVA, is also the Models Director for MFW, and modeled in this show (she also did the makeup for this show, assisted by Red Door Spa staff, Rochelle, Kelly, Aubri, who also did the hairstyling).  Other VIVA teammates were a part of the event:  Kourtney Pfeifer (Accessories Editor), Michelle Green (Contributor) modeled in the show, with Lifestyle Editors Gergana Ivanova & Naomi Silassie there with me to cover the event.

Naomi & Gergana ready to cover the event

Eduardo Khawam, Producer and Director of MFW & Forbidden, authorized our press passes, met us at check in, and graciously took care of us.  I prepped my gear, selected the lens (since I was unfamiliar with the venue, I had more choices than needed, but better than than too few!), did some test shots, and settled down in the seating area until showtime.  Gergana, Naomi, & I were sending images to Michelle Elalto Cuneta for live, as-it-happened coverage of the event.

Designers Rocky Gathercole and Julius Leano were featured, and Milagros Lugo created stunning custom “wings of the seasons” for the final walks.  Amy Yamada once again did a wonderful job of hosting.

The energy was high, the crowd was enthusiastic, the models were stunning, the designs artful and creative, Russell’s Loft was a beautiful venue, and the entire VIVA team was proud and happy to be there.  Many thanks to Eduardo and his team for the press passes!

Below are some of my favorite looks and moments from the evening.

Alyssa opens the show with the first look by Rocky Gathercole

Viva’s Michelle Green with the second Rocky Gathercole look

Katarina Swinney modeling Rocky Gathercole

Alyssa opens the final walk, with Wings of the Season by Milagros Lugo

VVIA’s Michelle Green

Katarina Swinney

Devin Adair

VIVA’s Kourntey started the final series of Rocky Gathercole designs

Ashley Smith wearing Rocky Gathercole

Gergana sending up to the minute news to VIVA HQ!

Designer Julius Leano with his models after the show

Ashley Smith found Julius Leano’s models (or vice versa)

VIVA’s Gergana & Kourtney after the show

VIVA’s Gergana & Alyssa after the show

Alyssa in Rocky Gathercole still in demand for photo ops long after the show finished