NYFW... A View from Size 14

There's a certain magic in the air that permeates New York City every night... whether you're in Chinatown, wobbling on heels to try a new club, or rocking a sparkly dress in Soho, there's something about New York at night that will always be special. During New York Fashion Week? It's even more magical.

This is my third NYFW, and the excitement has certainly not worn off. Despite the fact that I think NYFW functioned more smoothly when it was centralized at the Lincoln Center, it's still awesome. And perhaps the best trend I've noticed in my years attending is that NYFW seems to becoming slowly more inclusive.

This year, I saw many people of color on runways. I saw a large amount of people of color in the front rows at shows, as designers, and as prized guests. I saw models with bigger busts, and hips. And butts! The shows at Art Hearts paid special tribute to Madeline Stuart, the world's first professional adult model with Down's Syndrome. It was an exciting time to observe fashion, truly... but there's still room for improvement.

*The chairs at some of the shows are so tiny that an average sized adult woman has a hard time fitting on them without spilling over into her neighbor.

*We still don't see enough models (American) sizes 6-12 on runways, a middle ground that is neither "model-size" nor "plus-size," but right in the middle, where most American women are

*Speaking of sizes 6-12, we don't see enough CLOTHES in high fashion for women in that size group. Many women with money to spend on beautiful clothes are between those sizes, and they feel left out. Tim Gunn recently wrote an excellent piece about this.

*There's still not enough makeup and hair care choices for Black models with natural hair or darker skin tones. This is improving every year, thankfully, but I still hear from many models who have to bring their own makeup, or help hairstylists with tips on what to do with their natural hair.


A huge HUGE thank you to Georgine for her celebratory, effervescent, New York City inspired show. Huge thank you to Fashion Istanbul for their amazing shows. Thanks to Art Hearts for the Charles and Ron show especially (exquisite!) and to Note, Trompeloeil, Cliff Bar, Boxed Water, Allegresse 24 Carat Skincare, and everyone else who provided gifts in the swag bags!

Charles and Ron finale: https://youtu.be/2cuzZR8ashE

Kendry Bird Lands in NYC!

I have arrived in NYC for New York Fashion Week. A very busy schedule of shows lies ahead, but I will do my best to document lots and share with you!

Make sure you're following me on Instagram @kendralsaunders and on Twitter as well: @kendrybird

Tomorrow the madness begins!

Fashion Week

Last September I was in New York City in September for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. My 3 1/2 days in the city were a whirlwind of fashion shows, long lines, rooftop parties, late-night drinks and meeting amazing new people. I snagged some freebies at the Lincoln Center and chatted with countless designers, models, makeup artists and photographers.

There's a certain "missing out" feeling one can't help experiencing when they attend Fashion Week one year and then don't get to return the next year. You see pictures of fabulous street fashion, you see celebrities making appearances, and you see gorgeous new collections from your favorite designers.

But Fashion Week got me thinking about all of the incredibly talented people I've spoken with over the last few years, though, and I plan to catch up with some of them here soon.

So watch this space! And enjoy all of the MBFW shots with me, hmmm?

A Fashionable #TBT

Tonight's a new episode of Project Runway, so here's a #TBT to Fashion Week last year, with some wonderful ladies.

What was your favorite moment at NYFW'13? Who are you rooting for on PR this season?

A Moment With... Project Runway's Leanne Marshall

I had the opportunity to ask Leanne Marshall a few questions recently. Read on for her answers and some gorgeous photos from her fashion show last September!

Q: I attended your show at NY Fashion Week, September 2013. Your collection was just stunning, with brilliant punches of color (that pink!) Are bright colors going to work their way into your creative palette again?

Yes.

Q: Your Instagram is full of Wes Anderson-esque warm and lush photographs of your work and your adventures in life, including some jealousy-inducing travel snaps. Any tips for fashionistas who want to create their own aesthetic on Instagram?

Pictures that compliment each other and are very appealing to flowers. Avoid TMI photos. People are rarely interested in your food (unless the plating is extraordinary) and they never care yo see you waiting at the doctor's office. 

Q: What accessory or item of clothing is currently rotating heavily in YOUR wardrobe?

Items from the ROSS Dress for Less binge that I just had in Portland.

Q: At Kendry Bird, we promote body positivity and body diversity. What's your best advice for curvy fashionistas who want to look great? 

Wear what you feel amazing in. If you feel fantastic, that is exactly what the world will see. If you question your look, they will too. That advice goes for everyone, with every body type.

Q: What can your fans do to support you and your work?

They can follow me on instagram: LeanneMarshallDesigns and on facebook: LeanneMarshallOfficial.

Q: If you could create a wedding dress for anyone, including a fictional character, who would be your top wish?

Jennifer Lawrence.

Q: Thank you so much for your time, Leanne. It's so exciting to have you as a guest and I can't wait to see what you make next! Is there any last message you'd like to leave for your fans?

Thank you for all of the support through the years!

Fashion Blogger Spotlight: Fashion Nexus

One of the coolest things about the internet is getting to connect with people you might not have gotten to otherwise. One very cool person I've connected with is Shannon, the creator of Fashion Nexus. Recently I had the honor of being the very first person to interview her.

Read on to see what we chatted about...

So, I've got you on the other side of the interview desk, as it were! Cool! How long ago did Fashion Nexus get its start, and what was the initial inspiration?

Fashion Nexus came to actualization last summer, June 1st, 2013 to be exact. The initial inspiration I guess came from a desire to write. I was taking a class last year where I was encouraged to write about fashion law topics. So I did and worked with a couple of online publications who published my work. But soon I saw I was ready to go bigger, to do more. And so I thought, why not try to work with my own blog, do my own thing and so I did! I knew it would be a great way to learn more about fashion and meet a lot of great people along the journey.  

In your time running the blog, was there any one post that stands out for you as one you’re especially proud of?

I can't think of one just because so many of my posts are special to me for one reason or another. When I write about a fashion show I feel so honored because I've been invited. When I do one of my fashion features I feel proud because I was creative with the topic. If I create a best dressed list I have such fun looking thru all of the images and really using my own voice in spite of what all of the other commentators are saying. With my fashion law category, it's great to be doing something different, to be combining my love of fashion with why I'm going to school. And then with posts for Project Runway or Under the Gunn, I enjoy writing about shows I love and being able to interact so much with other fans.

You write recaps of Project Runway, which many people love to read. Was there a favorite PR season to blog about? Any favorite PR designers?

I've watched PR for many years now so sadly I missed out on blogging in the past. And unfortunately a lot of my faves are from those missed seasons of blogging. I only began the reality world fun of blogging with season 12 forward. But I guess that was why blogging for PR All-Stars was a lot fun -- I could see some faves again and get to blog with my thoughts & opinions. My fave designers would have to be Christian Siriano, Irina Shabayeva, Kenley Collins and a few more. In fact, here is my very first piece written before Season 12 began, a top 10 list!

Project Runway-First, A Look Back

			Project Runway-First, A Look Back I watch a good deal of reality competition shows. With that, I always love reading blogs and recaps. I have always wanted to do one myself. In starting Fashion Nexu...
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As a fashion and beauty blogger, do you receive a lot of cool products to try?

I've been very blessed & honored to be able to REALLY work and connect with the various designers I've covered for my blog. It's been great to have been gifted some amazing items. And even ones I am able to use on loan from time to time are still pretty awesome!

You’ve attended some great fashion shows. Which ones so far have been your favorites?

I pretty much love every fashion show I get invited to because it means a lot, it's always a good time, and I get so many unforgettable experiences in return. There have been some faves I attended, but I sadly didn't blog about. One was Monique Lhuillier for Fall 2013 and I was happy to attend, but my blog was not in formation as of yet. I also attended the Season 12 Project Runway finale, but didn't blog about at that time because I didn't want to share any spoilers! Nolcha Fashion Week at Chelsea Piers is always a blast -- so many amazingly talented emerging designers. I attended a pretty cool set-up with a show for Stephanie Burkhalter & KARO Swimwear. It stood out and was a lot of fun since it was at Ph-D lounge at the Dream Hotel Downtown. A few others to mention -- Desigual, Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston, & Candela.

Many people know about my obsession with NYC. It's just the best city in America, in my humble opinion. I like to call it my future home, since I'm hoping to move there late this summer. You already live there, though. What’s your favorite thing about NYC?

I love what NYC represents for me -- a chance to live somewhere new after 25+ years in the same state. There is always new experiences to be had, new people to meet, and so much to do. It represents a new chapter in my life, actually more like several chapters! It's been such a joy to fill those pages.

Beautiful! Love it. What advice would you offer curvy fashionistas who want to look great?

I think the best advice I could offer is to embrace your body. I am not a size 2 so even I worry what a certain outfit might look like on me. But I find that when I'm not thinking about my body and just focusing on how much I love my look that I'm truly happy. There are some things you could do to achieve that mindset -- dress a little looser, not so skintight; bold prints/colors; or for dresses, ones that are not super short.

What’s the best way for people to keep up with your stylish adventures?

To keep up with my stylish adventures, you can check out 2 pages on my blog. My Fashion Diary & Fashion Week looks. On these pages, I catalog my fave looks, who I'm wearing, etc. I also share so much on Twitter so anyone who wants to stay in touch should definitely follow me -- @fashion_nexus!

My Fashion Diary

			My Fashion Diary YOU CAN CLICK ON ALL IMAGES TO MAKE THEM LARGER!! These are images I can best describe as personal faves of my own wardrobe. Also, a bit o...
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Fashion Week -- Feb. 2014

			Fashion Week -- Feb. 2014 Springing off from My Fashion Diary page, I wanted to share designer and brand information about my various looks for when I attend various fashion shows...
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Finally, what’s your current favorite:

Lipstick -- My fave brand is Cover Girl, not sure of the shade I particularly wear all the time, the sticker fell off, but it's a nude with a pink tint. It's a great look to create a clean, fresh beauty look.

Movie -- Pitch Perfect


Thank you so much, Shannon! Can't wait to team up with you for some fashion-y adventures once I'm back in the city!