NYFW 2015 – Jamie Brewer/Desigual-Larcroix Warms The Runway This Past Weekend
Although many aspects of the New York Fashion Show this past weekend dazzled the world and our eyes. There was one that stood out, were Jamie Brewer’s inspiring walking and Desigual’s collection of vivid colors escalating the style of the rainbow in every way possible.
Actress Jamie Brewer, best known for her roles in the American Horror Story saga on FX, took center stage when models for designer Carrie Hammer walked the runway at New York Fashion Week 2015. What’s remarkable about her first runway appearance is not the fact that she is an actress or an activist. It’s the fact that she has Down Syndrome.
Wearing a big smile and a simple but elegant black buttoned-up dress with a cinched waist, Brewer twirled and glided down the runway. Her dress and her modeling moves were inspired by her character Nan, in Season 3 of American Horror Story: Coven. Just as her portrayal of Nan was that of a clairvoyant young witch, Jamie Brewer can see the future for models with disabilities – and it looks good.
Jamie Brewer was one of a dozen Carrie Hammer models selected to shatter stereotypes in a campaign called “Role Models Not Runway Models.” Joining the actress in the fashion show were marketing executives, bankers, CEOs, computer coders and philanthropists. In an interview for ABC News Brewer said, “It changes yourself and it also changes the world.”
Her advice? “Embrace the fear and go for it,” Brewer said. “That’s what I do. I don’t run from it, I embrace the fear.” The legendary model/actress adds, “Take the risk. Take the chance. Put your heart and soul into it, because when you put your soul into it, you will become what you’ve always dreamed. You, yourself, will become a legend.”
Desigual did not disappoint with their Fall/Winter 2015 debut collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in New York City. The Spanish label lived up to its theme, “La Vida es Chula,” life is cool; love is in the air, through their distinct fabrics, textures, and Mediterranean influences.
And the audience wasn’t likely to be bored by what was on offer, with pretty much all colours of the spectrum making it down the runway.
Cool models with warm smiles sashayed down the runway on Thursday wearing a more sophisticated look for this season. The Fall/Winter 2015 line is a reflection of many cultures coming together, according to Creative Head, Manel Jadraque, who worked with designer Christian Lacroix on this collection.
Desigual’s brand ambassador, model Chantelle Winnie strutted the runway with supermodel Behati Prinsloo, as celebrity guests Katie Holmes, Adriana Limo and Drake looked on from their front row perch. All eyes were on a true Lacroix creation, the eclectic cocoon coats, which is also a favorite of Jadraque’s this season.
In addition, the line show cased lots of black and white geometrics with touches of Desigual’s signature bright, happy colors, including yellows, greens, and blues. Jacquard was introduced this season to add some sophistication. Other looks included lots multi-hued embroideries and Baroque tapestries woven into bright abstractions.
It truly was a cool; yet warm runway show, as ebullient models cast a happy, sultry glow inside the tents at Lincoln Center, on an otherwise blustery New York City winter day.
Sparx Entertainment 