CFDA X VOGUE Americans in Paris

Paris is known for its highly saturated fashion industry. Historic houses like Chanel and Balenciaga are just a few of my favorite designers stationed in Paris but the evolution of American design continues to amaze me. On my recent trip to Paris during fashion week, I spent my days meeting new designers, attending shows, and presentations. But there was nothing like walking into a room full of American designers

The CDFA X Vogue hosted a showroom featuring American designers entitled Americans In Paris.

“Americans in Paris, an initiative of the CDFA and Vogue fashion fund, was created as a global showcase for emerging American designers at Paris fashion week.”

It was a delight to see American designers highlighted in Paris and after weeks of traveling, I felt at home in a showroom full of clothes from America. Area, Chromat, Telfar, and Sandy Liang were just some of the American designers at the showroom. Here are the things I loved about the collections I viewed:

Ahlem Eyewear- Imagine sunglasses that look like jewelry. The Paris born designer living in LA launched the collection 2014. Her inspiration is Bauhaus art and European architecture. Ahlem gives you the option of selecting acetate or gold frames.

Area- As seen on Beyonce and fashion icon Aleali May, Area has become a fashion lighthouse. Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk’s pieces are dripping in crystals all while tailored to show the curves of the human body. I love the iridescent fabrics and crystal accents on their shoes.

Chromat- I was introduced to Chromat in New York after attending New York fashion week. The brand is super inclusive and is taking on the challenge of being body positive and diverse. In Paris, I met Becca McCharen-Tran, the founder of Chromat. We discussed her a simple wet t-shirt being the inspiration for the collection. She turned that moment of insecurity into a piece of art. The print was used to create fabrics and t-shirts with pool rules.

Ji OH- This was my first time seeing this collection and it quickly became my favorite. I loved the simplicity of the colors, black and white paired with the structured design of the pieces. Ji Oh is known for its androgynous uniform design while making a powerful, understated, and proportional statement. I loved this simple white blouse with green stripes and structured bodice.

RtA– Detail and fit are everything to Eli Azran, Evelyn Ungvari, and David Rimokh, founders of RtA. The collection has a very rock and roll feel with separates filled with new trends.

Sandy Liang- Sandy Liang is another New York fashion week star with a strong outerwear collection with elevated fabrics and details. Her recent New York Fashion Week show was at a Chinese restaurant with her collection listed on a menu with dishes such as congee, rice, and vegetables. Sandy Liang’s collection was inspired by her childhood memory of her neighbourhood.

Telfar- Telfar was creating unisex apparel before unisex design was cool. Telfar has a voice with a social purpose. From raising money for minors in jail to creating a collection for Solange Knowles’ performance, Telfar has gone against the grain to create a collection anyone can wear.

Vaquera- Vaquera is a unisex brand with a goal of filling the gap on the runway. Using American culture, Vaquera tells a story about luxury and individuality with each collection. The details in this collection were exceptional. It was a educational theme with graduation caps and gowns. My fav piece was a handmade ribbon bralette. I was intrigued by the piece and how versatile it was.

Victor Glemaud- This collection was gorgeous. The colors, the knit, and the history of the designer drew me to the collection. From a Press executive to a fashion designer, Victor Glemaud. has done it all. I saw a pink and red asymmetrical knit dress I could definitely add to my closet. I could wear both as a casual look or dress them up with heels.

Bringing American designers to Paris gave me a sense of home while showing Paris what America has to offer.

Looking forward to next season to see more American designers in Paris.

CFDA X Vogue, this idea was brilliant.

-Aquila Farrell MsChurchDress