Best of Lei Chic 2012: Just a New York Minute

(Rewind) Locals recount their NYFW experiences

As we ring in 2013, Lei Chic is taking a look back into our archives and bringing you some of the best stories we published during 2012. Happy New Year!

Originally published on September 17, 2012

While we drooled over New York Fashion Week's swoon-worthy shows from the confines of our office, two Hawaii fashionistas were actually there in person.

Below, we present a few snapshots of their totally different, yet equally amazing, Fashion Week experiences (celebrity sightings included!) and hope they take us along for the ride next year.

Kecia Littman, makeup artist, Wilhelmina Hawaii

"I got to visit the main tent of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where guests sign in and wait in line for the shows. There were different booths from sponsors like Maybelline, TRESemeé, American Express, Caboodles and more. There was also a live feed of E! Entertainment's Fashion Police with Joan Rivers and Kimora Lee Simmons."

"I attended the Tumbler and Tipsy fashion show by Michael Kuluva. There were celebrity sightings throughout the venue, including Lance Bass of *NSYNC, who sat next to Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner while Kendall Jenner (pictured above) and Olympic soccer player Alex Morgan walked the runway. It was a teen bubblegum pop type of show, cute and fun."

"Here I am, waiting for Anna Sui's runway show, which was amazing; romantic, flirty, yet punk-inspired ensembles perfect for spring. Every seat had a little goody bag filled with a hunter green nail polish, a perfume sample and a cute little makeup bag."

"Celebrities were running all over town during Fashion Week. Seeing them in person is exciting because you always picture them to look a certain way and when you see them, they look even better. I caught Jordana Brewster at Lincoln Center, along with other fashion goers, all dressed to impress, of course. You never know who's photographing you!"

Photos: courtesy Kecia Littman and Aaron Taylor.

Maida Montemayor, boutique owner, Collins & 8th

"Overjoyed describes how I felt as I sat in the Studio at the Lincoln Center ready to view Timo Weiland's SS13 (CFDA Incubator Designer) 'Haute Hip Hop' collection for men and women. I was able to photograph one of my favorite pieces, a sheer chambray button down, which is definitely coming to Collins & 8th!"

"At Lincoln Center, the endless parade of TV personalities, fashionistas and supermodels, along with the allure of the soft jazz escaping its way from the show into the main courtyard, made it feel like I was in the middle of a modern day movie. Here are just a few of my photo captures, including The Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, supermodel Alex Wek and Jay Manuel, formerly of America's Next Top Model."

"I arrived at Webster Hall, the biggest nightclub in New York, for Opening Ceremony's 10 year anniversary party. Knowing the right people really helps, especially in this city. This was quite apparent as my group walked right past the velvet ropes, bypassing the already long and growing line, then navigated through three different rooms, two floors, and a sea of partygoers. Shortly after midnight, a balloon drop signaled the start of the night's festivities and live performances."

"Before heading out, I made sure to congratulate the owners, Humberto Leon and Carol Song, one more time. These two hardworking, humble and successful boutique owners are my versions of celebrities. Definitely one of my most favorite fashion moments indeed."

Photos: courtesy Maida Montemayor. For a more detailed account of Montemayor's experiences, click here.