Just a New York Minute

Lei Chic 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


Lei Chic

"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."
 


Lei Chic

"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."
 


Lei Chic

"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."
 


Lei Chic

"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
 


Lei Chic

"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!"
 


Lei Chic

"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 Alek Wek and Jay Manuel, formerly of America's Next Top Model."
 


Lei Chic

"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."
 


Lei Chic

"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.