Bon Chic Bon Genre (Good Style Good Attitude) is what BCBG stands for I found out yesterday after I went to my very first NYFW show. Well, I didn’t find out at the show, I googled it because I always wondered what it stood for, and I felt obligated to know after meeting the designer.

When my boss mentioned the show to me just two days before, I was ecstatic! I’ve never been to a glamorous, big time fashion show before and I always imagined I would eventually.  I never spent nights or days dreaming about it. It was never that kind of desire, but somehow I just always thought it would be an interesting experience.

The night before, I thought about what I was going to wear and debated whether I should go for a more reserved look since the designer’s clothing is not very afrocentric or laid back like my preferred style. I debated whether I should get a new dress just for the event. I thought about what my hair was going to look like. Then I started panicking about what was considered trendy and fashionable and if I would make a complete fool of myself wearing outdated and non-expensive stuff. I started imagining people hissing at me (because that’s what I picture very fashionable people doing), and a flamboyant gay man walking up to me just to scream, “this is such a fashion faux pas!” Pretty good imagination, right? I almost smacked myself in the face because I don’t remember the last time I’ve felt this way.

I ended up going with what I always feel beautiful in. I stayed within my comfort zone and thought, “Hey! If they don’t like my vintage/laid back/afro style, tant pis.” I went with one of my favorite head wraps before even picking my clothes. I scanned through my closet, and decided to wear two articles of clothing I purchased just the day before, each costing me a whopping $8. I chose thrift for both top and bottom. That’s right, my pants cost me less than my lipstick or what I usually would pay for to get a decent  sandwich. I still remember haggling with the guy until he agreed with my offer. How chic of me! I probably would’ve been willing to pay more than ten times the amount for these clothes, I love them!

On our way to Lincoln Center, I was stopped several times for my picture to be taken, probably by bloggers.  When we finally made it, it was one of the most overwhelming experiences in my life. My armpits were sweating! Fur coats, polka dots, fluorescent colors, wigs, long, flowy skirts, cameras, and bright flashes danced in front of me. Fake smiles, real smiles, nervous twitches, snooty attitude, impatience, curiosity filled most of the faces. My eyes kept going to a little girl of about nine who couldn’t be more bored with what was happening. We were escorted to the front row where I was able to spot some celebrities and get a close up view of the fabulous clothing and models. We were then led backstage after the show to meet Lubov Azria, wife of Max Azaria and designer of the brand.

It was an overall thrilling experience, but I don’t think I would want to go through that again unless I was treated exactly the same way yesterday. I liked that we had a lady escort us to our chairs and that we were considered “VIP” guests. Otherwise, I’m not sure I would have the patience to  get a ticket, wait again, go all the way in the back to stand behind dozens of pushy cameramen in a tent that violates every fire safety code just to get a glimpse of an eight minute show, then to wait on line to exit the tent (unless you breathe, drink and eat fashion). I really don’t have any designers I like that much I would go through all this trouble for, and I don’t plan of making fashion part of my career. I figure when I could afford the clothes is when I’ll also get a special invitation like my boss. Until that day comes, I’m not going through any headache for fashion. It’s supposed to fun and creative, not repulsive and stressful.

 

Besides my weird sentiments about the whole experience, I think the clothing was stunning and subtle. The colorblock trend is one of my favorites. It could be both bold and chic. I loved many of the dresses. Many of them were extremely sheer. The coats were my favorites. I know my closet deserves a beautiful coat.

I love fashion, but I still don’t understand the “world of fashion”, and I doubt I ever will. I love so many different styles, and I really do appreciate designer goods. They’re just not the things I think about the most.  I think a closet deserves some classic designer pieces, but I’m not one to go above and beyond to attain these material objects. I also believe in “splurging” every once in a while.  (I used quotation marks for the word ”splurging” because it is different to everyone based on their income and taste.) Until then, I will continue looking through clearance racks, browsing through ideeli.com, haggling with thrift store owners and African goods merchants.