Glamour & Chaos: Christopher John Rogers F/W 2020 Show Behind the Pictures

What does one expect from a fashion show? The excitement of a new collection. Beauty and poise from the models. Celebrities mingling and coexisting with one another. This applies to any runway show. But when the collection is designed by a CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund Award winner like Christopher John Rogers, the atmosphere is intensified, the expectations are to be met; stakes are high.

Friday Magazine

The day starts outside of Spring Studios. Bold NYFW banners spread across the glass windows. Black carpet runners on the sidewalk are guarded by security standing in front of shields of rope to keep the crowd from entering. Bloggers, reporters, influencers, oh my! The rush of commotion from bystanders and photographers heated up the cold February afternoon. Spring Street was bustling between the conversation and foot traffic. Luckily, the back entrance was the way in.

“Photos taken by @iwasii.photo”

AAS Architecture

Going up the freight elevator the anticipation began to surface. The thoughts of what to expect running through the mind. Doors open, entering into a spacious room lined with rows of white stands. A large modern chandelier designed by Sauras + Garriga spiraled over the runway, casting a daze throughout the room. The lighting was warm and neutral as fog jumped through the beams. The catwalk began with a wall of incredible toned satin fabric, angelic and soft. Peering around, stage crew conversed with the display team, as Rogers himself stepped outside from backstage. Showtime was to start in about 2 hours. The practice walkthrough was on in 5.

Sauras + Garriga

As the models glided down the catwalk, Rogers and his entourage shouted out, “Work honey! Yesss!” The rest of the room was following their lead. The soundtrack bounced off the walls and echoed up the ceiling. The models walked their finale and exited for their transformations backstage. Trunks of large cameras and equipment flowed in and the photographers took to their positions. 1 hour until show time.

 The mood shifts. Alright, it’s go time. The blinds unravel and the large picturesque windows appear the buildings and golden sunset beaming over the city streets. The PR agencies and floor team plan on who is to manage which sections to seat the guests. Overhearing, “There should be around 300 people coming,” by one of the agencies. “Not to mention the ones not on the list.”

Here they come. Flowing in to the room, excited, in-awe, and confused. Characters all across the board arrive in their mystique. One of the first to spot from out of the hubbub, Saweetie. Dressed in an ultra-lime green singlet attached to chaps with poof sleeves swiftly getting to her seat. Ayesha Curry glowing in a reflective pant suit with bow and mini handbag is at arms-length away. Drag queen’s Shea Coulee and Milk enter with their ensembles, chit chatting as they admire their outfits. Linda Fargo finds her seat, places her bag next to her feet and looks on to the crowd of guests. The lights begin to dim as the standing guests find their places.

The show is resilient. A vibrant palette, glossy materials, and overly dramatic silhouettes captivate the audience. A cheerful, luxe and somewhat eye turning, every look shimmered with layers of luscious fabrics. The pace of the show was leisurely, and animated guests were thrilled by the music selection and flow of the models. The collection brought the room together with its infinite color selection as everyone celebrated Roger’s finale strut.

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