Imagine yourself walking the red carpet of the Hôtel Napoléon, near the Champs-Élysées, on this March 7, 2025. The event took place during a dazzling evening that brought together New York fashion and Parisian elegance. The excitement of the press and the public was palpable, eager to discover the boldness of American creation. It was under the sky of the City of Light. Thus, our special envoys from Ecostylia, invited on this occasion, enthusiastically discovered the unique atmosphere of NYC Live! @ Fashion Week. This event, orchestrated by Wm. Michael Reid, a New York visionary, did not hesitate to bring his fashion event to Paris, the renowned capital of Haute Couture.
An evening marked by innovation
Entering the room revealed an electric atmosphere. Yet, a discreet tension floated in the air, reflecting the high expectations of the Parisian audience in search of new trends. The guests, sometimes with very constructed looks, settled around a refined stage. It evoked the refined simplicity typical of major fashion shows. Moreover, a clear lighting highlighted the collections.
This initiative illustrated the desire to bring together two capitals of luxury and fashion. Thus, the exchange between New York and Paris was stimulated. The collections were inspired by both American avant-garde and French elegance. The Haute Couture professionals present were able to appreciate this delightful blend of avant-gardism and refinement.
Malcolm Staples: bespoke elegance
Malcolm Staples, originally from Washington, DC, opened the ball with his women’s suits. These pieces, signed Malcolm’s Custom Made To Fit, emphasized impeccable cuts and artisanal craftsmanship. Thus, the fitted jackets enhanced the silhouette. The tailored pants remained understated, revealing a desire to enhance femininity without excessive artifice. However, a more pointed choice of fabrics would have pleasantly surprised and further energized this ready-to-wear collection.
Berny Martin: fusion of styles
Next, Berny Martin, who spoke perfect French, unveiled his universe for Le Catou. This designer, based between Chicago and Indianapolis, combined classic elements with contemporary touches. Thus, flowing dresses stood alongside structured ensembles, creating an attractive contrast on the runway. However, greater boldness in color combinations would have strengthened the visual impact. This would have better showcased the creativity of this designer.
Alvertis Alve’ Alexander: homage to femininity
The Black Pearl Mie’Shi Collection by Alvertis Alve’ Alexander, from Houston and New York, charmed with its evening dresses featuring refined details. Bold cuts highlighted the grace of the modern woman, passionate about luxurious-looking textiles. On the other hand, a more subtle use of embellishments would have preserved the natural elegance of each piece.
John Naftali: minimalism and sophistication
John Naftali from New York introduced the outfits from his Pan Zai Boutique. His clean lines gave rise to discreet sophistication. Thus, neutral colors and understated cuts imposed themselves with elegance. A touch of additional eccentricity would have brought more character to this collection. However, this sobriety likely scored points in the demanding world of Parisian fashion.
Ava Stringfellow: Miami’s brilliance
From Miami, Ava Stringfellow dazzled the audience with her brand B.Fly Beauty International. Her outfits, with bright colors and bold prints, embodied the sunny energy of Florida and recalled the festive spirit of resort collections. Moreover, the joy of living was evident in every detail. She offered a dynamic contrast to the more subdued atmosphere of the evening. A clearer guiding thread would have helped better structure the whole and avoid an effect that was sometimes too busy.
Manish Vaid: the revelation of the show
Finally, Manish Vaid whom we had the pleasure of interviewing, shared between Los Angeles and Paris, won over the assembly with his flamboyant creations. This designer of Indian origin, a former mechanical engineer, drew from his cultural heritage to shape such refined pieces. His journey revealed a spirit in search of sustainability and balance.
His collections, decidedly atypical, combined oriental influences and western touches, offering fluid cuts and delicate embroideries. Thus, he presented luminous silhouettes, dominated by vibrant hues, enhanced with pearls or carefully crafted patterns. It should be noted that he also used the highest quality materials.
According to several fashion industry observers, Manish Vaid embodies the future of a Haute Couture open to the world and connected to traditions. He concluded the evening with a golden goddess outfit. His mastery of the art greatly enthused the spectators, including Luis Machicao, who this time came to support and encourage his peers.
An initiative to be commended
The initiative of William Michael Reid to import NYC Live! @ Fashion Week to Paris symbolized the entrepreneurial spirit of the New York scene. Thus, young talents benefited from an international platform, reinforcing the diversity dear to Parisian fashion. However, a better balance in the selection of pieces presented would have further refined the overall coherence.
This show unveiled American creation in a new light. The impact of a fruitful collaboration between Paris and New York was pleasant despite the political climate. Nevertheless, the overall harmony remained a challenge, as the artistic expression could surprise.
Thus, fashion evolved thanks to these cultural bridges, conducive to the emergence of new talents. Enthusiasts already hoped to find this New York audacity at the next edition, where the brilliance of other Manish Vaid would undoubtedly continue to leave a mark and enrich the world of Haute Couture. For our pleasure.
