NYFW 2014: Zappos Executives Dish On Favorite Designers, Fall Trends & More [EXCLUSIVE]
Fashion enthusiasts were able to get a little closer to the magic of New York Fashion Week without a ticket to a runway show this year with the help of Zappos.
The online shoe and clothing shop set up its second ever Recharge Station across the street from Lincoln Center for a two-day event over the weekend. Attendees were able to sip on juice from the BluePrint bar, get their hair braided, receive a makeover and even strut down a mini catwalk. Lucky ones also received giveaways like gift cards and tickets to see the Spring/Summer 2015 collections.
In between attending fashion shows like BCBG and Nicole Miller, Zappos' fashion director, Galen Hardy, and lead buyer for women's fashion apparel, Karrie Meiklereid, also recharged. The stylish duo spoke with Enstars.com on Sept. 6 about their favorite designers, what trends to look out for this fall and much more.
What does the Recharge Station offer?
Galen: I think it offers a place for individuals that are either just walking down the street or individuals that are coming from any of the events from New York Fashion Week to recharge... It's kind of a nice way to involve the community and at the same time involve the fashion community in the way that Zappos likes to wow individuals.
Has anything stuck out to you from the runways?
Karrie: We were talking about this earlier that the color palette has really been like this muted pastel. I feel that some of those muted baby blues and powered pinks from fall are carrying over into spring. And then just going forward with some interesting cutouts - so I think just different ways to interpret a crop top or just showing little pieces of skin has been a cool thing that I've seen on the runway.
So the crop top is still in?
Karrie: Yeah, even if it's just a little triangle of skin you're showing right here on your midriff.
Are you a fan of the crop top?
Karrie: I like it. I definitely think it's for a certain girl, but I think there's a way that you can interpret it for everybody. I probably, personally, wouldn't wear a crop top but I think I can wear a high-waisted skirt with a shorter, boxier top.
Are any designers your favorite?
Karrie: I would say I really love Mara Hoffman. I think that the product there is really exciting and different from a lot of the other things that I've seen. There are pieces from every collection that I really love, but Mara is always an exciting show to see.
Galen: I'd have to agree with Mara but also BCBGMAXAZRIA was a really fun show.
With fall coming up, what are the fall trends men and women should look out for?
Karrie: I really am wanting a powdered pink oversized coat.
Galen: I think a staple in any man's closet is a good leather coat. Depending upon on your own personal style is going to dictate which leather you would go out and buy. Also another staple in a man's closet would be the parka. The parka can be worn from day to evening very easily.
And what about with shoes?
Karrie: I think a good bootie.
Galen: A double welted wingtip all the way.
Finally, who would you consider a fashion icon in today's age?
Karrie: I love Nicole Richie. I love her edgy style and her take on fashion.
Galen: Tom Ford... I think that he's a genius with what he's done over the years whether it be with other brands or his own brand.