Look out for these fab up-and-comers showing for the first time at New York Fashion Week
Silver lining
In 2017, Brooklyn native Raul Lopez (co-founder of boundary-breaking streetwear brand Hood by Air) launched the avant-garde, gender-fluid line Luar — his first name spelled backwards — inspired by his roots in the Dominican Republic. The 2018 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, showing Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Spring Studios, is known on the cool-kid streets for his thought-provoking collections. His exaggerated styles feature deconstructed tailoring and playful proportions, and have graced the likes of Solange, Kylie Jenner and, most recently, Christina Aguilera, who rocked a voluminous silver coat in West Hollywood at the end of January.
Brag bags
The delectable designs of Manhattan-based Susan Alexandra are fashion’s hottest arm candy. Her handmade, beaded bags — carried and coveted by the Hadids and street-style stars alike — are bursting with eye-popping color and kitschy motifs. Plus, her accessories are affordable: Earrings shaped like cocktail shrimp or pieces of fruit start around $ 65, and most of her bags range from $ 180 to $ 400. Expect her first New York Fashion Week showing, held Tuesday, Feb. 12 at downtown’s Baz Bagel and Restaurant, to be equally sparkly, irreverent and, yes, fun.
Target audience
Vietnam’s leading haute couturier and designer Nguyen Cong Tri has gained global recognition for his architectural silhouettes and dramatic evening-wear beloved by Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna. Now, he’s making his New York Fashion Week debut on Monday, Feb. 11 at Spring Studios, alongside celebrity stylist Kate Young, whose clients include Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz. She’ll be lending her A-list expertise backstage, which fits with Tri’s vision: “I want my customers, my Cong Tri women, to be able to dress and shine like Hollywood stars on the red carpet,” Tri tells The Post via e-mail. “I have set my heart on helping my women unveil their inner magnetism.”