The Francesca Liberatore show was a joy to watch. Each of the women exuded a toughness. A certain je ne sais quoi of bad-ass. Many of the models wore a crown of braids that gave them a rugged princess feel, while the colorful fur vests reminded me of a chic huntress. I absolutely loved how she used stars and horses throughout her patterns too.
Francesca Liberatore was my very last show of MBFW. I found it poetic that my last show should also be in the same showroom that I saw my first Mercedes Benz catwalk; the Mara Hoffman show. After the show ended, I didn't immediately jump up to snap photos, run out to meet friends, or head out to wait in line for another presentation. Instead I decided to sit and try to take everything in. (That, and anything to avoid the arctic chill that was howling outside for a little while longer.)
I know that Mercedes Benz has ended it's sponsorship of Fashion Week and that this was it's last season. It's bittersweet because I know that my first experience of MBFW was also simultaneously my last. I'm so thrilled that I got to share in the experience! I had been so nervous before leaving. I was worried about being cold (and I was), worried about getting lost, etc. I didn't get lost, and I had a fantastic time. I even made new friends. It would seem that friendships forge quickly in New York, and already I miss them like crazy.
The entire experience was exhilarating. I couldn't have asked for a better show to end my NYFW adventure than Francesca Liberatore: The designer who created a warrior princess boldly marching towards her dream. A formidable femme who faced down the odds and obstacles, bold and detained. A hero unto herself.