Front Row Feelings: My First Time at New York Fashion Week

By Juliana Barreto Pinto

Runway7 Fashion - NYFW

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I’m obsessed with fashion and everything that comes with it. I grew up surrounded by it, and ever since I was a child, my grandma’s influence drew me into this world in a way I can’t even explain. When I was fifteen, I decided to take action and pursue my passion, which led me to start sketching. Hayden Williams, the first major illustrator I followed, became my inspiration. Through his work, I learned different techniques and found my own style, drawing inspiration from what he created.

From that moment on, there was no turning back—I was fully committed to becoming a fashion designer and immersing myself in an industry where creativity is everything.

Years later, I moved to Chicago, and opportunities to experience fashion firsthand began knocking at my door. While The Windy City may not be a global fashion capital, it’s a place where magic happens. Though the opportunities weren’t as abundant as in New York, I found my niche and started building from there.

My first Fashion Week experience actually took place in Chicago, and it was truly inspiring. During Chicago Fashion Week I attended various events, from runway shows to meet-and-greets with incredible designers such as Badgley Mischka! I even had the opportunity to volunteer backstage at the closing show by Runway Latinx, assisting Latin American designers in showcasing their pieces. It was an absolute pleasure and an incredibly rewarding experience!

Long before that, when I had just arrived in the U.S. for the first time, I had a brief opportunity to visit New York City—only for a day. That short trip left me with huge expectations and an undeniable desire to return, as I hadn’t been able to experience the city the way I had hoped. Almost two years later, I finally made it happen—I bought my tickets and headed to New York City for one of the biggest events of the year: New York Fashion Week.

I was lucky enough to win tickets to an event hosted by Runway 7 Fashion, a Fashion Week production company that celebrates cultural diversity by uniting global designers, media, and celebrities. Each season, it curates a dynamic marketplace blending fashion, art, design, and music through must-see shows and performances. I was beyond excited because, even though I had planned my trip around NYFW, I wasn’t sure if I would actually get to attend a show. These events are typically invite-only and reserved for celebrities, fashion insiders, big fashion journalists, and influencers. So when I won the tickets—you can imagine how I felt!

I attended the opening show on February 6th at Sony Hall, right in the heart of Times Square. It was raining, but not even that could ruin my mood—I was about to experience something incredible, and I did.

The ambiance was magical, filled with dazzling lights, music, and, of course, fashion everywhere. It felt like a dream, and the night only got better when I met a wonderful woman: Susan Solari or as many know her, @Fashionismom on Instagram. We had the most enriching conversation—she shared valuable tips, personal anecdotes, and an overall warmth that made the experience even more special. (By the way, her outfit was absolutely stunning!). This certainly helped make up for the fact that the event started three hours late—I know, way too late—but once it began, it delivered!

With Susan Solari aka Fashionismom

What I loved most about Runway 7’s show was its dedication to promoting and elevating emerging designers, giving them a real platform to succeed in the industry. Knowing that companies like this are actively supporting rising talent, helping them prove their value and showcase their work, is truly inspiring.

At the show, I witnessed eight designers, most of them based in New York, each presenting collections that were unique and true to their brand ethos. The diversity in styles was remarkable—ranging from streetwear to evening attire and even reimagined sportswear.

Among the designers, two stood out to me the most: Eternal Been and Noërand Claire.

Eternal Been’s collection was eclectic and deeply moving. The designer incorporated religious symbolism into streetwear, making a strong statement with each piece. Every detail reflected his vision, emphasizing that he wanted his clothing to speak for itself. This was evident at the end of the show when he took the stage wearing a balaclava mask, keeping his face hidden and ensuring the focus remained on his designs.

Eternal Been Fashion Show

On the other hand, Noërand Claire was a completely different story. The collection masterfully blended various techniques and fabrics, including leather and denim, and was elevated with bold accessories like chains, hats, and corsets. It was undoubtedly one of the most impressive emerging designer collections I’ve ever seen.

I would absolutely love to wear some of the stunning looks this incredible designer sent down the runway. One of my favorites was a plaid denim long skirt paired with a corset and a simple white t-shirt—a standout moment of the show. There’s no doubt Noërand Claire has a bright future ahead, and who knows? In a few years, we might see her headlining the main stage at New York Fashion Week.

Noërand Claire Fashion Show

To wrap up, my experience at New York Fashion Week was truly incredible. I believe it’s something every fashion enthusiast should experience at least once in their lifetime. If you’d like to follow my journey in fashion, check out my Instagram @thefashionspeaker, where I share my illustrations and fashion adventures.

Stay tuned, Fashion Legion, for more exciting articles—thank you for reading!

Juliana, The Fashion Speaker ;)