Pop Style TV had a chance to make it to Arden Wohl’s x Cri de Coeur SS16 Disruptive Fashion Experience, held at Riff Chelsea, or better said, in front. The designer showcased a mixed of her old and new women’s shoe collection. I will start with the positives, since I like to consider myself a ‘glass half full’ kind of guy (as long as it’s whiskey). The designs were a beautiful mix of classy, fun, and innovative. From solid colors, cheetah print, to floral, there was something for everyone. The high quality of each shoe was obvious from just looking at it. The collection is also part of Wohl’s animal cruelty free campaign, which she says has hugely influenced her work. She commented that her collection’s disruption in fashion is that her designs are being made available straight to the consumer, rather than through retailers. Passing up the huge venue, lights, models, and glamour that accompany most shows, she simply displayed her work in a window shop, with guests only allowed to view it from outside.
This was certainly different from most events I have experienced during NYFW, and Wohl said she wanted to break away from the self-obsession and narcissistic aspect of fashion, and use her collection to make a difference and highlight a cause she cares about. Unfortunately, it was over ninety degrees outside. It might be important to check the weather before making your guests stand outside. Upon arriving, there was a lot of confusion among the attendees over when we would be led inside the venue. Eventually, we realized this was the show, which wasn’t much different than standing outside of a boutique. Drowning in the heat, it was hard to focus on the shoes being displayed. There was also a woman in costume badly singing opera in a corner, which was very disruptive indeed.
