Authentic Roz’ at NYFW: A Bold Vision Comes to Life

By Sandy Cohen Alpert (@littlemiss.sandy) and Alisha Litt (@alisha.litt)

On February 8th, the Authentic Roz’ fashion show took place in the stunning Prince George Ballroom during New York Fashion Week. The grandeur of the venue set the perfect stage for an evening of artistry and innovation. I had the pleasure of attending alongside my fashion colleague, Alisha Litt, and we were fortunate to have front-row seats—complete with thoughtful gift bags. Each seat held hair care samples from "Bhave Australia" and a personal note from the designer, accompanied by a small textile swatch from the collection, a beautiful touch that added to the intimate experience.

As the show began, 24 models - in Roz’ looks - took to the runway, their faces adorned with intricate spiderweb-like hair designs reminiscent of a Jean Paul Gaultier runway show. Each model showcased a unique ensemble crafted from a mix of leather, sweat-pant material, and suede in a striking burnt orange color-way—an effortless complement to the warm hues of the ballroom.

Following the show, Alisha and I had the opportunity to interview the mind behind Authentic Roz’ creation, designer Rayane Alami. Despite the growing line of reporters eager to speak with him, he remained poised and humble. Keeping our conversation concise, I started with the most obvious question:

What was your inspiration for this collection?

Rayane Alami: "The kind of psychology behind it—there is an evolution of psychology called 'Devil of Societal Norms,' and being able to work efficiently while being different. That concept inspired me and set the pace for the collection. It’s dramatic yet presentable, allowing me to express myself professionally. That’s something that really speaks to me."

Curious about his journey, I asked when he started designing.

"About three to four years ago. At first, I didn’t really have the time to fully invest in it, but after finishing college, I was finally able to focus on it."

I couldn’t help but be impressed by his swift rise in the industry. "Three to four years isn’t a long time to go from starting out to having a collection walk in NYFW—that’s an incredible turnaround," I thought to myself.

Wanting to delve deeper into his philosophy, I asked: How do you think fashion helps shape someone’s self-identity?

Rayane Alami: "I think the most beautiful words are the ones that are unspoken. In fashion, you can really take advantage of that. Even as a shy person, you can use clothing as a form of expression."

When asked what he wanted people to feel when wearing his collection, he answered with: "I want them to feel powerful, composed, unique, and perfectly different from others."

As I glanced back at the eager reporters waiting their turn, I wrapped up our conversation with one final question: Which piece from your collection feels the most personal to you?

Lami: "There’s a piece in all white that we don’t have a name for yet, but I call it after my brother. He passed away, and I constantly find inspiration in his image. To me, he is a representation of an angel."

Authentic Roz’ has certainly made a powerful statement at NYFW and we are excited to see what the future holds for them.

A Night of Denim and Delight: Alice + Olivia’s Madison Avenue Pop-Up

By Sandy Cohen Alpert (@littlemiss.sandy)

On January 29th, I had the pleasure of attending the Alice + Olivia pop-up event at their Madison Avenue store, celebrating their latest denim collection. I went with my dear friend, the ever-stylish Phillip Bloch (celebrity stylist and designer), and from the moment we walked in, the energy was infectious. We sipped on Lalo Tequila cocktails, chatted with friends, and took in the stunning new designs.

One of the best parts of the night was running into my old colleague, Madison Berish, who put together this fantastic event.

But let’s talk about the real highlight—Alice + Olivia truly outdid themselves with their generosity. Tucked away near the dressing rooms was an unexpected surprise: free Alice + Olivia jeans! And not just any jeans—guests had the choice between two incredible styles. The "Harper Jean," a relaxed, baggy fit, or the "Missa Exposed Button Jean," a perfectly tailored bell-bottom with buttons that run all the way up to the mid-waist. Naturally, I chose the Missa, and they fit like a dream—They were designed to fit perfectly with a pair of heels. Phillip went with the "Harper Jean", and we’ve both been living in them since!

As if the denim wasn’t enough, they even offered custom embroidery and patches to personalize our new favorite jeans. And to top it all off, they sent us home with Levain cookies—because what’s better than celebrating free jeans with a scrumptious cookie?

Alice + Olivia created an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending fashion, hospitality, and community. From the stunning denim to the thoughtful little details, it was truly a night to remember. If this collection is any sign of what’s ahead, I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Hive House December: Open Mic

By Hive House Editorial Team

Jeffrey and the Hive House Team hosted an Open Mic Night at The SoHo Hive & Colony Showroom. The event was sponsored by Juan, Please with music by DJ Y3. Photo and video credit: Thanasi Asimakopoulos and @abril_irl

Tech Goes Full Circle: How Back Market is Revolutionizing Sustainability

By Sandy Cohen Alpert (@littlemiss.sandy)

In a world where “new” is often synonymous with “better,” Back Market is flipping the script—proving that refurbished tech can be both eco-friendly and high-quality. At the heart of their mission lies a bold commitment: to make refurbished the first choice for consumers while tackling the massive problem of e-waste. During a recent event at LUME Studios, I had the pleasure of meeting Lola Janiaud, Brand Ambassador & Influencer Scout for Back Market. Our conversation shed light on how this groundbreaking company is reshaping the tech landscape. Here’s a glimpse into our chat, where Lola shared her insights on sustainability, innovation, and the exciting future of refurbished technology.

Q: Back Market’s mission centers on reducing e-waste by promoting refurbished technology. How do you select brand ambassadors who authentically connect with this message?
Lola Janiaud:
At Back Market, we select brand ambassadors who authentically align with our mission to reduce e-waste and promote refurbished tech.
We prioritize individuals who actively embrace sustainability, have engaged audiences that value conscious consumption, and can genuinely share how refurbished products fit into their lives.
Our focus is on long-term partnerships that inspire trust and meaningful change, rather than one-off collaborations or standard content formats.

Q: Can you tell us more about how Back Market began and what drives the company to focus on refurbished tech?
Lola Janiaud:
Founded in 2014, Back Market is a leading marketplace that allows consumers to access thousands of professionally refurbished tech products—a marketplace where you can buy but can also sell tech.
Back Market was founded based on a fairly simple observation: digital technology has a harmful impact on the environment and is getting more expensive but still more essential in our lives.
Tech is broken because of the linear economy, and a solution has always existed, which is refurbished, but it was not democratized and accessible to everyone.
Our vision: do more with what we already have.
Our mission (written in our legal status since 2022): empower humanity to extend the life of tech through circularity and repair.

Q: Could you share any surprising facts or insights about the environmental impact of refurbished tech that Back Market is helping to address?
Lola Janiaud:
E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world.
Humanity generates a staggering 137 billion pounds of e-waste annually, encompassing a wide range of electronic devices such as TVs, smartphones, refrigerators, and washing machines. Only 17% of it is properly recycled, leading to substantial economic losses and environmental harm.

With a refurbished smartphone instead of a new one:

170.44 lbs of CO2 avoided
6.29 oz of e-waste
537.05 lbs of raw materials
20,341.24 gallons of water

Since 2014, by selling refurbished tech, we helped prevent:

3,553,099,416 lbs of CO2 (Equivalent of the annual energy consumption of 210,000 American homes)
453,783,516,830 gallons of water (The equivalent of 1.6 times the annual drinking water consumption in France)
223,213,137 lbs of e-waste
(This is calculated with the sales of Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets & Desktops only.)

Q: What challenges does Back Market face in changing consumer perceptions about refurbished devices, and how does the company overcome them?
Lola Janiaud:
Our world is obsessed with new.
Big Tech is telling us every year we need the newest so-called innovations.
The impact of tech is hidden.
Back Market addresses these challenges by emphasizing the quality and sustainability of refurbished products through clear messaging and educational content.

Q: How does Back Market ensure the quality and reliability of its refurbished products, and what should consumers know about the benefits of choosing refurbished over new?
Lola Janiaud:
Back Market is redefining the standard for quality, reliability, and customer experience in the refurbished electronics industry.
We are committed to quality and building trust in the sector to ensure refurbished tech is the first choice for consumer options, and our transparent grading system means customers know exactly what they are buying.

Our stringent screening and quality processes mean we only work with the refurbishers that meet our 25-point quality charter, and every device includes a 12-month warranty.
We have invested heavily in our Innovation Labs (New York and Bordeaux), which allows us to implement quality control and testing measures.
Our team runs regular mystery orders as well as mass testing of products and spare parts to check in with each refurbisher and provide feedback.
We are working hard to source and test quality components for our refurbisher partners, which are essential for improvements across the industry.
We share everything we learn through our algorithm, which includes data from over 15 million customers and 1,800 sellers, to improve standards across the industry.

Q: What’s next for Back Market? Are there any exciting initiatives or projects coming up to further the mission of reducing e-waste?
Lola Janiaud:
We just celebrated our 10th anniversary and 15 million customers—it’s only the beginning.
Ten years from now, we want 90% of the global population to choose refurbished over new.
We’re here to disrupt. We’re here to challenge. But most of all, we’re here to change.
We are laying the groundwork for the revolution.
We’ve established strategic partnerships toward this end (PlayStation and Visible+ by Verizon, for example).

Conclusion

Back Market isn’t just extending the life of tech—it’s sparking a revolution in how we think about consumption, quality, and the environment. By advocating the circular economy and forging a path for sustainable practices, they’re proving that innovation doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. As Lola Janiaud emphasized, this mission is only just beginning, with big dreams of a world where refurbished tech is the norm. The question now is: how will you join the movement to make "old" the new "new"?

Lola (middle) at Back Market’s “Downgrade” launch event in SoHo, NY. Image courtesy of Back Market

Hive House November: SPREZZATURA Album and New Book by Jeffrey Ampratwum

On November 22nd, family and friends gathered at Hive & Colony’s SoHo Boutique for yet another experience. Everyone celebrated the new release of Jeffrey’s new album and book, “Sprezzatura” and Menswear Style Guide 2025. Moderated by Sandy Cohen Alpert.

Music by Y3, drinks sponsored by Juan, Please & Buf Barista. Photos by Thanasi Asimakopoulos (@photosbythanasi), Eric Johnson (@erj0hn_photography) and Abril Chavez (shotsbyabril)

An Evening of Style and Innovation: Hive & Colony Event Recap

By Sandy Cohen Alpert - Fashion & Lifestyle Editor (@littlemiss.sandy)

On October 26th, Hive & Colony brought together an eclectic mix of fashion aficionados, industry professionals, and creatives for an evening dedicated to style, community, and innovation. Known for their sophisticated custom suits and modern approach to menswear, Hive & Colony transformed the space into a hub of inspiration and conversation.

The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion I had the pleasure of moderating, featuring two influential figures in the menswear industry: M’che Montgomery, Director of Operations at Hive & Colony, and Jeffrey Ampratwum, renowned celebrity stylist and FIT professor. Together, we explored topics ranging from the artistry of developing someone's style to the future of menswear, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create truly unique, personalized fashion.

To add a dynamic ambiance, Y3 (Yael Yonah) provided a lively soundtrack that kept the energy high throughout the evening. But the event wasn’t just about style—it was also about bringing people together through shared experiences. One of the biggest hits of the night was our drink sponsor, Juan, Please, a refreshing and innovative tequila-based canned cocktail that quickly became the evening's go-to drink. I asked the founders of Juan, Please, Noah and Pete, some questions to learn more about their journey, inspirations, and what makes their drink so special. Here’s what they had to share:

Q. What inspired you to create Juan Please, and how did you come up with the unique flavor profile?

The inspiration for Juan, Please was born just as many great ideas have throughout history—thanks to one of our moms. Our co-founder, Pete Flores, was always brought a gallon of Arizona Arnold Palmer by his mom, even though he never told her he liked it. One day, while rushing out to meet friends, Pete mixed the Arnold Palmer with tequila—and the result was his new go-to beverage. After the canned cocktail market exploded and many brands entered the space exclusively with vodka options, we realized there was a clear opportunity for a tequila-infused iced tea and lemonade. And here we are!

Q. Who is the ideal audience for Juan Please?

Since our launch on February 1st, 2024, we’ve discovered that Juan, Please has a broad appeal. If you love Arnold Palmer and tequila separately, you’ll be a fan of our drink. But more than just the drink, it’s about the community we’re building. Our brand is uniting people from different backgrounds and bringing diverse communities together through a shared experience. The name "Juan, Please" itself is a playful pun that merges two languages, and when people understand our values, we know we’ve welcomed them into our community. We always say it feels like all of our childhood friends are on this ride with us, and our goal is to extend that dynamic to everyone we pick up along the way.

Q. What makes Juan Please stand out from other drinks on the market?

Juan, Please is unique because no one else in the canned cocktail space has combined iced tea, lemonade, and tequila in one package. We are the first JUAN of its kind. In addition to being the first-to-market flavor, we differentiate ourselves with our alcohol content. Most RTDs (ready-to-drink) have around 4.5% ABV, but ours packs a punch with 7% ABV. Our pre-launch field and market research suggested we’d have a competitive advantage by increasing the ABV. Finally, many tea-based drinks are loaded with sugar, but we keep ours to just "juan" gram, appealing to the growing number of consumers who are mindful of their daily sugar intake.

Q. Could you tell us about the journey of Juan Please from concept to launch?

Once we knew that combining tequila, lemonade, and tea would be the foundation of our brand, we needed to develop its identity. Who were we, and what were we going to bring to the shelves that our competitors weren’t? We knew that our name needed to be another "employee" — something that would work for us even while we were sleeping. The journey to naming Juan, Please was a fun challenge. Originally, we toyed with the name “Juan Daly,” inspired by golfer John Daly’s famous Arnold Palmer vodka drink. But after some legal advice, we knew that wouldn’t work. So, we took a step back and said, "This isn't going to be a one-drink pony." If we build this brand the way we envision it, we’ll expand with more flavors, etc. We still wanted to keep the original inspiration while creating something unique to us. Then it hit us — let’s integrate the action of ordering into our name and DNA. At the bar, at the table, in the backyard... "Can I have Juan, Please?"

After making that breakthrough, it took a year and a half to get from concept to shelf: 7 rounds of flavor tastings, government permits, and landing our first sale within 18 months!

Q. How does Juan Please align with current trends in the beverage industry?

As we were launching, the alcohol business was already in the middle of a tectonic shift. Wine consumption was declining rapidly, while spirits were seeing minimal to stagnant growth. The one section of the alcohol industry that was booming was the RTD category—and specifically within that category, there was a subset of components fueling that growth: no bubbles, tequila, low calorie, and low sugar content. Based on those markers, we made sure that Juan, Please checked every single one of those boxes.

Q. What’s next for Juan Please?

We're excited for what's next! From a product standpoint, we are developing two new flavors that we will be teasing very soon and hope to launch in 2025. Expanding our geographical footprint is also a major priority, and we are currently working through the strategy behind that expansion. From a branding standpoint, we’re in the lab cooking up some creative and impactful marketing campaigns, which will come in the form of both traditional and non-traditional mediums. It’s an exciting time for our team as we get to flex some of our creative muscles and make bold moves on how we want to break through the noise of a saturated market. Stay tuned!

Closing Thoughts

The Hive & Colony event was a beautiful fusion of fashion, culture, and community. With engaging conversations, fantastic music, and refreshing drinks from Juan, Please, it was an evening that truly celebrated individuality and creativity. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration and the joy of bringing people together to share ideas and inspiration. I look forward to seeing the incredible journeys ahead for both Hive & Colony and Juan, Please. Cheers to more nights of style, connection, and unforgettable experiences!

HIVE HOUSE OCTOBER: PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE STATE OF MENSWEAR

Hive House Editorial Team

October 26th 2024 - Soho, NY

Hive & Colony and the Hive House / Secrets of Fashion team joined forces once again to provide October’s experience. Fashion Director and Celebrity Stylist Jeffrey Ampratwum along side Hive & Colony’s Director of Operations, Mche’ Montgomery engaged in a conversation about The State of Menswear. The discussion was moderated by Sandy Cohen Alpert, fashion and lifestyle editor from our SOF team.

The evening was set up to cover pressing issues in the menswear space, particular in the areas of professional versus lazy dressing. Montgomery, was able to shed light about the many services that Hive & Colony provides in their attempt to help men look their best. The steps in putting a professional (suiting) look together were detailed and explained thoroughly.

Held at the Hive & Colony Soho boutique, guests were able to visualize the design and styling concepts being discussed. As an ambassador of the brand, Ampratwum spoke to the ease in which men are able to utilize Hive & Colony as a prime source for all their style preferences. Special thanks to DJ Y3 (@yaelyonah), Juan, Please (@drinkjuanplease) and TSV Vodka (@tsvspirits).

From Quarantine to Couture: The Inspiring Story Behind Maui x Lolita's Rise to Fashion Fame

By Sandy Cohen Alpert - Fashion & Lifestyle Editor @littlemiss.sandy

What happens when a pandemic brings a mother and daughter back under one roof? For Maui and Lolita, it sparked the beginning of something extraordinary. During those long quarantine days, what began as casual designing quickly transformed into the birth of Maui X Lolita, a luxury fashion brand now making waves at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.

Following their NYFW showcase on Sept. 6th - In this candid Q&A, we dive into how they balance their generational perspectives, the unique process behind their latest collection, and what it truly takes to collaborate with family in the fast-paced world of fashion. Welcome to the world of Maui X Lolita—where creativity knows no age and the future of fashion is written in their designs.

SOH: Can you share the story behind how the two of you began designing together?
MxL: I began making clothes for fun, creating pieces for myself and friends, which led to my first brand, Maui Kai Swimwear, in the early 2000s. After archiving the brand, Maui moved to LA for college, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, Maui returned home, where we spent quarantine together. During that time, I started designing again, and we saw the potential to create a luxury brand together. We handled everything ourselves, from design to modeling, and after Maui returned to LA, Maui X Lolita quickly took off, debuting at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks and gaining recognition from major magazines and publications. The company has gone uphill ever since.
SOF: How does your individual design aesthetics complement one another?
MxL: I am the primary designer, whereas Maui handles the overall creative direction of the company from the campaigns to the shows and the overall branding. The most unique part of our duo is our difference in age, allowing us both to bring our generational perspectives on fashion to the company. The majority of Maui X Lolita’s catalog is targeted towards women closer to Lolita’s age, promoting an arsenal of mature yet colorful fashion. There are however many pieces Maui has designed over the years that are geared a bit younger and more Gen Z. Maui X Lolita has something for everyone!
SOF: Being a mother-daughter duo, what are some of the advantages and challenges you face while working together, if any?
MxL: We don’t have issues often, but when we do it’s typically due to our different age perspectives on fashion. When designing, I have more women like me in mind while Maui, when directing, has more women like her in mind. As mentioned in the previous question, we have something for everyone here at MxL. So these issues are always quickly remedied. So in a sense, that challenge of the different perspectives is also our strength.
SOF: What makes your NYFW collection unique, and what message or feeling do you hope to convey through it?
MxL: I designed this collection by imagining what key pieces I would love to have in my dream closet. There is an item for pretty much every event in your life and we feel the MxL woman can appreciate the unique direction that we took to in designing this collection.
SOF: Can you take us through your design process for this collection? What were some of the key elements you focused on?
MxL: This collection focuses on the Fly Girls and Guys who know exactly how fly they are; bold, fearless, and never one to blend in. This 52 piece collection was designed for those who love to make a statement, push boundaries, and have a little fun with their wardrobe. We represented all demographics of the Fly Girl and showed that age does not have to limit your style. For Spring/Summer, we created the ultimate dream closet: vibrant prints, silky satin sets, sleek muted suits, sequin denim, and flirty floral dresses. It’s all about being unapologetically you.
SOF: Were there any particular themes or cultural influences you wanted to incorporate into the collection?
MxL: The main theme of this collection for me was curating my ‘dream closet’. This spring collection was diverse in the fact that it included clothing for several different occasions. We wanted to make sure every woman saw several pieces that were 100% them and intent to buy with purpose.
SOF: What are some standout pieces from the collection, and what do they represent?
MxL: Maui really wanted to make sure we had some pieces for night life incorporated so she’s designed some party wear that the audience really loved. For Lolita she really loved the animal print ruffled skirt set and crop top as well as the brown zebra print mermaid dress. Those take a different spin on resort wear and formal wear.
SOF: How do you navigate creative differences when designing? Do you have any specific roles you stick to?
MxL: As I am the primary designer, I make clothing mostly for my demographic. There have been times where I’ve designed something that Maui didn’t understand, and she came to not only understand, but love it later. The same thing happens in reverse; there are times when Maui designs pieces specifically for her demographic that I don’t understand, but everything always comes together in the end. We trust each other to always do what’s in the best interest for the brand.
SOF: How has your relationship evolved through the process of creating collections together?
MxL: We have grown closer than ever. Maui and I have been best friends for the longest time, but through developing MxL we have come to be successful business partners. It’s the most rewarding thing when you get to follow your passions alongside someone you love.
SOF: What advice would you give other family members who want to collaborate in the fashion industry?
MxL: I would say just to know what you’re getting into. It’s a lot of hard work starting anywhere in the fashion industry, whether that’s with connections or completely from scratch. To maintain a successful company I believe it’s important to already have a great relationship, as that is the foundation for a healthy professional relationship.
SOF: What’s next for your brand after NYFW? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?
MxL: We are in the midst of planning our FW25 collection and show. The show is unlikely to be in New York, but details cannot yet be revealed. I guess you’ll have to stay tuned!
mauixlolita.com | @mauibylolita

Photographs by Lauriane Gray

Fine Dining, Soothing Music, Warm Atmosphere and Great Vibes at CLUB ROOM at THE SOHO GRAND HOTEL

By Jess Rozo - Food, Beverage & Lifestyle Editor @jessicamrozo

Finding the hidden doors of Soho Grand Hotel’s Club Room from the grand staircase was just he beginning of a night filled with transformation and anticipation. Located at 310 West Broadway in the heart of Soho - you make your way through an unassuming door to an elegant and relaxed ambiance. As you were led to your table, you were greeted by a vibrant jazz group, including William Hill III, lead pianist, playing with energetic rhythms.

We were given amazing and attentive service throughout the night, starting with a variety of cocktails, from the zesty and intricate Crossfire Hurricane to the classic and true Club Room martini service. There was a drink for everyone. Followed were the delicious appetizers and mains. The standout was the flavorful salmon rillettes and roasted pumpkin ravioli, bringing the autumnal flavors into a pasta dish. We ended our dinner course with the delicious Grand Sundae, where the twist of smooth and crunch blended perfectly for a sweet treat.

Thereafter, we watched as the next performance marked the transition from a serene Jazz lounge to a lively nightclub. An anticipating line formed outside, eager to get in. The music was upbeat House mixed with classics everyone could dance to, attracting a crowd that knew how to dress and have a good time. Reservation are highly recommended for Club Room.

Reservations Here

NYCIFFF 2024 - An Art Incubator for Talented Film Makers

By Thanasi Asimakopoulos, Arts & Photography Editor @photosbythanasi

Video content has proven to be a valuable force of communication in addition to an amazing source to display creativity. Throughout the world, we have been fortunate enough to be a part of the growing fabric of new creatives driving the concepts of “Art.” The New York City International Fashion Film Festival (FFF) has been the biggest supporter of these artists. I recently caught up with the festival’s director, Pedro Oberto - for a quick talk about the intent and direction of the festival which ran on September 6th 2024.

How and when did the idea of NYCIFFF come to mind?

The idea for NYCIFFF came to me during the pandemic. When New York, like the rest of the world, shut down, no fashion shows or live events were happening, and many fashion creatives (designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, and filmmakers), began turning to a massive video content creation to showcase their work in different platforms. As the city slowly reopened, I screened one of my fashion films for Marc Bouwer, and the reception was amazing. There was an audience consuming film and fashion and loving what we were doing. I saw how many fellow creatives were struggling during this time, and I wanted to open up this space to all of them. Long story short in 2022, we opened the submission process, received 300 submissions, and held our inaugural edition in September 2023. The reviews were great, and we turned it into an annual festival. We’ve just wrapped our 2024 edition and are already preparing for 2025.

What does the committee look for when reviewing films?

NYCIFFF is all about fashion. To be selected, a film must be fashion related. it could be a fashion film, a fashion documentary, experimental or student film or even micro fashion film under 1 min. Once films pass our preliminary review, they go to our panel of experts. We focus on three key criteria: film quality (cinematography, direction, colors, editing, sound design, and storytelling), fashion (garments quality, originality, creativity, models or actors performances, makeup, hairstyling), and lastly but no less important individuality. Every artist has their own unique voice, and we look for films that reflect that inner creativity and push boundaries in the world of fashion.

How has your platform provided opportunities for filmmakers?

NYCIFFF has opened doors for both established and emerging filmmakers. In 2024, we screened 60 films from 20 countries at the Museum of Arts and Design. One standout example is Yajaira Serrano, a student from the small city of Guanajuato, Mexico. She submitted her project at no cost, and after being selected, we provided support for her visa process so she could attend the screenings. Not only did she attend, but she also won the People's Choice Award, a huge moment for her career. Beyond screenings and awards, our partnership with the app WeShorts allows global audiences to watch the winners’ films online. It’s about building community and providing a platform for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and collaborators, making it more than just a festival. It’s a career-building experience.

Do you have plans on expanding your reach?

Absolutely! When I say international, I mean it. This year, we began forming partnerships with organizations and festivals worldwide that share our mission, including Fashion Clash in the Netherlands. Their film winner was screened during our September 2024 festival, and I’m honored to be one of the judges for their 2024 edition in November. I’ll be attending, and we plan to select a student film from their festival to be an official selection at NYCIFFF 2025. We’re also exploring ways to expand the festival to other cities, turning NYCIFFF into a year-round experience that continuously supports filmmakers with opportunities for exposure.

What can audiences expect from the festival in the next few years?

Audiences can expect even more diversity in the films we showcase. Diversity and visibility are key for us, and we aim to highlight as many international projects as possible. We’re also introducing new categories and expanding our digital reach, ensuring NYCIFFF continues to evolve as a global platform for innovative fashion films.

What has the partnership between the festival and the Museum of Arts and Design meant to the producers of the event?

The partnership with the Museum of Arts and Design has been very import in elevating the festival. It’s provided a prestigious venue that aligns perfectly with our mission of blending art and film. For us as producers, collaborating with an institution that’s equally passionate about creativity has been an incredible experience, and we’re excited to continue building on this partnership in future editions.

What is the significance of having the festival during Fashion Week?

Fashion Week is when New York becomes a global hub for fashion and creativity. Visitors from all over the world, and across the U.S., come to the city. Our festival is the perfect kickoff to a week full of fashion adventures. There’s no better time of year to create the right environment for filmmakers to showcase their work, as the city’s artistic energy is at its peak..

What words of inspiration can you provide for creatives who would like to build their own platform?

Find what you’re truly passionate about. Wanting or liking something isn’t enough, you need to be obsessed with it. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and be persistent. Building your own platform, whatever it may be, takes time. But if you’re dedicated to your vision and willing to adapt and grow, it will come together. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who share your passion, stay true to your values, help others whenever you can, and always focus on making a positive impact with your work.

SOHO GRAND GALLERY OPENING at SOHO GRAND HOTEL - The New Art Hot Spot!

By Jeffrey Ampratwum, Editor in Chief: The Secrets of Fashion @jeffreyampratwum

ART & LIFESTYLE: September 19th 2024 - Soho, NY: Opening Night

On Thursday - September 19th, The Soho Grand Hotel opened the doors to it’s gallery space - The Soho Grand Gallery. The decadent space is located at 320 West Broadway, Soho NY.

Without trying, both the hotel and gallery encapsulate a vibrant Art Deco and Gilded Age atmosphere and decor. The opening of the gallery presented the Chris Stein’s “Under a Rock” exhibit, which showcased a collection of photographs from the iconic Mr. Stein. The exhibit was a partnership with the Morrison Hotel. Guests were welcomed with drink specials, passing hors d’oeuvres and warm conversations.

I had the wonderful opportunity to briefly view the space before the doers opened and spoke with NYC hospitality guru and Digital Marketing Manager for the Soho Grand franchises, Michael Zayas. “We wanted to open our doors of this private space to the community and provide an art experience,” Michael declares. The art work itself is truly remarkable and the stories can be told through the photographs. The exhibit is on display until December 19th.

All images are courtesy of BFA / Hannah Turner-Harts