New Style Modé

The Inside Look Behind the FUNARI NEW YORK Collection

I am always drawn to collections that have a deeper meaning. The FUNARI NEW YORK collection that walked down the runway at Style Fashion Week AKA the Fearless collection was epic! It was all about being fearless, never hiding behind a mask and being brave even if you think you might fail.

You should always be bold, strong and powerful.

I was so excited to interview Designer Janelle Funari, the heart and soul behind FUNARI NEW YORK. I wanted to find out more about her collection and touch on what makes her such a unique designer.

Here is our exclusive interview:

Jenny A. : Tell me a little bit about your Fall 2018 collection. What was the inspiration behind it?

Janelle: I was inspired by both the David Bowie exhibit I saw and also the 1980s! I loved David Bowie’s bold, daring attitude and the risks he took as a performer! This collection is about fun, bold punches of color, functionality, technology, & couture finishes. The line is inspired from the 80s where women were bold, strong, and powerful. I wanted to empower both woman and men to be who they want to be and not hide behind a mask. The collection is about freedom, excitement, and liberation! There is a nostalgic feeling of that 80s carefree attitude. Reminiscing about enjoying life, spontaneity, and dancing in the streets or at an iconic club!<

Jenny A: Tell me a little bit about yourself as a designer. What makes you stand out from the crowd?

Janelle: My newest endeavor is the couture performance market. The line stands out as it is elegant, timeless, comfortable and practical! The line can be worn all day and all night. You can go to the gym or out to dinner, just put on a pair of boots or heels! The brand is about versatility, technical advancement, and functionality. The FUNARI line is for both Men and Woman and represents quality, style, and innovation.

Jenny: What makes you fearless? What is your story?

Janelle: What makes me Fearless is trying new things and not being afraid to fail. Many people fail before they even try. They let others tell them it’s not possible. I say, “block out the noise!” I give 200% in everything I do in life! My mantra is to never look back, never regret, and to always give it your all! I believe that, in life it is better to try, then to not try at all. LIVE like there is no tomorrow & we only have today, so make it happen! Never say “no” or “it is not going to happen”

Anything and EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Put your heart and mind towards your goals and you’ll see that dreams do come true!

Jenny: What is your hardest challenge as a designer?

Janelle: Making my collection in New York City and sewing it in the USA! The cost is much higher for me because it is all made here in NYC.

1536535612698 — Photo by Style Fashion Week

I want to thank Janelle Funari for inviting me to her fashion show. It was fantastic. You can check out her collections here .

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

XOXO,

Jenny A.

I am Fearless : The Fearless Collection by FUNARI NEW YORK

In celebration of my fashion blog’s birthday, I wanted to do a special post on FUNARI NEW YORK.

I was so pumped after watching the FUNARI NEW YORK collection at Style Fashion Week. All I could feel was the energy and excitement flowing through the air. The show left me dancing in my seat and wishing that I was also up on that runway.

I’m no stranger to FUNARI NEW YORK. Last season I saw her show and was very impressed. This season, designer Janelle Funari took it to the next level with her Fearless collection.

When I asked Janelle what makes her fearless she answered, “I try new things and I’m not afraid to fail. Many people fail before they even try. They let others tell them it’s not possible. I say, “block out the noise!” I give 200% in everything I do in life! My mantra is to never look back, never regret, and to always give it your all!” – Janelle Funari

My absolute favorite part of the show was when 2 of the models opened the show by dancing on the runway. They were doing flip and splits! They were jumping around and just lighting up the runway. I was completely gripped when they walked to the end of the runway, posed, looked at each other, turned their backs towards the cameras and clasped hands. I felt as though they were standing together and blocking out all the noise around them. They walked back up the runway hand-in-hand before running into the distance.

They were fearless

I wanted to be them.

2018SFW0908-5D4V0297 — Photo by: Noel Valero Photography

The couple’s outfits were so cute! The Fearless collection is elegant, comfortable and practical! It can be worn all day and all night. Can you imagine you and your partner going to the gym together and then going out to dinner in these matching outfits?!

“In this crazy world, we all need someone to turn to.” – Designer Janelle Funari

My Favorite Looks:

Funari New York Style Fashion Week SS19 New York - Photographer Mark Gunter Mark G-111 — Photo by: Style Fashion Week

Funari New York Style Fashion Week SS19 New York - Photographer Mark Gunter Mark G-173 — Photo by: Style Fashion Week

Funari New York Style Fashion Week SS19 New York - Photographer Mark Gunter Mark G-220 — Photo by: Style Fashion Week

2018SFW0909-1X2V4633 — Photo by: Style Fashion Week

Funari New York Style Fashion Week SS19 New York - Photographer Mark Gunter Mark G-46 — Photo by: Style Fashion Week

I want to thank Janelle Funari for inviting me to her fashion show. It was fantastic. You can check out her collections here .

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

XOXO,

Jenny A.

Sea the Beauty: YDAMYS SIMO’s Collection at Style Fashion Week

Photographer : Red Bird Photography LLC

After seeing the collection, all I wanted to do was rent a boat and sail off into the sea. All of the pieces in the collection have a feel-good vibe. I think they are a lot of fun. I love the message behind this line: shatter the norms and redefine the way you see beauty.

“Sea The Beauty of a soul’s depth and the surface will never again be enough.”

The Sea the Beauty collection is all about seeing the beauty within yourself. Loving yourself. Knowing that you are beautiful.

Photographer : Red Bird Photography LLC

Nick Santonastasso was the opening model for the line. Everyone around me stood up when he walked down the runway. He was fierce. He was captivating. He was inspiring. “The most attractive thing you can be is different”- Nick Santonastasso

Shatter the norms. Redefine beauty.

“I am immensely proud of the brand I have created. I am proud of the unique designs but equally proud of the positive message I attach to them. I want to make a difference in the world. I want to leave the younger generation with a positive message and a positive image about themselves.” – Designer YDAMYS SIMO

These are my top looks from this collection:

Photographer : Red Bird Photography LLC

What do you think about this collection?

I want to thank Red Bird Photography LLC for capturing YDAMYS SIMO’s collection. All photos in this blog post were taken by Red Bird Photography LLC.

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

XOXO,

Jenny A.

Model Madeline Berl’s Final Thoughts Before Walking the Runway at Art Hearts Fashion NYFW

Have you ever wondered what a model thinks about before stepping onto the runway? I caught model Madeline Berl literally right before she stepped onto the runway for designer Wanda Beauchamp at the Art Hearts Fashion show.

Madeline was the closing model for designer Wanda Beauchamp and I must say that she looked absolutely stunning! When I saw her walk down the runway, I was in awe. She looked like she just walked out of a magical garden. She really made us feel like we were in a fairytale.

Congratulations on your fashion show Madeline ❤

XOXO

Jenny A.

Starting Off New York Fashion Week with Supermodel Farah Zulaikha

This is one of my favorite times of the year! To celebrate, I’m sharing my behind the scenes exclusive with supermodel Farah Zulaikha.

Farah is one of the most open, edgiest yet sweetest models that I know. When I was first thinking of creating my fashion blog, I didn’t know where to start. I remember walking into the makeup room at New York Fashion Week and finding Farah. I knew that I wanted to start a fashion blog but i didn’t know if I was truly ready. I ran the idea by Farah to see what she thought of it. Farah loved the idea and encouraged me to just start… all while getting her makeup done!

Would you believe two years later, we had our exclusive interview in that same make up room?!

The video above shows my exclusive behind the scenes look with Supermodel Farah Zulaikha while she was getting ready for designer Alexandra- Popescu-York’s fashion show in New York City.

Happy New York Fashion Week!

XOXO

Jenny A.

From Last Year to This Year: Meeting Victoria’s Secret Model Sadie Newman

Sadie Newman 1 — Jenny A. (left) & Sadie Newman (right)

It’s that time of year again! New York Fashion Week is right around the corner, school’s back in session…and models from all over the world come into New York City to audition to be in the big Victoria’s Secret fashion show!

Last year I blogged about what it was like to be at the Victoria’s Secret castings. This year, I didn’t know what to expect. I only had 20 minutes to be there. But what can you really do with 20 minutes? Little did I know that in that short amount of time, I was able to meet Victoria’s Secret model Sadie Newman. Some may call it destiny and some may just say it’s a coincidence, but last year Sadie was the first picture in my Victoria’s Secret post. Now a year later, she’s posing with me in the middle of Manhattan.

Sadie Newman 2

If the Jenny last year could see the Jenny this year, she’d be shocked. So much has changed in my life, it’s incredible. Many of you have been asking where I’ve been… The truth is I took the summer to refocus on myself. Just a few days ago, I received the sweetest phone call from one of my original models, Shinice Kelly. She told me that she is actually putting her first fashion show together in March. It really touched my heart to hear what an impact my blog had on her life. It’s moments like those that really remind me how important my blog is.

So with that, I just want to thank you for all of your love and support.

You can read last year’s post about what it was like to be at the Victoria’s Secret casting auditions here.

XOXO

JENNY A.

Royal Wedding Inspired Evening Gowns by Designer Alina Petra

Congratulations to

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle!

Did you have a chance to watch the Royal Wedding? From walking down the aisle to seeing the way that they looked into each other’s eyes, it was a wedding out of a fairytale. To celebrate, I thought it was the perfect time to share Alina Petra’s evening gown collection with you. Did you know that it was inspired by the Royal Wedding?!

When you need a little inspiration, put on a beautiful dress and channel your inner Princess.

Ever since I was little, my mom used to dress me up in beautiful dresses and make me feel like a Princess. When I saw Alina Petra’s evening gown collection, I felt like I was in a dream. I remember sitting at Style Fashion Week in awe. Each model who walked down the runway looked like she walked right out of a story book.

Designed in Los Angeles, Alina’s gowns are made from Italian lace. While this is her first evening gown collection, she’s been known for her sexy swimwear. She’s turned the beach into a runway with her steamy bathing suits. “This is my first evening gown collection and a definitely big step forward from being only a swimwear designer.” – Alina Petra

Personally, I think it’s inspiring to see her try something new and design evening gowns. I like how she channeled her energy into creating chic yet romantic looks. I can help but imagine what it would be like to walk down a grand staircase or attend a lavish garden party in one of her gowns.

My Top Looks:

451B0118-2847-478D-9A89-6DFBF436A6EA — Photo from: Alina Petra

F628085F-EE40-4EDE-A561-B6AFD566B991 — Photo from: Alina Petra

1E471421-4976-49C1-AFEF-D12B9F1D074E — Photo from: Alina Petra

C4E53A26-8284-4D6C-A772-C29FF6E38083 — Photo from: Alina Petra

Get to know more about designer Alina Petra and her collection through our exclusive interview:

Jenny Alweiss (Jenny A.): What was the inspiration behind this collection?

Alina Petra: The Royal Wedding. I wanted to create a very chic and romantic look.

Jenny A.: What was your biggest challenge with this collection?

Alina Petra: The only real challenge was moving the gowns from LA, where they were made to NY. I was freaking out though the entire flight thinking that my dresses are ruined!

Jenny A.: What made you decide to design evening gowns?

Alina Petra: Designing gowns was my longtime dream, so it was about time to start doing it instead of dreaming it.

Jenny A.: When did you first become a designer? How long have you been a designing for?

Alina Petra: I basically started making clothes at age 5 for my dolls, but professionally I have been doing it for about 3 years

Jenny A.: What was your favorite memory from your fashion show at Style Fashion Week?

Alina Petra: Style Fashion Week was an amazing experience for me! Mainly, because how they made me feel during the preparation for the show when things got very stressful and were feeling like everything could go wrong. But I had so much fun instead. Everyone was very cool and supportive.

I want to hear from you! What did you think about the Royal Wedding? Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

Are you getting ready for summer? Check out Alina Petra’s swimwear collection at https://alinapetra.com/

Love always,

Jenny A.