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.

Aspiring Model Maggie Doyle Captures the Runway

Maggie Malone 3 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

“….Beauty is being able to walk a runway and silence a room by your presence…” – Victoria Whetzel

When model Maggie Doyle walked down the runway at the PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s model competition, captured my attention. I remember sitting at the Judges’ Table and looking into the chattering audience. The moment Maggie walked down the runway, the room they were silent. All eyes were on her.

Even though the PLITZS Fashion Marketing competition was Maggie’s first runway experience, she held herself like professional model. She was able to capture the room.

Almost a month later, when I was at New York Fashion Week, I was very happy to see her walking for Emuleos’s Tougher Than Diamond Collection. It’s really exciting to know that I was there to see the first step towards her modeling career. She walked for PLITZS Fashion Marketing during New York Fashion Week!

Maggie Malone 2 — Photographer: Deno Imaginator

Meet Maggie:

Jenny A (Me) : What was it like to win the Women’s Model of the Year Award at PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s model competition?
Maggie: It was such an incredible feeling! I had no prior experience modeling but I worked hard leading up to the show. I practiced my walk and selected outfits for each category that would best represent me and that would look good on the runway. When I heard my number being called [as the winner], it was surreal. It inspired me to pursue further modeling opportunities.

Me: What do you think about when you walk down the runway?

Maggie: Before stepping onto the runway, I think about what I need to do in order to best model the clothing. As I take my first step onto the runway, the only thought I have is to exude confidence. I know what I am supposed to do as a model and once I’m on the runway it’s all about delivering that. If you’re not confident, people will notice, and they won’t buy what you’re ultimately trying to sell in both a figurative and literal sense.

Question from Kristy my followers: What was your favorite item to model?

Maggie: My favorite look that I modeled in the PLITZS’s Model of the Year competition was the black formal outfit. I chose a versatile black romper with an attached skirt and heeled booties. It was a bold look and made me feel very confident on the runway.

Me: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced so far as a model?
Maggie: I think the hardest challenge I have faced as a model is accepting that I may not always like the way the clothing looks on me or how the photos turn out, but it’s part of the job. In order to be a good model, you have to wear the clothing with confidence and make it look the way the designer intended on the runway. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone.

Me: What was your craziest modeling experience?

Maggie: With the little experience I have had, the PLITZS New York Fashion Week show was my craziest modeling experience. Modeling for twelve different designers in the span of 6 or so hours was hectic. I had no idea what it would be like beforehand! It was crazy walking off the runway to a team of people waiting to help me change outfits, makeup, and hair for the next designer.

Maggie Malone 6 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

Me: What are your goals and dreams?
Maggie: My goal in life is to help others. I plan to graduate with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Social Innovation. There are far too many people in this world whose needs are not fulfilled and I want to change that. My dream in life is to one day see my photos in magazines.

Me: What are your hobbies?
Maggie: I like to cook. I love cooking for friends and coming up with new & healthy recipes. I also like to paint! When I’m visiting home, my mom and I paint together in her studio.

Me: What is your favorite superhero or animated character?

Maggie: My favorite animated character is probably Remy, the rat from Ratatouille. He’s so determined to be a chef despite the fact that he’s a rat. I love his determination!

Question from Gabriella my followers : Do you have a certain workout routine?
Maggie: I have a very busy schedule between work and classes so a lot of the time my workout is speed walking through Grand Central to make a subway or train! But when I do have time, I go for a run or take a SoulCycle class. However, I do follow a pescatarian diet and try to cut out any processed foods which helps make up for my erratic workout schedule.

Me: If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what fruit or vegetable would you be?
Maggie: I would probably be a mango since it’s delicious and versatile. It also reminds me of being at the beach, which is my favorite place.

Maggie Malone 4 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

Maggie modeled for New York Fashion Week at PLITZS in Feb 2018. You can follow her on Instagram @maggiedoylem

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

Love always,

Jenny A.

Andres Aquino’s Turbulent Waters Swimwear Collection at New York Fashion Week

P1080446 — On the runway at Couture Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is one of my favorite times of the year! Over the weekend, my brother and I went to Couture Fashion Week where we saw designer Andres Aquino‘s Turbulent Waters Swimwear Collection. Personally, I have always adored designer Andres Aquino. He’s very creative and I think that his work is stunning.

I really enjoyed seeing his swimwear on the runway. Each model strutted down the runway in one of his bathing suits matched with a pair of high heeled black boots. Most of his designs were black and gold pieces.

My most favorite piece from his collection was worn by the award winning model, Samantha Speulveda. She wore his finale piece – a gorgeous black one-piece bathing suit with elaborate gold sequined sleeves.

I think the most shocking part was that designer Andres Aquino’s swimwear were all one-pieces! I can’t tell you how excited I am. I don’t usually wear bathing suits but when I do, I try to wear a one-piece.

P1080524-2 — Jenny Alweiss on the runway with model Lyubov Pylyponyuk

Honestly, I’m in love with the sexy sequined bathing suit look. Recently, I’ve seen videos on Facebook of one piece bathing suits with sequins. I wonder if they’re waterproof!

It’s a little crazy for me to think of wearing a bathing suit when I’m still bundling up in all of my winter gear! I guess when it’s hot out, I’ll be ready to hit the beach in style 🙂

Be sure to follow my blog on Instagram @newstylemode

Love always,

Jenny A.