Producing NYCFW : A Whirlwind of Serendipity and NYC Magic
They say if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. But in New York City, if you tell the city your plans, it might just offer you a miracle instead.
To produce the Moulin Rouge Lingerie Show, I moved to Manhattan for a month of pure, unadulterated hustle. We checked into the Dream Hotel, hit the pavement, and let the city take the lead. At the start of the month, we didn't even have a finalized venue—only a dream, a mood board, and a relentless "yes" in our hearts. What followed was a series of serendipitous moments that felt less like luck and more like destiny.
The "divine whirlwind" started at Del Frisco’s near Radio City Music Hall. A chance meeting led us to the owner of Serendipity 3—the legendary ice cream parlor once frequented by Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe. In a moment of pure New York magic, he offered us the "Celebration Room" for our casting. Seeing 30 models walk in a space steeped in such iconic history was the first sign that this show was meant to be.
When it came to the wardrobe, the pressure was on. I needed pieces that captured the sophisticated, Y2K-nostalgic energy of the Moulin Rouge, and I needed them now. I headed straight to the Miss Circle store in NYC; I knew it was the perfect place to find high-glamour silhouettes on short notice.
I purchased the runway outfits there and took on the role of head stylist, including styling Carrie for her standout moment. The best part? These stunning dresses have become staples of the youngnat.com brand. I’ve reused them for multiple editorial shoots, and they still hold a permanent, prized place in my styling cabinet today.
Living in NYC for the month allowed me to be hands-on with every detail. I spent mornings in the Flower District hand-selecting blooms and afternoons lost in the aisles of Mood Fabrics, hunting for the textures to transform our venue. We even found our coat designer simply by walking into his store—a testament to the power of being in the right place at the right time.
The biggest breakthrough happened after a meeting at the Aman Hotel. It was there we connected with the owner of Dom Lounge. Not only did he offer us the Park Avenue venue, but he revealed he had been dreaming of a "Moulin Rouge" night.
By the time the rose petals were laid and the lanterns were lit, the atmosphere in the building was electric. The show wasn’t just a fashion event; it was a culmination of a month-long whirlwind where every "no" led to a better "yes."
New York doesn't just host your dreams—it expands them. Everyone brought a sophisticated, elevated energy that night, and as the MC took the stage, we knew we hadn't just produced a show. We had lived a New York legend.