Front Row with TU Fashion: NOFW '24 & Newcomb Studio Debut
Stepping onto the red carpet at Gallier Hall on St. Charles was a sight to behold, with stylish guests wrapping around the block, all dressed in their best. TU Fashion was in full glam, attending the Friday night show, which began with an opening event where attendees could explore tables filled with leather goods, candles, vintage finds, and local fashion brands.
As 7 p.m. struck, guests settled into the main hall, the new anthem of New Orleans Fashion Week playing in anticipation of the show. Over 10 designers walked the runway, introduced by founder Tracee Dundas. Notable designs included AL MALIK BOUTIQUE, which opened the show with wedding looks draped in satin and accented with sheer and textured appliqués. Brands like Bena Monae and Billy Rae wowed the crowd with jewel tones and texture-driven storytelling. A standout was crochet brand Jeta Mccreary, whose collection included handmade pieces featuring unique elements like bottle caps on dresses. Hooped skirts and colorful patterns made with her handmade designs.
But the night was truly special with Newcomb Studio’s New Orleans Fashion Week debut. The Tulane Gameday Line took center stage, showing New Orleans what Newcomb Studio is all about. The opening look, “Umbrella Babe”, modeled by Trini Jones, featured a two-piece ensemble with a baby blue gingham pattern giving an ode to New Orleans's Second Line; a cultural parade organized by Social, Aid, and Pleasure Clubs. Crowd favorites included “Ridin the Wave” Tulane pelican overalls and a “Rock’n” leather jacket giving Roll Wave an edge. Accessories, particularly styled on the upcycled Tulane “Button Me Up” look, were a hit. Founders and designers Taylor Guillotte and Coco Parris spent all day Friday preparing for the debut, and as TU Fashion members watched from the front row, we couldn’t help but feel inspired by the women behind this brand.
Newcomb Studio Look Book
Two team members, Vice President Camille Buckner and Editor of CORE, and Founder of Newcomb Studio, Taylor Guillotte, shared their behind-the-scenes experiences. This year marked Camille’s second time working as a production assistant, and she “enjoyed the exposure to different elements of the production process, from helping with the website to styling models.” Taylor, however, had a unique experience, having interned all summer with Tracee and preparing for the weeks leading up to NOFW. In addition to her internship, Taylor was debuting her first collection at New Orleans Fashion Week. As a fourth-generation Tulane woman, she drew inspiration from her roots in designing the Game Day collection. “It was completely unexpected and unplanned, but my business partner, Coco Parris, and I worked intensely for about a month and a half on our looks, and miraculously, it all came together,” said Taylor. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and said she looks forward to participating again next year.
As the show continued, trends emerged—bright pops of color that felt right at home in this vibrant city, along with bold pattern-matching across various designers’ collections. NOFW stands out not just for its design but for its promise to promote both models and designers. Through competitions like the Top Design Competition, Fashion Industry Career Day, and the support of local non-profits, NOFW creates opportunities and gives back to the Gulf Coast in style. The “Model Walk-Off,” offering a scouting trip to Los Angeles courtesy of Launch Model and Talent Agency, added extra excitement to the event.
Since its inception in 2011, NOFW has advanced many careers, including that of Skylar McCartney, who placed in the top 5 of America’s Next Top Model and has walked at both Paris and New York Fashion Weeks. In just three short years, NOFW has become one of the most impressive fashion events in the Gulf Coast, embracing the city’s coveted designs and earning recognition from media outlets like Women’s Wear Daily, Elle Magazine Quebec, and the Oxygen Network—and now, TU Fashion.
For All 2024 Designers.Photographer: Piper Leger
