INSIDE THE VALENTINO RESORT 2018 RUNWAY SHOW

Natalie Lim Suarez

Modeling since the age of 15, Natalie Lim Suarez has been a notable figure in the fashion industry for years. Based in NYC, she is 1/2 Chinese, 1/4 Spanish, and 1/4 Mexican. With her passion for photography, creative direction, design, music, writing, modeling, and style, NATALIE OFF DUTY was born. Completely inspired by the "model off duty" on-the-go lifestyle. Sharing her stories, inspirations, and projects through her own photography and writing. Already noted for her winning fans in Harper's Bazaar UK, featured editorials in ELLE, and WWD for her "Good Taste." Along with campaigns and ambassadorships to top fashion and beauty brands from around the world. Some including COACH, DKNY, L'oreal Paris, Saks 5th Avenue, Sunglass Hut, Levis, and Nordstrom. Her eclectic, unique style has launched many successful design collaborations sold in top retailers around the world. Next to fashion, Natalie's other passion is music. Singing along with piano/guitar continue to pop up in her upcoming fashion campaigns.

Represented by FENTON MODELS.

contact: natalieoffduty@gmail.com

It’s so exciting when Valentino hosts a show right here in NYC. How super convenient for us NYC editors?! I certainly got dressed up for the occasion: a billowing dress from the Maison Valentino house itself paired with their signature rockstud handbag, a piece that turns heads everywhere I go. Valentino Resort 2018 was still feminine and romantic, but with an unexpected hip-hop inspiration.

The show was inside Zero Bond Street, a beautiful open loft space with red pipes (my favorite) and faded brick walls. NYC to the max. Hip hop music blasted from the stereos as the models filled the room dressed in super bright hues, eclectic layers, and a little edge with every step. Ever since Pierpaolo Piccioli took creative control, Valentino has been pushing it’s boundaries. This season there was definitely an American street-casual inspiration, just fully elevated. It made me wish I stuck with my plan of pairing my fresh-off-the-runway dress with a pair of sneakers or tomboy boots. Sigh! I did end up taking full note of this head-to-toe red tracksuit and oversize blue bomber. It is always the statement looks that make a mark in my memory. Tracksuit skirts paired with cropped jackets…cinched the perfection at the waist. Flowing dresses sashayed over studded flat slides or socks n’ sandals, a trend I know and love. The show had a piece for every type of girl, and every occasion. Everything from a super spicy red embellished shift dress to an extra elegant black spaghetti dress with open sides. I have to say, I fell in love with these added cut-out details, all seen in the open sleeves, low open v-necks, and midriff baring crop tops. It was clear there was inspiration taken from all over the world…a modern take on the classy Valentino woman with a little street edge.