This morning, W Hotels kicked off New York Fashion Week with the introduction of Jenne Lombardo, the brand’s newly appointed Global Fashion Director. Jenne Lombardo has an impressive resume that includes acting as the Special Events Director for Interview Magazine, and later working for M.A.C. Cosmetics as Executive Director. At M.A.C., Jenne’s contribution to the brand included launching the M.A.C. + Milk fashion program as well as signing Lady Gaga as M.A.C.’s spokesperson. Today, the M.A.C. + Milk program is one of NYFW’s biggest events, for which, designers such as Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler have created presentations. Jenne derives her inspiration from celebrating up and coming designers and finding a common thread between artists.  In addition to celebrating Jenne Lombardo joining the W Hotels team, this morning’s press breakfast highlighted the Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Next designers. Electric Feathers, Michael Angel, Bibhu Mohapatra, Rochambeau, Nomia, and Juan Carlos Obando are the six designers who were chosen by Lombardo that represent the fashion industry’s next big wave of talent. It is an exciting time for W Hotels,  as Jenne Lombardo’s debut will raise the bar for the brand, maximizing its contribution and influence in the world of fashion.

“Throughout my career I have always looked at the unique ways in which artists, designers, and other innovators can work together. With W Hotels, the possibilities are infinite.  I am extremely excited and honored to be working with such a dynamic and global brand.” As Global Fashion Director, Jenne Lombardo will take the W’s Fashion Next program worldwide by traveling internationally with her selected designers, giving each talented artist an incredible platform to exhibit their work to a global audience.

Held at the W Hotel’s flagship property in New York, today’s event was an intimate gathering for fashion insiders. Bloggers and editors had the opportunity to meet the Fashion Next designers and take a closer look into their design aesthetic. One of the designers who I sat down with, Juan Carlos Obando, left a particular impression. Born in Colombia, Juan Carlos and I shared a common affiliation for Latin culture, as I myself am Cuban-American. Coincidentally, Juan Carlos affirmed that the inspiration behind his collection this season was drawn from Cuban influences. Cuba in the 1950s, specifically the cabaret and club Tropicana, was the connection Juan Carlos found between the fabric and his vision. Today, Tropicana can be credited with the international spread of Cuban culture that is so profoundly embraced in our city of Miami, which sometimes even bears the nickname, “Cuba Norte.”

Meet the Fashion Next designers:

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[images sourced from google]

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