We arrived at St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery on East 10th Street one Tuesday afternoon—not for Sunday service, but for a different kind of holy moment. The crowd was exactly what you’d expect at a New York Fashion Week event: dressed to the nines, either in self-made pieces (naturally, Parsons graduates) or their funkiest boots and bold leather pants. Very avant-garde.
We were there for the debut of Barshai’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, aptly titled ‘Pennies from Heaven,’ inspired by the classic 1930s song made famous by Billie Holiday. Building upon last season’s theme, this 12-piece troupe delves into the captivating, chimeric life of Consuelo Vanderbilt, America’s most famous Dollar Princess.
The atmosphere was distinctly theatrical, with no assigned seating, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the spectacle. As guests entered the venue, a mix of instrumental tunes and pop rhythms filled the nave, complementing the center stage adorned with patina-laden chairs, 20th-century pottery, and antique vanities.
Embodying the essence of the ‘new woman’—a 1920s term symbolizing the shift from traditional domestic roles to greater independence—models glided gracefully across the stage, presenting each distinctive ensemble over the course of three acts.
Vintage elements such as corsets, bustiers, feathers, and long, flowing yet form-fitting outfits, paired with distinctive hairstyles like bobs, finger waves, and slicked-back looks, captured the essence of the Art Deco aesthetic.
Bold beauty choices, including thin arched eyebrows and dramatic eye makeup, popped against a rich color palette of burnt umber, 20th-century teal, crisp white, deep navy, and sage green. Together, these details wove a narrative of Consuelo’s life.
Pushing the boundaries of couture tailoring, satin-patterned suits shimmered under the lights as butterfly-shaped confetti rained down from above. Ruffled textures were abundant, with standout pieces including a striking skirt crafted from long black hair and a white, fitted dress resembling a structured tablecloth blouse. The footwear was equally daring, with models sporting open-toed heels that perfectly complemented the intricate designs.
The entire presentation felt like a surreal, high-fashion performance that was both nostalgic and futuristic. See our favorite looks from the show below.
