Everyone knows that Barbie throws the best parties!

The Barbie shop inside the iconic F.A.O Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, NY was the perfect location for her 65th Anniversary. It was an event to remember, with an interactive activation that included live fashion sketches by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei (that’s me!) , and lots of other fun gifts!

The energy level inside the shop was off the charts! Everyone was so happy to be there! At the Barbie shop, fans can customize their very own Barbies with the help of a trained Barbie stylist. Each time a kid finished customizing their Barbie doll, the stylist presented them to the audience by name and everyone in the shop gave them a round of applause. The applause were going all day and had everyone smiling.

After guests chose their Barbies, they were treated to Barbie donuts and fashion sketches of themselves as a Barbie doll!

It was a fun filled day full of cute photo ops! Shoppers were given a Barbie hat with their purchases and the large Barbie box at the front of the store made the best frame for photos!

Barbie shoppers who spent $75 or more were able to have a live illustration done of themselves. The fashion illustrations were framed with a pink Barbie box border. It was the perfect memento from the day!

Krispy Kreme joined in on the festivities with a beautiful donut display of their Barbie x Krispy Kreme collaboration donuts. There were 4 different flavors to choose from, each featuring a different design! The Barbie donuts are available outside of the event too!* See Krispy Kreme for details.

Barbie fans showed up from all over, dressed in their best Barbie outfits. It was so much fun sketching everyone and chatting with them about their collections! There was a fun crowd around the sketch station and everyone was mingling with each other and showing off their Barbies and it was really just such an amazing day full of good, pink vibes!

The Barbie shop is located inside F.A.O Schwarz and is definitely worth a visit!

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who works with brands to create custom illustrations, and she also sketches guests live at special events. To book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!

September NYFW was more exclusive than ever. As many designers returned to in person presentations, space was limited and guest lists were kept minimal. The spring shows were sprinkled throughout the city at various and unexpected locations instead of the usual show venues. Designers set their stages in parks and rooftops around Manhattan, one of the most unique venue choices being Chelsea Pier’s outdoor skate park.

The Spring collections were a rainbow of fluttering fabrics, elevated textures, and bold and layered silhouettes. The creative locations and vivacious collections mirrored the vibe of a city waking up after a long slumber.

I chose 8 of my favorite colored looks from the runway and turned them into illustrations. Check them out below!

Blue & Lemon Yellow - Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall showed a beautiful collection of flowing gowns. The light and airy fabrics blossomed down the runway in combination of colors reminiscent of a flower garden.

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2. Mulberry - Leanne Marshall

Tucks, fluting and layering brought volume to the soft, opaque fabrics. Full sleeves had a shawl-like effect, as long hem trains disappeared neatly into defined waists.

3. Olive Green - Ulla Johnson

Ulla Johnson’s SS22 collection stayed true to the brand and was full of asymmetric tiers and ruffles. Sleeves were full and voluminous, and woven skirts fell in layers: a perfect balance of structure and flow.

4. Yellow & Black - Christian Siriano

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The Christian Siriano collection boasted bold solids and strong silhouettes. Models dressed in structured woven suitings walked beside those in sheer lace gowns. Dramatic sleeves and full skirts sparkled in metallics, yellows, and greens.

5. Purple - Chaance

Chaance’s collection put a fresh street spin on performance wear. Abstract prints, denims, and loose fitting silhouettes mixed in with athletic looks. The line included both menswear and womenswear.

6. Orange - The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season’s looks were clean and elegant. The spring collection was laden with beautifully constructed blazers and day dresses to take you from the street to the office.

7. Black - Kaven Liu DIMOR

Kaven Liu DIMOR’s soft dresses shimmered on the runway as the stage lights accented the carefully tailored details on each. Ruching, and precise seaming gave dimension to the light fabrics.

8. Bonus: Menswear FW22 - Khaki & Black - Veuxstanio Vallano

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Veuxstanio Vallano, an Italian menswear label showed their Fall/Winter 22 line during September NYFW. Geometric prints in bold contrast colors danced across puffer coats and oversized scarves. Models walked barefoot in denim with straight, bell, and skinny hems. Leathers and logos emphasized the cool vibe of the line.

Did you have a favorite look or show from SS22? Comment below!

Deanna Kei is a NY Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. She also sketches at live fashion and private events and activations. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com