by Mike Romero
Photos By Natalie Jane (Green & Black Looks) and Bobby Rachpoot (White Look)
You may recognize Carly Lawrence from her time on the Netflix show Too Hot to Handle, but she's also blossomed into a successful content creator with over 2 million followers across platforms. She recently launched her own business, Sutherland & Co, which produces lines of perfumes and fragrances. In this capacity, she attended New York Fashion Week. We got to chat with her about her experience there.
For first time fashion week attendees, how should they present themselves? What advice would you give for how to dress for NYFW events?
When attending NYFW for the first time, I feel like it's important to keep a good balance between personal style and integrating current fashion trends. For me personally, I wanted to elevate my style and incorporate items that were a bit out of my comfort zone, while also keeping it close to my usual style. The best advice I could give is don’t worry about the opinions of others and wear something YOU feel confident in. It's hard to own a room if you're not feeling good about your look. I also think it's important to step outside your comfort zone and try new things, even if it’s just a new style of accessory.
Which event had the best atmosphere and vibe? Why did it make such an impact on you?
My favorite fashion show I attended was the Kim Shui runway show. The energy in the room was amazing. The reason I felt it was such an amazing show was the artistry of the outfits themselves and the style of music. Watching the models walk out to this really intense and upbeat music made me feel so creative. It genuinely gave me a rush of excitement after the show.
What's one connection that you made at NYFW that you otherwise would not have?
There were a few connections I made during fashion week that really stand out to me, therefore it’s hard to pinpoint just one. I will say that overall, I feel like I got to showcase a different side of me to the public and online to my social media. I got to show a more fashion forward side of me and I feel like overall it has made me feel more confident.
As a recently single woman, what were your favorite elements of NYFW nightlife? What would you recommend for future attendees?
Going out in NYC is like no other. The nightlife is so amazing. Each party I attended had a completely different feel to it. My favorite party was the NYLON x Maybelline event and some of my favorite bars were in Brooklyn. I love being in NYC because it reminds me of my hometown of Toronto. LA nightlife doesn’t even come close to New York. I had the best time going out there.
You recently launched Sutherland & Co. Tell us about the brand's aims and the consumer-base you hope to reach. What about the brand do you think will resonate with people?
With Sutherland & Co., I started the brand from the ground up. I've truly had no help in any part of the process. I think one thing that resonates with people is the risk you take when you start your own business. Most successful entrepreneurs look at other entrepreneurs and can relate to the hardships they've gone through and the risks they have taken to get there. For me, I wanted to create a product I actually use and love. I think this passion shines through to my consumers and you can tell by the product itself that it was made for the everyday person. The consumers I’d love to reach are truly ANYONE and EVERYONE. This is why I made it a point to keep my costs low, so many people can purchase the product.
How was NYFW beneficial for Sutherland & Co? What's next for the brand?
I think anytime you are out and meeting new people it can be a benefit for your business. I think it is important to get out in the world and show face. Work is definitely a priority, but it’s also imperative to have balance. I actually met so many successful individuals when I went out to the bars and clubs in New York. I feel like anytime I am in a creative space, I am meeting likeminded people. Attending NYFW was overall an amazing experience, not only for myself but for my brand Sutherland & Co. I was able to network and showcase my love and passion for the fashion industry. The next thing I'd love to see for Sutherland are potential new products and an event where consumers can actually come and smell the fragrance firsthand. I’d love to be able to just continue to grow Sutherland and get it to be more of a well-known brand people love.
Keep an eye out for future Sutherland & Co. products on Instagram. You can also follow Carly Lawrence here.