New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is a bi-annual event showcasing international brands as they target buyers, the public and the press. The event is held every February and September, introducing fashion for the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons.
This year, the themes of the week were calibration and innovation. According to an article from Women’s Wear Daily, the idea of growth was hugely important: “It reminds us of the importance of brand sovereignty and stamina, and the significance of remaining authentic to where they are now in order to plan for where they want to be in the future,” Joseph Maglieri, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Director of Fashion Week Initiatives, said.
From Feb. 6-Feb. 11, we were able to see many high-end brands such as Bugatchi, Jane Wade, Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. Here is a quick recap of some of the looks in this year's Fall/Winter collections.
Sandy Liang offered a very colorful and unique collection. Liang brought many different bright colors and funky patterns to the table in this show.
Many models were seen wearing skirts with quirky designs such as pictures of notebooks or calendars. Similar to Coach, Liang embraced a childlike, nostalgic energy.
Hypebeast detailed the intent behind Liang’s NYFW show: “There is the excitement of having a beautiful pink planner with a lock on it when there is nothing to plan, this thrill just comes from the opportunity to have secrets.”
The various objects presented on the garments represent what it feels like to grow up as a girl, as well as how these objects have deep, personal meaning to their owners. Liang herself took inspiration from her adolescence when designing these pieces.
The meaningful skirts were paired with various patterns such as polka dots, florals, stripes or stars. This vivacious collection encapsulates Liang’s childhood — and girlhood as a whole.
Coach gave their presentation on Monday. Taking a unique approach, the brand used a young cast, ultimately appealing to a Gen Z audience. Models were put in clothing that appeared to be juvenile, yet still classy. They also showcased chunky sunglasses in a variety of colors such as bright orange, neon purple and a bold yellow. Some models wore simple tees featuring some sort of graphic with a stuffed animal featured on the front.
Stuffed animals were a common theme in this show, seen clipped to the models' bags or shoes. While the overall theme of this show was youthful, the colors remained neutral. Models were seen wearing various shades of brown, grey and black.
Tory Burch had a very specific vision for her collection at Monday’s show. Known for her timeless American style and preppy clothes and accessories, Burch knew that what she wanted to demonstrate was “twisted American sportswear”.
“It was sort of a literal and figurative take on the word ‘twisting.’ I loved the idea that sportswear was created in America,” Burch said to The Washington Post after the show.
Models stunned in their layers and pops of color. Many items worn were button-ups, adding to the preppiness of Burch’s blouses and jackets. Burch knows her colors; every outfit was satisfying and cohesive. Even down to the accessories, she adds a splash of color and makes sure the colors mesh well together.
Known for his designer jeans and minimalist style, Calvin Klein returned to NYFW after six and a half years of absence. Klein’s simple — yet striking — collection stole the show.
Models wore mostly neutral colors such as whites and browns. There were, however, occasional pops of pastel colors such as blue, purple and pink. The clothes often appeared to have an oversized fit, putting a heavy focus on the material and fabric. Due to the size of the pieces, the garments flowed and easily took control of the runway.
Featuring models who were seriously bundled up, Michael Kors offered a cozy yet chic collection at his show. While the models may appear warm and fuzzy in pictures, their looks were still striking as they made their way down the runway.
According to an article from Reuters, the combination of styles was the most exciting element of the show: "I love the idea of ease, comfort, mobility and movement. Looking chic without being studied and stiff. And the French word for it is dégagé, which is, you know, throwaway chic. So, you're definitely going to see what I like to say is warm modernism," Kors said.
The brand stepped away from its usual sleek, flaunting look as nearly every model appeared to be fully covered. The collection demonstrates the variation between silk and wool; how models can simultaneously feel powerful and sensual.
NYFW will return for the Spring/Summer collections from Sept. 11-Sept. 26.
