As another season of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) comes to a close, it’s time to round up the good, the bad and the things you’d only find at fashion week. For those wondering we are now on the ready-to-wear fall/winter 2015 lines (that’s a mouth-full). Even though we’re bidding adieu, we’ll always have Paris… and London and Milan. So let’s waste no time and dive right in.
Stage direction
Tommy Hilfiger scored big this year. His F/W line was sports-inspired and to set the perfect mood he turned the Park Avenue Armory into a football arena. The team of models stormed the field in collegiate wear, letterman jackets and plaid. Even the shoes were ready for the big game; Hilfiger finished off every look with pigskin-inspired leather wedges. Of course, what’s football without cheerleaders? The last looks of the show were cheer-tastic burgundy-and-scarlet dresses with iconic pleated skirts. All in all, this line has sports-fans and sports-haters alike rooting for Tommy Hilfiger. Go team!
Hilfiger’s line can be viewed here.
No. 1 rookie
NYFW isn’t just for the big-timers. Newcomers breaking in to the high-end fashion scene get drowned by household names but others are able to shine through. This year, Chinese designer Ranfan, a Central Saint Martins graduate, won it big. He took the earthy, moody neutrals of the cooler season and turned them on their head. His vibrant line was inspired by the market scenes back in his home country with a dynamic color palette and rich textures. Here’s to whatever he surprises us with in the future.
Ranfan’s show can be watched here.
Ready for the ball
Zac Posen creates dresses that Cinderella could only dream about. But this year, the final dress at his F/W show had Barbie crying tears of want. Picture this, Naomi Campbell strutting out from behind a golden curtain in a gorgeous pink shimmering ball gown. The gown stole the hearts of many and the dynamic shape stole much space. In the words of Elle Woods, “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.”
Posen’s dress, and the rest of his line, can be viewed here.
To Oscar, love Peter
The Oscar de la Renta show was highly anticipated for a completely different reason than normal. The brand had been handed over to Peter Copping days before de la Renta’s passing. Copping was challenged with incorporating his new ideas for the brand and paying homage to the late designer, and he handled it beautifully. Relief and a round of applause met him as he came out to wave his thanks at the end of the show. The trademarks that stayed where the setting (Oscar de la Renta’s showroom) and the late designer’s favorite garment shapes and materials. New changes included mirrored walls and upholstered benches (instead of floral wallpaper and white folding chairs) to geometric prints and shorter hems. Copping showed his respect to de la Renta, but it’ll be interesting to see how he moves the brand forward with all of his new ideas.
You can view the F/W de la Renta line here.
Fur vs. shearling
It may come as a shock to some that real fur is still prominent in the fashion world. Even though faux-fur has become the “politically correct” material to its more adverse brother, some designers still insist on using fox, mink and other animals in their lines. However, during the Ralph Lauren show, something was different. The designer used plenty of the fluffy, cozy material in his line but upon closer look, it turns out it wasn’t fur at all. According to Style.com, “At the bottom of the collection’s show notes was a statement that read: ‘Ralph Lauren has a long-standing commitment to not use fur products in our apparel and accessories. All fur-like pieces featured in the collection are constructed of shearling.’” For those who don’t know, shearling is made from the tanned hide and wool of a sheep. So bravo Mr. Lauren on keeping the line animal-cruelty free and chic.
Lauren’s line can viewed here.
Stick to music Kanye
One of the opening shows during NYFW was Kanye West’s collaboration with Addias titled “Yeezy Season One.” I’d describe the clothes as nude-urban. The models were styled in oversized coats, leggings and countless other pieces you can find at any Forever 21. The weirdest part was that some of the female models were wearing flesh toned body suits, ugh as if. In conclusion, the colors were drab, the shapes were unoriginal and I pray that “Yeezy Season One” does not have a season two.
You can view the West x Addidas line, if you must, here.
Turn down for what
NYFW ended on a dramatic moment when Marc Jacobs introduced his creepy and delectable line. After a few subdued (yet equally as breathtaking) shows, the designer turned the volume up for his F/W 15 show. The music was stress-inducing, the set was dark with blood red lights and the models were made up to look severe and tall as they strutted down the catwalk. The clothes had a retro, opulent vibe that’ll be highly coveted come this fall. The collection was brilliant and it was the perfect end, and jolt of energy, to this season’s NYFW. Thank you Marc Jacobs.
Jacob’s line can be viewed here.
It’s not over until Mrs. Wintour speaks
As one of the most iconic people in the fashion industry, Anna Wintour deserves a category all her own. Her outstanding moment came after NYFW was over. After sitting next to a screaming North West at her father’s lackluster show, she was so fed up she’s currently working with the people behind NYFW to ban children from being allowed. To be honest, I can’t blame her, fashion shows aren’t the place for children. The music is blaring and between the bright lights on the stage and the flash of photographers’ cameras, it can be too much for children.
In the words of Andre Leon Talley, “It’s too much fashion darling.” Hundreds of shows were at this season’s NYFW and with them were plenty of collections and moments for the history books. Here’s to a stylish fall for all the fashionistas. May the sales be ever in your favor.
