The first few weeks of September are always a hectic time for designers, creative directors, and models alike. The amount of pressure put on the nine days that are called ‘Fashion Week’ in New York brings rushed garment orders, last-minute adjustments up to the literal second the models are let on to the runway, and shows that have been meticulously planned out by designers for months. From the big names to the designers who are getting their first chance at a show this season, let’s look at some of the best collections and moments from New York fashion week 2016.
Jeremy Scott conducted his show as he usually does, including bright colors and looser silhouettes. However, this season he also paid homage to the ‘80s in New York’ by using graffiti inspired writing on the clothing, not holding back on the sequins, and throwing some party dresses into the collection. Specifically, these dresses had structured circular skirts creating a new silhouette for Scott which has not been seen from him before, but certainly fits his lighthearted aesthetic. He embellished some garments using zippers and also used black in the collection – a not too common choice for spring/summer runways making it refreshing to see.
Favorite pieces: the light blue leather jacket & the red leather jacket wrap dress
Prabal Gurung made a statement using feminism as a motif for his collection, contradicting light, flowy silhouettes with rigid tailoring to bring to life the idea of the modern woman’s luxury-chic clothing that provides comfort with an edge. He traced fabric trends back in history and looked at previous collection ideas to form his concept of what powerful women wear. This idea for his collection was cemented when he ended the show with a variety of pantsuits instead of his usual gowns. This collection was one of the most wearable and I appreciated him using neutrals and flattering silhouettes while still throwing in color to create a well-rounded line.
Favorite piece: the black slit-linked skirt
Marchesa rocked the runway as usual using tulle, pastels, and plenty of ruffles. Some of the fabrics they used had a sheen to them, which added a multi-dimensional feel to the pieces and will no doubt look gorgeous once springtime rolls around.
Favorite piece: iridescent high neck gown
Alexander Wang revealed his secret Adidas collaboration with pieces including sweatshirts, basketball shorts, and tear-away-pants using the brand’s iconic black and white stripes. He also hosted his own show using both men’s and women’s wear for inspiration including lace and plenty of pinstripes. Most of the collection is very whimsical and gives off the “In St. Tropez and just threw this on” vibe. He had a plethora of bralettes that featured straps going down the abdomen, very reminiscent of swimwear. He kept most of the color palette light, although there were some darker pieces in there, mostly in outerwear.
Favorite piece: black lace minidress
One of my favorite designers, Tom Ford, held a dinner party to debut his see-now, buy-now collection, which as usual did not disappoint. The 160 guests got a first look at his men’s and women’s collections for the new season, consisting of fading leather, pencil skirts, amazing sweaters (Tom, I am still waiting for one in the mail), and luxurious velvets and tweeds.
Favorite piece: I honestly loved it all but the leopard print ensemble styled exactly how the model wore it with the black leather boots and belt is only what my inner, self-proclaimed animal print lover could dream of.
Also, Neiman Marcus, can you please create some type of notification system for sales and releases of Tom Ford items?! I am still annoyed that I missed those amazing TF shoes that were on sale last week.
I can’t wait to see what Paris fashion week brings…