Despite added COVID restrictions (and the occasional snow storm), New York Fashion Week returned in full swing last Friday. It brought with it back-to-back shows, eye-catching street style, and celebrity appearances. Let’s take a look back at the highlights of the week.
On day one, Bella Hadid took to the runway for Proenza Schouler’s show, as reported by Paper Magazine. Parsons alumni Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez designed the collection, which featured cinched waists, full skirts and bias-cut shapes. Later on, Christian Cowan delivered old-school glamor with sequined jumpsuits, feathered dresses and (very) high heels. Party looks have become a signature of his. Cowan deemed his show the “highest high-fashion show ever,” as it took place more than one hundred stories up in the One World Observatory.
Blue tones and latex dominated Christian Siriano’s show on day two, as pictured in Vogue. The front row was stacked with celebrities ranging from Drew Barrymore and Susan Sarandon to Tika the Iggy (an Instagram-famous dog). Jason Wu brought simple elegance to the runway with looks inspired by ‘50s fashion illustrations. Brandon Maxwell’s collection glowed brightest in the details; delicate feathering on shawls provided an air of nostalgia. Maxwell credits the inspiration to his grandmother.
If there’s one thing that matters to AREA, it’s details, details, details! On day three, the brand showcased colorful beading and intricate embroidery in its Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Instead of a runway, they opted for an entirely silver showroom (save for the gilded bathroom, of course). Ulla Johnson’s collection included her signature puffed sleeves, printed dresses, and ruffled skirts. Her bronze color pallete and leather accessories gave the clothes a stunning warmth.
On day four, Markarian brought The Prince George Ballroom back into the Jazz Age with her classic pieces. Peacock feather hats and silk velvets gave the collection a debutante flare. Later that night, Coach presented a show inspired by suburban nostalgia. The set included vintage cars, models walking dogs and a ‘90s grunge soundtrack, according to Paper Magazine.
Peter Do introduced 36 looks in black, gray, camel, and white on day five. Gabriela Hearst’s collection was much brighter, featuring multi-colored jackets and vibrant dresses. She was inspired by the breaking down of gender and sexuality labels, and her show notes cited a passage by Professor Emanuele Lugli on the history of gender as it relates to politics and science.
On the sixth and final day of NYFW, Colleen Estrada’s screening was a Y2K throwback. The clothes included chartreuse skirts and hip-padded dresses with no shortage of velvet, satin and feathers. The film starred Tommy Dorfman, Rowan Blanchard, Aaron Phillip, Chloe Wise, Uglyworldwide, and Cory Kennedy. Also on day six, up-and-coming designer Bach Mai unveiled his first Fashion Week collection. His soft pastels, asymmetric dresses and hand-torn chiffon conveyed an airy elegance.