Fall 2020 New York Fashion Week took on a new form to deliver fresh and inspiring content to world viewers. I have never loved fashion week more as we got to see amazing pieces in a new light and on a new platform, CFDA’s Runway 360. Although some designers decided to stick with the tried and true of in-person shows under strict COVID policies, others ventured with new visions. Designers truly went above and beyond to provide the world with content that was outside the box and entertaining to watch. After watching a variety of collections, I have never felt more inspired and excited for the upcoming season. Here are five of my favorite designers that embraced a videography style of fashion shows this season.
Cynthia Rowley
Cynthia Rowley, a veteran in the clothing industry, displayed her collection in an upbeat and energizing “fashion film” titled “The show must go on” as a nod to what was happening in New York in the midst of a pandemic. The models, who wore trainers with pretty dresses, new wet suits, and metallic jackets, took to the streets dancing to a version of “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” performed by the East Village All Stars. The clothing speaks to an everyday vibe and the video displays their movability. Rowley took to Instagram saying, “For NYFW we thought the most important thing was to capture the spirit of what’s happening right now in our culture. Restaurants have built outdoor seating on the sidewalk and streets of New York. Musicians and creatives have banded together in the moment to bring energy and joy to NYC. Thank you!”
Link to show: https://app.nyfw.com/video/165811
Kim Shui
Kim Shui’s presentation was by far one of my favorites. Her collection was filmed in a retro documentary style and touched on a more personal level as friends, supporters, and muses were her models. Shui focused on a conversation about how each person is handling the pandemic and how mental health is taking a toll. Although it is good to hear the struggles of others and know that you are not alone, the conversation also opened up the idea that there is still so much life to live. As humans, we face struggles every day, with or without the pandemic, and it’s important to keep your head up and live every day like your last. Her clothing, signature body-con dresses, cut-out tops, and animal-print silhouettes, took on a new approach of strong and sexy vibes while empowering women who are dealing with threatening real-life problems of today.
Link to show: https://app.nyfw.com/video/165815
Christian Cowan
Christian Cowan partnered with Lil Nas X and the Loveland Foundation to present a collection “that will contribute to affirming and supporting the healing and thriving of black trans and gender-expansive youth”, as stated in their video. The looks range from simple to extravagant and the models conquered the variety of styles inspired by punk and queer movements of the 1970s. The glamour and attitude were captivating, from dark graphic tees to metallic pink suits. All profits were donated to the Loveland Foundation, supporting the group they agreed to be one of the most ignored.
Link to show: https://app.nyfw.com/video/165940
Tanya Taylor
Instead of showing off her collection this season, Tanya Taylor released an ironic video listing everyday tasks that take longer than registering to vote to encourage registration and voting ahead of the general election. Taylor is very involved in Fashion Our Future 2020, an initiative founded to use fashion to mobilize the youth vote. Fashion week draws so much attention and we spend hours watching fashion shows. I found it invigorating that she chose to use her NYFW timeslot to encourage democracy at this crucial time in American history. As Taylor stated in her press release, “Our community of strong, empowered women are the heart of our brand, and as always, we aim to empower them and lift up their voices, this time through civic action and voting.”
Link to show: https://app.nyfw.com/video/165868
Collina Strada
Collina Strada’s quirky short animated video brought energy to NYFW like no other. The video is a collaboration with designer Hillary Taymour and illustrator Sean Kierre Lyons. Not only did the models bring everything to the table, but the editing and video concept was outstanding. The clothing was showcased in a colorful virtual world filled with animation, design, and upbeat background music. The clothes were bright and optimistic, which resonated throughout the video. Not to mention that Taymour is focusing her brand on being sustainable; most of her clothes are upcycled. Although it is not 100% sustainable yet, she is inspiring a world of fashion to help save our earth and create equality.
Link to show: https://app.nyfw.com/video/165781
This season’s fashion week was not only about the clothes but the people living in them. I hope future fashion weeks will hold onto this new and exciting form of shows, for they have revealed the opportunity to relate and connect with viewers on a deeper and more artistic level. We live in a vastly virtual world and I do not want to lose the aspects of human connection people receive at in-person shows. Perhaps, designers can find a way to balance in-person and technological events. I am forever in awe at the creativity people possess and I am grateful we got to experience NYFW from this new perspective.