New York Fashion Week kicked off last week with runways ranging from small designers like Fang NYC and RÙADH, both of whom only had their New York Fashion Week debut this week, and big names, such as Calvin Klein, who had Anna Wintour herself sitting front row. Every designer offered a unique experience for their audience to ensure that their designs would be the most talked about following the event. Themes, walks, make-up looks, set and accessories all played an important role.
The best accessories, in my opinion, were featured in Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra’s rightfully named “Best in Show.” Celebrities, dressed in dog-inspired attire, walked alongside adoptable rescue dogs generously provided by Animal Haven, a nonprofit shelter for abandoned pets. This not only brought publicity to the quirky and colorful clothes designed by Antonoff and Alexandra, but also offered a chance for forgotten dogs to have a chance in the spotlight and, hopefully, find their forever homes. Even though this was only their second year doing this style of show, the pair plans to make it an annual event. It will be something to look forward to for the next New York Fashion Week.
When I view runway looks, I feel that I should be looking at art, not just fashion. Many designers are able to capture this concept phenomenally through their materials, silhouettes and aesthetics of the models’ looks. The Fashion Institute of Technology, for instance, had one of the most diverse and whimsical shows I have seen this season. Each graduate was able to design and display five features each, and with all of their different styles, it made for a truly captivating act featuring 90 total looks. This ranged from menswear to ballgowns and monochrome to colorful 3-D additions. None of the pieces looked alike, though there were clear themes to each student’s contributions. They were each unique, eccentric and beautifully designed in their own way.
Not all designers focused on producing otherworldly looks. Toteme, a brand focused on Scandinavian style, kept its show very clean and simple, much like their line. The looks are certainly beautiful and masterfully crafted, but I much prefer when looks are more eye-catching and distinctive. Having basics is important for one’s closet, but it is something everyone has seen before. In the fashion industry, it is especially essential to stand out as a brand to gain traction on designs.
Even with the number of big names present, there were still some notable absences. American brands that had previously dominated the New York Fashion Week runways, such as Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren, did not present during this time, but instead opted to show their collections separate from and prior to the week-long event. Seeing these two famed lines not included in the festivities of fashion week raises the question of whether scheduling each show within the same time period will continue, or if brands would prefer to be more individual to stand out from their competition.
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to attend any events myself, but there are so many ways for students to get involved with New York Fashion Week. With the number of designers coming to New York to showcase their designs, there are certainly a large portion of them that will require extra hands to help out backstage. Sending out resumes or emails offering help can never hurt; you may even earn a short-term internship to add onto your resume, as well as expand your knowledge of working in the fashion industry. Even if you’re not interested in pursuing a career in fashion, it can still be a great way to build connections and have fun in the city.
Overall, New York Fashion Week was an exciting time that had the whole city buzzing. The designers, models, guests and even the local New Yorkers all came dressed to impress, showing off their individuality. It is a time not just to talk about clothes, but to highlight ways for one to express themselves through fashion. No two runways looked alike and that is what makes this week feel so special. Now that it is over, though, it is time for us to tune into London Fashion Week and see how their looks compare.
