One of the biggest events in the industry, New York Fashion Week, closed last night with a spectacular show from Marc Jacobs.
The week showcased all the offerings from the biggest industry names - from Jeremy Scott to Ralph Lauren - for the Autumn/Winter 2019 collections.
Here is your runway recap of all the biggest names and most talked about moments from this year’s event.
Tom Ford’s show kicked off New York Fashion Week at Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan on February 6. The fashion world was taken by surprise to the new Autumn Winter collection that was on display.
Coming away from the usual leather looks and glamorous garments, the collection offered something a little different from what the brand usually adheres to - and apparently for good consumer reason.
We saw lots of luxury wool, satin, and velvet - a change from the usual fabrics that are offered by the brand. Accessory-wise, the collection was kept at a minimal, apart from a garment heavily featured in the show - the small chain-handle bag, a piece which many celebrities have opted for recently.
Gigi Hadid, currently the seventh highest paid supermodel in the world, walked the runway in head-to-toe deep red. The velvet blazer was way off the usual leather jacket we have grown used to seeing over the years, with strong-shaped stand-out shoulders and a turned up collar, the garment could’ve easily drawn attention away from all the other spectacular aspects of the outfit.
But we still gazed at the red satin trousers, featuring a pleat-top and turned up ankles were paired with open-toe island platform heels and sheer socks to bring a daytime feel to the overall modern look, oozing with class.
This look was replicated on models such as Anok Yai, who wore the trousers in a deep purple, with an open soft blue blouse. There was a common occurrence amongst the choices of colours - deep yet simultaneously soft - found with the frequent bronze, plum, and blue features.
So why the sudden change? The Telegraph reported that Ford spoke of his pieces backstage, saying: “The thing about luxury goods now is they are so expensive, they have to be potent.
“When you buy a jacket it has to be something you can wear with lots of different things in lots of different ways. Women don’t go and buy 10 perfect new outfits each season like they did in the 1950s and 60s, they buy individual pieces.”
It makes complete sense - when investing in a luxury product, of course, the consumer wants something timeless, rather than spending hundreds, sometimes thousands, on a piece that will only wear one season. Ford’s bold shift in creation this season gets the green light from us - it is somewhat a revolution in fashion, certainly within the brand, to design such garments that have a longer shelf life in terms of relevance.
Vogue reported that this somewhat understated collection was a response to the ‘culture of negativity in the world around us, especially in America’. Ford said: “I’ve never really been a designer who’s talked about a moment in time, how that’s influenced what I design, but you can’t escape the news.
“I feel frustrated and agitated and exhausted. And I don’t want to wear anything particularly challenging or anything particularly aggressive.”
Elegance with a touch of attitude were stand-out features throughout the whole collection, but particularly with the evening gowns that ended the show. Lightweight looping chains and metal clasps added unique detail to the ‘simple’ soft lilac and caramel dresses, which Ford added are ‘stitched together by hand.’
He said: “They are crafted with two layers of jersey and absolutely clean inside, so they look simple but they are beautifully made.”
From the luxury fluffy coats to the soft jersey dresses, we are pleasantly surprised with the unusually divergent collection this season from Tom Ford.
On Thursday, Ralph Lauren unveiled their Spring/Summer collection in a venue unique to any other. The fashion house revealed it’s runway show in the Madison Avenue boutique which had been decorated to replicate Ralph’s Coffee shop.
Although the location and relaxed, cosy atmosphere was a major talking point, of course, it was the fashion that everybody was there for. It wasn’t just coffee and croissants on the menu at this show, but glitter and glamour in true Ralph Lauren style.
And the show was everything you would expect and more. Despite the more casual location, the show was met with an abundance of glitz and glamour, featuring stars such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Camilla , and Karlie Kloss. And the models, oh the models…
All eyes were on Bella Hadid when she descended the grand staircase in a jaw-droppingly glamorous strappy gold dress. What’s more, the gold jewellery finished the collection with what can only be described as first-class sophistication.
Taylor Hill's appearance was also a huge talking point, as she stepped out on the catwalk wearing an all-white military-style blazer and bottoms, which oozed elegance and class.
The glittering show seemed to project strong regal vibes through the high fashion on display, and the man himself didn’t disappoint as he ended the show, stepping out in his customary denim and the classic blazer which also resembled the military touch that had featured in his latest works.
Elle reported that Ralph Lauren explained his choices for this seasons event, saying: “To bring the fresh spirit and modern glamour of my Spring 2019 Women’s Collection to life I decided to share it in the charming environment of my new Ralph’s Café on Madison Avenue. I wanted to create an intimate experience to share my vision in a more personal way.”
On Friday we were taken aback by what can only be described as the perfect controversy, displayed by Jeremy Scott. Courtney Love was amongst those who watched the show on the front row.
In a time when social media and scandal is everywhere, Jeremy Scott picked up on the state of current affairs and placed it into this season’s line.
Going with the theme of headlines, Jeremy certainly made them with this collection. There was a black and white aesthetic almost throughout, which not only featured on the fashion but also on the hair and nails of the models who wore them.
Psycho, danger, chaos, and tragedy were just some of the click-bait buzz words which were plastered all over the array of dresses, shoes, and hats - a fashion statement like no other. And it wasn’t just the clothes that were in line with the theme, but the music choice was also fitting. The entire show was soundtracked with Prince’s ‘Controversy’, a single which addressed the singer’s perplexity surrounding tabloids.
Talking about his latest colourless collection, the designer behind Moschino said: “I was thinking about society’s complete obsession with scandalous headlines with salacious news, with false assumptions, with clickbait, and this kind of obsession we have as a people where we get so riled up and people don’t really even listen or investigate” AP News reported.
Although he drifted away from the usual bright colours and style, this collection certainly didn’t lack the boldness of those previous. Carrying forward the elements of leather, sequins, and tulle, the designer remained true his creative roots.
And it wasn’t just Jeremy Scott that had people talking on Friday, either. At noon the Kate Spade NY show was an absolute hit, with a catwalk full of animal print and colour.
Both the collection and atmosphere oozed femininity - in a lilac-lit location walked models wearing soft colours with a bold attitude. There was a strong element of vibrancy throughout, in the second collection under creative director Nicola Glass.
Prints in soft tones were heavily featured throughout, with classy horizontal and vertical stripes and subtle, modern animal being the ones to remember.
Accessories were also a strong element of each look. The bags, turbans, and tights were all defining pieces which complemented each outfit. We got serious Blair Waldorf vibes from the hosiery in beautiful shades of powder blue, lilac, and burgundy - finished off with Upper-East side style platform peep-toe sandals and boots.
Saturday saw the Christian Siriano show in a location which was hard to top, as it was on the top of the Rockefeller Center. With sights such as the Empire State building and the Chrysler builder in view as the sun began to set, the show was perfectly placed above Manhattan.
The location was one thing, but the clothes another. An outer-space theme shone through the colours and fabrics, with shiny metallics and star-like sequins.
Comet blue, asteroid grey, and supernova silver were some of the unmissable colours from the collection.
Known for diversity on the runway, both racial and size, the designer remained committed to these values. Gulf News reported that the designer said he chose this avenue "because that's who our customer is, that's our world, that's what's out there. So it doesn't make sense to not have that, all these different women. I think that was very important to highlight the range of beauty."
And Ashley Graham was one to show off the collection, wearing a shimmering white gown featuring glittery silver strips and polka-dots, giving us those galactic vibes Siriano was aiming for. The look was finished with silver heels as she rocked the runway.
ABC reported that Siriano revealed backstage that the collection was all about futurism. He said: “I'm thinking of futurism, and what do people think about that, what does futuristic mean to everybody else? So mine was if you had to live in a different realm, a different world, how would you dress, and what would your social calendar be like. What would inspire you?"
On Sunday checks and plaids defined the Autumn Winter collection by Tory Burch.
Each model walked the runway looking elegant in classy designs - floral prints, sculpted silhouettes, and ruffles. With block coloured boots, loafers and metallic sandals, each look had a 70’s vibe finish with the footwear.
Footwear news reported that Burch’s show notes said: “This season is a mix-mash of revamped classics: floral prints, graphic stripes, menswear materials, and romantic silhouettes.
“There’s a modern eccentricity to raw fringe, exaggerated ruffles, knife pleats, cut-glass jewelry, deconstructed bags, and sharp boots.”
We couldn’t quite put it better ourselves. The sharp, clean-cut details to each piece powered the defiant looks in a feminine manner - perfectly modelled on the runway.
On Monday Bella Hadid stunned spectators during the Anna Sui show.
The top model sauntered down the runway of Anna Sui's Spring/Summer 2019 fashion show in New York wearing an unmissable wild bright blue wig. The 22-year-old was joined by the stunning Kaia Gerber, 17.
Jewel tones and popping colours on sparkling textiles drew out 60s vibes all over the runway.
In fact, it was all very 60s, even down to the chunky jewelry and hosiery. Coloured tights finished off Bella’s look, which consisted mainly of purple and bronze colours. Sequins, velvet, and layers topped off the look.
The whole show was psychedelic - in fact, if you have a look on the Instagram page you’ll be lucky to not have a fit.
Taylor Hill also made an appearance on the runway - but there wasn’t a lack of stars in the front row, despite this the abundance on the catwalk. Coco Rocha, Cara Santana, Karen Elson, and Sophia Coppola were just a few of the names that were spectating in the famous crowd.
Kaia Gerber has had a busy week in the Big Apple. She made another appearance walking for Coach on Tuesday, amongst many others showcasing their 2019 fall collection.
Distancing itself from the usual bohemian styles that we’ve seen recur the past few seasons, the models took to the runway in the label’s new clothing which featured elements of psychedelic vibes and bursts of colour, nodding to predominantly punky edge with undertones of chic.
There were 90’s vibes throughout, featured with the monogram and fringe details. Lace-up creepers made an appearance on the footwear front, as well as black combat boots, which were softened with the floral offerings which they were paired with.
WWD reported that creative director, Stuart Vevers said of his inspiration:“For me, it was about opening my mind.” It apparently stemmed from a road trip up California’s scenic Route 1.
Last but certainly not least, Marc Jacobs had the closing show last night. Christy Turlington returned to the runway for the first time in over 20 years wearing a spectacular black feathered cocktail dress. A matching feather fascinator and black leather boots finished off the look and added a kick of attitude to the elegant, yet exaggerated look.
And it seems that last night’s runway experience was just as exhilarating as ever for the supermodel. She posted a heart-warming message on Instagram shortly after the show, thanking fellow female models and everyone else involved in putting together the show.
Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber also strutted down the catwalk, in the finale show. Feather pieces were a focal point along with caped coats.
It has certainly been an inspiring start to the season, with all that New York Fashion Week has brought. But our favourite highlight? The return of Christy, of course. Marc Jacobs really knows how to put together a phenomenal show.
Tagged in New York Fashion Week