WHAT IS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK?
If you’ve been in the fashion world for a while, I’m going to assume that you're aware of what New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is. That being said, it is essential to explain what the event actually entails. Hosted by IMG, New York Fashion Week is a semi-annual event held in February and September of each year where emerging and renowned designers unvault their Fall/Winter collections (February) and their Spring/Summer (September) collections to attendees that include: Buyers, Photographers, Editors/Writers, Celebrities, Stylists, and the general public. NYFW is often associated with Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and London Fashion Week, globally known as the “Big 4” fashion capitals.
NYFW MAKEOVER
Showcased as one of the most anticipated events of the year, New York Fashion Week is finally among us but this time with major adjustments. COVID-19 shook the world in December of 2019 and currently in the midst of September 2020, we are still managing to combat this pandemic. Designers were able to showcase their collections through film or creating a live, outdoor setting with very few spectators. IMG has created a digital hub for the event at NYFW.com where those who want to spectate can sign up for free and select different programs, live runway shows, and Talks at their leisure.
This year, NYFW has said goodbye to the chaos from the preparation of models and crowded seats. No spectators were allowed for indoor runway shows but New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, allowed for outdoor audiences that were capped at 50 people. Although the Coronavirus has demanded for NYFW to make adjustments, the new generation of consumers have also shed light on the social injustices that have placed immense pressure on the fashion industry and the voice of brands. Black-owned businesses only account for less than 2% of all sales in the industry. The newly formed, Black Fashion Council seeks to fight racism in the industry and were given their own section on the events website where designers with diverse backgrounds are spotlighted. Fashion is reflecting the times more than it ever as masks are the newest and hottest accessory of the season and designers combating social issues.
FAVORITES OF NYFW
As we are now living in a social distancing world, designers had to reimagine the showcasing of their SS21 collections. Determining the different approaches and angles they are able to take, designers chose to display their collections through a short film or in a live outdoor setting.
Private Policy, Jason Wu, Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, Who Decides War, and Anna Sui are a handful of favorites this season. Co - designers of Private Policy, Haoran Li and Siying Qu created this collection while self-isolating in Shanghai and New York. Titled “Searching for Aphrodite” this collection did not hesitate to expound on self-love and the beauty of diversity.
Revealing more of a calmer side, colors such as lilac and sage were displayed on amputee model and singer, Marsha Elle, and trans model and activist, Dominique Castelano.
With bright shades of orange and yellow eased with shades of blue and greens, designer Jason Wu made the executive decision to hold a live, outdoors runway show. Creating a tropical setting with green foliage and a boardwalk-inspired runway, spectators were welcomed with the warm feeling of summer by maxi dresses and lightweight knits.
Next on the list is designer, Ulla Johnson who showcased traditional Japanese artisanal techniques including: shibori resist dyeing, hand weaving, and boro patchwork, along with crocheted knitwear and denim pieces that still does not fail to demonstrate a bohemian/urban taste.
The last show I want to mention is Veronica Beard’s collection titled “Wildflowers” by designers Veronica Miele Beard and sister-in-law, Veronica Swanson Beard. The duo stated that the collection “came from looking inwards and from finding peace and freedom outdoors”. Hoping for brighter days, we see the muses frolicking through flower fields in sundresses, blazers with bikini tops underneath.
Throughout the shows we see more designers focused on our new-found connection with nature and ourselves. Still adjusting to the new normal and being more connected than ever, NYFW is nothing like we have ever seen before.
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