It’s now fall, a wonderful time of year. The leaves are turning a myriad of colors, falling, and crackling under foot. The air is crisp with a faint scent of cinnamon. The pumpkin spice latte is back and, for most of us, that means not going to Starbucks for a while. Fall means digging out the micro-puff Patagucci and layering cozy vest on cozy flannel on cozy sweater on cozy waffle shirt. My absolute favorite thing about Fall is Spring. Yes, Spring. Spring has sprung at New York Fashion Week.
Throughout the eight days of Fashion Week so many designers showed their Spring/Summer 2016 collections that I was a bit overwhelmed with the bombardment of beautiful. One thing I was pleasantly surprised about was not only the clothes themselves, but the statements that designers made this year.
There was a slight movement away from the typical runway model and towards more diversity amongst the models. For instance, this year was the first time that many plus sized models were showcased in high-profile runways. In fact, Project Runway contestant Ashley Nell Tipton used only plus sized models for her collection. Additionally, Marc Jacobs, Chromat, and Ashley Graham all featured plus-sized models. For me, this was a huge step in the right direction for the self-love movement. These women are true inspirations for the designers of tomorrow, embracing all beauty regardless of size.
But back to the main event: clothes.
This year, I was absolutely delighted with the designs that popped up on my Instagram, via @nytimesfashion and @neimanmarcus. There were so many designers doing wonderfully interesting things that I had to turn my attention to the fashion bible, Vogue, and various other blogs to help me decipher the crazy week that is New York Fashion Week.
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour summed up fashion week perfectly: “Opposites attract.” There were many collections that showcased various techniques and uses of material. Gowns with lots of ornamentation and embellishment, light flowy pieces, ready-to-wear separates, eye-catching pattern combinations, the list is endless. After hours of combing through the fashion blogs, Instagram, fashion magazines, and endless runway videos, I have curated a list highlighting the top trends of New York Fashion Week.
- Pattern, Pattern, Pattern.
All types of pattern, large and small, were displayed this week. Not only were the fabrics patterned, but there was also an interesting play on mixed media creating its own pattern of sorts. My recommendation: DIY that old mini skirt by adding some other material to the bottom, pair with a knit sweater, as seen below, and you’ll be ready for the runway to class.
- Gypsysetter
Thank god this is still on trend or CC would be out of luck. Think over-sized, light, drapey pieces; or, just walk through Free People and grab anything. My recommendation: Pull out those oversized 70s shirts you bought at the Arc for flair and throw an open cardigan on top, pair with wide leg jeans or trousers, maybe in a fun print if your feeling free spirited, to complete the look.
- Fringe, everything.
Not only is fringe meant for your moccasins or suede bag, it’s also making a come back in unexpected places. 20s flapper-esque fringe was big on the bottom of below the knee pencil skirts, dresses, longer coats, you name it, it had fringe. For me there is something special about the way fringe moves on the body. The silky fringe on the runway camouflages like a rich fabric, but when you move something spectacular happens. It’s as if the whole outfit comes alive.How can you not help but smile ear to ear and just twirl? My recommendation: try adding a strip of fringe detail to the bottom of a shift dress. Or if you’re feeling up to a challenge create your own pattern on the body of the dress.
- Shimmer and Shine.
Probably one of my favorite looks was Prabal-Gurung’s burnt orange, plunging v-neck gown. The way the layered sequin’s caught the light of runway was unbelievable. A design so simple can be elevated to such a unique piece with the right layering of ornamentation. I realize this may not be up every CC student’s alley, but I highly encourage you all to take a risk and buy that sparkly outfit. I always say: “You can never go wrong with a little glitter.”
- “Cold Shoulder”
Get ready with your SPF or tanning oil if that’s how you roll, because off the shoulder looks were “in” on the runway. Everything from tops to cocktail dresses to evening gowns, in literally any material you can imagine. I love the nod to easy breezy looks especially as we look forward to rocking these once spring finally arrives. My recommendation: Don’t let your mother throw out her old 70s off the shoulder garment, repurpose it by dying it or adding some embroidery.
Other trends to be on the lookout for:
- ‘90s nostalgia pieces
- Pleating
- Halter necklines
- Earth tones
- Luxurious Lounge/Pajama wear.
Bottom Line: Many designers chose the comfortable route over the ornately couture and avant-garde looks we are use to seeing on the runways. Finally, we can all pull off runway-inspired looks everyday. Be sure to use your best strut, and you’ll be looking runway ready for class in no time!