This New York Fashion Week featured the best of American designers showcasing their collections for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2019 season. To kick off the week, Ralph Lauren set the bar high with an impressive 50th anniversary celebration. His front row included style mavens Blake Lively and Anne Hathaway, admiring designers Vera Wang and Donna Karan, and even the legendary Kanye West. Coach, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Oscar De La Renta were just some of the iconic American labels who made sure to deliver yet another season. Due to Jacob’s delayed start, there were some unamused bloggers; but his contrasting textures, bold pigments, and artistic creativity (specifically his choices of movement and unrealistic ratios) were well worth the wait. Stuart Vevers for Coach designed for the target market of the ever so aesthetic festival goers as beiges, fringe, leather, and maxi skirts presented a very bohemian catwalk. One of my personal favorite shows was Oscar De La Renta: the lineup of powerful attendees looked just as amazing as the models, and the collection’s effortless elegance reminded the industry of how fashion should be as these tasteful looks were incomparable to the lacking and lazy millennial style that floods city streets today. Zimmerman also made a huge splash this year by a collection that matured away from the flirty femininity the Australian label is known for, to more bold cutouts and original fabrics. Zimmerman is rising in popularity as it is the perfect style for any spring/summer occasion, and social media influencers from blogger Aimee Song, to one of Netflix’s stars Camila Mendes, to socialite Sofia Richie, sat front row and publicized the entire show on Instagram. Color was the theme for Prabal Gurung as many famous names walked in head to toe bright colors and cultural references. Less acknowledged names such as Anna Sui made her mark by walking recognizable faces such as Kaia Gerber, Taylor Hill, and Gigi Hadid in unique designs.
Not all shows were such a success, however, as some simply bizzare and out of context designs appeared down the runway. Laurence and Chico presented funky wigs and wild contrasts, not leaving much for practicality. Jeremy Scott had the same eye catching catwalk that spoke for itself and will require bold characters to take major fashion risks, yet he can pull it off with help from the forever iconic Paris Hilton. Scott helped closed the week with Moschino and his bright sketches over white canvas technique that certainly will be a highlight of this NYFW. Monse, Jonathan Simkhai, Christian Cowan, Son Jing Wang, Rodarte, and countless other labels held their own this year adding their own style choices to the never ending trends of New York Fashion. Following NYFW, London and Milan Fashion weeks have proven to be just as influential and sought after as famous models walk every show, critiqued by numerous bloggers and celebrities waiting to buy the clothes that will be considered old in a blink of an eye. Looking forward, according to Elle, Fashion enthusiasts should expect even bigger pieces, a reappearance of Tie Dye, Sheer, fringe, and even Neon this Spring/Summer 2019. Yet, as we know, new trends surface every day and go out of style just as quickly. These fabulous shows require hours upon hours of work for the designer, ateliers, excited interns, critiques, models, press, and everyone in between. NYFW honors the fashion industry with an exciting introduction of what’s next to come, and this season exceeded expectations.