Whoever says New York Fashion Week is dead isn’t paying attention. There may have been fewer shows this season than in seasons past, but sometimes less means more. Here are some of this week’s highlights, from breakthrough trends to heavy political statements.
Hot pink became haute pink
Who would’ve thought fuschia? This season’s breakout hue is a brighter, bolder version of its sister shade, millennial pink. For the truly committed, look to Marc Jacobs, whose models rocked feathered hairstyles that matched their haute pink frocks.
Denim got dreamier
This wardrobe staple is no longer just off-duty attire: Your true blues can now translate into evening wear. Estaban Cortazar topped sheer skirts with belted trucker jackets, while Ralph Lauren trimmed denim dresses with feathers.
Designers time-traveled to the ’80s . . .
It was only a matter of time before this oft-mocked decade made a runway return, kicking off with Tom Ford’s decadent embellished minis and finishing with Marc Jacobs’ bold-shouldered action.
. . . and into the 2080s
While throwback references rule the runways, fashion likes to stay ahead of the curve, too. From Jeremy Scott’s cartoonish, colorful moon boots to Calvin Klein’s astronaut-inspired blazers and elbow-length gloves, the future is looking bright.
Trail blazers trended
Ditching your bottoms is the thing for fall. The key to pulling it off? Look to Zadig & Voltaire’s boxier silhouettes, or Alexander Wang’s strict, zippered-trimmed leather options.
Hair thingies had a moment
’90s nostalgia is in full force and we couldn’t be more here for it. From Alexander Wang’s claw clips to Michael Kors’ glitter bow hair-clips, mane décor is major for fall. Margot Tenenbaum would be proud.
Snacks were stylish
Snacks! Everywhere! For all! From Chromat’s Cheeto-bag-carrying models (some even munched the treats as they walked down the runway) to Rosie Assoulin’s decadent dessert lineup (including crepes, cakes and meringues), the week’s most surprising trend is all about looking like a snack.
All ages were welcome
Diversity is a hot-button issue, and for good reason. A slew of younger, buzzier brands did it best when it came to showing a wide range of ages. Our favorite? Gypsy Sport’s 10-year-old model, Desmond Napoles, who describes himself on Instagram as “a drag kid, dragutante, dragketeer, and draganista doing what I like to call kinderdrag. I’m a total drag slayer.” Watch this space.
#MeToo made its presence known
There were odes to the movement all week, from Tom Ford’s glittery “Pussy Power” purses, to Milly’s rainbow palette, a plea for equality. Prabal Gurung ramped it up with a finale in which all of the models held white roses. There to see it all as his front row guest was #MeToo founder, Tarana Burke.
Heavy-hitters came through
Alexander Wang made corporate cool with a CEO-inspired collection shown at the old Condé Nast headquarters (a nod to his fashion roots), while Christian Siriano paid tribute to the late Dolores O’Riordan by playing The Cranberries’ hit “Dream” during his eponymous line’s dreamy finale walk. Carolina Herrera closed her final show with a parade of crisp, white shirts and ball skirts (an ode to her iconic style) and took an emotional bow with her design team. And Marc Jacobs’ oversized rainbow parade of outerwear? The perfect way to punctuate the week.