NYC Fashion Week in Review by MUSE
This past week has seen a return to some version of normalcy for all of us in more ways than one. Just as, after over a year and a half of online courses, we have returned to the classroom, the first normal, in-person, and runway-centred fashion week in three seasons took place this past week in New York City. While fashion week can be considered a collection of ridiculously expensive, impractical fabric, I prefer to see it as a celebration of sorts. Fashion is one of the most interesting ways to learn about the world we live in, while appreciating creativity and expression. This past week marked the season’s kick-off in NYC. The runway is back and more daring, bright, and meaningful than ever, and MUSE is here to give you the breakdown. Let’s start with what was arguably the most prominent theme of the week; celebration and an emergence into a post-pandemic world.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors’ SS22 collection was centred around the theme of “urban romance.” Kors drew parallels between the return of the in-person catwalk and the fresh rebirth of fashion and love in the city. Kors’ collection is an homage to timeless elegance and the ideal of classical romance in New York City through simplistic feminine silhouettes.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s Spring 2022 runway showcased a collection of vibrancy, texture, and fun. Through the use of bright colour, satin, and sequin, Ford created an aura of optimism and playfulness. This collection is made for a glitzy night on the town, showing off before the camera and making a bold impact.Another theme that critics were quick to point out was unapologetic and open sex.
Eckhaus Latta
Eckhaus and Latta paid particular attention to the precision of fit and silhouette. The tones of the collection were muted and subtle, complementing the body rather than overwhelming it. Littered throughout the collection were tiny snaps tracing the lines of the body. These were created to be undone to reveal more or less of the body or removed altogether.
Kim Shui
Known as one of the first female designers to put the sexy back in style, Kim Shui wowed with her Y2K inspired collection. The runway showcased Shui’s signature mesh looks and mixed prints. In addition, she utilized cowboy hats, wafty pants, and halter tops to create a loud, eclectic, sexy, and feminine aesthetic. As Shui stated, “Everyone wants to feel sexy and hot.”Emerging more and more these days on the runway is actual wearability. As fun as it is to look at extravagant bazaar couture as a form of art, the fashion community wants to see themselves wearing the clothes. Hence, more uncomplicated and casual silhouettes have become an emerging trend.
Khaite
The fresh and popular Khaite stayed true to their luxurious and wearable route for their Spring 2022 collection. Khaite takes sports, lounge, and outerwear and adds a dressed-up and sophisticated aura with special attention to fabric and feel. Khaite is streetwear turned classic, sophisticated, and luxurious.
Brandon Maxwell
Maxwell’s Spring 2022 collection was entirely ballgown-free, opting for a more fun and casual take on evening attire. Blazers, bikini tops, track pants, a funky colour pallet, textures, and cuts make for an eclectic, fun, and wearable collection. Of course, this is only the start of fashion month, and these are only a few of the shows and themes that walked the runway this past week. As made evident throughout all of these themes and shows, playing it safe is not in the cards for a post-pandemic fashion week. A diverse group of designers and models brought us clothing that makes us smile, pushes our boundaries, and offers us comfort and styles that we can actually see ourselves in. Stay tuned for more MUSE content in the coming weeks as we follow fashion week across Europe.
