New York, NY – February 7, 2019: Ajak Deng leads models on the runway for Badgley Mischka collection during Fall/Winter Fashion Week at Spring Studios (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
New York Fashion Week is more than pretty clothes on pretty models up and down the catwalk. It is more than being seen with the haute bourgeoisie. New York Fashion Week (or, as it is popularly known NYFW) is about cultural trends and lifestyle shifts. This year is no different as the word on the street is all about bold colors and making a statement about what people will be wearing and the way people should be treated in 2019. Gildshire’s Lev Radin has been on the scene in the Big Apple, and he made a note of three designers that we will discuss today.
Badgley Mischka:
In the run-up to the fall collections at New York Fashion Week, we were told to expect a lot of monochromatic grays and muted colors overall. However, no one told veteran evening wear style makers (Mark) Badgley and (James) Mischka, who came to cold NYC and painted it hot and red! Their Fall-2019 collection was sparkly and stretchy with an all-red finale that drew gasps from the crowd.
Shining sequins sparkled throughout the entire presentation as body-hugging sheath dresses were embellished by jeweled beading over short capes. When asked about their choices, the designers cited post-war glamour as their main inspiration.
Tory Burch:
First a quick quiz. Have you ever heard of Black Mountain College? Not to worry, since it has been closed since 1957. But, during its 24-year span as an institution of higher education, BMC was very influential in the evolution of art in this country. Located in Asheville, NC, it was the inspiration for Tory Burch’s show at New York Fashion Week.
New York, NY – February 10, 2019: Adut Akech leads models on runway for Tory Birch collection during Fall/Winter 2019 Fashion Week at Pier 17 (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
Her collection helped to close the show Sunday, and did so with a bang! It featured a vast array of Burch’s signature feminine dresses, trimmed as always with sharp patterns and embellishments that tended toward the glitzy. That said, Tory Burch also presented an assortment of straight-cut coats, bold accessories with metallic accouterments, and shearling jackets layered atop ruffled blouses.
Everything Ms. Burch presented had a certain back-to-class feel about it. The collection was among the best reviewed and highly enjoyed collections of the entire week of fashion shows and presentations.
Elie Tahari:
Successfully doing anything for four and a half decades is something to celebrate, and Elie Tahari celebrated 45 years in the competitive fashion industry with his special New York Fashion Week show.
New York, NY – February 7, 2019: Models walk the runway at the Elie Tahari Fall/Winter 2019 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Spring Studios (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
Tahari’s 2019 autumn into winter collection was, as expected, daring and sophisticated. That said, many observers were surprised and pleased by the practicality in Elie Tahari’s line. There were fabrics with varying textures and volumes in garments such as ponchos, capes, and the return of the wide-leg pants.
Tahari’s most-striking designs involved fur skirts and jackets with lynx prints; dresses, skirts, and coats with a brocaded finish. If one looked carefully he/she would also find some sensual satin among the items in the collection.
A beautiful moment closed Elie Tahari’s show when 65-year-old supermodel Christie Brinkley walked the catwalk with her daughter, Sailor. The crowd stood and applauded Brinkley, who still looked fetching as she made her return to the genre that first made her famous. Young Sailor recognized the crowd but then stood back to let her mother take in the adoration. It was a throwback moment, but also an acknowledgment of timeless class and beauty.