Fashion
NYFW AW18 Recap
Flying Solo
The fashion and accessories designers of Flying Solo, a New York City retail space owned and operated by the designers themselves, partnered with the stylist, Farren Jean Andrea, to showcase their current Spring 2018 collections. The Polyvore mood board-maker turned fashion confidante to Rihanna and Bella Hadid was responsible for the creative direction of 270 looks from 70 designers in over 24 countries. Paradoxically, models were paired off in matching or complementary outfits subject to Farren’s signature ‘cool-girl’ styling (chignon’s and tiny sunglasses included).
Tadashi Shoji
Awards season can be stressful for celebs and even more so now because who they wear says more about them than ever. For Fall 2018, Tadashi Shoji had just the thing. The designer presented a collection that didn’t back down, one that didn’t conform to the idea that being covered up and hiding yourself away is the safest bet. Shoji’s woman, as he puts it, is “bold and unapologetic”. She goes for something form-fitting in cut, line, and silhouette. She’s not afraid to show some skin; bare shoulders, sheer fabric, leg bearing slits, and a good cut out suit her amazingly. One thing is for sure; boring she is not.
Jill Stuart
Jill Stuart paid homage to Andy Warhol’s Chelsea Girls this season at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park. Sitting in each room of the club were models at a tea party swathed in satin, velvet, and brocade. With the help of stylist Victoria Bartlett, jewel tones were injected into the cast of 60’s inspired clothes. Floral and lace kept things girly while patent leather and sequins added high shine. Pulling it all together were corset belts for a style best described as playful yet elegant.
Taoray Wang
Taoray Wang was inspired by Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia in her latest collection: “Enlightenment Empress”. East and West met for a modern take on the classic military uniform. Typically, a symbol reserved for male power, Wang takes back the uniform and makes it her own. Renowned for her feminine touch to masculine workwear, she interprets the female armor as sexy, soft, and edgy. No wonder they call her the Queen of the Suit.
Christian Cowan
Brit designer, Christian Cowan, as seen on Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, and Cardi B, summoned New York City’s energy with paillette covered suits, party hats, and patent leather. The collection, like any good party girl, was a little all over the place but still charming. Ingredients included faux fur, feathers, black and white checkers, sexy sweats, mesh tennis dresses, thigh-high glamazon cowboy boots and a metallic green bubble puffer coat. Hands down, the life of the party goes to Christian Cowan.
Badgley Mischka
The day before Valentines was reserved for the romantic eveningwear of Mark Badgley and James Mischka. The duo included more wearable pieces next to their usual Old Hollywood glam-inspired offerings. Chic separates of wide leg trousers, mock neck sweaters, and wool coats exuded just as much charm as a pink floral ball gown and a sequinned bodice jumpsuit. All proof that Badgley Mischka is best suited for any occasion.
Empowering women was the thread running through each and every collection at New York Fashion Week. Then again, that’s no surprise for the city that never sleeps.
Words by Hannah Rose Prendergast
