Just a few weeks ago, New York Fashion Week was in full throttle, from the A-list guests, endless runway shows, and the sick exclusive after parties (not you Alexander Wang), needless to say if you weren't at NYFW then you are irrelevant, like me. During NYFW, I did what any crazed and devoted fashion follower would do and stalked the whole week through the NYFW Snapchat account, Instagram, and basically every other resource. I made sure to get the scoop on anything and everything during fashion week so I did not feel left out. After doing my research and getting in on the madness, all I can say was NYFW was full of surprises, from political statements to surprising guests. Here is your scoop on the week's most memorable moments!
Shhh Marc Jacobs!
Marc Jacobs kept it simple and silent, literally, during this years runway show. Jacobs wanted all eyes on the clothing with only the sound of the heels hitting the pavements as the models strut their stuff walking down the partial outdoor show. There were about 320 guests seated on rows of folding chairs without any decorations, lighting, or a soundtrack. Marc Jacobs shook things up during NYFW, but are we really surprised?
Raf Simon's debut at Calvin Klein
Clear the runway for Raf Simon, Belgian fashion designer who has made his way from being the creative director for Christian Dior to being the chief creative officer at Calvin Klein. Raf's collection for Calvin made its awaiting debut during fashion week, leaving everyone in awe. Featuring both men and women models in similar looks, symbolizing no gender specifics with looks that a minimal and classic aesthetic. Simon spoke on the reinventing of Calvin Klein saying, “Calvin Klein is not only about iconic underwear and jeans — it’s about so much more.” Raf Simon has truly shook the brand and definition of fashion intervention.
No After Party
Alexander Wang ditched the after party and made his show a party itself. Featuring a nocturnal setting with kegs of Peroni, loud music, and no seating for the guests. The show was at RKO Hamilton Theater on Broadway and 146th street and was set up as a dark and rough look with an underground mosh pit mood with red spot lights beaming. Models were seen walking down the runway with tights saying "No After Party" so clearly this year we have to say goodbye to the Mc. Donald's truck and 7-11 Slurpee's that he brought last year.
Madeline Stuart's 21 Reasons Why
Madeline Stuart, a young model who was born with down syndrome, has launched her own clothing brand called "21 Reasons Why" and got the opportunity to show off her work during NYFW. Stuart described the collection as "mirroring her own daily style" which was a modern flair on trendy daywear. The name of the brand, 21 Reasons Why was inspired by her passion for inclusivity in the fashion industry as well as her 21st chromosome. This won't be the last we see of Madeline.
Hot Convict
Yes, there was an ex-criminal on the runway, and yes he is dreamy. Other than being known as the hot convict, his name is Jeremy Meeks and he walked for Philipp Plein during NYFW. Meeks became known once his mug shot was posted on the Facebook page of Stockton Police Department from being arrested on felony weapon charges when police pulled him over and found an unregistered and loaded gun in his vehicle (and well a little marijuana too). Then while he was taken into custody, he was contacted and signed with a modeling agency and got the chance to kick of his career once he was let out of prison after 27 months. Loaded or not loaded gun, he still cute doe.
Diversity isn't a trend
Designers did not just use Fashion Week to make a political statement, but to show the growing change in the amount of different races of models that would be shown. Fashion Spot recorded for the fall 2017 season, 31.5% of models were non-white. As well as six of the ten most booked models this season were women of color. With 2016 NYFW still being the most diverse Fashion Week, NYFW '17 was full of promising changes and improvements, politically and historically.
Women's March at Mara Hoffman
Many designers decided to make a political statement this week, including designer Mara Hoffman who invited the co-founders of "Women's March on Washington" to open her show. The members opened the show with remarks and readings from women authors and activists such as Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, as well as their mission statement. Mara Hoffman's collection that was shown was inspired by "women whose songs are not yet sung, the allies, the named, and the nameless". This was more than an upscale fashion show for Mara, it was an opportunity to give a voice of unity and feminism and tie it to the industry. Girl power Mara.
All hail Yeezy
New York Fashion Week is not the same without Mr. West. Even though the CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America, was not aware he'd be in the building. There was no surprise that Kanye stirred up chaos by not even consulting those in charge of the NYFW that he would be scheduling his show. More surprises arrived once the show started, beginning with models projected on a screen before hitting the runway and only limiting the show to close friends, family and buyers. Those in attendance included Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian, Zoe Kravitz, Tyga, and so on. Model lineup included Teyana Taylor, Sofia Richie, and even the recent Miss Minnesota contestant Halima Aden. Kanye's show featured his designs of faux fur, sneakers, and denim.
Bella Hadid catwalking 10 runway shows
Model Bella Hadid strutted her stuff opening and closing multiple shows such as Prabal Gurung, Zadig & Voltaire, and Oscar de la Renta. Taking New York Fashion Week by a storm with her poise and museful aesthetic. Bella gets an A+ as her runway report card grows.
Although New York Fashion Week is full of chaos, surprises, and the rarest clothing, these memorable moments wrap up the week all into one! Now we must wait until September 7th, 2017 for New York Fashion Week to be back in action!
"Either you know fashion or you don't."-Anna Wintour
XOXOXO
