NYFW S/S 2018

After following fashion week for a few years now, I decided to start blogging about it and give you my 2 cents when it comes to my favourite shows. Stay tuned for the rest of the shows in London, Milan and Paris! 

• Tom Ford:

In my opinion, Tom Ford shows re always bound to be amazingly fierce and elegant. The absolutely gorgeous classic pieces and tailored suits which he’s known for when it comes to men’s fashion, made their way to the women’s collection this year. I fell in love with the deep blue and hot pink pieces, as well as the fabrics and materials used, rom silk, denim, leather to velvet, everything felt on point.

This may be demure compared to Tom’s old Gucci days, but they’re definitely sexy and modern pieces anyone with a good sense of style would die to own. 

• Calvin Klein: 

Despite my love for Raf Simons’s creations for Dior, I’ve enjoyed his out of the ordinary and somewhat risky pieces for Calvin Klein. I adore the creativity and colour-blocking this latest collection has. The cowboy boots and button downs in unusual fabrics create the perfect contrast. The practicality of these pieces all whilst looking gorgeous is a combination made in fashion heaven. Also, I’m so into those latex gloves which add sassiness to the entire look.

• Jason Wu:

We all know I’m a sucker for stripes, so the striped pieces, especially with the bare midriff, are my favourite. The whole casual feel of the show and the fabric used were calming if that makes sense. I fell in love with the jumpsuit featured, as well as that beautiful silk navy a few pieces were made out of. 

The jumpers with that peplum detailing were sophisticated yet adorable.

• Brandon Maxwell:

Ever since I saw that gorgeous white cut-out dress on Karlie Kloss during the Met Gala of 2016, I fell in love with Brandon’s work. Albeit the lack of intricate details in this collection, the pieces felt fresh, unique and modern. The red and pink combination is still being featured heavily, as are bright colours. 

Pairing classic structured blazers and tops with jeans makes the look easy to re-create. I absolutely loved the monochromatic looks. The fluffy jumpers would look cosy o their own, but paired with the gorgeous skirts made them more dressy and chic. 

 the asymmetrical hem of the skirts that allowed the shoes to peek through, which match the skirt by the way, is right up my alley.

• Jeremy Scott:

After 20 years of bringing the funk, glitter and fun to the runway, one would think Jeremy’s creativity would run out, or we’d at least get used to it by now. However, he managed to bring out pieces from all his previous collections whilst adding a twist to each one in order to make it more modern and interesting. 

 I admire and fully enjoy seeing him dive into a limitless world of creativity, as well as embracing his ideas without any restrictions regardless of how odd they may look. From the cartoons, the see-through blinged out pieces, all the way to the neon-coloured boots, everything was screaming talent and very uplifting. Also, not to ignore the beautiful neon orange and pink nails with silver glitter cuticles the models were rocking; that’s some serious nail art I’ll definitely be re-creating. 

• Self-Portrait:

Han Chong is slowly but surely broadening his collection by experimenting with separates instead of his usual ruffles and lace dresses he’s known for. I adore stripes, so seeing them featured in various materials and colours made my day. 

 His collection was influenced by Bianca & Mick Jagger in the 80’s, which made everything seem so cool and somewhat edgy, from rocker boots and poofy shoulders, to stars and polka dots everything looked chic, modern and sophisticated. 

My favourite looks were definitely the ones involving bustiers with polka dots paired with even cooler trousers, and not to forget the stunning boots. All his pieces were right up my alley. 

• Tibi:

First of all, the colours featured were utterly stunning and calming. Add the floaty and comfortable fabrics of the pieces as well as flats and you’ll have the perfect wardrobe for spring. The PVC corsets kind of worked against that, but I liked the contrast nevertheless. 

 The collection was inspired by the 80’s with the vibrant colours and athletic materials for day-to-day pieces, as well as blazers and checked suits with padded shoulders. It’s also interesting to see bra straps deliberately shown in contrasting colours , and the fact that the statement earring was still going strong is a notable thing.

• Christian Siriano:

Christian Siriano’s shows are known for their inclusivity, so even though his diverse models were expected it was a breath of fresh air. 

 The pieces he presented were glitzy and worthy to be seen on big red carpet events. He went all out with over-the-top ruffles on dresses as well as bikinis, head-pieces matching the dresses they were worn with, and floral gloves to also match the dress. Black simple dresses were not left plain, with some added colourful pieces to make them stand out. 

 Leslie Jones sitting front row cheering on was a very welcomed bonus. 

• Jonathan Simkhai:

The light fabrics and use of suede in skirts as well as belts or even an entire trench coat were air and relaxing. The intricate lace work and cut-out details made the pieces stand out. I loved the flowy ruffles dresses with an asymmetrical hem, as well as the denim and striped trousers featured, which gave the looks a casual, sporty yet cool vibe.

• Alexander Wang:

I haven’t seen a collection so far where I wanted every single piece. The utterly cool way in which he added twists to classic pieces that made them modern and edgy is genius!

 This is layering at its absolute finest. I’m in love with the studded denim, everything involving leather, cutoffs over leather leggings/trousers, and basically every single piece with extra sleeves to cinch the waist, whether it’s a pair of jeans, trousers or that stunning Adidas jacket Kat Hessen rocked. 

 The silk cami-jumper hybrid is a must-have, as is that grey suit with zippers. The fanny pack worn as a cross-body is apparently here to stay. 

• Victoria Beckham:

Victoria Beckham is one of those designers you can get heaps of inspiration from, especially being a modest/demure dresser. The layering skills with an ultra chic outcome is something most of us aim for. 

 I absolutely loved how this collection included several whimsical pieces without it being too in-your-face, such as the glittery pumps, which I’m not used to seeing from her. The colour blocking using soft colours and organza as well as patterned fabrics make layering that much more interesting and modern.

 The beautiful pieces with a crushed Pierre collar were stunning, especially that vibrant red dress with a thigh-high split.

• Diane Von Furstenberg:

Are you a fan of colour? then DVF fashion shows are your thing. Jonathan Sanders shows a variety of day-to-day pieces that are bound to make you stand out. From velvet open-toe lace up boots, to fringy dresses in vibrant rich colours, there’s something for everyone. 

 The hand-painted flowers on a black dress looks exquisite. The 70’s inspiration was visible through the cuts, flowy skirts, platform sandals and those free-spirited hippie vibes the 70’s were known for.

• Prabal Gurung:

Diversity strikes again and it’s a pleasant surprise. After Prabal Gurung’s slogan tees and political statements last season, him coming up with feminist acts or speaking up about important issues is now expected, and he delivered by inviting Gloria Steinhem to be his guest of honour for this show. He also made sure the models’ lineup was diverse, with different ethnicities and shapes. 

 After using buttons to decorate previous pieces was a success, he used them this time around in strategic places, from around the hems, down the shoulders, around the waist and up the leg. They definitely added a special touch to his clothes and were a token of his creativity.

Plaid was also featured in a few pieces, while colour blocking was still going strong. 

• Fenty by Puma:

Rihanna goes all out in whatever she does, so seeing her motocross stuntmen opening her show with 360 degrees tricks over mountains of pink sand was somewhat expected.

 The collection was as boundary-pushing as you’d expect from Riri, with funky stiletto thong sandals with surf style straps, French-cut swimsuits, leggings with lace ups on the side, as well as loose fitted track bottoms and over-sized Anoraks, there was definitely something for everyone. Also, everything will make you look cool and edgy, especially the cropped motocross-inspired jacket. 

• Zimmermann:

It was refreshing to see floral dresses and feminine pieces paired with white trainers instead of high heels. The intricate details of the floral pieces, with pointed shoulders, puffed sleeves and cutouts were beautiful. The breezy see-through fabric gave this an added airy feel, all whilst the statement earing made it modern. 

The floral suit was definitely one of my favourite, as was the striped jumper dress. 

• Oscar de La Renta:

The day wear pieces were a tad unexpectedly casual for ODLR but interesting nevertheless I liked the simple white button-downs with paint splattered over them or covered in thank you notes the designers received from various friends. The cool pointed heels with paint on the tips as well as the white (faux) fur coat with writing on it were also a highlight. One of the trends seen was the statement earring which pretty much every designer now has a version of. 

The evening dresses were gorgeous, not as sublime as the ones the fashion house was known for, but they were modern and beautiful in their own way, especially the final two dégradé tulle dresses in red and blue, those took my breath away. 

• Carolina Herrera:

The pieces Carolina Herrera creates are very chic and sophisticated, whether it be day-wear or night-wear. 

 The feminine and colourful fabrics used were expected. Colour blocking on the other hand was not. However, the light shades were not too daring nor too flashy. The designer stayed true to what she does best all whilst adding tiny details and twist to make the pieces look fresh. 

 The calf-length most of dresses had made them chic for day-wear. I love the “big shoulders, tiny waist” route she took, which can almost never go wrong. 

The tulle dress with dust pink and yellow reminded me of a sorbet cake I got my sister for her birthday a few months ago, with mango, strawberry and yoghurt flavours. 

• Badgley Mischka:

This collection makes you long for a holiday in Capri for sure. The vibrant colours of the pieces, with different types of flowers are absolutely gorgeous. The attention to detail was also remarkable, with those tiny tassels around the neckline, laser cut flower patterns  on a white dress, earrings matching their dresses, over the top ruffles on bathing suits and orange-red lips on the models, everything was a breath of warm yet fresh Italian air. 

• Ralph Lauren:

The signature tailored suiting in houndstooth and Prince of Wales check were remarkable. the rest of the collection though had pieces inspired by race cars from the early 80’s and their flashy colours which were both elegant and sophisticated. 

 I love how he mixed a poofy bright yellow gown with a leather jacket on top. The sparkly and shiny dresses were also one of my absolute favourites, I cannot wait to see those on the red carpet. 

• Michael Kors:

Seeing diversity on the runway is still fairly new, so I’m glad more and more designers are embracing it by casting models of different shapes, sizes and ethnicities. 

 This collection made me want to lie in a hammock under a palm tree on the beach. I love the pieces with a palm tree leaves pattern, and the stripes used on such light and airy fabric. The pastel colours, especially the lilac which was big this fashion week, is a delight. 

For evening looks, the pieces were kept quite practical yet chic and most importantly shimmery. 

• Marchesa:

I was impatiently waiting for this show as I knew the brilliant ladies behind Marchesa would take us to a whimsical, magical place with their stunning creations. 

This time, it’s the far east. They cited China as influence and the delicate way they worked cherry blossoms into the pieces, whether it’s hand painted on a dress or in the form of flower petals in the hair, the touches were obvious. 

 The pearls and beads on the already gorgeous see-through tulle dresses were extremely sexy and modern, as were the ruffles. Especially the red dress that looked like the model was surrounded by flames, in a good way. 

 Although Marchesa dresses don’t necessarily follow trends as their pieces are timeless, it was interesting to see fishnets incorporated into the collection. 

• Marc Jacobs:

Firstly, being a turban wearer, I enjoyed seeing it being featured on te runway especially with covered looks. 

 Marc is always expected to close NYFW with a bang and he always delivers. The vibrant colours, sequins and comfortable footwear were brilliantly styled. The tropical vibes the collection gave off with those flower patterns, strawberry and pineapple shaped brooches, or even the statement necklaces with a lizard were gorgeous.

 Fanny packs used as belts to cinch oversized pieces at the waist was a smart touch, as were those beautiful bags that are bound to sell out like hot cakes. Serouels with elasticized bands were very forgiving and added to that cool breezy laid-back style most of this week’s shows had.

Despite the lack of music during the show, in the end it was quite uplifting and joyful. 

 

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Photos: Vogue