On the New York Fashion Week Runways: Recap of the Weekend

Offering intriguing variations of well-known clothing conventions, New York Fashion Week once again dusted off the runways and shook the audience. Some designers took on modernizing American dress codes, either within their contexts or from scratch. However, not all designers aimed to revolutionize the rules, as some drew inspiration from community, family, personal experiences, and heritage to craft their looks. By now, New York Fashion Week kicked off women's fashion month with a bustling schedule that featured highly anticipated debuts, the return of iconic runways, and a plethora of beloved hometown designers.

Here is everything that went down at the weekend of New York Fashion Week. 

Collina Strada

"Collina's Gym" celebrated the mantra "femme is flex," emphasizing sustainability through deadstock fabrics and corn leather UGGs. The collection featured bubble tops and outerwear designs that echoed robust musculature.

Peter Do

Peter Do persists in establishing fresh fashion norms for New Yorkers. Described as "a system of dress" in "a world of chaos" by the show notes, this collection reflects Do's contemplation on the concepts of "protection" versus "projection." He experimented with materials like silk bubble wrap to embody the former theme. Additionally, Do drew inspiration from select pieces from Helmut Lang's Spring 2003 archive to initiate his creative process.

Willy Chavarria

This season, Willy Chavarria debuted handbags, which he paired with layered suits and striking, exaggerated shapes. Presenting the collection alongside a film titled "Safe from Harm," Chavarria underscored the significance of community. Outerwear options included loose-fitting bomber jackets and leather jackets with a nod to 1980s fashion. The runway showcased a juxtaposition of wide lapels and broad shoulders against bubble hemlines.

The Blonds

At The Blonds, the runway blazed with an electrifying display as the incomparable designers embraced the essence of "Fuego" in Latin American cultures. Explained in the show notes as "a declaration of identity, a celebration of life, and an affirmation of the enduring flame that burns within every Latin heart," the collection paid homage to the designers' heritage and the iconic Latin pop divas they've admired, from Charo and Selena Quintanilla to J.Lo and Christina Aguilera as the collection featuring opulent fabrics, dazzling jewels, and fluid silhouettes. 

Kim Shui

Kim Shui's presentation commemorated the Lunar New Year on the eve of the festivity with a palette of lively hues and cruelty-free materials. The collection welcomes the year of the dragon, honouring the legendary creature's "strength and resilience," as highlighted in the show notes.

Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano drew inspiration from the cinematic universe of "Dune," reimagining eveningwear and glamour within a sci-fi, apocalyptic desert setting, as stated in his show notes. Body-hugging draped gowns in opulent burnt oranges symbolized the vast desert landscapes depicted in the films, while black "tinsel" fabrics evoked the twinkling starlit skies of deep space.

Proenza Schouler 

Proenza Schouler's creative duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez presented an abundance of wintry whites this season while exploring translucent layers and refined interpretations of suiting and outerwear. The label has adopted a more cumulative design philosophy, persistently expanding on existing concepts rather than radically reinventing them each season—standout features comprised tall cowl neck collars, asymmetrical cuts, knit capes, and sweeping apron dresses.