Joy.
That's the overwhelming emotion I felt as I stepped into my heels, braced the traffic (yes, there's traffic again) and slipped into my seat at fashion week.
Yes, New York Fashion Week – real, in-person shows – were back in a big way.
The Met Gala returned, too.
You can feel the energy in New York and - as I spoke to designers after their shows - I realized I'm not the only one feeling joy.
Here's a look at some of shows I attended... and some of my favorite collections from the past week!
You may have read my story about Adam Lippes last week. If you did, you already know that Adam serves breakfast before unveiling his collection. Yummy croissants, coffee, juice, etc. from Sant Ambroeus.
A delightful way to start the day and fashion week! Adam collaborated with Cake Atelier Amsterdam this season on his floral prints. “Our previous show was in February of 2020, and I had begun to think of it as our ‘last’ show," he told me. "So, this felt like a ‘comeback’, and I think more exhilarating than any show I’ve done before.” It was exhilarating for the audience, too.
The night before the Michael Kors show, a package arrived at my door. It was the Michael Kors Collection 007 Bancroft bag (coming soon) that will be featured in the upcoming James Bond film. (Miss Moneypenny carries it). Lucky me! Michael’s show is always one of the hottest tickets of fashion week. And deservedly so.
The biggest celebrities,
(Left to right) Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jane Krakowski, Michael Kors, Kate Hudson
biggest models,
(Left to right) Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner
incredible music, stunning – wearable – clothes.
This season, the venue was Tavern on the Green and the set - outside - was pure magic. Huge pink roses that I’m told were being installed 10 minutes before guests arrived.
It’s possible no other fashion designer loves putting on a show more than Thom Browne.
Source: Ali Slatkin
Just look at the street style outside the show - it's epic.
(Left to right) Sharon Hurowitz, Gigi Goode, Amy Fine Collins // Ali Slatkin
High celeb quotient, too.
(Left to right) Noah Beck, Mj Rodriguez, Julia Fox // Ali Slatkin
(Left to right) Russell Westbrook, James Harden // Ali Slatkin
Thom – who is famously shy – took to the microphone before the show even began. He encouraged everyone to take a moment of silence since it was the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The show itself was pure theater, ending with a series of colorful gowns – a departure for a designer known for his grey palette.
Tory Burch shut down a block of Mercer Street in Soho just outside her new store and built a farmers market, complete with salads and sandwiches from Balthazar, ginger lemonade from Indochine, coffee, and fresh flowers.
Source: Ali Slatkin
The celeb-heavy crowd loved it.
(Left to right) Mindy Kaling, Keke Palmer, Chloe Fineman, Gemma Chan, Emily Ratajkowski // Ali Slatkin
And because the show was on a public street, nearby residents could get a glimpse, too.
Source: Ali Slatkin
Tory showed a beautiful collection using color blocking inspired by the great American sportswear designer, Claire McCardell.
Besides the shows mentioned above, other standout collections include:
One of Joseph Altuzarra’s best shows ever, in my opinion. “This show in particular felt very emotional for me,” he told me. “Not only because it was our return to the runway since the fall of 2020, but also because it felt like a celebration of resilience, the power of creativity through tumultuous times, and the strength of community.” And a strong collection it was. So many favorite looks it’s hard to choose, but here are a few:
Designer Cate Holstein was just nominated for CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year (she got my vote!) and Khaite – the collection – did not disappoint. Never does. “Honestly, after everything, I had a new sense of calm returning to the runway,” she told me. “I have learned that there are far more important things to find fear in, and this one brought me a new sense of joy, rather than stress and nerves like previous seasons. I felt very at ease before the show.” If you’re not familiar with Khaite, I suggest you get familiar fast. Holstein is only headed one way – up.
At the end of the month, I’m headed to Paris Fashion Week – yes, I’m excited!
Stay tuned.
x Alina
