New York Fashion Week 2024: A Return to Classic Elegance
Designers showcase timeless beauty and sartorial excellence at NYFW
New York Fashion Week has come to a close, leaving fashion enthusiasts with a sense of awe and excitement. This season, designers and brands chose to focus on the timeless beauty of clothing, eschewing the need for viral moments or groundbreaking innovation. From the return of the Big Belt to the resurgence of fur and the elegance of corsets and gloves, the fall/winter 2024 collections celebrated the art of dressing well. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights from the 22 runway shows, events, showrooms, and installations that graced the fashion capital.
L’Agence: Organized Crime Chic
L’Agence inadvertently created a collection that embodied the “mob wife aesthetic.” With cropped fur jackets, slinky slips, deconstructed black tie ensembles, and bejeweled pieces, the brand captured the essence of organized crime fashion with sophistication and style.
Christian Siriano: A Desert Journey
Christian Siriano, known for kicking off the fashion calendar, took attendees on a desert journey through the future. His collection featured lamé fabrics, bulbous sleeves and hemlines, and striking swaths of red. Front-row celebrities including Ashlee Simpson, J. Smith-Cameron, and Alicia Silverstone added to the buzz of the show.
Phillip Lim and Hennessy Lunar New Year Party: A Stylish Celebration
Designer Phillip Lim and celebrities like Jeannie Mai and Awkwafina celebrated the Lunar New Year in style at the Times Square Edition Hotel’s Paradise Club. The event featured Hennessy cocktails and showcased the fusion of fashion and culture.
Custo Barcelona: Futuristic Glamour
Custo Barcelona’s collection paid homage to the fashion of “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” and “The Sopranos.” Shimmering tracksuits, foil dresses in silver, purple, and teal, and tinsel-topped separates added a touch of futuristic glamour to the runway.
Dennis Basso: Uptown Sensibilities
Dennis Basso showcased his return to dressing up and going out with a collection that catered to women with uptown sensibilities. Luxurious pieces like a slinky champagne lamé gown and a cropped fur jacket exuded elegance and sophistication, perfect for the Oscars afterparty circuit.
3.1 Phillip Lim: Intersections of Art and Fashion
Phillip Lim’s “Intersections” installation brought together clothing and accessories with the work of multigenerational AAPI artists. The event attracted celebrities like Stephanie Hsu and Tyler Cameron, and a standout piece—an It Bag with a large flap and gold hardware—caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts.
Badgley Mischka: Swan-like Elegance
Badgley Mischka’s Saturday morning show was a stunner, featuring a swan-like gown and a chic chocolate brown sequin pantsuit. The show also marked the reunion of “Gossip Girl” star Kelly Rutherford with her former co-stars from “America’s Next Top Model.”
Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom: Celebrating Black Designers
The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom showcased a top-tier crop of talented, independent Black designers. Gvds, Nia Thomas, Amari Carter, BruceGlen, and Silver and Riley’s Italian leather New Yorker bags were among the standout creations that celebrated diversity and creativity.
Lapointe: Collegiate Chic
Lapointe brought bright colors, high-impact textures, and collegiate touches to the runway. Models descended from a big yellow school bus, adding a fun and youthful element to the collection.
Alice + Olivia: Staying True to Roots
Despite the long line to get in, Alice + Olivia stayed true to its roots by showcasing wearable, beautiful looks in a constantly evolving trend cycle. The brand’s commitment to cute and feminine clothing resonated with fashion enthusiasts.
Nat Geo ‘Fit for a Queen’ Showcase: Nature Meets Fashion
National Geographic combined nature and fashion in its ‘Fit for a Queen’ showcase, featuring designs from JêBlanc, Sergio Hudson, Bohn Jsell, and more. The runway saw animal holograms paired with exquisite garments, creating a unique and impactful experience.
PatBO: Duality of Light and Dark
PatBO’s collection explored the duality of light and dark, featuring deep teal gowns and a mesmerizing violinist and Black Swan ballerinas. The organizational challenges were overshadowed by the dreamy atmosphere and a lively afterparty.
Kallmeyer: So Chic
Kallmeyer’s minimalistic collection garnered praise from celebrities like Sophia Bush, AnnaSophia Robb, and Whitney Port. The brand’s chic and understated designs showcased the beauty of simplicity.
Pamella Roland: Enchanting Hues
Inspired by a trip to Belgium, Pamella Roland’s collection featured enchanting hues of wine, chocolate brown, bronze, and gold. The intricate gem, appliqué, and feather work added a touch of opulence to the runway. The show also saw a mini-reunion of “America’s Next Top Model” stars.
Markarian: Dreamy Bridal Moments
Markarian’s showroom visit offered a moment of respite, with a pale buttercream dress adorned with gems stealing the spotlight. The brand’s bridal offerings left a lasting impression on attendees.
Retrofête: ’80s Decadence
Retrofête transported attendees to an ’80s business cocktail function where decadence reigned supreme. Vibrant colors like bright red, cranberry, navy, and pink-purple dominated the collection, evoking the spirit of Margot Robbie’s iconic characters.
Sergio Hudson: Dressing the Boss Woman
Sergio Hudson’s collection burst with color, texture, and coats galore, showcasing the brand’s expertise in dressing powerful women. Front-row celebrities like Rachel Brosnahan, Janelle James, and Danai Gurira added to the energy of the show.
Bibhu Mohapatra: Film Noir and Surrealism
Bibhu Mohapatra reimagined film noir, expressionist cinema, S&M, and surrealism in his collection. Celebrities like June Ambrose and “Real Housewives of New York” newcomer Jessel Taank enjoyed the front-row experience.
LoveShackFancy: Frilly and Feminine
LoveShackFancy added a burlesque twist to its frilly and feminine designs, transforming the runway into a nightclub. Bubbly drinks and donuts accompanied the collection, providing a delightful sensory experience.
Luar: Infinitely Cool
Luar, known for its cool and edgy aesthetic, surprised everyone with a special appearance by Beyoncé, Solange, and Ms. Tina Knowles. The collection featured signature bags, strong shoulders adorned with watches, and jeweled cuffs, showcasing the brand’s evolution.
Brandon Maxwell: Effortless Elegance
Brandon Maxwell’s Valentine’s Day show was a treat for the senses, with bars of chocolate serving as seat cards. The ethereal all-white set perfectly complemented the collection, which featured rippling cream gowns that seemed to float down the runway. Effortless elegance was the defining theme of the show.
Laraque: Modern Vintage
Laraque transported attendees to a dollhouse, presenting a modern take on vintage looks. Delicate sets and dresses in pinks and browns, adorned with tulle and fur, created a dreamy atmosphere.
Conclusion:
New York Fashion Week 2024 showcased the beauty of classic elegance and sartorial excellence. From L’Agence’s organized crime chic to Christian Siriano’s desert journey, designers embraced timeless aesthetics and celebrated the art of dressing well. The event also provided a platform for diverse and independent designers, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry. As the fashion world looks forward to the next season, the allure of classic beauty and impeccable craftsmanship will continue to captivate and inspire.