The streets of New York are once again flooding with the latest trends for the spring season. Shows began on September 5th, with the Nicholas K runway show, and ended on September 12th, with the new Calvin Klein collection.
One of the most talked about shows of the week was the Thom Browne show. Deemed by critics’ the creepiest show of the week, the models were adorned with white face paint, grey and white painted teased hair, and wore dark makeup that resembled patients in a mental asylum. Lights flickered, mannequins dangled from the ceiling, and audience members stared at white padded walls, as they waited for the show to commence. Models wore all white with padded hips and shoulders. As they walked down the runway, they distributed cups filled with white M&M’s resembling pills to audience members.
Thom Browne shows usually tell a story. Looking beyond the white, Elizabethan inspired clothing, one may infer Browne was attempting to represent the models as paper decorations. The frills adorning tight silhouettes symbolize how many look at models as decorations. It is often overlooked that they too, have insecurities.
Oscar de la Renta’s show displayed his flirty and feminine spring collection. The show opened with a variety of suits, and coats. The show featured Teal, Brown, and Black suits, with an added peplum design. Next, were printed dresses paired with elbow-high gloves. His collection featured a mix of outfits that would be perfect for any spring day, and elegant gowns we can most likely look forward to seeing next year, on the red carpet.
The 90’s trends are not going anywhere anytime soon. Classic trends such as crop tops, flannel, and overalls appeared on numerous runways throughout the week. Alexander Wang, Rodarte, and DKNY were just a few of the designers to feature 90’s influenced clothing. Maybe all of the talk about an NSYNC reunion, and the return of 90’s TV shows made these designers nostalgic. Alexander Wang’s collection featured a monochromatic color scheme- flowy crop tops paired with loose boxer shorts, or skirts. Blazers were tailored to expose midriffs, and paired with loose printed shorts. Wang is clearly attempting to bring back logos. The collection featured a sweatshirt with a parental advisory warning. His name was used as a logo: laser cut into sweatshirts, coats, and even a pair of elbow-length gloves.
Rodarte’s runway show was also influenced by 90’s grunge: Crop tops, Flannel, and overalls all making an appearance. Trying to convey the essence of laid-back California, Rodarte added a modern spin on classic 90’s styles by adding zebra, and cheetah prints to crop tops, skirts, and cut off shorts.
DKNY was another designer attempting to bring back classic trends from the late 80’s and 90’s. The collection featured baggy jeans, and a denim moto style jacket with sewn on patches. The sheer, pastel colored overall-like pieces make overalls look chic (that’s hard to do.) The skater dress, elastic pants, and bandana inspired one piece are fun, sporty pieces to a nostalgic collection.
For those looking to have a first-hand experience on the latest styles, starting September 13th lasting until September 21st, Fashion week will be making an appearance in Tampa. The week kicks off with workshops throughout the day Friday at International Plaza. As the week continues, there will be various fashion shows put on around the Tampa Bay Area. On Thursday, Sept.19 pop up shops will open in the Channelside District.
The pop up shows are featuring a media preview of the collection that will be available for purchase on Friday and Saturday. The shops will have clothing, accessories and more. The fun continues on Friday at 6 p.m. in Channelside with Fashion and Design day. Workshops include Innovation and Skateboard Design, Skateboard Design, Design Inspiration and Costume Design.
More information and a full schedule of Fashion Week Events in the Tampa Bay Area can be found at: http://www.fashionweektampabay.com.
Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu
A Journalist is born! Great Article on Fashion Week!! Congrats Bria!!!
Luv YFA Sharon