Oh hey oh hoy, New York fashion week wraps up today so a summarizing article of the first week of fashion month is in its place! This article is highly subjective and far from covering all the shows, trends and “ah”-moments. You’re better off viewing the shows on Vogue instead! But I’ll pick out some personal favorites, overall highlights and my thoughts on the fashion week. Here’s a summary of NYFW February 2018:
Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash
Highlights From NYFW February 2018
Ralph Lauren – Patriotism and Retro Beach Vibes
I can’t think of a label that translates American patriotism in a more refined way than Ralph Lauren. I’ve never had a specific opinion on the brand nor the design aesthetic, but I must say that this collection partly won me over with the sporty, elitistic, retro beach vibes. A refined 1930s/40s feeling of elegant silhouettes, distinct color blocking and structured pieces. Insanely wearable too, with this gorgeous dress being a hit and this lovely look as well. The entire collection feels like a toast to the Hamptons! View the collection here.
1980s Madness
So the fashion world, or the fashion brands presenting in New York, have gone absolutely bonkers with the 1980s style. And I’m afraid, that it’s not what the best people (brands) do. It’s a subjective perspective, of course, but the 1980s haven’t peaked already as I hoped for, but is far from doing so. A numerous of designers went crazy with elements of the 1980s, going for that infamous silhouette, those insane colors, the never ending amount of animal prints and just crazy yuppie statements. Marc Jacobs perhaps went most insane but Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham and more, all contributed. If you’re a fan of the 1980s, congratulations, you have a fun fall of fashion trends ahead of you. To the rest of us, let’s sit this one out ehh?
Diversity Amongst Models
Diversity can exist in different ways and the fashion world has struggled with them all the past years (ehrm, decades). But perhaps, we are starting to see a slow change in this? I don’t have any official statistics but it feels like there’s more diversity of ethnicity, age and body types. Christian Siriano brings more diversity to the table through his shows and Eckhaus Latta included older models too. Let’s hope that this is truly the start of something new!
Oscar de la Renta – Textures and Floral Dreams
I often go on about Oscar de la Renta being a bit too safe and “same old” over and over again. This collection is not really an exception, its sympathique and quite charmine. But, I do think it’s one of the best collections in years as it so wonderfully plays with the floral prints, textures of statements and elegance. There are four looks that are INSANELY good, first one being this delicate floral dress. The second look is this statement of texture, that is just one of the most chic LWDs I’ve seen in recent years. The third look is this ombre history which is just melting in perfection. The fourth look is this classic black gown we all have seen several times before, but this one just felt so damn perfect with the timeless cut, the luxurious garment and the edgy slit. Oh my! View the full collection here.
Trends From NYFW
Animal Prints
Just to prove my point that the 1980s madness have gone insane (lol), I of course have to highlight the proper comeback of the animal prints. Zadig & Voltaire, Jeremy Scott, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham and Marc Jacobs all reached for the animal style when choosing the prints of the season. Mostly leopard prints but also a good dose of zebra prints in different statement colors. Surely a trend that embraces the electric and wild style of the 1980s, though I say you’re good to go with your regular leo dots and zebra stripes too!
Interpretative Bohemians
The boho style is one that pops up every now and then in different interpretations. This year, it felt like the bohemians were divided into two sub-categories, the first one being an edgy bohemian and the second one going for the romanticized style. The edgy bohemian was demonstrated by Coach 1941 and 3.1 Phillip Lim. The more romantic style was captured by Ulla Johnson, Warm and Rosie Assoulin to mention a few. Some elements that are characteristic for the bohemian style includes the floral prints, the midi lengths, the flowy clothes and the layering!
Mixing Prints
Speaking of my article yesterday, the mix of prints or the print mix is real this fall. Anna Sui, Zimmermann, Bottega Veneta, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors all went for the layering of prints. Some were done more statement, like Kors, but others kept it more neutral like Bottega Veneta. I couldn’t really spot a trend pattern more than the mix of prints, which basically means that you’re trendy enough just going for more than one print in one outfit. Perhaps the check pattern as a base and either florals or an animal print to match it with, was more common than other combinations. Catch yesterday’s article if you today want to start the trends of tomorrow (cachingaaa).
1980s Overload
Still not sure that the 1980s dominated the week that much? Well here we go again. Tom Ford embodied the party life of the 1980s with a lot of black, metallics and power clothes. Marc Jacobs went for the awkward color scale and severely oversized statement silhouettes. Anna Sui went for a more contemporary 1980s vibe, but still going for the rock and edgy touch. Alexander Wang’s collection also went for a slightly more contemporary yuppie and also touched down in the 90s with the Matrix feeling. Zadig & Voltaire went for the edge, office wear and after-ski all in one. Must say though that this look is superb, don’t know when to wear it but I’d wing it for sure! Prabal Gurung also went for that retro after-ski vibe, totally here for it honestly!
Street Style From NYFW
Would it even be the fashion weeks if I didn’t include some chic street style? I enjoyed the creativity in the streets this year, being both approachable yet with a unexpected twist. A lot of blazers, puffer jackets, red boots, patent leather and check patterns – all elements that follows the current and past trends of the last months. Well I’m not done with them, so keep ‘em coming!
Thoughts on NYFW
I must say, though I neglect the apparent brilliance everyone seem to see in the 1980s, that I’m positively surprised by the NYFW February 2018. It was unexpected, it was energetic, it was eclectic and it was everything a fashion week should be. From the refined and precise moments of Oscar de la Renta, to the unexpected style of Michael Kors and the retro patriotism of Ralph Lauren. Perhaps many designers went for their usual aesthetic, but I must say that it feels like they did it better than before with a concentration and determination to keep a balance of wearability and creativity. I wouldn’t go full crazy though and say that entire collections were pieces of geniusness, but there were many individual looks from so many different designers this year that I cannot do anything but to admire and even crave. I’m almost so happy with it all that I feel like doing an entire article just rambling about the excellence in specific clothing pieces and styling efforts. It’s nerdy, I know, but if you want it, I shall be happy to do it!
Folks! What are your thoughts on NYFW February 2018? You’ll find me in the comments, as always! Xx
Maybe it is a personal perception but I feel that NYFW has been stuck in a comfort stage where some things seem to be the same as those of past seasons (although in any way I enjoy many of the runways and the dose of street style).
Anyway, we always have brands like Oscar de la Renta that know how to reinterpret the classics, but I would love to see more daring things in the upcoming season next September.
So true though! Would love for NYFW to step up the game a bit and dare to be more different and add a few details/layers! Xx
I think I’ve mentioned this in your previous NYFW recaps that it’s not usually my favorite because I feel everything form the the shows and street style are more on the safer side than that that of Milan and Paris. They just tend resonate with me more and I personally love the brands that originate and show at both. However, I will have to agree that this one packed a punch. I LOVE Ralph Lauren’s collection! I’ve never really been one to go crazy over any of his pieces, but honestly, I love nearly everything. Those funky prints that do tie in the 80s, but in a way that’s practical and subtle with the mix of modern and contemporary silhouettes; it works. I need all of those blue and white light and airy pieces, I mean how perfect are they for summer?! You summed it up perfectly by saying it’s like a toast to the Hamptons. Now, Marc Jacobs, lol. He’s one that you can always count on to bring a bit of the unexpected and gasp moments and I truly appreciate that about him. That said, I do not like any of the silhouettes in his collection; I don’t view them as particularly flattering and look quite dated. It could be the pieces paired together and the funky 80s hats that threw me off, but I nodded for the color combinations because I’ve done nearly all of them; they’re so good! When it comes to Oscar de la Renta, I love the collection, but it feels a bit reminiscent of D&G to me, particularly with the embroidered pieces and florals. It’s a bit unexpected for the brand, but not overall in my opinion. It’s not really anything we haven’t yet seen, though I can’t deny the fact that the black dress is stunning! I also can’t deny how gorgeous that LWD is either! I mean, how cool is the 3D effect it creates. It reminds me of the 60s in the shape and fit, love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, gorgeous; I always look forward to reading what you have to say and I look forward to reading what you’ll be sharing with the other three. I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Hahah I know!! That’s what we’re waiting for, right?!?! But happy though that NYFW sort of delivered. And I can see the perspective of OdR, but agreed that there are some individual pieces that are really good. The LWD is such a gem! Xx
Ahhh I need to catch up on fashion week bad. Thanks for sharing this recap!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
It was an interesting week for sure! Xx
From what I’ve seen so far, I’ve also noticed the greater diversity in the shows – hopefully a sign of things to come in the future of fashion (fingers crossed)! You make some brilliant points about Ralph Lauren. What I love most about the brand is how utterly wearable each collection is – stunning, but still wearable. Now THAT’S the stuff dreams are made of haha 😉 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend so far!!
aglassofice.com
x
Yes I hope so!! OH yes, Lauren keeps up a great level of wearability, so important too! Xx
The florals from Oscar de la Renta are amazing! I am not big on bring back the 80’s especially the pleated jeans. But the RL pieces are amazing. I just love the classic collections that he always brings.
Ralph Lauren really did a stylish show! Xx
The most exciting at FW is the steet style. I’m fascinated by those unique and creative looks. Very inspiring also, I’ve already spotted some items to hunt down myself. Happy week babe
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Yes, the street style is always fun and a great source of inspiration! Xx
I love your fashion week posts and this was a great roundup. I especially loved the street style part. Have a great start to your week. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Glad to hear that Gemma, thank you! Xx
I totally felt the same about there being more diversity this time around. hooray for that! It’s about time!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
It’s about time indeed!! Especially for this industry which is really good at embracing creativity and diversity in one way, but also absolutely terrible at it! Xx
Obsessed with the Oscar de la renta looks and I love the mix of prints
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Oh yes!! The dress is so gorgeous,
I’ve never been able to witness fashion week first hand, but seeing the photographs and articles that come out each time I’m super jealous. I love the diversity and styles and colours, and it seems like one of the best events to possibly go to.
Have a good weekend 🙂
Amy;
Wandering Everywhere
Hope you’ll get to do it one day then!! Xx
You put this so on point! The shows you picked out here are also some of my favorites. It made me so happy to see so much diversity like we have never had it before. Also, the 80s showed up in so many different ways, Marc Jacobs did it amazingly I think. Such a good statement to our emerging women power!
xx, Carmen – http://carmitive.com
Thank you hun! Haha well he did go for the 80s in a chic way, it’s just me that’s quite over it! Xx
I share your sentiments about the 80s… no thank you. 🙂 I’m glad to hear that a more diverse group of women is being represented at the shows, I feel like that is huge for this industry. That Oscar de la Renta dress is gorgeous!
Hahah it’s a no-no 80s club here! Oh yes, so excited to see more change – I mean finally!! Xx
Those florals from Oscar de la Renta are beautiful! Thanks for the round up on NYFW!
http://www.stylebymemory.com
I know right? So pretty! Xx
Favorite post Ive seen on fashion week! Thank you for sharing Xx
– http://www.youthofthesun.com
Aww thank you, that makes me so happy to hear!! Xx
Amazing Fashion week! Love your photos!!!! Great job on this post! Have a fabulous weekend ahead!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Glad you enjoyed the article hun! Xx
Hmmm. I’m not sure how I feel about those 80s silhouettes. Mainly because every time I say something like this, it then becomes a trend I embrace most!
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Hahaha, well, then I shall look forward to see more of the 80s from you! Xx
Unexpected is a great way to explain NYFW. It was definitely that, though a little underwhelming to me? Though it’s probably just personal. The 80’s trend bores me. I’m excited about all the leopard print though!
This is a perfect round-up Mia. Your content just keeps getting better!
amberelb.com
Hahah I had set the bar quite low for the week so I was happy with so many random, genius looks! Awww thank you Amber, that makes me happy to hear! Xx
Oooh that last gown, the Oscar de la Renta one, is stunning!
This is a fun way to wrap up fashion week. I like that print mixing is a thing, I want to try more of that this year and branch away from always just mixing prints with stripes, haha! 🙂
Hope you are having a nice weekend. The heatwave continues here unfortunately, so another quiet and aircon filled weekend for us!
Away From The Blue Blog
It is indeed, such a major crush on it! So happy that print mixing is a thing as well, such a fun statement to go for! Xx
Hi love
I am so inspired by your post, thank you so much for sharing!
Enjoy your day!
xx Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com
http://www.styletolove.com
Thank you love, glad to hear that you are! Xx