Every September and February, New York, Paris, London, and Milan host a series of fashion shows. What began as an opportunity to showcase designer collections for business purposes has become a preview of the coming season’s fashion trends and culture.
Every fashion week, one or two designers stand out. An idea, a piece, an energy- whatever it is, it makes an impression on the audience. Journalists call these the “highlights.” Us common people deserve to get a taste of the highlights, so we can carry fashion off stage with us. So what unfolded this past year?
In London, designers played with gender expression and sustainability. Harris Reed dressed his male models in toulle gowns; Molly Goddard played with magical realism, paired with casual sweaters; and Vivienne Westwood repurposed textiles for a punk fantasy of signature tailoring.
In New York, the pandemic took center stage- or at least our desire to escape it. Rebecca Minkoff played on the concept of the urban jungle, creating a jungle scene and cladding her models in tropical clothing; Anna Sui created a vintage set-up inspired by the shift from black and white to color tv, a parallel to the shift we’ll witness in the post-pandemic world; and Victor Glemaud debuted his wool-cotton-cashmere sweater, a symbol of hope in his theme, “Ode to Hope.”
Paris fashion week was an homage to art and craftsmanship. Jonathan Anderson at Loewe stood out here, his lineup all dressed in handmade balloon sleeves and crinolines; Dior dedicated its work to poetry, covering the garments in motifs and collages; Chanel dressed its models in vintage film clothing, inspired by the muses of the House.
Milan, like New York, placed itself in the context of current events. Big silhouettes and bright colors of hope juxtaposed small silhouettes and dull minimalism, a symbol of the pandemic and its future. My personal favorite was Moschino’s Old Hollywood theme, pearls, pinstripes, and lace galore!
Fashion week may as well be fashion year, for its effects are everlasting. To feel inspired and gift your eyes a treat, check out fashion week in coming years.
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