The Gilded YouthHolla, #NYFW! As if the Big Apple isn’t a bustling city already, for the next week, the population will be bubbling with models, editors, bloggers, and fashion fanatics from across the globe. I always like to educate myself about the collections, but it is particularly interesting to do a bit of research on the designers—where they went to school, what inspired the birth of their collections etc. It is these aspects that make American designers, or designers in general, unique. The collections displayed at NYFW differ greatly from those in Paris, or Milan, and understanding the base of the designers’ creativity, is important for understanding the collections. Here are a few fun facts on some of the designers at this year FW 12/13 NYFW.
The shows open with a studio presentation by Nicolas K, a sibling duo who both studied abroad, and have experience working for renowned North American designers with world-wide presence such as: Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. Their collections in the past have been well-received and have produced clean, sophisticated and modern classics.
Jill Stuart has always been a front runner in NYFW. Her parents owned a large sportswear company loved by many celebrities of the 1960′s and 70′s, so her transition into the faced paced fashion world started at an early age. Her platform for fashion grew into an entire empire of home decor, beauty and fragrance lines, with a huge following of most international publications.
Herve Leger: who hasn’t seen a Kardashian in one of these pieces? While they are a staple to any woman’s wardrobe, the RTW collections always seem to have unique features, differing them from their iconic bandage dresses. Herve Leger has been a part of the BCBGMAXAZRIA Group since 1998, which was the first time a French designer was taken on by an American label. It proved to be a strategic step, as the pieces were widely embraced.
Diane Von Furtsenberg pumps out strong collections with a brand and personality that put her in the spotlight at every fashion week. Von Furstenberg has been present in the industry since 1976, and her success was initially launched with the iconic wrap dress. Now, the pieces are made to reflect powerful women as this is something the designer strongly believes in. She is the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) president, sits on various committees promoting entrepreneurial women, and is involved with many philanthropic endeavours.
Badgley Mishka, who was named by Vogue as one of America’s top 10 designers, has always been one of my “red carpet favourites”. If you are remotely interested in watching red carpet events and scrutinizing gowns at luxurious galas, you will have surely noticed many Badgley pieces. ”Our style harks back to the glamorous Hollywood of the Forties,” says Mischka—and that it does. The duo met while studying at Parson’s, and before starting their own line together, had worked under notable designers.
The week’s final day ends with a double showing of two of America’s most renowned designers: Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein.
