@kachmeifyoucan

NYFW FALL 2018

It’s that time of the year again- when all our favourite designers let us know whats hot and trending for the season. I am still adjusting and getting used to the “Runway to Rack” [See Now, Buy Now] concept and grasping that some of these shows are not a season ahead anymore, but now made for immediate access and consumption.There were times I would have to catch myself and realize I am watching a FALL 2018 show and not a S/S 2018 Show, that usually would debut in the fall (6 months ahead of the season) . Anyways I guess that’s all part of the ever changing fashion industry.
The weather in NYC almost put a damper on the mood through fashion week, with the rain, below 30 degree weather and wind chill factor, but true fashion lovers only saw this as opportunity to bring out their best fall attire, layer up and brave the elements.
The most exciting and consistent trend I noticed  and I can totally rock with is – Colour. YES, we still saw the signature monochrome, monotone colours incorporated but the addition of more vibrant colours (pink, red & emerald greens seem to be the staple bright colours for the season)  patchwork designs and mixed prints will not only spruce up your wardrobe, it definitely will not leave you Falling short of a fashionably pleasant season and will definitely help lighten your mood too.
There were a lot of great fashions to witness this  week, some honorable mentions and faves were the Victoria Beckham show,; loved the classy but edgy vibes, she kept it  monochromatic with a lot of staple pieces that will last you through many fashion seasons, Alexander Wang– Wang is known for his very New York aesthetic deviated from that a little in this collection with the addition of some bright colours but making sure to keep the NY attitude with the leather and vinyl fabrication, bold silhouettes and edgy accessories ( mostly shoes and bags).
And of course where would we all be without the real OGs in All-American Fashion – Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren ( this is my fave designer of all time). I completely loved the general aesthetic of both collections; a hint of androgyny, impeccable tailoring, long lines and well fitted as well as oversized boxy coats.
Below is more of my fashion wrap up with my favourites of the season:

Pyer Moss

This collection is fashion with a statement in every sense of the word. Pyer Moss is known to spread awareness of current social movements ( they created the “they have names T-SHIRT” during all the black men-cop killings a few seasons ago)  and this collection was no exception. Pyer Moss’ Creative Director, Kerby Jean-Raymond, debuted his  ‘American, also’ collection, which promotes and speaks on the cultural and racial diversity that encompasses and makes up this country America and actually makes it great, as well as debuting his new collaboration with Reebok ( which shared this same message also).

This collection definitely celebrated the richness of African-American culture, the music was written and curated by Raphael Saadiq. The show opened with a live choir singing ” Everything’s Got To Get Better”

The collection was the perfect blend of athleisure, and chic, it was very New York, very Black  and yes it was all very classy and made you proud to be black with its also all black runway cast ; What a great way to celebrate Black History Month and shine a positive light on the richness of the black culture. It was a clear challenge to the notion that black culture/ clothing can not be high fashion. It was the true definition of BLACK EXCELLENCE.

My favorite pieces in this collection were the floor length faux fur coat, the white shearling coat with the raw edge finish, the oversized scarf poncho and the Pyer Moss x Reebok sneakers (these are the definite must haves for me) – that is, of course I had to choose and couldn’t just walk away with the ENTIRE collection.

TOM FORD

Tom Ford was a pleasant surprise. A lot of prints, colors. It was very factory girl Andy Warhol/ Edie Sedgwick inspired. True Mod feels.  The animal print suits, mini dresses, metallic headbands, patchwork coats, fishnet and animal print stockings, kitten heels took us back to the studio 54 era,  Despite the boldness and edginess of this collection Ford, did not lose his love for exceptional tailoring and silhouettes. One of the things that also stood out, were the crystal hoop earrings that were the statement jewelry piece for his FW18 line, because it was all very reminiscent of those popular earrings all the  designers like SueTsai, and other independent urban designers used to make circa 8 years ago and made popular on all the reality shows i.e. Basketball Wives et al. This just goes shows how much influence, as much as some may want to deny it, popular /urban culture has on high fashion. I definitely also loved the outerwear that debuted (it wouldn’t be fall without some statement coats). Overall this collection would have you “STAYING ALIVE” to party – “ALL NIGHT LONG”
 

 LAQUAN SMITH

 Laquan Smith had his first runway show during NYFW and the designs definitely looked like they belonged on the runway. It was bold, daring, feminine, and edgy- true to the Laquan Smith aesthetic. The main colors we saw on the runway were black, bronze, emerald green,and burnt red, in mixed fabrics such as metallics, lace, crystals and chiffon. Laquan’s designs are not for the lame at heart or conservative types and caters to the daring, confident sultry female. It’s definitely a ‘revenge body – I may run into the Ex- Stop traffic, paint the town all sorts of sinful colors – femme fatale vibe.‘ This collection summed up for me – “THE ART OF SEDUCTION’, wear it if you DARE!!!!

VIVIENNE TAM

Vivienne Tam is always one of my favorite fashion week shows. So underrated, the Hong Kongese designer always finds a way to incorporate elements of her heritage in her designs, while capturing the feel of the season with colour and unique silhouettes perfectly, whilst still setting trends. This year was definitely no exception. In this collection we see her bring back the age old fall tradition of plaid while honoring the Chinese New Year.
Loved everything about this collection, maybe because of my unabashed love for all things- plaid, fur and layers. She had it all on her runway; laser cut ( which is becoming one of her signature aesthetics) dresses, brocade suits, fur, russian trapper hats and soft, delicate silhouettes and boxy cuts, which mixed and matched perfectly. It was definitely a show all about layers, prints, textures and amazing outerwear, engineered with fierceness, for that woman with a heart of a dragon – Everything that makes up the most amazing fall wardrobe. I, for one have definitely “FALL-en” for the entire collection.

Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano, one of the Project Runway alums who has successfully made his mark in the fashion world with each collection, celebrated his 10th year anniversary with this dreamy collection. This collection was nothing short of fabulous and the casting was wonderfully diverse. Christian Siriano is one of the few designers in main stream ready to wear fashion that has embraced inclusivity and promotes body positivity and diversity. He celebrates all body shapes and sizes, and this collection and runway show was no exception. We see his favorite plus size models, Ashley Graham, Jocelyn Corona, Candice Huffing and actress Danielle Brooks strut their stuff on the runway with  confidence and fabulousity. He also had special guest, actress Selma Blair walk the runway in a statement piece in support of the #MeToo movement. This collection had it all; crystals, ruffles,tulle, chiffon & fur ( faux to keep it animal friendly)- If you had a fairy god mother, she definitely would be dressing you in this collection & Cinderella would have NOTHING on you, MA CHERE.