The phrase New York Fashion Week is somewhat misleading, in that the bulk of shows happen across 14th until the 18th February. From whose showing (and whose not) to how to live stream, here’s everything you need to know.
THE ONES TO WATCH
Some of fashion’s biggest names — Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Tory Burch — have opted out this season. The mood this season is all about celebrating up-and-coming talent in the capital, who will present their collections for the first time. Look out for Queen’s native Colin LoCasio’s debut (he was working on embroideries for Marc Jacobs before joining Kendall + Kylie as the design director). Elsewhere, Black in Fashion Council will livestream from their Discovery showroom and some international names will participate too (such as London-based Key Chow and Jarno Leppanen behind acidic knitwear brand Ka Wa Key, and South Korean streetwear label Chaance).
THE NEW NORMAL
It’s become more and more evident in the last year that designers want to do their own thing; showing their collections when and where they want. So the CFDA’s chairman Tom Ford (ICYMI: Ford now leads the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a non-profit association, promoting American talents worldwide) decided to launch a new platform called “American Collections” to follow every American designer regardless of where and when they are showing. Still, there are some important creative forces who want to stick to the NYFW schedule, supported and sponsored by IMG talent agency: including Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, Alice + Olivia, Anna Sui and Rebecca Minkoff.
THE INSTANT GRATIFICATION
This season, for the first time, unique items from designers presenting their collections this season will be available to buy for the users subscribed to the event (designers including Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung will make daily drops available to purchase via the official NYFW platform).
THE (CONTACT-FREE) EVENTS
In non show-related news: cult Parisian label Maison Kitsuné will not only present their new collection virtually, but will also stage a digital DJ set, by American-Japanese model Mona Matsuoka. Jason Wu, together with makeup artist Karan Franjola, will host a live beauty session showing his beauty brand in action. Plus, a new fashion podcast Well-Suited — created by two sisters Nikki and Lola Ogunnaike for IMG’s ongoing NYFW:BTS series — will feature the likes of playwright Jeremy O’Harris and entrepreneur-lawyer Meena Harris to chess champion and comedian Elsa Majimbo.
All events will be streamed and available online on the New York Fashion Week official platform, which you can sign up to here.
First published in Buro247.com.
Now, find out which Italian brand is opting out of Milan Fashion Week.
