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  • Writer's picture#ExtraLikeKristin
    • Oct 25, 2021
    • 10 min read

What I Missed During Fashion Month

There is just so much more that needs to be talked about!

While I was living it up on this rooftop during NYFW, so many other fashion moments were taking place.

Well, my favorite month of the year has come and gone, but luckily for me and the rest of us who have not reached A-list status to sit front row at these exclusive shows, they are available to watch online. Because I'm talking about Fashion Month in one blog post (sorry y'all, I've been busy!), I have chosen my top 3 favorite shows from each city, but after a year of virtual shows these designers have all put on quite the productions, so I highly recommend checking them out for yourself.


New York Fashion Week

I know I was there, but I didn't make it to every show, and after a year of almost no in-person shows they really stepped up their game. Many designers used the beautiful city as their backdrop, and designs were much more elevated than the previous year.


Tory Burch

I can imagine strutting through the city in this coat!

I'm not going to lie, when I think of Tory Burch, I typically think of handbags, but Burch's Ready-to-Wear collections are just a luxurious and as sophisticated as her bags. What I loved about this show was that it was set us as a flea market that shut down Mercer Street where the guests could walk around and shop from local businesses before the show. Once the show began models strutted down Mercer wearing designs inspired by designer Claire McCardell. This inspiration came from the announcement of the Tory Burch Claire McCardell fellowship. Burch, of course, put modern twists such as cinched waistlines and exciting juxtaposition of color. Due to the location people in the apartments were able to watch from the fireplace. The entire show was truly a celebration McCardell' s legacy and the city itself.


Moschino

Time to channel our inner Fran Fine!

Though Moschino is an Italian fashion house and typically presents in Milan, creative director, Jeremey Scott decided to pay homage to his earlier days of designer and present in New York. Scott's career started when NYFW took place exclusively in tents at Bryant Park, so he set up his show in the park. Instead of tents, Scott opted for an outdoor runway with a large floral Moschino sign in the background truly allowing the park to be his set. The collection was just as whimsical as ever. It was inspired by both The Nanny and nursey with sets with similar silhouettes as the Moschino sets Fran Fine wore on the show, but childish patterns such as unicorns and teddy bears added that element of whimsy that Scott is well known for. What I loved is that he was a bit more inclusive than typical high fashion house using a models of various body types and even had a model in a wheelchair. Though his collection comes at a very high price this allows all women to imagine themselves in these pieces which is a part of fashion that is so important, but till very lacking.


Coach

She was a skater girl!

Another brand where I'm shocked to be talking about their Ready-to-Wear collection versus their handbags. However, the Coach show needs to be talked about because they embraced the way virtual shows have changed fashion but were able to successfully combine that with an in-person show. The show was set on Pier 76, and the set seemed to be nothing but a large screen. As the show started, the screen aired Coach TV starring TikTok star Rickey Thompson interviewing various people around New York, and a few other small clips to show off the collection. The last clip from Coach TV showed a group of models waling and shortly after they appeared from behind the screen creating a seamless transition. As more and more models emerged, they did not walk in a distinct pattern, but rather all over the set. Eventually skateboarders and drummers joined and created a scene reminiscent of the busy city itself. The collection itself was effortlessly cool. Current creative director, Stuart Vevers was inspired by designer Bonnie Cashin who is considered to be the godmother of the brand. He combined her practical yet classic silhouettes with skate pieces such as oversized tees and boardshorts o create a collection that was truly made for the future.

Photo and Additional Information: Coach Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue


As I mentioned, I'm only going to talk about a few shows, but NYFW was filled with many standout moments such as Christian Siriano announcing his new denim collection with Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, Oscar De La Renata's fun virtual presentation, and many others that made the city both their inspiration and their backdrop, so highly recommend watching more of the shows.

To See More of New York Fashion Week: HOME - Fashion (nyfw.com)


London

One day I'll make it here, but for now I'm glad the shows are easily accessible on the London Fashion Week website. London finally made their return to in person shows, but many of their designers opted for digital.


Paul Costelloe

This is the best friends in matching outfits energy I want on my next brunch!

I had never heard of Paul Costelloe until I watched his F/W '21 collection, and I have to say he's become one of my favorite designers for LFW. His line always has a sense of elegance and refinement while having beautiful feminine details. In his digital presentation he states that this collection is what fashion has been missing for the past two years. Costelloe also mentions medieval times and Ireland as his inspiration. those details were very apparent throughout the collection, and made it all the much more stunning. Though there was no audience, the presentation was set up to look like a runway so watching made you feel truly front row. I personally loved the collection and hope to one day be rocking any of his perfectly tailored patterned blazers.


Alexander McQueen

If looking like a cloud is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Alexander McQueen has made its return to London Fashion week, and it didn't do so quietly. The show took place on a rooftop in London with a tent that mad it look like it existed in its own cloud overlooking the city. Head designer, Sarah Burton, was inspired by the sky and how it's ever changing. This was made obvious as models walked across the rooftop. Some were it beautiful tulle white gowns looking like a cloud, some were in yellow to represent the sun, and some were in black to represent dark and rainy skies. All pieces were finely tailored, and every gown was stunning. In a poetic way the sky was cloudy and surrounded the set for the perfect backdrop.


Halpern

This shot is simply stunning.

Halpern was another brand that opted for a digital presentation versus a physical show. However, choosing to do a collection for The Royal Ballet this digital presentation was a show in its own right. Halpern wanted to highlight how the pandemic had effected the performing arts particularly the principal dancers in the ballet, so as we watch them dance in Halpern's stunning collection we hear their personal stories on how the pandemic affected their career. It was truly beautiful to watch these dancers and here their stories. You can tell Halpern put a lot of thought in how the pieces would move onstage many pieces being long and flowy moving elegantly with the dancers. While the fabric and color choices were bright and bold they came together in a way that was equally graceful and exciting.


Though in-person shows had made their return, most designers did end up choosing digital. While this was a bit disappointing it was understandable given the way London was locked down during the pandemic. So sadly, we really didn't miss too much here, but, lacily, digital does make it easier for those of us and ocean away to get the full experience.

To See More of London Fashion Week: London Fashion Week


Milan

when it comes to Fashion Month, Milan's designers always bring their A-game. There were countless standout moments that I could talk about, but these were the three that stood out to me.


Prada

Because two fashion shows is better than one!

Another reminder that this digital age in fashion is here to stay is Prada. Still in collaboration with Raf Simons, Prada presented their collection with two simultaneous fashion shows in Milan and Shanghai. Guests of both shows were able to see the two at the same time due to many live screens placed throughout the set that broadcasted the second location while the models wearing the same pieces walked by in person. Those of us at home also had the luxury of seeing both shows live at the same time from the comfort of our phones and computer screens. Prada and Simons chose to do this as a reminder that Fashion is no longer this small exclusive world and, in fact, is celebrated by everyone world wide. With the S/S '21 collection itself, the two designers wanted to redefine pieces sexy with classic pieces. With open backs, corsetry details, and even bra cups, they took clothes that historically were meant to hide a woman's body and recreate them in a way that shows her off and celebrates her. The clothing was sexy and subtle while the show itself redefined how fashion shows should be approached.

Photo and Additional Information: Prada Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue


Versace

She is truly levitating!

Look, any show that has Dua Lipa open and close the show already has my attention. When you mix that with bold, powerful clothing and a stunning set then you have a must watch show! For this season Versace wanted to create their staple pieces for the TikTok generation which is why graphic tees, neon colors and safety pin details were used throughout the collection. As a whole I thought the collection was bright and fun and perfect for anyone that wants to feel young!

Dolce & Gabbana

The 2000’s are so back!

Though I was a child in the early 2000’s there are plenty of trends I truly hope never resurface. However what Gen Z and now Dolce & Gabbana are now doing is bringing does trends back in a way that is actually fashionable. Of course, being a high fashion house and wanting a bit more glamour coming out of a pandemic the brand elevated that Y2K look using lots of rhinestones and glitter. Even the set was full of light that reflected off the mirrors. Though, I’m sure it was the intention, it looked camera flashes making each model look like a pop star and paparazzi taking their photo. After watching, I’m ready to embrace the Y2K trends and will probably be looking to buy a dupe of the outfit pictured above.


The shows in Milan were truly a breath of fresh air after and year of virtual shows. They were star studded, innovative, and filled me with joy!


Paris

The last stop of this Fashion Month tour is none other than Paris. Paris is truly where Fashion began meaning it is home to some of the most iconic fashion houses. It also means their fashion shows are typically the most exciting and extravagant.

Saint Laurent

YSL, you have been missed!

Saint Laurent has finally made its return to Paris Fashion Week and it did so in such an extravagant way. With a large runway set in front of the Eiffel Tower, the set was nothing short of glamourous, and, of course, the clothes were as well. Designer, Anthony Vaccarello, was inspired by artist, Paloma Picasso, who had inspired Saint Laurent's early work. Due to this, Vaccarello played around with masculine and feminine elements making well tailored blazers, gorgeous jumpsuits, and sleek dresses. Lavish accessories such as leather gloves and over-the-top jewelry. I truly was obsessed with every piece that made its way down the runway. I made me excited for the next time I get to dress up and go out. Hopefully I'll look at least half as glamourous as this YSL collection!


Christian Dior

Elle Woods better be rocking this outfit in Legally Blonde 3!

Fashion is fun! At least that's what Maria Grazia Chiuri wanted to remind us with Christian Dior's S/S '22 collection. Inspired by the 60's and its fashion, models walked along a large pop art board game. With a live performance, bright colors, and fabulous clothing the overall vibe was happy and hopeful. I personally, loved the mini skirts and matching sets. Every detail was youthful and optimistic. Even though Chiuri looked into Dior's past for inspiration, she truly created clothing for a bright and hopeful tomorrow.

Chanel

So Classic. So Timeless.

For its S/S '22 Ready-to-Wear collection, Chanel drew from its past. Starting with a black and white digital presentation, the show felt set it a beautiful vintage past. From there, the set for the show looked like a runway show set out of the 90's with an elevated runway and a mosh pit for the photographers. According to Vogue Runway, Virginie Viard wanted to recapture the emotion of those runway shows. The clothing was also inspired by several collections from the 90's with a nod to Lagerfeld's shocking Chanel underwear in '93, and tweed suits '94. Viard was another designer that chose to look back for a more optimistic future. While this looked like classic Chanel it looked of that for today's younger generation.

Photo and Additional Information: Chanel Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue


Watching the shows from Paris filled me with so much joy. I once again felt myself romanticizing Fashion, and hope that one day I can experiencing such beauty and optimism in person.

To See More of Paris Fashion Week: Paris Fashion Week (fhcm.paris)


As a whole, I found this Fashion Month to be exciting. We fiannly saw the return of in-person shows, digital innovations, and absolutely stunning Spring collections. What I felt watching was an overall sense of hope and optimism which after the last year and a half was much needed. There were times in the last year were I had almost lost hope of having a successful career in this industry, but after watching these shows, I'm reminded that fashion will always be there, it's just always evolving.


XOXO,

Kristin


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