Written by The Strategy
New York Fashion Week kicked off the autumn/winter 2020 fashion season with a bang. The week started on February 6th and ended with a Marc Jacobs show that had everyone talking, and not just about Miley.
While the topic of fashion week is still heavily debated, it’s impossible not to feel a rush of excitement when the second week of February rolls around. The designer debuts, the stunning collections, the after-parties and behind-the-scenes moments, and Insta feeds full of editor and influencer coverage. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with fashion and this industry in the first place.
A lot went on in the first week of fashion month so let’s recap the top stories.
In lieu of a bomb runway show that is fashion week’s hottest ticket, Rihanna opted for a quieter affair, showing the newest Fenty collection at Bergdorf Goodman’s alongside Linda Fargo. The fifth avenue department store was transformed to a proper Rihanna party, all to celebrate Bergdorf’s new partnership with Fenty. The songstress-beauty mogul-fashion designer, was dressed in a short burnt-orange Fenty dress with golden boots from the new drop. The collection itself, dubbed Release 2-20, was the perfect autumn palette of olive greens, blues, off-whites and khaki. It consisted of ribbed sweaters, leather jackets, and of course, the brand’s signature denim corset dress. The best part of the whole affair: Release 2-20 is available now on Bergdorf’s website and Fenty.com.
Coach’s Fall 2020 show was a bit of a nostalgic trip with Blondie’s Debbie Harry walking the runway and performing old Blondie songs. This isn’t the first time she’s made an appearance at a Coach event. In 2016, she performed at the brands’s Prom event during Paris Fashion Week, and also attended the book launch of “Coach: A Story of New York Cool.” Stuart Vever’s Fall collection for the brand was a trip back to the 80s, with leather trench coats, and Basquiat paintings on bags and used as prints. In the past, Vever’s has drawn inspiration from Keith Haring, Kaffe Fassett and Richard Bernstein.
This year, with the Oscar’s moving up, there was a bit of a scheduling nightmare for many who show at NYFW, but also dress celebs for the Oscar’s red carpet. As a favourite among celebrities, Tom Ford decided to move his show to LA and show just days before the Oscars. His front row didn’t disappoint and was filled with A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Jason Momoa, and Renée Zellweger. The move was bold for the CFDA chairman, but definitely worth it. The collection featured sweatshirts sliced at the shoulders, logo sweatsuits, and tie-dyed caftans. We were literally left drooling.
On the other hand, Rodarte, who has been absent from the NYFW schedule made their return. In 2017, they moved to Paris, then LA, then no show at all. Kate and Laura Mulleavy’s return symbolizes a new chapter for the brand. Models were dressed in gowns covered in bejewled spiderwebs, flowing floral capes and long beaded fringe.
Rumours started swirling earlier in the week when Miley was photographed leaving the Marc Jacob’s office. Finally, on the last night of fashion week, we learned what it was all about. Miley walked the brand’s fall 2020 show, closing out New York Fashion Week. Clad in a black bra top and black trousers, with a zebra print jacket in hand, she seemed a natural as she strutted down the runway with a model-like scowl on her face. The show began with dancer, Karole Armitage, giving a brief performance before dashing past the audience. More dancers replaced her and formed a backdrop to the models showcasing the collection of A-line coats, straight-leg trousers and matching pastel jackets and minidresses.
When is the first day of fall again? We spotted many trends on the NYFW Fall 2020 runways that we can’t wait to wear come the first sign of crisp fall air. Long fringe is back thanks to Jonathan Simkhai, Area and Rodarte. Extra long sleeves were shown at The Row, Sies Marjan and Palm Angels. Our favourite is lots of leather, as seen in the shows of Proenza Schouler, Zadig & Voltaire and Longchamp.
