by Sarah Morrison
Each September—a hop, skip, and a jump past Labor Day—hundreds, if not thousands, of well-heeled tastemakers, editors, celebrities and in-the-know industry regulars alike descend upon the bustling streets of New York City—clad in nothing but the finest and shiniest of threads—to see and be seen at the grand, bi-annual spectacle known as New York Fashion Week.
And this season, the Shows, as they are so aptly nicknamed, did not disappoint.
Those, like myself, who keep their finger on the pulse of the industry, and bear witness to the Shows from afar, take great pleasure in the feverish anticipation of each designer reveal—waiting with bated breath, day in and day out, to behold the next unveiling behind fashion’s most famous curtain. It’s a ritual many a fashion aficionados relish as they embrace their place in being within the sphere of exclusivity and glamour that surround the Shows’ and their elusive, fashion set attendees; if they can’t integrate into the live action at the Shows themselves, then imaginatively transporting themselves via digital screens plays the part, to some degree, too.
Irrespective of viewpoint—whether in front row or in the comfort of their own homes—there was no denying that spectators witnessed quite the sartorial feast taking hold in the hallowed halls of downtown Manhattan’s most famed venue spaces, like Spring Studios, where the Shows take place. From Cynthia Rowley’s whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired showcase, to Brandon Maxwell’s revamped study in Hollywood glam, the Shows delivered more than their fair share of both glitz and ingenuity. Yes, the runways were a spectacle of swoon-worthy creations that’s for sure, but were they wearable? The answer: absolutely.
Among the mix of directional, forcefully forward pieces that are more suited to presentation over function was a delightful assortment of down-to-earth trends that perfectly translate from show to street. With looks that range from “fit for the formal”, to corporate chic, date night-ready, and the off-duty, no less, this season’s Shows ticked all the boxes for nearly every one of our wardrobe departments. Here, I’ve rounded up 4 of the top trends from NYFW SS20 that have a place both on the runway and in your closet.
for the love of neutrals
Above (left to right): Matthew Adams Dolan, gabriela hearst, ryan roche
SS20 ushered in a palette of chic neutrals, ranging from traditional taupe to soft and delightful dusty yellow. Such monochromatic appeal is decidedly streamlined and easy, and the looks at Matthew Adams Dolan, Gabriela Hearst, and Ryan Roche, to name a few, were a case in point.
all tied up
above (left to right): kate spade new york, tommy hilfiger, coach 1941
Statement scarves made their presence known on the runways this season, taking shape in both their traditional manner of wear, i.e. wrapped around neck, and—a bit more boldly—tied around the waist. Silk-satin is the fabric of choice for a chic accent, however a delicate organza number or a more weighted linen-blend version looks the part, too.
cue the colorblock
above (left to right): tory burch, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, longchamp
In a nod to 60’s mod, designers put stock in the cool contrast of color-block, churning out a versatile offering of juxtaposed designs interpreted on anything from trench coats, to easy-fitting separates. Understatement was the theme that ran through the looks here; subdued colorways dominated for a sense of effortless wearability.
into the bloom
above (left to right): anna sui, badgley mischka, jonathan cohen
Florals? For spring 2020? Yep, you heard us. Evidently, this season, designers tapped into the power of the petal in droves, and for good reason—it’s one of those styles that defies fads and transcends versatility. However, to mix it up, for SS20, floral embellishment was the mode of preference for a fresh twist.