GANG OF NEW YORK
New York’s finest designers turned out winning collections for Spring 2018, revitalizing beloved designs and experimenting with new aesthetics and construction. Swarovski was there to support and enhance, lighting up runways and dancing through studios at shows for industry veterans Jason Wu, Jeremy Scott, and Creatures of the Wind, along with rising star duo Tome.
Executive Board Member Nadja Swarovski commented, “For Spring/Summer 2018 we are delighted to evolve our ongoing support for emerging design talent at New York Fashion Week to encourage the use of sustainable materials. Mixing upcycled and recovered crystal with innovative applications and techniques, Creatures of the Wind and Tome are fantastic examples of how the fashion industry can inspire positive change.”
Starting off the week, Jason Wu headed downtown to South Street Seaport’s Fulton Market Building to premiere his latest looks. The historic venue – a fitting space for a designer rounding out an iconic 10th anniversary year – set the scene for a polished and sensual spring collection. Contemporary separates and shirting provoked a more casual atmosphere while Wu’s standard glam aesthetic shone through with Swarovski crystal patchwork printed dresses. Paired with the shimmering ensembles were elegant clear crystal pieces from the designer’s Atelier Swarovski jewelry collection, an evolution of his second series for the brand titled ‘Mosaic’.
Later that night, Jeremy Scott got the party started at Spring Studios, packing out the stark space with a gang of “It” girls on the catwalk and pop culture icons in the crowd. Muse and model Devon Aoki opened the show in a silver Swarovski crystal moto jacket and matching embellished combat boots. Following down the runway were cover girls Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls and Karlie Kloss wearing camo separates, football gear, graphic tees, and crystal studded fishnets in a sartorial renaissance of the designs which catapulted Scott to success. Soaring ever upward, the designer, now celebrating his 20th year in business, debuted fresh concepts with four nylon tulle looks covered entirely in Swarovski crystals while adhering to the sport-chic-club-kid style cult fans have come to know and love from the non-conformist designer.
Sustainability played a large role in production this season for both Creatures of the Wind and Tome, resulting in innovative looks made of repurposed materials and recycled Swarovski crystals for collections that were both eye-catching and ecologically sound.
At Creatures of the Wind, Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters showcased ‘Further’, a thoughtful collection spreading an imperative message regarding sustainable fashion design. Diving deep into a hands-on approach, the duo repurposed vintage leather trenches, stripping, bleaching, painting and refitting the coats for a Seventies vamp vibe. For texture and shine, Swarovski crystal flowers were “painted” on from a custom lacquer featuring Swarovski Crystaldust, created as a by-product of Swarovski’s crystal cutting process.
The designer’s commented: “We’ve always tried to take a very careful and conscientious approach in our process of making and manufacturing. We go to great lengths to ensure that we are not wasteful in our development and in our material consumption.”
The Kitchen, an art and performance space served its intended purpose at TOME’s intimate presentation where ballet dancers modeled prismatic pieces in motion. Pam Tanowitz, the legendary choreographer and dancer behind the troupe’s moves, also informed Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin’s collection which echoed the artist’s retrospective approach. In a representation of a deconstructed rainbow, colorful pleating on vibrant, flowing cotton and silk dresses circled the room, subtly shimmering with strategically placed Swarovski crystal.
Lobo and Martin commented: “For Spring 2018 we recycled designs and crystals from past seasons in an effort to sustainably use our resources. Sustainability already runs top-down in our business, and we’ll continue to innovate on different ways we can approach it. Sustainable and ethical fashion should not be considered a luxury but a given. Swarovski is the kind of forward-thinking company that we like to partner with to create meaningful change in the industry.”
Swarovski has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with each new designer collaboration, seeks to channel this pioneering spirit in pursuit of sustainable revolutions. For Spring 2018, the brand supported inspirational labels to create collections with sustainability at their heart, serving as part of Swarovski’s mission to drive positive change towards a more responsible fashion industry.
