new york state of mind
Confidence was key at NYFW
Snowy streets and chilly winds did not deter the industry’s elite from a stellar New York Fashion Week. The bustling city kicked off the first batch of shows in what will be a month long unveiling of designers’ new Fall/Winter ’17 collections, and it did not disappoint. Swarovski teamed up with New York rising stars and fashion favorites alike, providing support to over 10 designers including ADEAM, Brock Collection, Gabriela Hearst, Sachin & Babi, Sally La Pointe, Sandy Liang, and more.
Integrating Swarovski into their collections this season, designers chose a myriad of ways to make a statement. Some delighted in the details by adding crystal accents to alter their garments, while others made bold moves by creating head-to-toe stunning sparkling looks. Inspiration of both past and present was evident throughout, with an overall sense of independence and unadulterated self-expression ringing through the shows. Another theme included juxtaposing hard and soft elements to evoke a rebelliousness: Victorian-era dresses with rock n’ roll styling, tailored shapes over flowing slips, and fishnets paired with elegant gowns defied the status quo. Additional details like wordplay and imagery along with eccentric embellishments spoke to this inventive season.
Brandon Maxwell developed an introspective collection for Fall/Winter ’17, striving to produce a series of looks which reflected his evolution as a designer. In shedding his convictions, he conceived an electrifying mix of ultra-glam pieces that were anything but apologetic featuring shorter hems, bolder shapes, and a stronger color selection. Fiercely modeled by Riley Montana, a brilliant crystal mesh disco suit containing more than one million crystals helped close out the show that helped to convey Maxwell’s personal awakening.
Making a fashion statement was the mainstay for Jeremy Scott, who assembled a vocal collection featuring imagery highlighting current events. A central subject of idolatry rang throughout with the phrase ‘As Seen on TV’ emblazoned onto a Swarovski crystal mesh tank and various models christened with crystal pearl headdresses. The collection also included a lace-up fringe jacket constructed of crystal mesh and multi-row crystal chokers and bracelets rounded out the accessories. Many famous faces were in attendance including Kylie Jenner, who sat front row in a sparkling custom Swarovski crystal mesh dress.
Cinq a Sept’s creative director Jane Siskin looked to the past for inspiration, choosing to marry two different eras – the feminine and sleek feel of the 40’s with the grungy aesthetic of the 90’s – for an outcome that was romantically tough. The show featured two Military jackets embroidered with Swarovski crystals. The Meadow Canyon jacket featured all-over crystal flowers and insects while the Monarch Canyon jacket was adorned with butterflies and the word ‘L’amour’ – a favorite of Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing who was spotted wearing his during the show.
Jason Wu injected his 10th anniversary runway show with nearly 68,000 Swarovski crystals. The versatility of the crystals were a perfect complement to the collection’s intent: to combine the glamour of Wu’s signature cocktail dresses with the modernity of sophisticated daywear. As an established designer, having had former first lady Michelle Obama stun in one of his early designs, Wu has come to a comfortable and confident time in his creative process. Wu brought together a polished, glamorous wardrobe, ripe with dexterity. Custom handmade Swarovski crystal hotfix transfers were strategically placed over lace to augment the existing patterns, creating exquisite designs. Crystal detailing spotted floral-print dresses and lustrous velvet pieces were adorned in crystal pearls for contemporary style that spoke volumes.
Swarovski’s patronage and support to forward-thinking and ambitious talents in the fashion industry will continue during the weeks to come at shows in London, Milan, and Paris. To begin the European shows, collaborations will premiere first in London where exclusive crystal creations will walk the runway.
