Aside from the Oscars, becoming a place for a moral dress code and the alleged Tom Ford ‘betrayal’ (he showcased his newest collection in L.A instead of NYC) the past week has actually had some wonderful moments, especially on the New York Fashion Week runways.
Carolina Herrera, Zimmerman, Bevza, Brock Collection and Brandon Maxwell were just some of our highlights but there was so much ‘hidden talent’ that we want to let you know about. So, below are the 5 NYFW designers that are ‘up and coming’, ‘hidden’, ‘ones to watch’ or just showcased amazing collections that you need to see.
Tia Adeola (@tiaraina_)
First up is Tia Adeola, at 24 years old, this Nigerian designer showcased her first NYFW collection and it is everything we need and more. The main highlight of her collection? Her way of using sheer fabrics (sourced in Dubai) in an elegant yet desirable way.
The silhouettes of her garments are elegant and portray powerful women yet the sheer fabrics show another layer of bodysuits, two pieces and sometimes nothing at all; hinting at the many layers women have. A beautiful bold and empowering collection that consisted of neutrals with playful pops of colour and ruffles upon ruffles; we can’t wait to see what she creates next.
Sergio Hudson (@sergiohudson)
The 80’s and 90’s inspired Sergio for his first NYFW runway and his collection was a nostalgic tribute to the two decades. Dressing the likes of Beyonce and Michelle Obama, there was no surprise his collection featured well tailored blazers, high waist trousers and dog tooth; power dressing at its finest.
Managing to take masculine silhouettes, waist belts and dog tooth patterns and transform them into form fitting, luxurious contemporary garments. Dark colours such as magenta, burgundy and brown were mixed with slinky fabrics and metallics, giving them a complete refresh for the modern women in 2020.
The Blonds (@theblondsny)
The Blonds, their intention? To push boundaries in fashion and their A/W 2020 collection did just that. Over the top is how this runway was described but in the best possible way; embellishment, sequins, feathers, metallics and over the knee boots featured in the designs creating a truly dazzling show.
‘Bordering on the line of fantasy vs reality the collection was an array of bodysuits, and mini dresses in pastels of pink, lilac and turquoise an ethereal territory that the designers described as ‘fashion as religion’. The Blonds also made a statement on inclusivity and had Jillian Mercado, wear an embellished gold jumpsuit and headers as she made her way down the runway in her wheelchair due to her muscular dystrophy.
Christopher John Rogers (@christopherjohnrogers)
There isn’t really a way to describe the Christopher John Rogers runway. Extravagant, may be the best we can do.
The 26-year-old designer won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2019 and with his ability to make what could be tacky sophisticated and tasteful, we can see why.
His collection was a compilation of exaggerated silhouettes, incredible floor sweeping full skirted ball gowns that were both feminine and playful. The voluminous dresses and skirts gave those of Brandon Maxwell a run for their money. The colour palette? Outrageous; magentas, bright green, orange, yellow, all so vibrant yet so feminine; it’s safe to say this head turning collection will be a triumph for the Brooklyn-based designer.
La Quan (@laquan_smith)
He knows how to make a red carpet gown for Kim K so it makes sense that this collection was a formation of chainmail slip dresses, blazer dresses and mini skirts dedicated to ‘unapologetically sexy’ women. The collection brings back the #AllBlackEverything along with bootcut jeans.
Puffer jackets and boots were mixed with form fitting silhouettes. A black cropped fur jacket featured and it wasn’t the only fur item as there was of course there was the showstopper, which you may or may not have already come across, the majorly oversized furry purse with the phrase ‘I’m moving out’ blazoned across the side.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo credit: Christopher John Rogers.