This past week was a glamorous time for the fashionistas of New York City. Twice a year, more than eighty designers (Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Rebecca Minkoff, and Zac Posen to name a few) show off their new lines of haute couture at Lincoln Center. The event is sponsored by several big-name corporations: Mercedes-Benz primarily, as well asThe New York Times, TRESemme, Maybelline, and Samsung Galaxy. Attendees include supermodels, retailers, celebrities, buyers, and various VIPs.
Fashion junkies and brand devotees of Connecticut College followed along by either watching the shows live online at mbfashionweek.com or by viewing pictures on Instagram (mbfashionweek). No shame if you decided to (fashionably) procrastinate instead of writing that six-page philosophy paper due last Wednesday…
Harper’s Bazaar highlights some of the main trends: 3-D embellishments, fringe, pleats, button-down shirts, artistic florals and bold metallics.
According to Caroline Knoblock ’15 who is spending this semester as a public relations intern for BCBGMAXAZRIA (Bon Chic Bon Genre which translates to: “Good Style Good Attitude”) in New York, Fashion Week “Is a whirlwind. Everyone is lacking sleep, and behind the scenes isn’t as glamorous as one would think, but it is absolutely worth every single minute. It takes a lot of work and there are a lot of pieces that go into making a show happen, which for BCBGMAXAZRIA is actually two shows (BCBGMAXAZRIA and Herve Leger), so double the work! Even attending shows is exhausting. Editors run from one show to the next trying to cover the latest trends while also maintaining their everyday duties.”
Knoblock commented that “most people think Fashion Week is all about runway when there is so much more.” She explained: “People branch off from Lincoln Center to do runway at other locations. There are smaller shows at clubs or major shows in lavish locations around the city. Another version is a presentation where models pose throughout a room and there is usually some sort of food or drink too. These are more casual and for the more commercial brands [such as] Gap and Banana Republic.” Indeed, it is evident from just looking at photographs how much thought and creativity go into the atmosphere, the lighting, the makeup, the clothes. Each element truly adds to the experience. BCBGMAXAZRIA, in particular, has a distinct look that seems to shout, “Notice me!” Not a designer for the fashion-shy, BCBGMAXAZRIA is the perfect brand to wear when you want to flaunt what good taste you have. Warning: if you do purchase pieces from the new line, you must emotionally prepare yourself beforehand for the multitude of compliments sure to follow!
Blush, an understated neutral hue featured in many of the dresses from BCBGMAXAZRIA, is one of the hottest colors for the spring season, so you can expect to see a lot of students parading around Conn’s campus wearing pleated skirts or embellished floral blouses in the color.
Major influences for designers include athleticism and pop art. Think: bold and unapologetically bright. We Camels take our going-to-the-gym outfits seriously, so we will be sure to love the sporty graphics, which, without a doubt, are soon to make an appearance in our closets. Time to go buy more hangers!
Most collections will be in stores as of March or April. Particular collections to keep your stylin’ eyes out for are those featured by new designers, such as Azede Jean-Pierre (a favorite of Solange Knowles, so you know she’s good!), Hellessy (perfect for the soon-to-be graduate who’s headed off to the working world), and Katie Ermilio (for those who are dreaming of clothing that fits perfectly and want to look like a princess while still maintaining a sense of sophistication). Then, of course, there are the old-time favorites: Betsey Johnson (all of the shoes!!!!!), Diane Von Furstenberg (because everyone looks good in a wrap dress… everyone), and Marc by Marc Jacobs (who couldn’t use yet another purse in their closet!?).
Other prominent fashion weeks are held in Paris, Milan, and London, but alas – NYC is closer to campus, and therefore a bit more exciting for us Camels! Bravo to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2014 for exciting our senses and depleting our wallets.
