The recently-concluded New York Fashion Week Fall 2018 set the benchmark higher than before with designers like Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Philipp Plein pushing the boundaries and showcasing the unexpected — a popcorn runway; an extravagant tribute to the ’80s; a model making an entry from a spaceship…
This season also marked a turning point for various designers like Alexander Wang, Carolina Herrera and Victoria Beckham, who are all moving on to bigger and better prospects. Here’s our recap of all the talking points from New York Fashion Week:
1. Calvin Klein’s popcorn-laden runway
If you’ve ever wondered what apocalyptic fashion looks like, it’s Calvin Klein’s Fall 2018 collection. The metallic dresses, ruffled gowns paired with plaid overcoats and fireman suits all had an underlying dark theme attached to them that explored the history and future of America. But the statement-making point was the runway at the American Stock Exchange that Raf Simons transformed into a sea of popcorn that the models were walking — or swimming? — over.
2. Carolina Herrera steps down
Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2018 collection marked the end of an era at the helm of the fashion house that she created. After leading the label for 37 long years, the designer stepped down as the creative director, handing over the reins to Wes Gordon, who previously worked as her creative consultant.
3. Alexander Wang’s final show at NYFW
Alexander Wang’s announcement that he will not be showcasing at NYFW’s February shows anymore came as a shock to many, but the reason behind his decision is well-thought out. The designer will now be showcasing according to an off-calendar June/December schedule to increase his sales. Well, who can blame him?
The designer’s final show was poles apart from his previous wild collection that was the #WangFest. This one was reminiscent of The Matrix series — giving us further proof that Matrix-inspired looks are back for sure — except that it was targeted at the working woman who lives the 9-5 life.
4. 10-year-old drag star’s debut
Desmond Napoles, aka Desmond Is Amazing, broke all records by becoming the youngest drag star to walk the runway at Gypsy Sport’s Fall 2018 show. A self-proclaimed drag kid, Desmond also champions LGBTQ rights and has his very own drag house for kids who like dressing in drag. And you thought you’d seen it all?
5. Championing body positivity
From Gigi Hadid being body shamed for being too skinny to Ashley Graham opening the show for Christian Siriano and walking for leading designers like Prabal Gurung, this season dealt with and challenged society’s notions of the perfect body. About time.
6. Brandon Maxwell’s spectacular show
Brandon Maxwell’s collection was an ode to women — women in his life, women who were walking the ramp in his designs, women who would be wearing those ensembles. “We spend 6 months making a collection that shows in under 15 minutes. It’s a fleeting moment in the scheme of things, but it’s a feeling that fills your soul and lasts forever…The collections for me have never been about changing the game or proving myself as a designer, they’ve been studies in how to give back the feeling of love and safety to the women who have given that feeling to me,” the designer said in an Instagram post.
7. Victoria Beckham’s final show at NYFW
No, Victoria isn’t following in the footsteps of Alexander Wang, but she is moving away from New York Fashion Week to London Fashion Week, where she will be showcasing her collections starting September.
8. Philipp Plein’s futuristic fashion
The coolest part about NYFW has to be model Irina Shayk stepping out of a spaceship and right into a setting of (fake) snow, and having a robot walk next to her on the runway.
9. Marc Jacob’s extravagant nod to the ’80s
Colourful, opulent, exaggerated — Marc Jacobs brought back the spirit of the ’80s through his ostentatious Fall 2018 collection featuring hats, oversized jackets, statement shoulders and more.
