It’s safe to say that New York Fashion Week looked very different this year. The CFDA took no risks for the anticipating September season, opting to house many shows via digital platform, RUNWAY 360.
This new normal saw a calendar of shows presented via online live streams and closed sets, while other designers opted to skip the fuss all together and safely present their collections directly via lookbook stills.
Adapting and designing during this tumultuous time is no easy feat, though luckily we have still been graced with many creative and incredible shows. Here, take a look at our round up of our favourite NYFW Spring Summer 21 highlights (and a few others off schedule too).
Christopher Esber
Homegrown beloved talent Christopher Esber celebrated a milestone of 10 years with his SS 21 collection. Presenting via a live stream runway, Esber stated of the show, “I had the idea of girls walking through a tunnel of twisted jersey like a rebirthing of sorts.” The 50-look collection was rooted in timeless brand signatures and archives from the last decade. Featuring ruching, drawstrings, cropped shirts, cut-outs, silky knits, crochet lace and crystal rope detailing for my favourite subtle sparkle. Notable mentions to the Kate Moss 90s vibes sheer metallic dress and low waist skirt. ILY
Image credit: Esteban Latessa.
Eckhaus Latta
With opening scenes overlooking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, models began to strut down the open public runway on FDR Drive that doubled as a long jogging path. An easy-going show with an undone relaxed feel, no fuss required. The delicate crochet skirt worn by girl crush Paloma Elsesser was a favourite along with the patchwork pants and retro floral prints. No model was without a mask either - the real accessory of the season.
Image credit: @maryymanningg; @maryymanningg.
Khaite
Presented via loobook shoot and eerily atmospheric and ominous film. RUSSH ‘Make History’ cover star Abby Champion, Irina Shayk and iconic model royalty Alek Wek are muses for the Khaite SS 21 collection. Signature sultry ruched dresses, sweetheart necklines, princess puff shoulders, dreamy luxurious knitwear, along with strappy sandals and pointed-toe kitten heels and boots all make an appearance this season.
Image credit: @kyanite_ny; @khaite_ny.
Zimmermann
Wild Botanica. The NYFW natives presented a runway video from home soil this season with Creative Director Nicky Zimmermann turning to botanical art with an Australian focus for SS 21. The collection sees floral shapes and prints with unexpected colour combinations, tiered dresses and skirts, soft crochet and intricate lace, feminine silhouettes and billowing sleeves contrasted by masculine shirting and relaxed tailoring.
Image credit: courtesy Zimmermann.
Bevza
A minimalist dream with attention to detail. Svitlana Bevza’s clothes are not loud attention seekers, but silent powerful statements. SS 21 saw vintage-inspired skirt suits, slinky silk dresses and two-piece sets, delicate knitwear and my favourite crochet jackets and braided tops. Smooth operators.
Image credit @bevza; @beevza.
Collina Strada
A forever diverse casting favourite, Collina Strada does not disappoint. Titled, Change is Cute for her continuous fight against climate change, the SS 21 collection saw psychedelic colours and childlike hand-drawn prints, form-fitting body suits, extra fun bikinis, spray-painted tracksuits, party shirts and wild backdrops. A trippy, weird and wonderful show.
Image credit: @collinastrada; @collinastrada.
