Show season kicks off today with the first shows of New York Fashion Week. We preview the seven things you can expect the Lincoln Centre fashion crowd to be buzzing about.
1. Alexander Wang: The Right to Share
Like the Empire State Building, Alicia Keys, rats the size of domesticated livestock and sky-scraping stilettos, the 30-year-old has become a New York fixture. But as he’s debuting in Paris as the new creative director of Balenciaga, the Big Apple – not accustomed to sharing signature cocktails or its muses – has had to come to terms with its shared custody of Wang. But not to fear, fair Manhattanites! While Wang may split his time between Paris and New York, Paris (and Balenciaga) will still be getting a much-needed dose of 212 attitude.
2. Justin Timberlake: ‘Suit & Tie’ featuring Jay Z
The essentials questions of NYFW usually include who’s who, who’s wearing what, who’s drunk (we’re kidding- everyone’s drunk), and who’s blasting the hit runway anthem. This year, the song of swag lands on shoulders of the ever-dapper Justin Timberlake. After a six-year absence from the charts, JT brought sexy and sophisticated back with his new single ‘Suit & Tie’. It’s cool, it’s hip, and Tom Ford designed the cover album: a perfect package for runway success.
2. Comeback Kid: Kenneth Cole
The epitome of the Upper East Side fashion, Kenneth Cole used to be as regular a NYFW fixture as fur coats and fairy dust on porcelain bidets. So after his last show in 2006, New York Fashion Week seemed to lose some of its lustre – so all eyes will be on Kenneth Cole when the label reappears at NYFW this year. Calling all WASPS…
4. Cara, Cara, Cara
Last season, we were mesmerized by those deep, dark eyebrows and the wild attitude of Cara Delevingne. The model with the stately brows is the ‘It’ girl of the runway, and along with Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn, is proving that a new supermodel posse is emerging. But while her features are arresting (and those eyebrows unmistakable), what separates the 5’8” model from her statuesque companions is clearly her spritely attitude. Watch out for the eyebrows- they’ll be coming to a catwalk near you.
5. Kate Spade’s 20th Anniversary Smackdown
A milestone is always as exciting as it is nostalgic. As Kate Spade celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’ll be relishing its first years of fashion novelty and exclusivity – but this old dog is brimming with new tricks. In honour of the event, Kate Spade is releasing a book, ‘Kate Spade New York: Things We Love’. Plus, expect a luxurious celebration on February 8th to hail future generations of bag-clutching madness.
6. The Bag of NYFW: Proenza Schouler large white PS13 bag, $2,495
There is always ‘the’ bag. You know, that one bag dangling elusively from the shoulders of daring editors and darling socialites; the bag everyone desires, but few successfully possess. At NYFW, that prized pouch of leather is the Proenza Schouler large white bag. The metallic sheen, those geometrically perfected pockets… Expect to see this one everywhere.
7. John Galliano for Oscar De La Renta?
Oscar De La Renta may have recently invited the fallen gallant to his studio, but as of yet, Galliano’s involvement with the fashion house is unknown. Could he be a part of NYFW? While the answers are not yet clear, Galliano is someone to look out for. Luckily, if he does appear, he’ll be easy to spot.
Words: Elise Marraro