Spotlight
At the 2018 New York Fashion Week, PJ Pascual observes that “individualism” is the operative word for the new fall collections. Whether it works or not, only the consumers will tell The runway was adorned with dried autumn leaves and enhanced by the how
International stylist PJ Pascual heads to the Big Apple for an inside look at New York Fashion Week for fall/winter 2018
The retail fashion industry is having a rough time. These days, department stores and boutiques are competing with a growing number of online merchants for the public’s attention. Designers today are challenged by the need to become more creative when it comes to their work. For fall 2018, designers are putting an emphasis on individualism. Along with clothes that can be mixed and matched to suit one’s tastes, consumers can also take their pick of must-have accessories this season, including unique keychains and bags.
KATE SPADE
Deborah Lloyd has been the creative force behind Kate Spade for 10 years. For her final collection with the label, she took inspiration from Nashville, Tennessee when she transformed New York’s Masonic Hall into a grand country music festival stage. In tune with the theme, tons of embroideries, fringes, tassels, stripes, and polka dots adorned her pieces.
Among all the separates and prairie looks that were showcased, a peasant dress in different shades of blue was the standout.
What was missing in the collection? The whimsical accessories that made Kate Spade modern and fun. Yellow cabs and other
New York references were curiously absent. I wish she finished her term on a high note, but I think this collection was just fine.
COACH
As the creative director of Coach, Stuart Vevers revived the house and led it to instant success. His fascination for American pop culture was evident, and one can see the designer’s impeccable tailoring in his designs. His love for fringes, trinkets, and tassels add edge to his creations.
For fall 2018, he led his army into the dark forest. Like Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel
and Gretel, his men and women journey into the deep ends of the woods to find refuge. The runway was adorned with dried autumn leaves and enhanced by the howling sounds of the animals.
Vevers is a master of mixing materials. He used leather, suede, chains, grommets, and charms to make his gothic army come to life. Prints come in different colours of the autumn. Shades of black, rust, paprika, purple, camel, and turquoise were the dominant colours used to make the collection come to life.
Vevers is doing the right thing for Coach. As his followers increase, his collection from season to season becomes stronger.
Burch adorned the runway with pink carnations...For knits, she used argyle as the main print
TORY BURCH
With over US$1 billion, Tory Burch’s brand has definitely gone global.
For fall 2018, she experimented on layering and mixing prints, prevalent in her Bohemian Folkloric collection, which is bound to be a sure hit with her loyal fans.
With the help of her dear friend Miranda Brooks, Burch adorned the runway with pink carnations. There were a lot of ’60s printed dresses paired with shearling utilitarian jackets. The clothes are loose and have an ease to them. For knits, she used argyle as the main print.
Her woman is about easy dressing. She can slip on her day dress and put on a warm coat and cowboy boots.
Shades of white, black, greys, jewel tones, and neutrals were used for this collection. It is one of Burch’s best collections yet.
MICHAEL KORS
Every season, Michael Kors knows how to surprise his audience: for fall 2018, he presented a collection dedicated to individualism. His run of show says it all in a form of a playbill. Throughout the runway show, pop hits of the past century played. From Beyoncé hits to Sex and the City’s theme song, the crowd enjoyed it all.
This is also the season when K ors denounced his use of fur. There were a lot of mixed prints that make up the whole ensemble: leopard, zebras, plaids, argyles, and florals.
Kors is a master at combining multiple themes while staying cohesive. In the evening segment, one can the see the intricate craftsmanship of tailoring and beadwork. On top of that, he collaborated with artist David Downton to do illustrations of women on shirts, dresses, and bags. Genius!
Aside from Zendaya enjoying the show, Kors’ Upper East Side New York clients are choosing the clothes they want to wear. In the end, everyone left with a smile on their faces.