Twice a year, New York City is home to one of the greatest fashion shows of our time. Designers from all over the world come together to exhibit their creativity and mold the industry with each article of clothing they debut. People often associate fashion shows with radical demonstrations of unrealistic, unwearable, and, in some cases, ugly outfits. What people often do not realize, however, is that nearly all the trends identifiable and followed by day to day people were often orchestrated long before they become "in," by artistic geniuses such as the designers below. It is difficult to wrap one's head around a shirt that looks like it was inspired by the scribbles of a toddler, but fashion isn't always made for understanding - it's an expression of inspiration, experiences, and aesthetic perspective.
The 2019 New York Fashion Week presented an array of captivating looks. Some told stories, some reflected cultures, and all debuted diverse experimentation and innovation. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think it's safe to say that the following images are worthy of the title, regardless of who's watching.
1. Tommy Hilfiger
photo by Victor Virgile
Sleek, sophisticated, and all the while flattering, Tommy Hilfiger's business look emanates class between the black and white tones and patent suit, while the look below is a perfect medium between dazzling and sleek. The accessories attribute just enough flare to avoid compromising poise.
2. Tommy Hilfiger
photo by Victor Virgile
3. Zimmermann
Infamous for their dresses, Zimmermann exhibited a warm toned cross of bohemian and elegance with this spring look from their new collection. The brand never fails to produce jaw-dropping pieces, no matter the genre of style they dabble in.
4. Sies Marjan
In the two looks, Sies Marjan uses texture and shape, such as the teal top's cowl neckline, to individualize the monochromatic outfits, causing one to notice the beauty in the pieces before realizing their simplicity.
5. Sies Marjan
6. Longchamp
Longchamp's red armor communicates a beautifully elite, equestrian demeanor, relaying both the simplicity and class of the brand's iconic appearance.
7. Helmut Lang
Playing with neutrals is a classic Helmut Lang move. The turtleneck is sleek and contrasts the loose slacks, while the mesh maintains the outfit's delicacy.
8. Brandon Maxwell
The 70s clothing pieces, accessorized with gaudy jewelry, composed a playful and cute look by Brandon Maxwell.
9. Alexander Wang
Cheetah print has been revived and trending for over a year now, but Alexander Wang didn't care. The white sneakers with the 80s style outfit under the coat produced a timeless, classic look.
10. Jeremy Scott
Dazzle and shine, Jeremy Scott stunned on lookers with this eye-catching ensemble. The fringe is similar to that of the flappers of the 1920s, yet the look is still futuristic.
11. Ralph Lauren
photo by JP Yim
These next three Ralph Lauren looks are easily three of the most beautiful dresses combining elegance, poise, and monochrome, with variance in texture and shape.
12. Ralph Lauren
photo by JP Yim
13. Ralph Lauren
photo by JP Yim
14. Khaite
Inspired by a visit to her grandmother's house, the designer produced a delicate and beautiful combination of chic black and neutral bohemian patterns.
15. Oscar de la Renta
Approaching dresses with a simplistic yet unorthodox aesthetic, Oscar de la Renta played with shapes in these two pieces. The contrast between the tight and revealing upper half of the first dress and the large bow connecting the loose lower half adds flare to the monochromatic dress. Likewise, the dress below contains floral shapes as if to create a silhouette of flowers all over the model, as the body of the dress is the same color as her skin tone.
16, Oscar de la Renta
17. Ulla Johnson
"This show is a celebration of all that connects us," is how Ulla Johnson explained her inspiration for New York Fashion Week. These two looks encapsulate Johnson's intentions. The artistry in every piece celebrates diverse handicraft, ranging from the Japanese shibori techniques used on the blue accessories, to the Dutch wax prints and sea shells sewed on the dress below.
18. Ulla Johnson
19. Alice + Olivia
This cluster of pastels could not be more perfect for spring. The look both compares and contrasts to Alice + Olivia's diverse collection ranging from gothic jewel tone gowns to light bohemian sundresses.
20. Prabal Gurung
photo by Mike Coppola
As opposed to celebrating his brand's 10th anniversary, Prabal Gurung used his opportunity in the spotlight to get political. At a time where immigrants of color are being unjustly targeted and their value in America is being questioned, Gurung indicates the current injustices that are stripping people of their American Dream.