Twice a year—in February and September—New York’s streets overflow with models, buyers and fashion editors alike. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the four major fashion weeks in the world, along with those in Paris, London and Milan.
Today we think of New York as one of the fashion capitals of the world, but that wasn’t always the case. Prior to World War II, American fashion didn’t get much attention. Top magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar looked to Paris for style inspiration. When American journalists couldn’t travel to Paris for Fashion Week after Germany occupied France, a fashion week held in New York was the creative solution. Well known fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert brainstormed the idea as a way for fashion editors to direct their gaze towards American fashion designers. Lambert coined the event “Press Week,” which later came to be called Fashion Week.
Arianne Atlan, currently the Associate Market Editor of CR Fashion Book, has years of experience working in the fashion industry in New York City. Before CR Fashion Book, Arianne worked at Marie Claire as a Fashion Market Assistant, Christian Dior Couture as a PR Assistant, and the Wall Street Journal Magazine as a freelance fashion assistant. I sat down with Arianne to get an inside peek into New York's fashion week.
What’s your favorite thing about Fashion Week?
“Seeing the new collections! There is a lot of running around trying to make it from show to show, but when you get to witness a spectacular collection, it makes it all worth it.”
Did you attend any shows during NYFW?
“Lots of shows…too many shows! The schedule is overly booked with presentations and shows—it makes it very hard to attend everything, so I really stick to what the magazine would actually feature.”
Do you have a favorite show that you’ve attended over the years?
“When I was 19 in college I snuck into a BCBG show—it was the first time I ever attended a NYFW show, so it was very exciting for me then, and I still remember it fondly. But my favorite show I’ve attended? Hmm I think it would have to be between this season’s fall Rodarte, and every Hood by Air show I’ve gone to.”
How do you go about choosing an outfit to wear for a show?
“I look at my schedule for the day—if its back to back I try to stick to a lower heel or a sneaker… after 8 hours on your feet, heels aren’t always the best option. Secondly, I check the weather. This season was so unbelievably cold, I layered and layered... With these two ideas in mind, I try to stay as true to my style as possible, pretty minimal.”
What are the top takeaway trends from NYFW Fall/Winter 2016?
“Lots of liquid metallic, knit dresses, dusty pink and camel head to toe. Also pantsuits are popping up everywhere! And, street wear is holding on strong.”
Are there any accessories that we should expect to see this Fall/ Winter?
“Chokers! Loafers! Neck scarves!”
Any tips on how to incorporate these trends into everyday looks without spending a ton of money?
“I think anyone in this industry would tell you that it's about a high/low mix. I usually will splurge on shoes and coats, but everything else I will try to pick from contemporary or fast fashion. Also sales are my weakness… honestly, you can buy anything at the end of the season for a fraction of the cost—I refuse to buy designer clothing at full price!”
FASHION RECAP:
After spending time with Arianne, talking forecasting trends for next year, I realized that many designers presented collections that felt a bit more like spring looks with lots of slip dresses, off-the-shoulder-tops, and floral prints. So why not get a head start on what's going to be trending in the fall, and try some styles out now? For example, while it's still chilly outside, grab a cozy turtleneck and wear it under your favorite slip dress. Start to hit up Zara and snag those off-the-shoulder tops that are flying off the shelves. This look is great to pair with your favorite jeans! Also, when shopping for trends, choose what to splurge on and where to save! Zara, Uniqlo and TopShop are great stores to shop for trendy pieces while on a budget.
