New York Fashion Week is an Ode to Oddity

New York Fashion Week is an Ode to Oddity

By

A deep dive on the concepts we saw at New York Fashion Week

Fashion week in New York is closing its runways today, and let’s just say that the designs aren’t what we expected them to be. It seems like New York Fashion Week has two themes going on that are quite the contrast from each other—the classic minimalist concept, while the other was an odd form of fantasy. The latter might seem peculiar and you might have already seen a couple of animal-esque faces on the models, so we’re here to break it down for you.

RELATED: NYFW Fall/Winter 2023: The Womenswear Trend Report

New York Fashion Week Collin Strada Collection Please Don’t Eat My Friends

It’s safe to start with Collin Strada’s Fall/Winter collection titled “Please Don’t Eat My Friends.” This particular show made headlines and flooded social media because of the animal prosthetics on the model’s faces. To put it bluntly, the collection was inspired by the ecosystem that unites all animals. It merges the fantastical and natural world quite literally as so-called animals walk down the runway looking whimsical in satin and gingham, as well as fur-like patterned fabrics.

New York Fashion Week Collin Strada Collection Please Don’t Eat My Friends
New York Fashion Week Collin Strada Collection Please Don’t Eat My Friends

The animal theme continued on when Private Policy showcased their collection called “We Are All Animals.” In contrast to Collin Strada, the collection focused on marrying nature and urban life. It’s quite the play in juxtaposed concepts as they integrated the slow cycle of nature through their use of neutral tones with the newest trends of the fashion industry. And yes, the models were decorated with headpieces such as bunny ears and sheep horns.

New York Fashion Week Private Policy We Are All Animals
New York Fashion Week Private Policy We Are All Animals

Still in the topic of nature, Area opted to focus on crops as they named the collection “Fabulous Fruits.” The theme was obvious to the naked eye when banana-shaped tiers and sliced watermelons made their way down the runway in black and gold shades. The idea behind this collection was to honor the beauty of fruits portrayed over the years as seen on various mediums such as paintings, sculpture, and now, fashion. 

New York Fashion Week Area Fabulous Fruits
New York Fashion Week Area Fabulous Fruits

As for fantasy, we can’t say we’re surprised when Rodarte participated in the whimsical theme, but with a gothic twist. It was definitely a powerful line of pieces that were reminiscent of a 1930s fashion as bias cuts appeared on the show while a subtle couture touch was included through flamboyant pieces. To make the collection more endearing, the concept of fairies was completed with Mulleavy sisters request to their mother if she can illustrate the fantastical beings. 

New York Fashion Week Rodarte whimsical theme with a gothic twist
New York Fashion Week Rodarte whimsical theme with a gothic twist

Fashion Week isn’t complete without the street style of the guests, and some definitely participated in what is seen as the oddity of New York Fashion Week. The streets were filled with such dynamic ensembles that were definitely eye-catching with their unusual color pairings and chosen prints. 

New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week

Photos from NYFW and FASHION WEEK (via Instagram)

Order your print copy of this month's MEGA Magazine:
Download this month's MEGA digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]