February was my fourth season attending NYFW, something that I used to only wish I could experience. What’s the lesson here? DO WHAT YOU WANT. Just go out there and take it. I’m not waiting to be invited to anything. I flew to NYC alone, dressed up, showed up, and it was incredible.
2019 Styles
Red is very in right now. The Pantone 2019 Color of the Year is “Living Coral”, which is an orangey red, but there were reds of all shades on the runway and the streets. I dig it. Other trending colors: lavender (yes, still), marigold, pistachio, winter white.
This season featured the most wearable looks I’ve seen so far. So much great tailoring, power suits, layering, bold prints, feminine prints, and more fur (of course, I love that). Less avant-garde than one would expect from NYFW runways. Yet, I couldn’t help but notice many guests trying SO HARD to come across as avant-garde, street-fashion was an explosion of athleisure, and neon colors. I have to shake my head. I do realize that I’m the minority here.
On Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Rebecca Minkoff runway show. She showcased her Spring/Summer collection, instead of showing looks for this coming Fall/Winter, as is traditionally done at February shows. Mixing many different fabrics and creating a lot of layers with feminine, yet bold prints. Hot white, electric blue, red, every finish of black, and bold patterns. Belts also played a big role in this collection. Belts are very much a highlight in fashion right now and are being paired with everything. Belt loops are no longer needed and honestly, pants are the most unlikely pairing.
A Nod to the Disco Era
Naeem Khan presented a runway show featuring ’60s/’70s inspired looks with an array of mixed textures including velvet, floral embroidery, sequins, and ruffles. I wrote a blog post specifically about mixing textures here.
Michael Kors also embraced the ’70s decade, complete with disco balls and Barry Manilow in sequins, singing Copacabana on the runway.
“I think this collection is very much my love letter to the melting pot of New York City. There’s a lot of dance influences for the disco dollies, ballerinas, ball room dancers, or the modern dancer, there’s movement!” – Michael Kors (taken from an interview with @margoandme, of Neiman Marcus)
Neon Hues
Neon Colors – not my cup of tea, but I’d be remiss not to mention the overwhelming array of neon hues that covered the streets of Tribeca. Christian Cowan‘s collection embodied this trend.
Monochromatic Palettes
Monochromatic palettes were all over fashion week. Phillip Lim showed simple palettes of grey, white, or black with clean straight lines. Brandon Maxwell‘s show (no, I was not fortunate enough to attend in person, but did watch it live online) was probably my favorite. His collection boasted mostly solids, black and white with a few pops of pink, green and blue.
Cushnie presented a series of monochromatic looks in (surprise, surprise) lavender, black, red, etc.
images from Cushnie.com 
HELLO, Ralph Lauren. You are speaking my language. This collection was made entirely of a white, black, and bold gold metallic color palette. I guess he has the monochromatic thing going but this is a FAR CRY from the majority right now. You won’t see chunky sneakers, neon hues or mismatched patterns on his runway. {insert Wayne & Garth screaming “WE’RE NOT WORTHY!”}
Also trending, or should I say finally inclusive, Plus Size. Gracing the runways of some of the industries top talent, including Christian Siriano, 11 Honore, and Rebecca Minkoff. Fashion is now available (and being celebrated) for women of all sizes. Cheers to that.
Photos (of me) by Viva Lux Photography