The much-awaited New York Fashion Week begins today, and with it comes a host of incredible collections, conversations, and after-parties. This year's showcase will see some of the big names like Helmut Lang, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Gabriela Hearst lead the way, along with the CFDA designers of the year in both womenswear (Khaite) and menswear (Willy Chavarria). In fact, the six-day fashion week will see a total of 97 leading designers and brands showcasing their Fall/Winter 2024 collections via both physical and digital presentations.
With Bazaar India having all eyes on what promises to be a fashion week to remember, here’s everything you need to know about what’s in store.
Helmut Lang’s Peter Do kicks off NYFW along with Philip Lim, Willy Chavarria, and Tommy Hilfiger
Having made his debut at the New York Fashion Week last year, Do is back for his second show, presenting his sophomore collection which includes tailored suits, pleated trousers, and skirts along with some buttoned-down formals. Post that, Philip Lim has a show lined up along with CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award winner, Willy Chavarria, whose September show was truly memorable. Compared to his previous collection where models were seen wearing boxy jackets and football jersey pullovers, decorated with balloon sleeves, Chavarria this time takes inspiration from high-society women nicknamed 'The Swans' from the American anthology television series Feud and another series, titled Griselda. His collection is an ode to resilience and rebellion with luxe heritage tweeds, blazers, wool check blouses, and handbags, something that the designer's never done before.
Day one ends with Tommy Hilfiger who will present his men’s and womenswear collections. Wrapped in NYC-inspired red, white, and blue, the show will represent a modern-day expression of Classic American Cool through the eyes of the ultimate American dreamer.
When and where to watch: Peter Do—10:30 pm IST on February 9 on the label’s website, Instagram, and YouTube.
Philip Lim at 5:30 am IST (Satuday)
Willy Chavarria at 7:30 am IST (Saturday)
A scintillating second day
Day two will feature a host of runway shows from iconic fashion designers such as Proenza Shouler, Eckhaus Latta, and the South Korean designer Son Jung Wan. Shouler's show, led by creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, will be an eagerly anticipated one after their stunning debut at last year's NYFW. Last year's collection was a reflection of the women in their lives —the designers revealed that they'd made mood boards out of headshots of the women—where models donned blazers cinched at the waist with bolo tie-like belts, knitted sweaters paired with leather skirts, and PVC pants. With a collection like that, one cannot wait to see how the designer betters his creations for this year.
When it comes to Latta, we wouldn't be surprised to see yet another collection with an eye on the future. The designer's collection from September's NYFW had sustainable clothing as its cornerstone as Latta and Unspun, a technology company, teamed up for a radical runway experiment in sustainability. The firm worked with Latta to develop 3-D woven garments that are the first of their kind to appear on a major runway.
When to watch:
Proenza Shouler at 1:30 am IST (Sunday)
A memorable return on Valentine’s Day
One of the most-awaited returns at NYFW this year is that of CFDA chairman and renowned fashion designer, Thom Browne, who returns to his hometown. The designer debuted his Haute Couture collection in Paris for the very first time in 2023 but decided to miss New York's Spring/Summer 2024 presentations, disappointing fashion enthusiasts everywhere.
A year's absence is sure to be well worth the wait as Browne is all set to showcase his collection on Valentine's Day, bringing the fashion week to an end. Expect the who’s who of Hollywood and the fashion world to be seated in the front row for this one.
When to watch:
Thom Browne at 6:30 am IST (Thursday)
Other big names
Designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin will step outside France for the very first time as he makes his NYFW debut on February 11. The designer pays homage to Robert Mapplethorpe, one of New York's most famous artists as part of a collaboration with the late photographer’s foundation.
February 12 is a power-packed day with Carolina Herrera’s creative director Wes Gordon presenting the new collection, followed by Tory Burch, and then Gabriela Hearst, who will be presenting her first collection for her eponymous brand. Hearst's final collection as creative director for Chloé, this past September at Paris Fashion Week was inspired by flowers. Rather than incorporating a single pastel colour or botanical prints, she focused on the shapes of flowers—the curves of stems and petals—and used them to create desirable, feminine pieces.
Like last year's show, the final day of NYFW '24 will see Michael Kors who channelled the classic 70s fashion for his last collection, drawing inspiration from powerful women like Tina Turner, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, and even his mother. Models dressed in vintage New York looks from the era including overcoats, thick leather belts, bell sleeves, and bell-bottom trousers. Will the designer pick another era this time? We can't wait to find out.
When to watch:
Ludovic de Saint Sernin at 9:30 am IST (Monday)
Carolina Herrera at 11:30 pm IST (Monday)
Tory Burch at 9:30 am IST (Tuesday)
Gabriela Hearst at 1:30 am IST (Wednesday)
Michael Kors at 5:30 am IST (Wednesday)