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As New York Fashion Week comes to a close, and London Fashion Week begins, check out some of our highlights below of the top trends for FW2016/SS2017.
See Now, Buy Now Fashion
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest trends of NYFW was “ready to wear, ready to go” fashion. Instead of having a traditional six-month wait between a runway show and collections arriving in the store, luxury brands showcased Fall 2016 collections that would be available for retail immediately.
Google unveils a new fashion week-related search feature to help users buy items directly off the runway. (photo credit: WWD)
In aim to keep ahead with the fast fashion market, designers such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfilger all introduced collections that were available to buy instantly. “We’re on the cusp of a revolution,” said Tommy Hilfiger who introduced his click-and-buy collection during NYFW. “The whole industry is changing. People want things now.” And the hashtag #TommyNow says it all. Hilfiger took his consumer-facing fashion event further with his pop-up funfair party open to a limited public showcasing Gigi Hadid and his Fall 2016 collection ready for sale at the event.
Rebecca Minkoff also joined the trend when she shut down Greene Street in front of her Soho boutique for her Fall 2016 “runway to retail” show. Pedestrian traffic was allowed through, allowing anyone to stop, see, and buy what they saw on the runway in a range of sizes directly following the show.
Enough said. @rebeccaminkoff #rebeccaminkoff #ss17 #NYFW | Photo by @brickthn x FASHIONTOMAX.COM
A photo posted by FASHION TO MAX official (@fashiontomax) on
Fashion Goes Tech:
Embracing technology is not easy for a fashion designer whose focus on looks often empowers how it can help our lives. However, Michael Kors joined the wearable tech revolution by introducing his new smart watch.
“I’m a fashion freak, not a tech geek,” says Kors, as he unveiled his new watch where owners can customize their own watch faces by selecting color and style to suit an outfit. The Access smartwatch comes in two versions, a more sporty version called the Dylan, while the Bradshaw is all metal. Both smartwatches enable the latest technologies and Android interface including voice-activated searches, fitness tracking and social media alerts.
In addition, Tech Style NYC, featured tech-fashion brands such as shirts with light-up decals responding to sound, LED-powered light-up ribbons, and even a sleek GPS tracker for dogs.
Intel also collaborated with select designers such as Erin Fetherston and Marissa Webb to live-broadcast runway shows in full, stereoscopic virtual reality. Rebecca Minkoff also broadcasted the runway live in virtual reality for viewers to watch in 360 degrees from the comfort of their own home.
Fashion Comes in all Sizes:
Fashion Week has traditionally focused on small sizes, despite recent criticism that the apparel industry is not making enough closes for plus-sizes. Yet, American designer Christian Siriano, made headlines by with his runway show that included a number of plus-sized models, wearing a collection that included shoes on sale at Payless and several looks that were made available on Amazon.com immediately after the show.
Christian Siriano had a models-of-all-sizes show. #NYFW pic.twitter.com/lgGUiR9T4c
— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) September 10, 2016
With the average American women wearing a size 16-18, and the average UK size being 12, Siriano got major approval for his inclusive collection that was designed for a variety of body shapes. He has previously been critically acclaimed for his collaboration with Lane Bryant and designing a dress for “Ghostbusters” star Leslie Jones in July.
J. Crew chose to include “real-people” in its runway show by enlisting friends, family and employees to model the collection. Ranging from age 13-70, the Spring 2017 show represented a diverse group of races, sizes and body types.
Dana Soffer
