NYFW '17 Wrap Up: Best Bits

By Christina Karras

Another New York Fashion Week is all wrapped up. I spent the week gawking at clothes via Instagram stories, and conjuring up imaginary outfits I’d wear to sit front row…  when in reality I’m halfway across the world, in my pyjamas, sitting on my couch.

Nonetheless, fashion week offered all of us some good old indulgent escapism, into a world of frenzied glamour, and after-parties, DJ’d by rich kids who have won the genetic lottery.

In fact, children famous by birthright dominated the runways and the front row this season. OG supermodel Cindy Crawford’s children, Kaia and Presley Gerber and the likes of the Hadid sisters frequented the runways. These kids, whether you’re into it or not, are forming the next generation of fashion’s ‘it’ crowd.

With an abundance of famous faces, old or new, many brands used their time in the spotlight this year as a chance to push the boundaries, both in their designs, and the concepts of their runways.

Here’s a couple of our handpicked best bits of the past week.

FENTY X PUMA
Rihanna went full @badgalriri and no one is mad at it.
Windbreakers and neoprene saw the light of day for another season, with major ‘90s homages in the deconstructed sportswear, featuring extra buckles, zips and straps for that cool-girl street style that only Rhianna can truly pull off. Wetsuits and two toned baggy pants walked the runway, set to a background of millennial pink glitter dunes, while BMX bikers enthralled and interrupted the regular programming of fashion week, jumping from one pastel peak to another.
It was the perfect high fashion marriage between motorcross and sea, and a great SS17 showcase for PUMA, who hold their own as an already iconic street-wear, and another win for Rhianna, who is killing it on every level.

Alexander Wang
He faced some criticism for the brevity of his fashion show, that maybe would’ve been better called what it was- a party. But, we’re into it? Who else could bring a bunch of celebs to Brooklyn in an aptly named party bus? #WANGFEST saw the designer let loose, twerking after his runway, held on the street like an extravagant block party.
He explained to Vogue UK, “I’ve been doing this for twelve years now and I wanted this season to be a love letter to New York — to the city that supported me from day one — and letting people see what is normally so closed off.” Among muses like Kendall Jenner, models embodied the party girl vibes Wang is known for, precisely draped cocktail dresses, hints of denim and unconventional shirts.

Public School
Designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne also made waves on social media this week, with their ready-to-wear show which showcased top stitched nylon, silk, and workmen jumpsuits. The androgynous and loose fit collection also offered up a sportier side, featuring their pieces from the collab with Air Jordan. In addition, they curated a Public School x MOET party, filled with the expensive champagne; pulling in models and performances from hip hop royalty.

Philipp Plein
The German designer gave us some serious dominatrix vibes, with leather garters, petticoats and studs juxtaposed with flouncy chiffon, and innocent imagery of Disney’s Bambi in his Good Gone Bad show. Hair and makeup followed suit, with Rapunzel like braids but vampy lips and smoky eyes. But, it would be remiss to not talk about the closing acts. Future rapped “Mask Off” with dancers stood on scaffolding behind him, performing in silhouettes, "Jailhouse Rock” style, while Teyana Taylor (who is having a minute) for lack of a better word SLAYED, dancing down the catwalk so hard everyone lost their shit. Iconic. Watch it in all its glory.

Zimmerman
The Sydney brand represented Australia and held their own against New York’s finest. It was a nice departure from some of the harsh street style we have been seeing of late, as they kept things feminine and classic. The brand stuck to what they do best- ethereal romanticism. Garments were crisp, clean and well constructed, in traditional Zimmerman style. The signature silhouettes were comprised of bell sleeves, soft ruffles and puff shoulders, in pastel hues like pink and lemon that couldn’t be more spring.

Bella Hadid And Co. Go On A Macca’s Run
Models! Who knew, they are regular people just like us.