Last week, I attended New York Fashion Week (NYFW) as a Trend Reporter for FashionMingle.net, and it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Along with checking out the divine spring/summer collections from amazing designers, seeing the incredible street style of everyone attending the show was a treat in itself.
Just in case you don’t know, NYFW encompasses several major congregations of designers who showcase a collection during the week. This term covers the semiannual gathering of everyone involved: the designers, the press and the people attending the shows.
Everything is also a season ahead, which means that spring and summer collections are shown in the fall; similarly, fall and winter collections are shown during NYFW in February..
The majority of the shows that I attended fell under Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) which is a series of fashion shows under the broader heading of the annual New York Fashion Week.
MBFW showcases a range of designers, from Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Michael Costello to lesser known or up-and-coming designers such as Malan Breton and Dorin Negrau.
Most of these runway shows take place within the “tents” of the Lincoln Center or on one of the many off-site venues near the area.
Now for some trends to look forward to in the spring.
As far as outstanding texture and material, this spring there will be neoprene galore.
Although this material is the stuff of scuba suits, designer’s have turned it into everything from sports chic leggings to loose baby doll dresses. This ultra durable material was included in most designer’s shows, and you can expect to see some pieces at H&M, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, if they aren’t already.
You have probably already seen this material around, and it will keep trending until next winter as well. This was the material of choice for many dresses and separates, but I’ve also seen neoprene handbags, which can be a really great buy since this material is extremely durable and intended to last forever.
One trending accessory, or rather something replacing accessories, are “flash tattoos.”
These are metallic temporary tattoos in designs resembling everything from henna to Egyptian hieroglyphics, and they last for approximately a week (I would know, I have five).
They have been called “jewelry for people who don’t like to wear jewelry,” and they were originally intended for showing some shiny metallic skin while at Coachella or the beach, but you can wear it wherever and with whatever you want.
Some shoes to look forward to in the spring are chunky platform wedges. They were on almost every runway, and I can guarantee you’ll see them in stores everywhere.
If you’re not into the drastic platform wedge, you can find variations of it at Zara, Urban Outfitters and ASOS.com.
Lastly, while there wasn’t a specific color theme for spring and summer (although pastels are always a must, of course), you might be surprised to find that black and navy are going to stick around for the warmer temperatures next year.
These colors were paired with neons and other bright colors like scarlet and royal blue for contrasting outfits with less of an Easter””egg feel.
This winter, you can look forward to a dark palette as we head into sweater weather, but now you know some things to shop for in the spring.
Ultimately, Fashion Week was both a great show and a masterclass in how fashion itself works. I hope to attend again very, very soon.
