Front Row — Page 19

Gita Omri Spring 2023

September 16, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

When it comes to diversity and inclusion, the fashion industry often lags behind other industries. Though the fashion industry has made a valiant effort including models of color on runways and fashion campaigns and top staff positions at major fashion publications do appear to be more diverse than in past decades, size inclusion seems to be the bottom of the inclusion totem pole.

Gita Omri seeks to change all of that. Omri knows all about the challenges of finding garments that are appealing to larger-sized women. Being a plus-size consumer herself, Omri has dealt with the challenges of shopping for her size, as well as the challenges of finding inclusion in the fashion industry as a plus-size designer.

For Omri designing for larger women is all about the fit. Instead of taking standard sized garments and just making those garments in a larger size, Omri specifically purchases textiles and creates garments with her plus-size customer in mind.

Omri describes her collection and clothing line as less about plus-size fashion and more about designing for women. This was quite evident in how the spring 2023 chow was presented. Omri chose to have a standard-size model and a large model walk side by side wearing the same idea.

Though this was a novel idea, it is something that should have occurred in fashion shows a long time ago. Most fashion shows that include larger or plus-size models will only have two or three looks on a larger model. Which means if you are a larger-sized consumer, it may be a challenge to image yourself in the garments modeled by standard-size model.

That mystery or challenge has been eliminated in Omri’s fashion shows. And for the most part this Omri’s approach to size inclusion worked. What was a downside in this outing was Omri’s penchant for sticking to very basic silhouettes.

Images courtesy of VERY New York PR

Still, what this collection lacked in panache it made up for in fit and accessibility. And that is a significant accomplishment. And the addition of top model Precious Lee to the runway presentation was a boon for this brand.

If Gita Omri can inject more intricate design elements in her collections, there is no doubt that her brand will be one of the go-to brands for women of varying sizes.

William S. Gooch

Vivienne Tam Spring 2023

September 15, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) represents different things to different people. For some fashion industry professionals NYFW is the opportunity to see the collections for the upcoming season before the clothes appear online and in brick and mortars. For some industry professionals NYFW portends where the fashion industry in projecting via trends, color palettes, silhouettes, and inclusion and exclusion. For some folks NYFW is a variety of TikTok and Instagram moments; for others NYFW is a traveling party from one afterparty to the next. And lastly, for some fashion designers/brands NYFW is the platform to showcase a new direction or reinvention.

That said, in this post-pandemic era many fashion designers are looking for a new direction for their brand, as well as seeking new audiences. Vivienne Tam is one such designer.

Vivienne Tam has always been known for her distinctive use of bold floral prints and bold color. Every season Tam finds innovative ways to take traditional silhouettes and transform those tried-and-true silhouettes to an innovative distillation that reflects current trends with a fashion-forward sensibility. Her customer has consistently included that quirky downtown fashionista that wants to be the first to wear a trend or that marches to the beat of her own drum. Added that very special downtown young fashion hipster is Tam’s fondness among very hip Gen Xers.

At this outing Tam attempted to expand her consumer by incorporating metaverse and crypto aesthetics. “I wanted the creators of these NFTs—Cyperkongz, CryptoPunks, Awkward Astronauts, and Bored Ape Yacht Club characters—even those unfamiliar with NFTs, to be excited and to think, ‘Wow, they’re alive!’” Tam said in a press release. In other words, Tam wanted to “rewire the current fashion landscape.”

And that she did. Still, it was not the Vivienne Tam that many of us love and adore. This was a different Tam that might not sit well with her diehard fans.

Gone were the interesting twists on floral prints, bold colors, and traditional silhouettes. This new and yet to proven Tam really tried to go after the “floater generation.” A generation that cares more about comfort and ease of movement than elegance and style.

What was still in place is Tam’s penchant for good construction and whimsy. Was this collection a pseudo homage to Woodstock or the new fashion metaverse? It was hard to tell.

Though there were some very cool denim jackets in this collection, most of the looks were assemblage of throwaway separates. There was an early 70s-vibe, carnation bell-bottomed pantsuit that demonstrated Tam at her best.

Images courtesy of Seventh House PR

Overall, this collection had very little to say and was somewhat a misstep for Tam. Particularly, the addition of the rail-thin male models with matted hair that looked one step away from a concentration camp or a detox clinic.

Stay with what works and expand upon that, Vivienne. Better luck next time.

—William S. Gooch

LaQuan Smith Spring 2023

September 15, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

As many fashion designers are attempting to bring sexy and glamour back in this post-COVID-19 season, LaQuan Smith is looking in a different direction. In fact, sexy never left Smith’s fashion collection, sensuality and sexiness has always been a focal point of the collection.

For his spring 2023 collection, LaQuan Smith looked to bring more movement and pliability to his always sexy point of view. In previous outings, Smith wrapped his woman in his in-your-face sensual projections. And as sexy as his collections were, Smith’s woman had to be very fit and fine without having a lot of comfort when donning Smith’s creation. Well, all that is thrown to the winds in Smith’s spring 2023 outing.

“My woman is in a space where she needs air right now, it’s all about movement and fluidity,” Smith explained in a vogue.com article. “It’s about the female form, about sensuality and femininity, that is what we’re here to celebrate today,” Smith continued.

While there are many looks in this collection that demand a very svelte frame, there were several looks in the collection that would appeal to curvy or larger women. Still, if you want your sexy back or you are looking to continue your ride on the va va voom train, this collection will satisfy every need to show off your femininity and outer vixen.

What also worked in this collection was Smith’s projection to the future as evidenced in garments that scream next, next, next, with just a sliver of now. Daring, out of this world and a smidge of “oh no, you didn’t,” but Smith did, and his diehard consumer is ready and ready for this collection.

Though this collection was about as far as a designer can get away with when it comes to provocatively baring the female body, it was not garish and low brow. And the titillation value was not diminished by Smith’s infusion of comfort ease.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

There was also a sophisticated element to this collection that sometimes lacking in previous outings. This collection proves that LaQuan Smith is one of the standout designers of his generation and that he has grabbed the brass ring and knows what to do with it!!

—William S. Gooch

Boohoo by Kourtney Kardashian Spring 2023

September 15, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Fashion collections by celebrities don’t provide the quicken heartbeats and excitement they one produced. No one can forget Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B collections—which mixed streetwear with fashionista bling. Nicole Ritchie’s House of Harlow collections were a must-see, as well as Love S by Serena Williams. And former Spice Girls’ Victoria Beckham’s eponymous collection still manage to quicken pulses.

Kourtney Kardashian has entered her fashion collection into that fray of celebrity-based fashion and beauty brands. And there though fashion wagging tongues that would scoff at this added venture to the Kardashian empire—I was one such critic—from the looks of Kourtney Kardashian Boohoo spring 2023 collection, there are some merits to this outing.

At closer examination, the Boohoo spring 2023 collection was a very smart collection. This collection has lots of street cred and will satisfy a lot of consumers that want casual, sexy clothes with an edge that fits a lot of different body types and doesn’t break the bank.

Kourtney Kardashian ingeniously put lots of different sized models—from standard size to curvy to plus-size to very pregnant—in this runway outing. With this diversity of size and ethnicity, consumers will have no trouble imaging themselves in these clothes.

Still, there was not a lot of design in this collection. In another decade, this collection would have been categorized as a stylists’ collection. (For those young viewers who don’t know what a stylists’ collection is, a stylist’s collection is a collection that a fashion stylist could have curated from a lot of well-known retail stores. Thus, eliminating the need for innovation and creation. The genius is in the mixing and matching.) And that is ultimately what this collection is.

The only substantive thing this collection had to say is that it was incredibly inclusion. But innovating and introducing originality was not a part of the conversation. Still, this collection will sell well for those who follow the Kardashian and want to sexy at every jointure of their day.

Images courtesy of shuttlestock.com

One cannot leave out the attendees at this runway show. Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway sat side by side in the front row. And this was the biggest assemblage of New York City young fashionistas I have every seen. The audience was awash in Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, and other luxury brands. None of whom will probably wear Boohoo.

This show was, for the most part, an Instagram and TikTok moment. And for those social media aficionados, the clothes were less important than the scene.

—William S. Gooch

Bibhu Mohapatra Spring 2023

September 15, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge and difficult for all of us. But out of tragedy, a phoenix can rise.

That said, out of tragedies that Bibhu Mohapatra has suffered over the past two years—losing his brother to COVID—Mohapatra looked to points of activism and redefinition for his spring 2023 collection. Out of his realignment and inspiration a phoenix did rise out of the proverbial ashes. That rebirth being Mohapatra’s spring 2023 collection.

Inspired by the late German artist and activist Claude Cahun, who proposed the idea of a “third sex,” Mohapatra used Cahun’s experimental use of masks to alter his appearance in self-portraits to re-examine the Mohapatra woman’s perspectives and points of view at ever jointure of her day. “Instead of using masks in the literal sense, I have tried to create many renditions of the Bibhu woman,” Mohapatra said in a vogue.com article.

So, let’s examine who the Bibhu Mohapatra woman is. The Mohapatra is a woman who loves texture, embellishments, intricate design, and traditional silhouettes seen the lens of modernity.

Like many fashion designers this season, Mohapatra incorporated his version of the corset married with some of Mohapatra’s continued favorites—striped textiles, striped winged sleeves, black eveningwear, and monochromatic color palettes. New to Mohapatra’s aesthetic were his use of high/low looks and wide-legged pants with piping.

Standout looks in this collection was the brand’s Deauville-inspired, denim-inspired dress with denim corselet, wide-legged stiped pant with white lace floral top, floral black and white handkerchief, long skirt with black lace top, pale-blue poof cocktail dress with pale-blue train, and white and black floral print cocktail dress with long ribbed organza skirt overlay.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Now that Bibhu Mohapatra has a brick-and-mortar store, his fans and upcoming consumers will not have to wait for the big retailers to carry his collections. And that is a very good thing!!

—William S. Gooch

Kevan Hall Spring 2023

September 15, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered what makes a good fashion show? With the plethora of fashion shows and presentations during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) it is sometimes hard to tell what make a good, brand effective fashion show. That said, there is an art to producing a great fashion show.

Here are a few tips!! A good fashion show should contain looks that are now and next. (Shush, I got that from the great fashion editor icon Diana Vreeland.) No collection can really standout and triumph without good models. Good models can make even a bad collection look better. A good fashion show has excellent production quality—meaning that attendees are in the right sections and the guest lists includes industry professionals, influencers, the old guard as well as up-and-comers. And lastly, a good fashion show/collection should speak to the brand’s core consumers. It is fine and dandy to attempt to expand your audience, but you cannot throw the baby out with the dishwater, so to speak.

Kevan Hall’s spring 2023 show/collection contained all these elements and more!! For inspiration for his spring 2023 collection, Kevan Hall looked to Todos Santos, Mexico and his travels there. This “Hotelito” collection expressed a feast of vibrant colors, textures, and clean architectural lines that define the décor of the hotel where Hall resided. The saturated palette of persimmon, fuchsia, yellow, azure, and violet all of which are just a stone’s throw away from the crystal-clear turquoise ocean, are the final ingredients in the fashionable feast of the collection.

In this outing, Hall dressed his customer at every jointure of her day. And he dresses her brilliantly. “These are clothes that women can wear effortlessly for day … cotton embroidered dresses, neon brights, summer tweeds, graphic-printed georgettes are casual and chic,” says Kevan Hall. “There are also cocktail dresses and evening ensembles in textured jacquards, taffeta, silk organza, beaded laces and fringe that are at once sophisticated and sexy providing the perfect balance for the modern woman… the woman for whom I design.”

Though there was a slight old-school atmosphere at this outing—models turned, posed, pivoted, and mildly interacted with the audience, the black fashion intelligentsia were front and center, and the attendees were divided up according to what they could bring to the bran. There were also some modern projections that worked well for the collection. Tradition silhouettes contained some innovative elements. The summer tweeds were extremely lightweight facilitating transitions from early spring to early summer. And like several designers this season Kevan Hall included a range of ages of the models, highlighted by the inclusion of supermodel icon Coco Mitchell, who really knows how to show off a garment.

In this collection, Kevan demonstrated that young consumers can be sophisticated and elegant and still be current and that more seasoned consumers can be frolicky and fashion-forward without sacrificing sophistication and elegance. Additionally, Hall launched his capsule handbag and belt collection in this collection. All created in Italy with the interlocked “KH” monogram logo that will be a signature of the collection going forward. The bags are made of some of the finest Italian leathers on the market, some with perforated detailing. The belts are reversible in vibrant color combinations like chartreuse/turquoise, persimmon/yellow, pink/coral, and black/white for a graphic, more classic statement.

Images courtesy of VERY New York PR

Bravo Kevan Hall!! Keep up the good work and show the young bloods how it is done!!

—William S. Gooch

Cynthia Rowley Spring 2023

September 14, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

When one thinks of a New York City-based fashion designer whose collections reflect that you New York City woman who is looking for style, elegance and comfort Cynthia Rowley immediately comes to mind. As a designer who has presenting at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for a few decades, Rowley knows her consumer very well and understands how to keep her happy and well dressed.

Using New York City’s Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty has a backdrop, Rowley presented the color that was infused with lots of bold color, texture, metallics and silhouettes from the 1990s. “I think the things that are consistent with us is the pretty-meets-sporty and how these two really disparate ideas coexist, and everything that happens in between is really what I think makes us who we are as a brand,” explained Rowley.

“Color is really important to me and the joy that color can bring, so I like experimenting with that [too],” continued Rowley. “I feel like first coming out of the pandemic, color was really important. And then the next evolution of that is all that color, and then in metallic too.”

Many of the looks in this spring 2023 collection are slight carryovers from Rowley’s fall 2022 collection. This inclusion was must evident in the carryover of Rowley’s use of bodysuits and very sheer, diaphanous elements.

Like many designers this season Rowley looked back to the 1990s for inspiration. Rowley brought back the cargo pant aesthetic in this collection, but in true Rowley done in a style that fits her brand DNA and that make her customer very happy. We are talking cargo pant pockets on maxi canvas skirts and pants.

Rowley also brought back the silver metallic trend; however, in this outing it metallics that a woman can wear at every jointure of her day, and not just for eveningwear or nighttime ventures. And for those Rowley devotees there is lots of bold color to go around, as well as sexy garments for those daring enough to show off that va va voom.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

As we continue to move out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cynthia Rowley is poised and primed to keep her consumer ready for this new adventure into style and elegance. And this spring 2023 collections screams loudly that we are back!!

William S. Gooch

Frederick Anderson Spring 2023

September 13, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Frederick Anderson has always been associated with dressing the Upper Eastside female set. Anderson’s entrée into that sacrosanct set started when he was associated with former business partner Douglas Hannant, whose fashion brand is now defunct. Hannant even had a store in the Plaza Hotel that catered to that Upper Eastside woman who wanted garments that she could wear at her jointure of her day.

Since Anderson struck out on his own, he has continued to attempt to satisfy the fashion palette of that Upper Eastside fashionista. And he has some success with that kind of customer. However, times that are a changing. And that Upper Eastside customer is no longer the woman that Anderson once appealed to.

That said, Anderson still focuses his fashion collections on that Upper Eastside woman, yet with a more modern sensibility. And his spring 2023 collection was successful in that respect, well almost.

Do anyone that has experienced Anderson’s collection it is apparent that he is a master at knitwear. And his knitwear work is one of the elements of this collection that stands out the most because Anderson marries his knitwear with a modern sensibility and daring not seen from most knitwear designers. There is a definite in-your-face-sexiness with Anderson’s knitwear which elevated this element beyond the ladies who lunch set.

Anderson silky lounge and evening wear were the definite hits of this collection. Though several of those garments conjured up images of similar Halston collections from the 1970s, Anderson did manage to incorporate some of his own unique touches.

Many of the free-flowing garments masterfully enveloped the body, showing off curves and dipping to regions reserved for only the invited. Still, there were selections in this collection that would appeal to a more conservative consumer.

Anderson opened his show with Black Lives Matter and Gay Rights iconography and images. Bravo for those strong political statements. Still, how those political statements fit into this collection was unclear. This collection was more about how an updated Upper Eastside woman currently lives her life. And those political stances, though a reflection of Anderson’s political affiliations, don’t necessarily reflect his consumer.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Anderson’s evolution as a fashion designer has come to the fore in this spring 2023 collection. And there is an expectation that he will continue to grow and master his craft.

—William S. Gooch

IN EARNEST by Bryon Lars Spring 2023

September 12, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

A few years back, Byron Lars changed the name of his eponymous brand to IN EARNEST by Byron Lars. The reasons for this name change are varied and multilayered; however, for those of us who love Byron Lars and his vision of his ever-evolving consumer the reason for the name change is obvious. Byron Lars is earnestly and honestly the real deal. And this spring 2023 collection confirms that fact.

Season after season, Lars keeps his collections, fresh, current and beyond fashion trends. Inspired by 1940s Harlem, Byron Lars found an ingenious way infuse a Harlem 1940s fashion aesthetic into his spring 2023 collection. “At the end of the day, it’s about evoking the joy of dressing up exemplified in Harlem of that period, since I think we are most definitely ready if not longing for that level of expressiveness again in the way we present ourselves with clothes,” says Bryon Lars.

Interestingly Lars’ atelier is based in Harlem and this outing was the first time Lars has presented his collection in New York City since renaming his brand in 2020. “With IN EARNEST, we need to look at things differently, through a different lens than what we’ve done in the past. It is reflected in the design, in the business, and in how we want to present our concepts to the public. We are so inspired by the multi-disciplinary art forms and wanted to have fashion represented among artists of all kinds,” says IN EARNEST by Byron Lars business partner Sheila Gray.

Though Lars consistently seeks to keep his collections fresh, updated, and culturally relevant what does stay true to the brand’s fashion DNA is Lars’ remolding on traditional silhouettes and unexpected combinations of fabrications, textures, colors, and layered looks. Only a designer of Lars’ design acumen can continually evolve the Gibson Girl silhouette, keeping this traditional silhouette relevant and fashion forward.

As expected from the king of mash-ups, there were many other unexpected looks from the cargo culottes and lace motorcycle jacket to a red striped bustier top with floral harem pants. The designer also played with contrasting hard and soft elements, showcasing Black vegan leather ensembles as well as cocktail dresses of chiffon, lace, and florals. One defining element of this season’s collection is the dramatic display of the feminine form with an hourglass shirtdress, bustier detailing, puff sleeves, and peplums.

For pattern, the collection relied on a full mix of bold florals, bizarre prints, abstracted sequins, and stripes. Transparency was also a key element with lots of sheer paneling and a fully sheer qipao-style dress. The overall mood was a romantic nod to the styles of the 1940’s when American fashion was both traditionally feminine and utilitarian inspired.

What also stood out in this collection was Lars’ selection of the right models for the correct garment. From standard-sized models to plus-sized models to seasoned models, every model was perfectly matched to the right garment. A special nod goes out to supermodel Coco Mitchell who strutted down the runway in a silver, black and white sequined harem jumpsuit. Only a model of Mitchell’s caliber can show this look off in a way that makes every woman want to have this garment in her spring wardrobe.

Images courtesy of VERY New York PR

Standout looks, and there were many, include the white oxford boob button-down shirt w/palazzo jean, black vegan leather puff-sleeve sheath, black and white oxford stripe hourglass shirtdress, camouflage guipure lace jacket with sequined tap short, floral lace garden party dress, and floral sequined fit and flair dress.

William S. Gooch

Naeem Khan Bridal Spring 2023

April 9, 2022 by admin 1 Comment

At end of his spring 2023 bridal runway presentation, Naeem Khan turned to the audience, with fist in the air, proclaimed, “we are back.” As the audience rose to their feet in praise of Khan’s spring 2023 bridal collection, Khan’s collection not only proved that Khan was definitely back, but also that Khan is continuing to thrive.

For his spring 2023 bridal collection, Khan was inspired by beautiful gardens from around the world. Imagine the beautiful gardens of Tuileries, New York City’s Botanical gardens, the Dubai Miracle Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and France’s Villandry Gardens. All this floral wonder in front and center in Khan’s spring 2023 bridal collection and reflected in Khan’s use of intricate beading, floral cutouts, embroideries, and laces. To highlight this inspiration, Khan gives the gowns in this collection names that reflect specific global gardens.

As with many of his collections, bridal and ready-to-wear, Khan consistently injects a 1970s design aesthetic into almost every bridal gown. And Khan has created a collection that dresses his bride at every jointure of her nuptial ceremony from the bridal rehearsal party to the wedding to the reception.

This collection also includes a variety of bridal silhouettes from floral column gowns to fit-and-flare gowns to princess gowns to cocktail dresses and floral pantsuits. And though in past collections Khan’s bridal gowns seem to focus more pointedly on a younger bridal consumer who is very svelte and fit, with this collection Khan expands his demographic to include a wide swarth of bridal customers.

Khan did not recreate the bridal wheel, so to speak, with this collection—something he has done in previous collection. With this collection, Khan plays it a little say with silhouettes and design aesthetics that most consumers can relate to.

That said, Khan’s more standard approach this time around did not diminish the beauty of this collection. Though there were a few looks that seem to be repurposed from previous bridal collections.

Images courtesy of wwd.com

Standout looks in this collection—and there were many—include Oahu beaded cocktail dress, Medellin scallop beaded cocktail dress, Greenport fit-to-flare embroidered gown, and Kew embroidered drape sleeve gown. Naeem Khan, the bridal industry is so pleased that you are back. Bravo!!

—William S. Gooch