New York Fashion Week rarely disappoints in showcasing the hottest up and coming fashion trends, and this offering is no exception. Designers including Helmut Lang, Prabal Gurung, Dion Lee, Ralph Lauren, Ulla Johnson, Brandon Maxwell, and many more have mesmerized audiences with their inspirational looks for spring/summer 2024. From vintage roots or western flairs to balletcore and tastes of maximalism. NYFW has a lot to unpack. So…let’s do just that.
We are spicing things up next season with bold structures and tailoring, playful prints, and all the fabulous sequin, feathers, voluminous ruffles, jewels, and more. Designers seemed to be tapping into refreshing artistry as to celebrate the wonders in discovering all the possibilities of fashion. Brands looked to defy traditional rules of menswear and womenswear patterns and challenge the conventional box of style. Many were inspired by ‘90s city life, ‘20s glamour, romantic fantasies of ballet, and the zealousness to embody confidence and captivating power.
From whimsical prints, flowy fringe, ruffles, and lace to utility wear, life size tentacles, and tailored corporate wear, spring/summer 2024 invites all to dress with joy and life in which we applaud delightful creativity and individuality. Explore these top trends showcased at NYFW, and get ready to dress with purpose, life, and inspirational joy as we too incorporate fashions made to celebrate in, made to live in, made to make memories, and made to achieve dreams.
1) Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.
– The devil wears Prada (it’s a movie, relax)
Prints and florals are taking an innovative turn in styling a tailored yet free and easily wearable selection of florals, landscape prints, polka dots, stripes, plaids, and water color patterns. Designers such as Ulla Johnson and Libertine presented a maximalist and tailored yet free spirited collection in combining multiple patterns, ruffles, and/or corsage details into one look. Others such as Adam Lippes and Alice + Olivia showcased a more upscale collection of loud prints that steer from intriguingly whimsical chaos to a more sophisticated and timeless look.
Glamour Galore
The runway came to life in full drama with collections of sequins, feathers, metallics, sheer, lace, bows, beading, and jewels. Works of art inspired by coquette aesthetics, old Hollywood glamour, and sophisticated modern luxury walked the runway and captured our attention. Designers such as Bronx and Bronco, Tanner Fletcher, Lapointe, and Prabal Gurung, played with combinations of textures, dramatic elements, colours, and prints to satisfy our craving for drama and glamour and welcome the excitements of individual style.
Corporate Queen
Corporate-core is sticking around, but taking a creative twist by implementing boldly structured oversized blazers and trousers, cut outs in various pieces, and excitingly dramatic elements for that touch of spice. Our penchant for power dressing, exhibiting strength, and confidence with a touch of personality, has never been easier this upcoming season. For we were not made with a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Let’s dress like it too! From shoulder pads and sharp collars to bright blue power suits, our fearless and wonderful character may shine brighter than ever.
Drop Waist and Low Rise
You may be skeptical of the slowly returning popularity of low rise jeans, and whether we choose to implement into our santified wardrobes or not the trend was spotted on the runway for spring/summer 2024.
Transitioning from high waisted to welcoming the return of drop waisted skirts and low rise trousers, designers such as Proenza Schouler presented drop waist maxi dresses while many others such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Staud showed low rise jeans, mini skirts, and
low rise maxi balloon skirts.
Sounds Like A Party
Balloon hem dresses wrapped in bows and sash drapings made an appearance and are inspiring audiences to find joy, even and especially in the midst of hardship. From Altuzarra’s strapless balloon dress to Collina Strada’s collection of edgy yet ultra feminine designs, or Sandy Liang’s minimalist balletcore collection, fashion redirects our attention to find beauties in all crevices of creation, reasons to be hopeful, and the joy of life that is so easily overlooked.
Honorable mentions from NYFW…
● Red
● Dresses over pants
● Leather
● Fringe
● Off the shoulder necklines
Will you be trying any of the trends from NYFW SS24? Let us know! And stay tuned as we head over to London for fashion week.
Words by Kirsten Keller
