Designers Create Optimistic Collections to Build Hope for the Future

We are in great company, although separated in our own homes, tackling a global pandemic in real-time together. Designers included. Gathering inspiration for upcoming shows, many looked to their backyards or through imaginary dreams. Three key themes around vacation/staycations, optimism for our future, and designing exclusive glitz and glamour to illustrate Pure Fantasy from this year’s (virtual) fashion week.

Vacations | Staycations // Many staying home throughout 2020 leaves us to fantasize about one of our favorite experiences, travel. Nostalgic destinations inspired designers this season. Libertine infused literal vintage stamp prints into the collection and Burberry imagined a collection around a mythological story of creatures during Tisci’s staycation in Lake Como.

Both Badgley and Mischka were inspired by travel destinations they have dreamed of experiencing, yet have not visited, allowing bright colors and opulent fabrics in dresses reminiscent of the early 1900s house dress. A silhouette that prioritized comfort while being practical and stylish, highlighting many fashion priorities we have today.

Badgley Mischka // Photo via Vogue Runway

Optimism for the Future // Zimmerman’s collection was the most playful this season with floor-length dresses gracefully flowing in bold whimsical prints. Within the collection and floral motif prints, a subtle message of butterflies were present. Butterflies are a symbol of rebirth. Breaking out from a cocoon, a caterpillar’s transformation is symbolic of great changes to come. Under the current circumstances, it feels like negativity is surrounding us, some designers have chosen to forge ahead and embrace optimism instead. Elizabeth Kennedy designed the LBV ready to wear collection to empower women and create long-lasting impact. Her sci-fi influence features silhouettes infused with silver beading and robotic-like details grounded in a neutral, yet powerful, color story.

More thought was given when preparing color palettes this season connecting to personal experiences. An important color each year, Black, was still present but did not warrant mourning. Black represented accountability balanced with bright color palettes, whether dusty shades or jewel tones. I do not want to come across as a Pollyanna, masking the reality of chaos. Many designers feel pain and suffering making pivotal decisions while navigating this pandemic. If the runway expresses their solutions to those challenges, I am confident the future will be brighter for the future, even if it is only for Spring 2021.

Glitz & Glamour // Jenny Packman has much to celebrate penning the last words to her memoir, “How to Make a Dress”, and presenting a collection submersed in high glamour. Excessive ruffles prove we are not embarking on any form of fabric rationing even with our current economy. When you close your eyes, extravagant feathers and dress silhouettes provide re-emerging memories from our favorite parties from the past. Naeem Khan said, “We all want to feel fabulous.” as he discusses his collection. Khan designs with a feeling of hope and giving a reason to party again! Rich with shine threaded throughout with flapper-esque details of fringe and intricate beading. Patterns of lustrous tapestry mixed with bold leopard print recreate the modern day roaring twenties.

Christian Cowan // Photo via Vogue Runway

Runway, Culture, TrendingCouture FeastSeptember 21, 2020spring 2021, couture, new york fashion week, nyfw, new york, fashion, moda, runway, trend, trend report, trending