By Gretta Monahan
As I write this, Manhattan and the entire fashion world are gearing up for New York Fashion Week, which kicks off today. Through next Friday, the city will be inundated with ultra-creative shows full of the best of what American designers have to offer for the 2018 fall season.
And the buzz is palpable, as changes continue in the way clothes are shown. Shows are moving online, so pieces can be ordered by retailers in a more flexible way. Others are popping up in different settings outside the Bryant Park tents.
Other changes are happening within the tents. In a big win for privacy, this is the first year that models backstage will have their own private changing area. The Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Model Alliance made that announcement just this week, to what was no doubt many smiles from models who are sick of having to change clothes in front of everyone from stylists and makeup artists to photographers and agents.
Meanwhile, the shows themselves are promising to be as high-energy and intoxicating as ever. I, for one, can’t wait for today’s Cinq a Sept show. The house’s stunning, clean and body-baring aesthetic never fails to impress, and Ulla Johnson will be showing after that. Johnson’s signature mix of batik prints, embroidery and details like fringe and ties has built a big following since she launched the brand over a decade ago, and it’s always fun to see how she reinterprets that time and time again.
At last season’s shows, Tom Ford stole the spotlight with an explosive show dedicated to big-shouldered numbers and big jackets in bright velvets and sumptuous satins. It’s always a big part of the week’s excitement to anticipate what the former head of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent will conjure up — and to guess at which A-listers will be in the front row.
But before his show, there will be many more to talk about, from the beautiful simplicity of Jason Wu and Cushnie Et Ochs to Vivi Zubedi and the wild prints of Prabal Gurung. Check back here over the week for my coverage of all the best shows — buckle up!
