The Biggest Takeaways from F/W 2020 NYFW

The most talked about fashion show of the year—New York Fashion Week—just wrapped up. The energy, the people, and the constant suprises make it easy to see why it’s such a coveted event.

The 2020 runway shows were no different. Here’s what we took away from this season’s NYFW.

The Designers

Christian Siriano and Rachel Comey kicked off fashion week last Friday, February 7. Siriano debut his “Birds of Prey” collection in line with his own fandom and the upcoming Marvel Film. 

Designers showed no signs of stopping their creative prowess. Christopher John Rogers’ models were a spectrum of the rainbow, complete with puffed sleeves and strawberry shaped pants, accentuated with fine tailoring in cinched-waist sashes.

Area literally shone in head to toe crystal ensemble one pieces. To eat down with knitted sweatshirts, rustled dresses, and heavy shearling coats. Rag and Bone confirmed slouchy sturdy boots are making a return, and look best with knitted sleeves and dramatic long sleeved dresses. Commuter attire has never looked so good. 

Veronica Beard was the perfect of example of why the wearer always returns to her favourite pieces—the blazer for that big presentation, those black pants that never let you down—in clothes that were both elegant and comfortable.

The Photographers

The same photographers appear year after year to capture the week’s biggest moments, candid snapshots, and runway shots.

Phil Oh is a regular for shooting Vogue’s Best in Streetstyle, while Corey Tenold can be spotted photographing models backstage.

Street style photographer Lilja Jokien captured NYFW for The Cut, featuring everyone a range of subjects, including the Fashion Institute of Technology’s students, stylists, and influencers. Tamu McPherson is another well-known street style photographer fusing trends with everyday staples as she bounced around capturing shots.

The Celebrities

While the regulars—Bella Hadid and Kendell Jenner—were spotted on the runways, notable newbies and unexpected surprises held our attention.

Bill Nye continues to prove to us that, even as a Science Guy, he has serious swag. He kicked off NYFW in a now viral video, dancing his way down the runway debut to Lizzo’s “Juice” at the Men’s Blue Jacket. Zendaya was flawless in a feathered sheer shirt at Bulgari’s kick-off party.

The stars of Netflix’s “Cheer” were found cheering on the models at Brandon Maxwell’s show. Rihanna wore her own brand in Burnt Orange at Savage x Fenty’s Bergdof Goodman’s popup.

The Trends

If anything was evident from the knits, shearlings, and long sleeves work, it’s that cozy is in. February in New York is cold, but street style attendees and photographers knew how to dress without sacrificing their look. Supreme’s collaborative puffer vest with UnderLove and Chloe’s chunky boots showed us that comfort does not have to be at the expense of fashion.

The camel coloured trend exploded in blazers, boots, khakis, and sweaters. Start digging through your wardrobe now for anything that will match this colour.

Although hair and makeup delving into bright colours, trends on the whole leaned toward simplicity. From Jason Wu’s bold red lips to Christian Siriano’s sleek ponytails, and Carolina Herrera’s glowing complexion, minimalism was a look echoed throughout the runways.

Tory Burch and Rag and Bone were a few designers showcasing tailored fit jackets and blazers. Second hand designer clothes, like this classic fit Tahari blazer, with its tailored silhouette, is the perfect way to implement one of the season’s trends in your wardrobe.

The Location

The traditional runway used to be the only way to debut a designer’s collection, but more designers are veering away from this set up and exploring intimate presentations or unique venues.

Tom Ford changed time zones and coasts, hosting his show in L.A. instead of N.Y. Brandon Maxwell debut his F/W collection amidst the scenic backdrop of the Museum of Natural History. Ulla Johnson hosted her show in an industrial SoHo space, where pillars were painted in marble with the runway in matching stone.

Fashion month has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see what’s next at London.

Were you impressed with NYFW’s shows? Let us know in the comments!

Designer Swap is Canada’s online luxury consignment shop and Toronto-based fashion blog. Find gently-used and pre-loved authentic designer pieces to purchase and read about the newest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends. Make sure to check us out on Instagram and Facebook!

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