When flowers show up in fashion collections on the runway, it’s usually in a print. When designers incorporate them into their lines in 3-D, we salute them! Now that New York Fashion Week has passed, let’s review the most memorable floral moments and installations from this year…
A colorfully elaborate set designed by Randall Peacock, was constructed at the Park Avenue Armory to premiere Tommy Hilfiger’s line. Inspired by the rock music scene of the 60s and 70s, it was all about vintage rock and roll baby. The set exuded the flower power of classic music festivals. Not only that but it required over 130,000 flower stems and 4 days of labor to pull together. “We wanted it to be a full circle. The clothes, the set, the soundtrack, the invitations, the ambience, we need to take you somewhere. We’ve taken you to Malibu, we’ve taken you to the mountains; now we’re going to take you to a music festival, with the 1960s and early 1970s as the inspiration.” -Tommy Hilfiger
In the spirit of “Alice in Wonderland”, was Thom Browne’s Collection this year. A voiceover by Diane Keaton began the show; “Good evening, everyone, a short story, a simple story, a timeless story.” The story was actually written by Thom Browne himself. Known for theatrics, Mr. Browne was inspired by what might dwell on the other side of the looking glass. Absurdity and whimsy were recurrent themes in each piece. Theatrical but not entirely costumes, some models carried bouquets down the runway and even wore giant flowers on their heads. “Every single piece is important to the story, very simple shapes, with amazingly intricate workmanship.” -Thom Browne
A tightly woven wall of flowers created by Raul Avila included carnations and hydrangea set the backdrop to Oscar de la Renta’s collection. On his runway, it was pure floral femininity in the form of gingham and broderie anglaise. Elegant and youthful silhouettes cascaded down the runway in a classic fashion. Black and white patterns with playful splashes of color alternated from piece to ___ piece. In partnership with the Clinton Foundation, stuffed elephants were found beneath each seat in the audience to help raise awareness of elephant poaching and ivory trafficking in Africa. “There is no one on earth who makes a woman feel more beautiful than Oscar de la Renta” -Karlie Kloss.
At the Pavilion, silk and taffeta took over. Soft colors and clean structures adorned the models of Tome’s Collection. The line was inspired by a classic Indian dancer named Rukmin Devi, as well as photographer Dayanita Singh. Modernized versions of traditional Indian saris were featured. Most importantly, some of the models wore fresh orchids in their hair. As a gift to attendees, a fresh orchid was placed in every seat for the purpose of wearing it in your hair. Simple, feminine, and fluid, trench coats and high waisted skirts were featured, as well as petal embroidered pieces.
If you are feeling as inspired as we are, let us know if you need any fresh orchids to wear in your hair for this weekend!
Ciao darlings.
by Bernadette Lords