The Best of Fashion Month

It seems so long ago that NYFW swept across the city of lights and fashions finest were out in their best looks for a glance at next season’s trends. Personally, I’ve always loved fashion week (which really should be considered fashion month) as it’s a chance to experience a designers’ interpretation of what the future of fashion will be. Starting my career in fashion PR for luxury designers, I’ve always looked forward to the excitement that is fashion month. The exhilaration as you wait for the curtains to draw and watch as top models take their first step onto the runway is truly a feeling like none other. But, September has passed and that means fashion’s most exciting month has come to an end. So, as we bid farewell, we take a look back at some of the best fashion (plus a few sustainable fashion) brands.

It wouldn’t be a fashion month round-up without mentioning Savage x Fenty (maybe I’m a little biased because I STAN Rihanna, and have been a die-hard fan since she released Rated R! But I digress.) What I’ve always admired about Savage x Fenty is their commitment to celebrating inclusivity, confidence, and fearlessness. From people of color to plus size and pregnant models, Rihanna has consistently made it her mission to show the importance of diversity and to me, this is what keeps editors and A-listers coming back for more. Models posed in several eye-catching looks including Laverne Cox (!!!) who didn’t miss a step while dancing in a hot pink lace bodysuit and sky-high stilettos (talk about commitment!) Singer Normani, showed off her killer dance moves while wearing bejeweled pumps by one of Rih’s favorite shoe designers, Amina Muaddi, and Bella Hadid sashayed down the runway in a vibrant yellow lingerie set with a floor-length matching lace cape and headdress.

Year after year, Savage x Fenty has shown us what diversity means in today’s society, and the importance of representation in fashion, and this is what makes Savage x Fenty one of fashion months finest.

He’s the designer on the tip of everyone’s tongue and has become an NYFW darling. Kerby Jean Raymond’s fashion label Pyer Moss was one of New York’s most anticipated shows, and for good reason. For the Spring 2020 ready to wear collection, entitled ‘Sister’ the third installment of a three-part series addressing African American narratives in pop culture, Raymond paid homage to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Tharpe who is widely credited as being the ‘godmother of rock n’ roll’ rose to fame in the late 1930s and early 40s. Raymond’s ability to start a conversation and genuinely have onlookers reflect upon the power of fashion is what makes him a modern-day visionary who is a source of inspiration not only for emerging designers but his peers alike.

When the words sustainable and fashion are used in the same sentence most people are wary of the outcome. After all, what’s a look without your favorite leather boots to match? But, several designers have shown that sustainability and fashion can coexist without sacrificing great style.

Let’s take a look at sustainable fashion designers who brought their A-game this fashion month.

For the Spring 2020 collection, Mara Hoffman was inspired by what women vacationing in Greece during the ’80s would wear. Mara Hoffman is one of the most successful sustainable fashion brands in New York. Though the label isn’t 100% sustainable, Mara aims to design and manufacture garments that generate awareness and reduce impact. Mara’s 80’s vision was showcased in looks featuring big sleeves, nipped waists, and Ionic-inspired embroidery. Stand out pieces included, curve-hugging smocked dresses and skirts loosely gathered down the center.

Stella McCartney is the perfect example of how a luxury fashion brand can build a successful line based on ethical practices. As the first 100% vegan fashion company committed to 0% animal cruelty, the brand has spent years perfecting the best leather alternatives and has done a great job to make clean fashion exciting. Some of my favorite looks from the collection included structured blazers paired with midi skirts and a blue floor-length dress with a deep v and side slits.

Achieving full sustainability is a continuous journey that will eventually evolve into including all aspects of the supply chain, and this years’ fashion month has proved that sustainable fashion is a trend that’ll be around for years to come.