My First New York Fashion Week: Part II

Jilly’s back...back again. It’s time for Part II of my recap of New York Fashion Week.

Badgley Mischka

Regal- that is the first word that came to mind when I saw this collection. Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka seamlessly blended two iconic eras of British culture- Edwardian (think Downton Abbey) and the bohemian 60’s and 70’s (inspired by The Beatles). With a relatively neutral color palette (greys, blacks, and tans) the pops of color really stood out. One of my favorite looks was this wine-colored, fully glittered, jumpsuit with a belted, cinched-waist, wrap-front and wide lapels. First of all, the color is gorgeous. Second, the silhouette is flattering on practically every body type. Would I wear this? In a heartbeat. Could I wear this? Can something fully beaded be hemmed? Absolutely. It might require more time and skill but anything is possible with a needle and thread.

Now, I couldn’t talk about this collection without commenting on this STUNNING ensemble. I love glitz. I love a cape. I love those two elements combined with the knee-length pencil skirt. I would take this outfit off the model, have both the skirt hemmed, throw it on and step out onto the streets of New York City in a heartbeat. I adore how the cape is lined in the same black-and-white fabric of the skirt while the main fabric is bronze and gold. It is all about the details.

Brandon Maxwell

In a previous post I have cited Brandon Maxwell as one of my fashion inspirations and his 2020 fall ready-to-wear collection did not disappoint. This collection seamlessly blurred the lines between masculine and feminine, hard and soft, structured and flowing. You could see the hours of work that went into each garment from the perfectly placed seams to the masterful draping. Picking a favorite look was a challenge. One look that immediately caught my eye was this white tank with a beautifully draped maxi skirt with a high slit. The skirt appears like a darkened cheetah or leopard print covered in lacquer and turns such a simple top into an outfit that can easily transition from day to night with the right styling. Another look I loved was this all black outfit. THOSE LEATHER PANTS- they fit her like a glove. I want ten pairs hanging in my closet, please and thank you.

Tory Burch

Vogue described this collection as terrific and I couldn’t agree more. This collection is bold with its mix of prints, textiles and colors. This look stopped me in my scrolling- an asymmetrical sleeveless dress with a beautiful, bright yellow floral silk meeting a stark black fabric at a river of bold 3-D sequined beading that stretches from shoulder to hem. It’s a dress that I used to think I could only wear in my dreams (not just because it’s a Tory Burch) but now, it’s a dress I believe could be worn on someone like me.

Oscar de la Renta

This is a can’t-miss collection. Seriously. With the striking colors and innovative silhouettes, the clothes in this collection were designed to stand out. Need proof? The first look, with it’s popping red ruffled top and neutral skirt (WITH POCKETS) is simply darling. With the right shoe, it can be worn in the office or on the town. The second look is this dark grey knit sweater with a gorgeous embroidered flower and matching dark grey pants with what looks to be embroidered or hand-painted flowers, bees, and vases. While this look immediately caught my eye, it is one I couldn’t wear. Yes, the pants would only require a straightforward hem. Doing so would cut off the gorgeous detailing I love so much. The struggles of being a little person is knowing when something is worth altering and when to leave it on the rack.