New York Fashion Week missing the power of big designers

New York – There was something missing in the air at Fashion Week this season. Looking
at the schedule of shows, one had to ask, where were a lot of the legacy
designers. Of course, you had the usual celebrated runway show by Ralph
Lauren, but where were the other brands like Calvin Klein, Diane von
Furstenburg, and J. Mendel. This season at Fashion Week almost seemed
rather like an emerging designers showcase, with a few splatters of already
established names thrown in.

Keep in mind, there’s always been plenty of emerging talent featured at
Fashion Week. For designers who get to show at any of the major Fashion
Weeks, this is often their introduction to the global fashion world, and
there way of saying I’ve arrived.

However, the highly acclaimed, already established luxury and contemporary
designers were always there to give you a good mix.

Many established designers didn’t show at

That’s not to say established brands were absent entirely. There were shows
that were the talk of town, including Alexander Wang’s, Proenza Schouler’s,
and Tommy Hilfiger’s. However, notably different was the last day’s lineup,
which for more season’s than anyone can remember has always consisted of
Calvin Klein, J. Mendel, and Marc Jacobs.

Thank you
Jonathan ! You nailed and I love you ! Love Diane

A photo posted by DVF (@dvf) on Sep 12, 2016 at 7:03pm
PDT

Marc Jacobs was actually able to push up his show to 2 o’clock in the
afternoon this year, because for once there was almost nothing affecting
when he could close Fashion Week like he usually has. Ralph Lauren also
moved his show to Wednesday night versus his usual Thursday morning.

This could have some positive side affects though. With the absence of
legacy designers, more emerging designers have the chance to take the
spotlight. Just look at the attention brought to Anniesa Hasibuan, the
first hijab designer to show at NYFW.

On the other hand, this could be a remark on the current state of fashion.
Designers are getting burned out with doing big runway shows, and
constantly trying to one-up themselves.

Hilfiger managed to make headlines by hosting a see-now-buy-now show, as
well as a carnival to sell the merchandise. But rather than opt for some
new innovative idea, designers like Diane von Furstenburg and Calvin Klein
opted to show appointments. Calvin Klein recently got a new creative
director though, so there is the explanation for that since Raf Simons just
started. However, Oscar de la Renta still showed their interim collection
before their new creative directors take over go down the runway.

Bold hues and
chic sophistication: The September Collection makes its debut in front of
888 Madison Avenue. #NYFW

A photo
posted by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren) on Sep 14, 2016 at 8:59pm
PDT

Calvin Klein is expected to make its runway return next season, but what
about Diane von Furstenburg? There also wasn’t a peep heard from J. Mendel.
Will they be making their return to their usual Thursday spot on the
fashion calendar?

If the trend of legacy brands pulling out of runway shows continue, Fashion
Week could eventually become an emerging designers showcase. That might not
be such a bad thing, but it might cause the event to lose prestige. Many
editors, photographers, and buyers turnout for the designers who are red
carpet favorites and household names.

The state of Fashion Week took a new turn this season, but perhaps next
season the clock will be rewound to take us back to the days (really even
just a season ago) when Fashion Week saw both legacy talent and newcomers
put their skills on display. Until then, the future of Fashion Week appears
to be up in the air.

photo via Catwalk Pictures