RUNWAY RUNDOWN: NYFW S/S 2017 9.10.2016
9.10.2016, 3:30pm: Namilia
Graduating from showcasing at 'VFiles', Berlin based design duo Nan Li and Emilia Pfjohl made their stand-alone NYFW this fall. Upon entering the runway before the show, guests were handed a list of goals that Namilia wanted to accomplish through their collection. The one that stood out from the beginning was to "Reverse patriarchal society's concept of female sexualization and objectification". The first look- denim bra and matching bottom with thigh-high red lace, bright red jacket, and leather mask, threw out any conceived notions of what a female 'should be'. The use of the sadomasochistic, something normally shied away from in the everyday world was another one of their goals to have "A celebration of the deviant and the freakish; reinterpreting the rebellious and sexual codes of punks and goths." The collection was filled with religious statements, the finale piece of Adam & Eve with their slogan for the collection "You're Just a Toy" had the audience gasping and nodding in approval. The use of the slogan was also used on a shirt with blue and white stars as sleeves- and a leather harness from head to waist. The final goal was simple- "Take down Trump" which was exhibited in their final look that attained a standing applause from the audience. The grand finale, set to 2016's song of the year "Sorry" by Justin Bieber, was our favorite of the year, with the models strutting down the runway for a purpose, believing in the design duo's message of female empowerment.. The collection will stir up important conversation while showcasing the meticulous work put into it that results in its incredible quality. 9.10.2016, 4:00pm: Christian Siriano
Always runway spectacle, one never knows what to expect from the RTW genius Siriano. This year, his SS17 line was inspired this year by the island of Capri, using turquoise and orange as stand out colors in his collection. "The turquoise waters and citrus orange-stripe umbrella-lined beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea inspired a bright and bold color palate," Siriano explains. His use of organza has always impressed, this time using it as a sheer overlay. Black and white stripes are usually a faux-pas but Siriano cuts the fabric so beautifully, creating perfectly accentuating lines in a beautiful variety of pants, blouses, blazers, and dresses. When the collection blended its neutrals with the pops of color- a black dress with a turquoise underlay and strap for example- synergy was achieved. A new wrinkle Siriano introduced was by using a handful of plus-size models trickled throughout the show. Reaching an untapped audience who can finally see how the garment might look on them was a refreshing take from the inclusive designer. He states, "I am just trying to show you that you can do it, you can celebrate everyone." The audience thunderously agreed, letting out a cheer, lead on by model Ashley Graham. Notable attendees were Pamela Anderson, June Ambrose, Jaimie Alexander, and Kelly Osbourne.
