Written By LaKisa Renee
The star-stutted NYFW made its return to NYC with the Fall-Winter 2023 fashion shows that showcased collections from designers and brands including Thom Browe, Dennis Basso, Christian Siriano, Sergio Hudson, Laquan Smith, Christian Cowan, Rodarte, Paral Gurung and more. Covid restrictions were lifted and nearly all of the show were in-person shows. It felt like things were finally getting back to normal fashion week. A-List celebrities, influencers and media took over the city in style for a week of shows, events and afterparties. The schedule was. non-stop with events from Manhattan to Brooklyn , the shows did not disappoint! From unique architecture to museums, libraries, cars, city backdrops, planets and gothic fairies, designers pulled out all of the stops to give their guests a fabulous fashion experience. Collections included eccentric, everyday wear, avant garde, futuristic, urban and classic and looks.
NYFW kicked off with pre-events on February 9th by Converse x Human Nature Worldwide ’23 Presentation, Reebok BB4000 VIP Presentation & Vintage Pop-Up Shop and runways shows by Christian Siriano and Victor De Souza. Friday began the official schedule lead by Rodarte with a runway show at the Williamsburgh Savings Bank. Founders Sarah and Laura Mulleavy transformed the bank into a glittering, gothic fairy world. Celebrities such as actresses Natasha Lyonne and Brie Larson were spotted at the show. Models wore designs inspired by inspired by gothic fairies including metallic gowns with wings. Philipp Plein also held his store opening celebrating his first store in the SoHo District. It featured a performance by rapper Jadakiss.
Thom Browne’s collection was literally out of this world. His intergalactic, genderless inspired fashions left guests in awe. The Shed theater at Hudson Yards was turned into a desert located in-between earth and space. The set included a crashed plane, planets and stars. Browne’s show was highly anticipated as this was his first NYFW since September 2021 and first show as the new chairman of the CFDA. Front row guests in attendance included Whoopi Goldberg, Queen Latifah, Teyana Taylor, David Harbour, Erykah Badu, Penn Badgely and NYFW Creator Fern Mallis. Browne conceptualized the show’s idea from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince,” about a young traveler who sojourns to different planets.
Son Jung Wan made her return to Spring Studios with enchanting collection. Stars in attendance were Brooke Shields and her daughter. Grier Henchy as well as Supermodel Chanel Iman. Other shows held at Spring Studios also including the Indonesia Now Presentation featuring a number of collections from Indonesia Designers and the KGL show with its odd, grungy, emo but trendy. Twin brother Bruce and Glen Proctor showed their new Bruce Glen Collection at Spring Studios which featured neon prints, tye dye, jumpsuits, ecletic patterns, jackets more. “Harlem” series star Shoniqua Shandai graced the runway in the show. The twins had an afterparty at the Soho House for guests, it was full of good vibes, energy and dancing.
Dur Doux held its fashion show at Triangle Loft and line featured dresses, two-piece skirt sets, and pantsuits with vibrant colors and floral/zebra patterns. “Legendary” star Gorgeous Jarrell Gucci from the House of Gucci was seated front row.
Designer Prabal Gurung held his fashion show at the New York Public Library. It was inspired by his Nepalese heritage and meditation. Models walked a mirrored runway under a starry night sky in draping designs. Kimora Lee Simmons, Becky G and Nicky Hilton were attendance. Fashion Legend Dennis Basso Celebrated his Fall/Winter Collection which celebrates his 40 Anniversary in fashion. The finale featured the iconic, original Supermodel Beverly Johnson, who made her return to runway in a gold-caped gown. It was an honor to see a legend such as Beverly grace the runway.
Cody and Ali Lohan walked Christian Siriano’s glamourous, classic inspired pre-show. They are Lindsay Lohan’s siblings, she sat front row in support of them. Bella Thorne, Orville Peck, Sam Smith and Prabal Gurung were spotted supporting the new Christian Cowan Collection. Prabal Gurung’s debuted its new “Anichiya,” Collection and took guests on a journey to Nepal. The show was based on the philosophy of impermanence. Sergio Hudson’s show was inspired by bright colors and retro looks. Some of looks were reminiscent of Hilary Banks fashion or styles worn by the character ” The Nanny.” Kimora Lee Simmons sat front row cheering on her daughter Aoki Lee Simmons as she walked in the show. Ming Lee Simmons was also in attendance with her mom to support her sister. Laquan Smith’s show featured glamorous skirt and pantsuits inspired by the show “Dynasty.” His afterparty featured a performance from the Bronx’s rapper Ice Spice. Other celebrity sightings during the week included Kate Hudson, David Harbour and Julia Fox.
MEFeater held its annual Galetines Runway Show which featured performances by Lola Brooks and Maiya The Don. Dess Dior graced the runway and Pink Lucy Design House was one of the featured designers.
Lisa Nicole Cloud of Married to Medicine featured her Lisa Nicole Collection to a sold out audience at Rolls Royce Manhattan.
The Confessional Showroom held its fashion show in front of a packed house at Nebula. Looks By Lunden styled a stunning collection with designer looks from the showroom and paired them with Franci Jewelry for an eye-catching combination.
Closing out fashion week were designers Kevan Hall, Badgley Mischka, Daniel’s Leather, Corey Woods and The Blonds. The Blonds always put on a larger life show with lots of sparkles, jewels and models of all shapes and sizes. Their new collection was inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour. “Pose” star Dominique Jackson made a fierce appearance on the catwalk. Daniel’s Leather brought out all of the celebrities to hit the runway in his best furs and to sit front row. Celebrity attendees and models included Wendy Williams, Fabolous, Vado, Papoose, Remy Ma, Toosii, Cash Doll, Ceasar of Black Ink and Justina Valentine from Wild ‘n Out. Corey Woods had a show-stopping presentation. bringing art, dance, ballroom and Magic Mike to the runway.
Other phenomenal fashion during NYFW presentations included the NYFW Fashion Designers of Latin America, Alice & Olivia, Batsheva, Jason Wu, Coach, Romeo Hunte, Tory Burch, Cesar Galindo, Stevie Boi Shades, Adore Me., Hi Tech Moda, SFW Runway, Scoge, African By Art, Negris Le Brum, Kevan Hall, Inherent & Ron Dyce making their NYFW debuts, Flying Solo and Art Hearts Fashion. You can’t have fashion week without the afterparties which included Frederick Anderson’s Afterparty at Nebula with music by King Paris and a performance by The Dragon Sister, Vogue x Nissan, Heron Preston Afterparty at Boom and Ballroom Legends Disco Jerome with Kevin Aviance at the new Virgin Hotel. I got to walk on the same runway as Kevin to “Pure/Honey” by Beyonce, which samples his #1 Billboard Hit “Cunty” while he MC’d on the mic. NYFW 2023 was truly an unforgettable experience, I’m looking forward to the next season.
Photography By: Getty Images
New York Fashion Week: https://nyfw.com/home
Follow LaKisa Renee at: @lakisareneeentertainment
