Leah Gilbert
Marc Jacobs
It’s official: New York Fashion Week has officially arrived. But before the chaotic days began, on February 2nd, designer Marc Jacobs put on an unforgettable show, marking his 40th year with the brand. While the show was going on, a notification popped up on my phone, “Models walking under the table and chairs at Marc Jacobs’ runway show right now.” StyleNotCom, the Instagram account, had posted during the show.
Bewildered, I opened Instagram to see models walking as dolls, in poofy wigs, and 60s model Twiggy-inspired makeup with massive eyelashes. Makeup artist Diane Kendal told Vogue, “At first, we were doing single lashes, then we doubled them up.” She left viewers feeling like they were entering a dollhouse world.
The models didn’t strut down the runway but stood stoic and rigid like dolls, arms and necks bent. It was a scene straight out of a movie. Marc IS a genius.
Tommy Hilfiger
Believe it or not, Grand Central Station was the place to be Friday night on February 9th, as Tommy Hilfiger shut down half of the train station to debut his Fall/Winter 2024 collection at the Oyster Bar. The show’s motto was “A New York Moment,” and it was very much a success with the show’s location being one of the city’s most iconic places. Hilfiger was inspired by New York, he says in an interview with Vogue Runway, and wants his collection to be “the home of the Classic American Cool,” but put his own spin on it.
The show’s guests didn’t disappoint, as the rows were full of celebrities, influencers, and even F1 drivers. Two people that no one can stop talking about these last few months were seated next to one another: everyone’s favorite mirror pictures connoisseur, Kelly Rutherford, and icon plus mother-to-be, Sofia Richie, were chatting it up the whole evening.
The outfits on the runway were full of oversized tweed jackets, blazers, and long skirts. With loafers, sweaters, monogrammed letterman jackets, and rugby shirts also dawning the runways, the collection is a dream preppy closet, and my dream closet too, honestly. This is the one Hilfiger collection I’ve seen where I would wear almost every outfit in the show. Like hello? Can you believe this red oversized blazer (see left)? And the gray tweed mini dress? Too cute (see right)! I’m running to a Hilfiger store the second it’s out.
The show’s entertainment also didn’t disappoint, with a surprise show led by singer Jon Batiste and DJ Questlove.
Tommy’s collection is essential as it speaks to his new message of ‘see-now-buy-now.’ He wants to elevate the objective of consumerism, using well-known faces as inspiration for consumers to buy his clothes.
“We think it’s really important for influencers and celebrities to be wearing the clothes that are available for see-now, buy-now; you could see them wearing whatever they’re wearing and go to tommy.com to buy them.” Tommy Hilfiger said in an article with Glossy.
Carolina Herrera
Bright colors, puffy sleeves, and sharp makeup looks appeared once again at Carolina Herrera’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. The show took place on the 41st floor of a building in New York City’s Financial District, allowing guests to stare out at the skyline behind them as the models strutted by.
Wes Gordon, the brand’s designer who is entering his 8th year with the company, did not want the collection to be minimalist, but to center beauty as the show’s main focus.
Gordon did not fall short in attaining this goal, as each collection’s looks surpassed the last. Whether it was an A-line skirt, jaw-dropping trousers, or floral dresses that leave anyone speechless, the looks adorning the runways were awe-inspiring.
He was obviously going for a retro effect, with inspiration for the collection hailing from the 1980s. The show’s patterns went from plaid to red to floral, with the last few looks being dresses encrusted with gold and silver designs, a testament to Gordon’s skill. The audience also included some familiar faces, including Becky G and Demi Moore..
The black hoop dress, identical to the one with floral patterning, was designed without petticoats, a nod to why these dresses are deemed modern and easy to wear.
The goal for this collection was to create various looks with many colors, mixing colors one would not expect to see, a goal which was clearly achieved. Gordon says, “The conversation between the four colors is the drama…I wanted this season to be a celebration of the idea that beauty is strength — clean, confident and focused.” Gordon has succeeded in doing so based on his incredible, beautiful, and meaningful collection this season. It will be in my thoughts for the next week; it will take me a while to recover from Gordon’s exhibition of creativity and skill.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch’s Fall 2024 show was on a historic day. Twenty years ago on February 12th, she opened her first store, making the date a milestone for the brand in 2024. The show took place in one of New York’s most iconic places, the New York Public Library.
The 35 looks Burch designed lived up to her creative abilities. The show was filled with shiny looks and tinsel, coats reminding me, personally, of Christmas time.
One of the goals in mind for Burch’s collection was how to make each look uniquely elevated, “I started with the concept of how to make the everyday sublime.” she tells Vogue Runway.
My two favorite pieces were both worn on Emily Ratjakowski, with the black reptile/leather bodysuit on top and a sheer skirt on the bottom. Playing with details, Burch made one strap on the bodysuit a spaghetti strap, with the other one including an intricate, black detailing.
I also liked the light green, sheer, ruffle dress with complex details of what looked like roses, once again a nod to Burch’s design skill.
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