NYFW: Trends for Your Spring/Summer Wardrobes
NYFW: Trends for Your Spring/Summer Wardrobe It is that time of the year again, as fashion designers from around the world bring their Spring/Summer 2024 designs to New York Fashion Week. From September 7th to September 13th, models took to the runway to show new designs. This year’s shows focused on mixing authenticity with the maximalism that the audience knows to be luxury fashion, getting back to the root of “everyone can wear this, but still look chic” clothing. Out of all the brilliant designs seen on the runway this year, these five trends are predicted to make a splash in everyone’s spring/summer wardrobes. Ribbons/Bows The childlike accessory has been seen taking social media by storm and isn’t stopping at the runways. Mirror Palais incorporated bows into many designs, embracing the newly popular “ballet core” aesthetics. Some looks included bows in the hair, on the shoes, as neckties and even as print designs on a shirt. Sheer and Lacy The trend of wearing almost transparent clothing out-and-about has already been taken off on social media, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Michael Kors took the lead on this trend with a floral lace twist. The runway featured black and white lace dresses with two pieces that left little to the imagination. Golden Metallics Next summer, designers are encouraging people to shine like the sun itself. Designers, like Ralph Lauren, are showing that gold is quickly replacing the metallic silver that we are used to seeing on the previous runways. 1920s Throwback Like most trends, they cycle from previous years. The 1920s are making their comeback with a drop waist (waistline appearing at the hips rather than the waist) silhouette, seen in Christian Siriano’s collection. Chunky Earrings We have seen chunky earrings gain popularity earlier this month with the Bottega Veneta Drop Earrings, and we are seeing it again on and off the runway at New York Fashion Week. Etro was among many of the shows to bring these statement pieces to life, but the new jewelry trend was also seen on many attendees of the shows as well.
Plus Size Representation At NYFW 2023, And Why We Need More.
Plus Size Representation and Why We Need More With another New York Fashion Week in the books, we saw a multitude of exemplary collections, inventive shows, and endured yet another season of failed plus size representation. The comeback of early 2000s fashion has not only brought back low-rise waistlines, micro-mini skirts, and high-contrast color pallets; the Y2K body has returned and is more sought after than ever before. Being unattainably tall, and impossibly thin are the two main traits of the “ideal” runway body, and while there are a plethora of models who naturally look that way, we need to embrace other bodies as well. Over the last 20 years, our society has evolved in nearly every other capacity; it’s time we ditch a 20 year old beauty standard. Each year that goes by, it’s more apparent that most designers want bodies that fit their clothes, they don’t want to make clothes that fit every body. Brands should not be ticking an ethical box of inclusivity by only including one or two plus size models; they should want to rewrite the fashion industry narrative. After all, they set the rules. During this year’s NYFW, Selkie delivered the most diverse show, and arguably the most entertaining. Not only did they highlight plus-size bodies, they also held space for models of all ages, genders, and abilities. Instead of bodies being used simply as garment racks, it felt as if the clothing items were made for every model, making the pieces even more alluring. Throughout the show, there were a number of almost theatrical performances, and even a touch of burlesque. Selkie deserves its applause for another year of progressive runway casting. Christian Siriano similarly embraced more plus-sized models during his 15th anniversary show this season, sporting a collection full of “ballerina chic” looks. Siriano has been a lead trendsetter in making his runways and collections more size inclusive. He told Elle Magazine in 2018, “Adding plus sizes to my line tripled my business. Why wouldn’t you do that?! Do we not want to triple the business? Do we not think these women should wear our clothes? Do we not want these women to have beautiful things because we’re afraid they’re not beautiful? What is going on here?”
VCU Becoming: Fashion Show Review
If there’s one thing VCU has in abundance, its beautiful and talented students. This fact was best on display at this week’s Homecoming fashion show, “Becoming”. Helmed by VCU organization Heels Inc, this show was a vibrant display of fashion and culture in the VCU and greater Richmond communities.
Transitional Fall Must-Have’s
Transitional Fall Must-Have’s By: Bria Roberts November 2, 2022 Fall has always been a favorite season for many reasons, one being the endless possibilities of new and innovative Fall fashion fits it has to offer. Autumn sets the tone for stylistic trends in the new school year and incorporates clothing pieces from each season. So how do you create the perfect transitional fall fashion outfit? Here are some tips! When choosing what to wear at this time of year, keep in mind that the shifting autumnal weather and mood allow for the most versatility and exploration in styling. Fall is all about comfort, bring some of your favorite comforting Summer items like a breezy skirt or a playful tank. Everyone has these fashion basics in their wardrobe that can easily be buildable for those cooler Fall days. Swapping your colorful platform sandals for comfy furry boots or darker-toned platform shoes are easy ways to start incorporating fall trends into your wardrobe, as well as incorporating textured pieces into your outfits, like faux leather and fuzzy accents. Another tip is when in doubt, layer it out. Some of our favorite layering pieces this season are chunky, knit cardigans and cozy leg warmers. Accessories are also another essential part of any outfit. Opting for more elegant and classic jewelry, like pearls and gold accents can completely change the vibe of any outfit. When all else fails, denim and earth tones are the go-to transitional fall wardrobe essentials. These stylistic factors never go out of style and are easy communicators of incoming colder weather and comfy vibes. Fall fashion is all about experimentation. Make sure that whatever you wear is an extension of your personal style that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day. Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook Photographer: Mary Rushforth Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Jada King, Madelyn Carter, & Maddie Martin Follow us on Instagram!
Sustainability Spotlight: Kotn – For Lasting Ways of Life
Kotn has comfort and practical use in mind when creating all of their designs. They want to create clothes that let customers buy less and enjoy more. Kotn has a variety of products including womenswear, menswear, accessories, and home styles; all of which can transform any wardrobe and home into a sustainable, minimalist one. Kotn’s promise of sustainably made and sourced clothing does not mean they compromise on quality. Kotn sources their cotton from Portugal and Egypt from family-run farms to get the best quality fibres. Kotn also works directly with the family-run farms to ensure the workers are receiving above fair pay and constant safe working conditions. When looking for sustainably made stylish and quality clothing look no further than Kotn.
Top 5 Looks From the 94th Oscars Academy Awards
Jada Pinkett Smith: Jada Pinkett Smith showed up and showed out in this gorgeous emerald green haute couture gown by Jean Paul Gaultier and stunning Jimmy Choo pumps. This particular dress was made by Belgian designer Glenn Martens for the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The look features a ruched zip-up bodice, fitted to Smith perfectly, leading into a deep sea of green ruffles that engulfed the skirt. The vibrant green platforms compliment the gown perfectly, along with the simple jewelry and makeup to add touches of femininity to the bold energy of the dress. This gown definitely left a powerful statement, complimenting her Oscar award-winning husband’s charcoal black suit. Lily James: Channeling the bombshell energy from her role as Pamela Anderson, the Pam & Tommy actress Lily James graced the Oscars red carpet in this seductive yet elegant pink Atelier Versace dress from their Autumn/Winter 2021 couture collection. The cotton candy-colored dress was adorned with embroidery and lace and featured a high-thigh slit that led into a frothy fairytale skirt. James is known to draw style inspiration from her roles; this look is no exception as she utilizes the oozing glamor and sexiness of the Versace brand to pay homage to the alluring Pamela Anderson. Demi Singleton: Demi Singleton arrived at her first Oscars in this youthful yet classic lavender gown from Miu Miu. The King Richards actress, who is only fifteen years old, wanted this look to symbolize a new beginning for her as an actress. The strapless, elegant dress is simple and age-appropriate in its silhouette, while also fun and fashionable with its jewel appliques and soothing color. Through this look and her role as the iconic Serena Williams in King Richard, Singleton wanted to inspire all little girls who look like her to follow their dreams. Kodi Smit-McPhee: Aiming for a look that was formal, beautiful, and daring, The Power of the Dog actor Kodi Smit-McPhee sported a monochromatic baby blue Bottega Veneta suit with matching blue booties at the 2022 academy award show. Smit-McPhee wanted to reference the Oscar-nominated movie he was in by telling a story through his outfit. He opted to steer away from the stagnant black and white suit to solidify his spot as one of the up-and-coming menswear style icons. This intricate look was amplified with the addition of the luxurious Cartier diamond watch he sported on his wrist. Renate Reinsve: Renate Reinsve, the breakout star from the critically acclaimed film The Worst Person in the World, walked the 2022 Oscars red carpet in this unique and daring Louis Vuitton Spring 2022 black and nude dress. The classic gown utilized various design elements to portray a very modern and edgy vibe, definitely casting Reinsve as someone to look out for in the fashion world. This effortless look was complete with the addition of a Louis Vuitton necklace and a bold red lip. Written by: Bria Roberts
What’s LUV Got to Do with It?
[tribulant_slideshow post_id=”5889″] Story by: Annie Miller Photos by: Stanley Tran When you think of ‘90s fashion, which sneaker comes to mind? This is the exact question Jair Barbour asked herself when customizing the dressing room in her startup shop, UNLUVD Boutique. “I thought, how about we make it a shoebox?” says Barbour, explaining the bright blue, box-shaped fitting room with the iconic three white stripes slapped across the door. “I wanted my store to be more than just white walls and endless rows of clothing racks. I wanted to stand out.” As a Richmond native, Jair Barbour attended college at Virginia State University, pursuing a career in psychology. All the while, and with a growing closet overflow, she collected an inventory of never-been-worn and hardly-ever-worn apparel, selling it all out of her garage through EBay. “It started with Michael Kors bags and that lead into everything else,” says Barbour, showing us the perfect example of classic consumerism- buying things we think we want but end up rarely ever using. While it may be just a “girl thing”, Jair Barbour took it up few notches turning “it’s just a girl” thing into an, “it’s just the dopest shop in Richmond” thing. UNLUVD boutique opened for business this September 2018, right on time for the fall return of Virginia Commonwealth University students. Located at 701 West Cary Street next to Monroe Park in the heart of campus, the boutique provides the broadest variety of clothing, easy to satisfy the tremendous melting pot of style and personality throughout the VCU student population. While maintaining a constant inflow of unique and exciting retail, customers are offered a vast array of merchandise stretching from today’s modern market all the way back in time to the most one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, planting the ultimate theme for the store’s retro roots. UNLUVD Boutique digs up some truly extraordinary old-school garments, reviving the funkiest forgotten styles and brands from the streetwear-centered age of hip-hop and Michael Jordan. Classic tee’s and hoodies, leather jackets, neons, metallics, distressed denim, fresh sneakers, vintage watches and bags- I’m all there. A trip to UNLUVD Boutique and you’re guaranteed to walk out, arms heavy. Barbour has done much more than create a simple shop-around store; rather, she has produced the ultimate customer experience, expressing an explosive compilation of culture with the most heightened sense of creativity. UNLUVD evokes intense ‘90s nostalgia, everywhere from the pink painted walls lined with neon lights and splattered graffiti to aesthetic additions of gold chain balloons, Fresh Prince and Tupac portraits, old pay-phones, stereos, TVs, and even a basketball hoop. That’s not to mention the subway themed bathroom, Nintendo gaming system (for customers to play while shopping), photobooth, and let’s not forget the Adidas shoebox fitting room. Enter the boutique only to find a metal gate door leading you into the shopping section; which as explained by Barbour, was inspiration pulled from their first summer weeks exposed to the Gladding Residence Center and Monroe Park construction. With all that said we still have only scratched the surface of UNLUVD Boutique’s depth and design, and for those who have never been, it will surely exceed your expectations. So especially as such a quaint start-up shop, why put so much investment into all this extra stuff? “I want my store to be a place where people feel comfortable to come in, shop, take pictures, and hang out,” expresses Barbour, her tone reflecting her chill, genuine personality. Barbour emphasizes how much she already admires the loyalty of VCU students to their campus businesses. Appealing to and developing relationships with the locals is her utmost goal seeing the future of UNLUVD play forward. A lot of talk about teamwork came into our conversation, as she stressed the importance of people in the fashion industry, and all in general, working together in order to achieve success and make an impact. Aside from all the fun, she also purposes her store as a stage to help promote all brands and designers, including small local ones, in hopes of boosting every business and helping them to thrive. “That’s what I think I love most about the nineties,” Barbour explains. “There was a stronger sense of unity and togetherness. Everything was family oriented and themed around teamwork. I want my store to be a place where anyone can come in and feel welcome to do their thing.” What I find most fascinating about today’s generation is our infatuation with the past and times that never belonged to us. I never experienced the 1990’s as Jair Barbour and others before me were able to, yet I still felt overwhelming contentment and sentimentality when treading through her whimsical wonderland of a shop. With passion and intentions so bold and pure, this boutique has given me an optimistic outlook on the future of fashion and its evolving industry, as creative naturals like Jair Barbour are surely essential in improving its direction. For a shop called UNLUVD, they sure have a lot of love to give. So take a break today, head over to this red-hot spot, and dive into a different decade. Bring your friends, shop around, play some games, and take some photos! Their door is always open. Models: Ayanna McKie, Celeste Chaves,Nick Reardon Stylists: Anna DeBald, Daniela Osuna Fashion Editor: Aayesha Poudel Editor in Chief: Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez