RIVER CITY FASHION

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?”

The Best, The Worst and the Most…Something Looks of the 2023 Oscars

The Best, The Worst and the Most…Something Looks of the 2023 Oscars By: Sydney Robinson March 12th was the 95th Academy awards and it was a historical night for many reasons. Everything Everywhere All at Once Swept the major categories, Michelle Yeoh became the second woman of color and first Asian woman to ever win Best Actress, Ruth E. Carter became the first black woman to ever win more than one Academy Award, and Jamie Lee Curtis won Best Supporting Actress to everyone’s disappointment. But in a more shocking development, this year’s red carpet looks were overwhelmingly good, in a stunning departure from years past. Let’s break down the best, worst and most “something” looks of this year. BEST: Fan Bing Bing The reclusive actress wore a billowy Tony Ward couture gown to the ceremony this year, creating a bold silhouette and effectively wiping her tax evasion scandal from all of our minds. WORST: Florence Pugh Florence utilized the same billowy fabric look for her outfit this year, but unfortunately instead of looking like avant garde art it just looks like she’s carrying a pile of laundry. Another miss in a long string of bad outfits this season, clearly she needs to break up with her stylist. Most Something: Elizabeth Banks In a third example of this massive fabric motif, we have Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks. This dress is…a lot but I can’t hate it mostly because I can’t hate her. Cocaine Bear for Best Picture 2024! Best: Bailey Bass Avatar: The Way of Water – and more importantly, Interview With The Vampire – star Bailey bass stunned in a champagne colored gown. At only 19 years old she has cemented herself as not only an acting powerhouse, but a fashion one as well. Worst: Allison Williams As a lover of the queen of camp cringe I’m devastated to have to say it, but this dress is hideous. Miss Williams you are too beautiful to be subjected to this! I want better for you! Most Something: Ana De Armas Since the original Marilyn Monroe happy birthday dress is now ruined and sitting in a Ripley’s vault somewhere – thanks Kim Kardashian – De Armas was forced to settle for a boring knock off. The dress isn’t ugly really, just deeply boring, but I suppose it just reflects her performance in Blonde. Best: Sandra Oh Not only did she look like a stunning Greek goddess, Miss Oh has boldly refused to fall victim to the “no necklace” plague we’re currently experiencing on red carpets. I could talk about this look for days, and I probably will. Worst: Andrea Riseborough This dress had potential, but it washes her out and feels like it clashes against the more punk haircut she’s currently sporting. Personally, it feels like this look is karma for committing category fraud to get herself a Best Actress nomination. Most Something: Eva Longoria I actually see the vision for this one, and I think if it was slightly less busy it would have worked beautifully. The art deco disco ball style dress is wearing her though, she’s not wearing it. Best: Ariana Debose Ariana’s look feels like the more mature and put together version of Eva’s. The toned down sequining feels cohesive and the dress fits her much better. Worst: Lady Gaga While Miss Germonatta is most likely descending into method acting madness while filming Joker 2, it seems she’s brought that insanity to the red carpet. The Dior inspired drop waist just doesn’t work on her short stature, but her hair and makeup look great. I’d recognize that Haus Labs liquid lipstick anywhere. Honorable Mentions: Jessie Buckley The punky sequined Victorian style dress looks great on the Women Talking star. Cara Delevigne Looking stunning in red, Cara reminds us why she was the it girl of our collective teenage years. Malala Yousafzai Looking absurdly beautiful in a glittering hooded gown, Malala makes a good argument for giving her another Nobel prize, this time for fashion.

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!

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

Fantastic Pink Plastic

web This through-line was more than evident as beautiful people in nearly every shape, size and skin tone strutted around the DC gallery dressed to impress. Check out some of our favorite looks: