New York Fashion Week’s fourth day was filled with memorable moments as three indie brands took the spotlight: Puppets & Puppets, Zankov, and Aknvas. The day began with sunny blue skies, setting a positive atmosphere for the back-to-back fashion shows.
Puppets & Puppets, founded by Carly Mark, showcased a collection that resonated with a somber and bittersweet mood. Mark, who transitioned from being a contemporary artist to a fashion designer, has gained recognition in the industry with her popular handbag featuring a chocolate chip cookie. Despite deciding to shift her focus to accessories and move her brand to London after just five years, Mark expressed pride in the community she had built and the success of her final show. Her collection displayed her signature originality, with unique fabric combinations, draped head coverings, open backs and sides, and striking hosiery details. While the collection may not be available for retail, Mark remains confident in the growth of her well-established handbag business and plans to expand into jewelry and shoes.
Zankov, led by founder Henry Zankov, presented their Fall Winter 2024/2025 collection at the Starrett-Lehigh building. The spacious venue, filled with natural light from skylights, perfectly complemented Zankov’s captivating knitwear designs. Attendees, many of whom donned Zankov pieces they had purchased, were treated to a collection titled “Hold Me Closer.” Zankov explained that his design process begins with an emotion, which he then translates into colors, techniques, and silhouettes. This season, the collection evoked seduction, pushing the boundaries of technique and visual appeal. Floor-length skirts, self-scarves integrated into garments, and sophisticated color combinations stole the show, capturing the attention of notable retailers.
Aknvas, the brand by creative director Christian Juul Nielsen of Herve Leger, made an impact with their show at the grand Ritz-Carlton Nomad venue. Nielsen’s collection focused on knitwear, featuring luxurious cable knits in bold colors for both men and women. The designer played with proportions and tailored suiting, incorporating gold vinyl fabric and playful pom-pom effects inspired by Robert Artschwager. Nielsen also showcased his versatility with faux fur and shearling floor-length coats, using the materials to create pants, skirts, and tops. The collection ended with dazzling embellished denim and an ivory sequined evening gown paired with black opaque tights, potentially sparking a new trend in legwear. Nielsen’s collaboration with Stuart Weitzman resulted in embellished shoes, including a standout thigh-high denim boot for women and custom Dr. Martens for men.
Day four of New York Fashion Week left a lasting impression with the creativity and innovation displayed by these indie brands. Each designer overcame their own unique challenges, making their collections even more impactful. As NYFW continues, there is a sense of anticipation for the upcoming days, wondering what other talented designers will bring to the runway.
For more information on the featured designers and their collections, you can visit their official websites:
1. Puppets & Puppets – https://www.puppetsandpuppets.com
2. Zankov – https://www.zankov.com
