New York Fashion Week closed on a high note with a series of exceptional collections that left the fashion industry buzzing. Designers Ashlynn Park, Bibhu Mohapatra, and emerging label Salon 1884 stole the show on the final day with their innovative and captivating designs.
Salon 1884, founded by fine artist Andrea Marshall, has quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of New York chic and indie artist flair. The brand showcases skillful draping, natty ruching, and bold silhouettes crafted from luxurious materials like Loro Piana cashmere and lambskin. Inspired by the 80s New Romantics and Japanese avant-garde design, Salon 1884’s collection embodies Marshall’s sense of cool adventure. Named after the renowned art exhibition Salon 1884, which unveiled John Singer Sargent’s iconic painting “Madame X,” the brand has recently expanded its availability through online retailers like Net-a-Porter and MyTheresa. Salon 1884 has undoubtedly emerged as one of the most significant new designers from this year’s New York Fashion Week.
Ashlynn Park, an alumna of Yohji Yamamoto, presented a collection that left a lasting impression. Held in Lisa Perry’s minimalist downtown loft, the show featured artfully tailored garments with a playful twist. Park drew inspiration from puzzles and showcased her expertise in constructing elegant pieces using rectangular fabric pieces. The spring/summer 2024 collection included black blazers with pleated waist details, schoolgirl kilts adorned with white cotton ruffles, and zippered corsets paired with crisp white-collar shirts. Standout pieces included Yohji-like rippling pants, cropped spencers, aviator jackets, and a striking bridal gown worn by veteran model Guinevere van Seenus. Ashlynn Park effortlessly combined practicality with conceptual elements, solidifying her status as one of the standout designers of the season.
Bibhu Mohapatra’s collection was a captivating tribute to two distinguished Black female artists, Augusta Savage and Simone Leigh. Mohapatra referenced these trailblazing artists from the Harlem Renaissance and Venice Biennale, respectively, and created a series of stunning looks. The collection featured a well-executed denim safari dress, a flawless porcelain cady double-breasted blazer, ombre hibiscus print cocktails, and an exquisite onyx silk organza dress adorned with pearls. Mohapatra’s choice of accessories, including Murano glass-style handle bags and sunglasses in collaboration with iC! Berlin, added to the collection’s tough chic aesthetic. While there were instances of excessive drapes and appliqués, Mohapatra’s collection exuded grandeur and predominantly featured models of color. The show was accompanied by an impromptu photoshoot just a block away, where spectators couldn’t help but burst into spontaneous applause as the models posed against a garage wall. This moment would have undoubtedly been admired by Savage and Leigh themselves.
The final day of New York Fashion Week was undoubtedly a highlight, thanks to the remarkable collections from Ashlynn Park, Bibhu Mohapatra, and Salon 1884. These designers showcased their individuality, creativity, and ability to push boundaries, leaving a lingering impact on the fashion industry.
Useful links:
1. Net-a-Porter – Online retailer offering a curated selection of luxury fashion brands.
2. MyTheresa – Online boutique featuring a wide range of luxury fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products.
