As New York Fashion Week progressed into its fourth and fifth days, the atmosphere was filled with the lingering effects of Hurricane Lee and the commemoration of the September 11 attacks. This historic day has always been intertwined with the world of fashion, as shows were taking place when the tragedy occurred. Over the years, much has changed in New York, but the city’s resilience has remained constant. In the midst of this resilience, three New York brands—Tory Burch, Paul Andrew, and Brandon Maxwell—presented their Spring 2024 collections, embodying the spirit of the Big Apple.
Tory Burch took advantage of the opportunity to make a statement by choosing the newly opened Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History as the location for her show. The space, with its futuristic yet Flintstone-esque vibe, added an extra level of prestige to the event. Some remarked that only a brand like Tory Burch could afford such a venue. Burch aimed to create a pared-down collection this season, exploring bold ideas that are not typically associated with her brand’s aesthetic. In an effort to bring a sense of calm to a chaotic world, she experimented with traditionally restrictive elements for women, incorporating them into the shapes and forms of her collection. Burch challenged herself to design short dresses, reflecting the current trend of women embracing clothing with fewer rules. She also focused on creating pieces that would stand the test of time and appeal to a wide range of clients. Burch achieved simplicity with depth by incorporating tiny jingle bells into a classic cotton evening coat and reimagining the brand’s logo as a design element.
Brandon Maxwell curated an intimate and serene atmosphere for his Spring 2024 collection by selecting the Andrew Kreps gallery space on Cortlandt Alley. The collection embraced monochrome fabrics, including stretch linen, Italian sheer knit, and Italian wool-silk heavy crepe in warm whites, navy, olive, and a vibrant orange-red. Maxwell sought to strike a balance between fluidity and structure, minimalism and detail, and neutrality and color. He catered to the needs of both urban women with busy social lives and those who prefer a more casual lifestyle. To give denim dressing a fresh twist, Maxwell incorporated leather into distressed denim. Additionally, he introduced versatile oversized hobo bags as a nod to accessories.
Paul Andrew returned to the New York fashion calendar to showcase his Spring 2024 shoe collection. The iconic Rockefeller Center rink served as the backdrop for the presentation, but unfortunately, the after-effects of Hurricane Lee resulted in a torrential downpour that forced the collection to be moved indoors. Andrew’s collection featured a subdued color palette of tan, black, red, white, and silver, and was characterized by zipper trims. The designer emphasized wearable shoes that seamlessly transition from day to night, incorporating a variety of styles such as pointy-toe boots, pumps, and espadrilles. Despite the unexpected turn of events with the rain, attendees had the opportunity to appreciate Andrew’s shoes for a longer period of time and fully immerse themselves in the moment.
In conclusion, Tory Burch, Brandon Maxwell, and Paul Andrew showcased their Spring 2024 collections during New York Fashion Week, embodying the resilience and creativity of the fashion industry and the city of New York. Each designer pushed boundaries, experimented with new ideas, and stayed true to their brand aesthetics. From Burch’s exploration of traditionally restrictive elements to Maxwell’s balance between fluidity and structure, and Andrew’s focus on wearable shoes, these New York brands captivated audiences and solidified their presence in the ever-evolving fashion world.
Useful links for further reading:
1. New York Fashion Week official website
2. Vogue’s coverage of fashion shows
