Uptown Girls: The Fashion Powerhouses of New York City – Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Gabriela Hearst, and Brandon Maxwell
In an industry that is constantly evolving, the world of high fashion in New York City remains an iconic symbol of status and elegance. At the forefront of this exclusive club are four designers – Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera, Brandon Maxwell, Tory Burch, and Gabriela Hearst – who bring their own unique styles and creativity to the table. Although they may not be natives of the city, these designers draw inspiration from their earliest days and embody the spirit of New York in their designs.
Under the creative direction of Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera stays true to the brand’s DNA. Gordon’s latest collection received raving reviews and applause from the fashion world. Carolina Herrera has always been synonymous with luxury and sophistication, attracting the cream of the crop in society. While the front row of the brand’s shows used to be filled with the upper crust, the clientele has expanded to include more intellectually inclined individuals like Maye Musk, Kiara Nirghin, Symone, Ellie Goulding, and Arden Cho, among others. Gordon has built a dedicated following, evident by a higher percentage of attendees at his show wearing Carolina Herrera compared to other shows in New York City.
Gordon’s inspiration for this season’s collection comes from a beloved book from his childhood, “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The result is a hyper-romantic vision of modern femininity, with an abundance of floral prints. He showcases his expertise in draping, with oversized balloon sleeves, flowing godet skirts, delicate bows, and exquisitely tailored sarongs. Gordon pays homage to the elegant gardener Bunny Mellon, infusing effortless American glamour into his designs. While some may argue that Gordon could push the boundaries of fashion further, there is no denying his ability to create romantic and timeless pieces that stay true to the brand.
Tory Burch captures the vibrant energy of New York in her latest collection, drawing inspiration from her own experience of moving to the city in the 90s. The backdrop of a stunning sunset on a pier along the Hudson River sets the stage for Burch’s memorable show. The standout idea of the collection is the use of stretched fabrics, which creates an ethereal mood in the garments. Ruched mini skirts, semi-sheer tops, see-through skirts, and glimpses of underwear add allure and confidence to the collection. Burch collaborates with fabric manufacturers to incorporate stretch into her designs, ensuring comfort without compromising style. Almost every model walks the runway in flats, highlighting the precision and uniqueness of Burch’s vision. The acid-colored handbags and New York-inspired shades of gold further emphasize her confidence in the city’s resurgence post-pandemic.
Gabriela Hearst, a designer originally from Uruguay and now based in Brooklyn, brings a unique blend of Latin American influences and conceptual ideas to her designs. Her collection presented at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is a testament to her ability to create beauty through this fusion. The show takes place in the Agger Fish Building, a rugged venue made even more striking with three large gold stripes painted on the floor. Hearst draws inspiration from an abstract collage she created earlier in the year, and the golden strips provide the perfect backdrop for the Resistance Chorus, a 20-person choral group that performs with immense passion. The collection incorporates references to Sappho, the ancient Greek poet, with contoured dresses, gold vachetta breasts and breastplates, and slip dresses in gold nappa. Hearst’s attention to detail is evident in the construction of suits, jackets with rose gold metal bars, and pants reminiscent of the disco era. Her Uruguayan heritage shines through with chunky cashmere and fine merino ponchos. Hearst acknowledges the vulnerability of putting her work out into the world but remains confident in her team’s loyalty and support.
Brandon Maxwell, originally from Texas but now based in New York, is known as the go-to designer for the “Ladies who Lunch” tribe in Manhattan. However, this season, Maxwell’s show falls short of expectations. Set in a lilac-hued basement inside Christie’s, the collection lacks the spark that is characteristic of Maxwell’s designs. While his signature shirt dresses and cargo pants maintain the crispness and clean lines synonymous with his brand, there are too many uninspiring sequined tops, formulaic blazers, and tinsel cardigans. Maxwell’s collection does not live up to his usual level of sophistication and assurance.
In a city like New York, where fashion trends come and go, these four designers have found their place and continue to captivate with their unique visions. Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera pays homage to the brand’s DNA while infusing his own romanticism. Tory Burch captures the energy of the city with her stretched fabrics and striking colors. Gabriela Hearst brings together her Latin American influences and conceptual ideas to create beautiful pieces. And while Brandon Maxwell may have fallen short this season, his reputation as the designer for the “Ladies who Lunch” remains intact. These designers represent the diversity and creativity that make New York the fashion capital it is today.
Useful Links:
1) Carolina Herrera Official Website
2) Tory Burch Official Website
