New York Fashion Week has made a triumphant return, captivating the fashion world with its remarkable lineup of landmark events. This season, the calendar has witnessed the return of iconic brands like Ralph Lauren and 3.1 Phillip Lim, alongside the much-anticipated debut of emerging talents like Grace Ling and the recent ‘Project Runway’ champion, Bishme Cromartie.
NYFW serves as the ultimate stage for showcasing the finest American clothing brands, as well as renowned global fashion names. Through an enthralling array of runway shows and presentations, it provides initial glimpse into the trends that will define the forthcoming spring and summer seasons, both in clothing and accessories.
As we set our sights on the Spring/Summer 2024 season, this report takes a captivating journey through the most influential and intriguing fashion trends that have emerged from the runways of NYFW.
A dynamic panorama of styles, ranging from the opulence of golden metallics to the transformative power of sequins that transition from evening extravagance to versatile day-to-night wear, come under the spotlight. Designers and high fashion brands explore the evolution of classic blazers, adapting to contemporary sensibilities with diverse fabrics, vibrant prints and an emphasis on precise tailoring.
Although handbags may not always steal the spotlight during fashion weeks, this season has witnessed a refreshing transformation. Tote bags, crossbody purses, clutches and handbags have assumed pivotal roles in elevating the allure of the Spring/Summer 2024 runway collections.
These accessory pieces have adeptly evolved from trends witnessed in the clothing department, incorporating elements such as lustrous metallic finishes, enchanting floral motifs and 3D florals as well as enduringly elegant silhouettes.
Designers have skillfully revitalised conventional accessories by introducing updated hardware, imaginative sizing choices and whimsical shapes, infusing a dynamic and captivating quality into the timeless charm of handbags.
Read on to discover the top trends for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 season, as spotted at New York Fashion Week.
GOLDEN GODDESS
Golden metallics get an upgrade this season as designers and high fashion brands alike, take to the dynamic fusion of glamour and innovation within their collections.
The trend is characterised by the incorporation of metallic gold as a central element in both clothing and accessories, reflecting a diverse array of design philosophies. Designers have embraced luxurious fabrics such as lamé, silk, satin and metallic-flecked textiles to use as a canvas for creating a resplendent and attention-grabbing visual impact.
At Ralph Lauren, models adorned themselves in opulent loose-fitting dresses and separates infused with glistening gold, creating a captivating sense of molten movement, whilst visionary designers such as Prabal Gurung demonstrated their ingenuity by employing inventive textures to make metallics come alive.
SHEER GENIUS
Basking in the success enjoyed by it through the past few seasons, sheers show no sign of leaving the fashion party just yet, with the upcoming season being all about embracing transparency and sensuality.
Designers are incorporating sheer fabrics and materials such as tulle, organza and mesh into clothing, allowing glimpses of skin and undergarments to reveal a delicate, ethereal look. This trend encourages a balance between revealing and concealing, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the fine line between sophistication and charm.
Returning to the runways with renewed vitality, the trend saw fashion luminaries such as Christian Siriano and Coach reimagining sheer while departing from conventional mesh and plain open knits in favour of incorporating playful patterns and exquisite lacework. Coach was one of the many brands to put a spin on traditional suit silhouettes and play with transparencies.
SEQUIN SPLENDOUR
The Spring/Summer 2024 season is all about bringing shimmer, sparkle and a touch of glamour to the forefront of fashion. Sequins have long been associated with eveningwear and special occasions. However, in this season, those small, shiny, disk-shaped embellishments are breaking stereotypes and finding their place in everyday clothing as well.
Designers such as Colin LoCascio and Sergio Hudson brought a fresh perspective to sequins by incorporating large paillettes in captivating teardrop and floral shapes. These embellishments breathed new life into otherwise understated statement pieces, infusing them with a mesmerising allure. Another standout moment came courtesy to Kate Spade, when tiny chartreuse sequins were artfully employed to transform a sheath dress into a piece reminiscent of neon chainmail.
CROPPED BLAZERS
Cropped blazers have evolved from a niche style into a versatile and fashion-forward staple by providing a fresh take on classic tailoring. Characterised by shorter-length blazers that typically fall above the natural waistline, this style reimagines the classic blazer silhouette, offering a modern and versatile alternative to workwear and everyday dressing.
The NYFW Spring/Summer 2024 runways saw designers and high fashion brands alike revamping the oversized, boxy blazers that drew inspiration from the ’80s on the fall runways to a miniaturisation makeover for the upcoming spring season. At Flying Solo, the cropped silhouette took on a disco-inspired glamour with gunmetal sequins. Sergio Hudson embraced a preppy touch with a houndstooth pattern, while Christian Siriano ventured into crinkly metallics. Regardless of the texture, this trend places a strong emphasis on the outer layer, with models often opting for a topless look or pairing the blazers with matching bra tops underneath.
LAYERED BAGS
The rise of micro mini bags in the past few seasons has left us questioning their utility as they become too petite to carry anything beyond a lipstick. However, at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024, designers and brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, Rachel Comey and 3.1 Phillip Lim presented innovative solutions for the same on the runway.
Models confidently sported not just one but two bags, offering a fresh perspective on how to make this a fashion statement while maintaining practicality. Larger bags are accompanied with smaller micro versions allowing one the ease and convenience of organising as they please. Perfect for day to night, when one can quickly transfer essentials from one bag to the other without the hassle of having to choose.
DROP WAISTS
Drop waists come centre stage in the realm of standout silhouettes for the Spring/ Summer 2024 season. This particular detail, characterised by a waistline that sits at or below the hips rather than the natural waistline, has been skillfully executed in distinct ways on the runways of NYFW. Designers like Rachel Comey and Collina Strada employed elegant draping techniques to achieve this effect, while Christian Siriano made a bold statement by showcasing a dramatic drop-waist ballgown on the runway.
PETAL POWER
From the prestigious red carpet of the Met Gala to the enchanting runways of Haute Couture, 2023 witnessed the resurgence of extravagant rosettes as a prominent fashion statement.
This trend has further blossomed in the spring collections, where we saw an array of metallic, sequined and ruffled floral embellishments adorning statement tops and belts from a number of renowned designers including Flying Solo, Colin LoCascio and Ulla Johnson.
Characterised by ruffle flower iterations, floral appliqué and also 3D flower renditions, the trend has proved to be a captivating and tactile addition to fashion in recent seasons. These intricate and textured flowers add a sense of whimsy, femininity and artistry to garments, making them a standout feature on runways and red carpets alike, perfect for those who wish to express themselves via their clothing choices.
The trend further extends itself to the accessories category – particularly bags, with designers ditching traditional prints and instead embracing vibrant 3D floral petals. These intricate designs combine the delicate charm of rosettes with the whimsical nostalgia of ’70s flower-power patterns, injecting a fresh and captivating aesthetic into the world of fashion accessories.
SLOUCHY TOTE BAGS
Oversized slouchy bags have redefined functionality and style in the fashion realm. Prioritising practicality while making a bold fashion statement, these bags offer ample space for daily essentials, seamlessly blending utility with a contemporary aesthetic while exuding an effortless, relaxed vibe.
The current season reflects a mindset shift towards comfort and versatility, with designers and brands such as Sixdo, Tibi, 3.1 Phillip Lim, introducing a collection of shiny leather and neutral canvas totes, featuring supple and softly structured silhouettes. This shift towards a more laid-back aesthetic showcases the evolving appeal of roomy totes that prioritise comfort and style.
