
By Cindy Grosz
Whether a designer debuting or a veteran of runway shows, clear, modest dressing is an important trend during this week’s New York Fashion Week.
From Day One, it was apparent that long sleeves, maxi lengths, and overflowing loose dresses were going to be seen in show after show. What made each runway unique were the textures, patterns, fabrics, and the creative ways each design house featured the dress on a runway.
Designer Ionica featured several looks for both day and night with simple blouses in whites and bold colors. She also featured wide-brimmed hats as the signature accessory. They will be perfect for Passover, Shavuot, and many summer simchas.
Jessie Zhao seemed to pay homage to the classic Hermes silk scarf patterns. She featured both over-the-knee and ankle-length dresses with prints in soft pastel colors and intricate patterns. Many in the audience admired what seems to be comfort and style, as many walked wearing flat sandals and few accessories.
Many shows featured both men and women in coordinating outfits. Most of what I saw on the men were sport jackets and suits.
Designer Henry Picado debuted three collections, Este & Chlo, Henry Picado Haute Couture, and Henry Picado Men’s as part of a journey fashion festival. Picado, a name synonymous with fashion brands who previously catered to both the traditional working woman and conservative yet stylish partygoer, said, “The desire to look classic, sophisticated, and trendy is not just for a limited audience. It was easy to create looks for both men and women because requests from clients internationally are greater than ever before.”
Here are some of the standout trends that were shown in variations from show to show:
White, White, and More White. Either alone or as a background, tones of white were everywhere, including shoes, hats, and bags.
Lots of Denim. For both men and women, this was seen in show after show.
Sheer Fabrics. With patterns and in almost every color, sheer fabrics were on display everywhere. The designers used their talents in how they layered and used ruffles, beads, and pieces of silk and leather to make their blouses, skirts, dresses, and pants stand out.
Muted Makeup, Minimal Accessories. Modest dressers should take note that the clothing was the star. Makeup on faces was muted in natural tones and hairstyles seemed simplistic, with natural waves and curls. There were few jewels, few handbags, and almost no big belts or overflowing scarves.
Designers presented shows in restaurants, lounges, museums, and hotels, and in some of the most creative ways. Tory Burch showed in the gardens surrounding the Cooper Hewitt Museum, and Malan Breton opened at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
Over 100 designers showcased their creativity in close to two weeks of shows. Modest dressers have much to choose from as almost every collection featured classic, back-to-basic, wearable pieces of art. The problem won’t be where to find pieces for their wardrobe–rather, too many great dresses, skirts, and blouses to select.