New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry, where designers showcase their latest collections and trends for the upcoming season. This year, NYFW 2023 took place from February 10 to February 15, and featured over 75 shows and presentations from both established and emerging names. Here are some of the biggest moments and highlights from the week.

Rodarte and Thom Browne Return to New York

Two of the most celebrated American designers, Rodarte and Thom Browne, made their comeback to NYFW after showing in Paris for several seasons. Rodarte opened the week with a romantic and whimsical collection inspired by fairy tales and folklore, featuring floral prints, ruffled dresses, lace details, and whimsical accessories. The show was held at the Westbeth Artists Housing Complex in the West Village, a historic landmark that houses artists and their families.

Thom Browne closed the week with a spectacular show on Valentine’s Day, featuring his signature tailored suits, skirts, and coats in gray, black, and white. The show was a tribute to his late partner Andrew Bolton, the curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who passed away last year. The models wore masks and veils that resembled Bolton’s face, and carried roses that they laid on a giant heart-shaped sculpture at the end of the runway.

Palomo Spain Makes Its NYFW Debut

Palomo Spain, the gender-fluid label founded by Alejandro Gómez Palomo in 2015, made its NYFW debut with a glamorous and theatrical collection titled “The Last Supper”. The show was inspired by the biblical scene of Jesus and his disciples, as well as by Renaissance paintings and sculptures. The collection featured extravagant silhouettes, rich fabrics, intricate embroideries, and opulent accessories. The models walked on a long table covered with fruits, flowers, candles, and wine glasses, creating a dramatic and decadent atmosphere.

Heron Preston Holds His First Runway Show in New York

Heron Preston, the streetwear designer who has collaborated with brands like Nike, Levi’s, and NASA, held his first runway show in New York after showing in Paris for several seasons. The show was titled “Concrete Jungle”, and was inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in San Francisco and New York. The collection featured urban-inspired pieces like denim jackets, cargo pants, hoodies, and sneakers, as well as more refined items like suits, trench coats, and dresses. The show also featured a live performance by rapper Lil Uzi Vert.

Collina Strada Goes Green

Collina Strada, the sustainable label founded by Hillary Taymour in 2009, presented a colorful and playful collection that celebrated nature and diversity. The show was held at Brooklyn Grange, a rooftop farm that grows organic produce for local restaurants and communities. The collection featured recycled fabrics, tie-dye prints, patchwork details, and quirky accessories like fruit-shaped earrings and bags. The models included people of different ages, sizes, genders, and backgrounds, as well as dogs and chickens. The show also featured a live performance by singer-songwriter Alice Longyu Gao.

Puppets and Puppets Makes a Statement

Puppets and Puppets, the avant-garde label founded by artist Carly Mark and designer Ayla Argentina in 2018, made a bold statement with their collection titled “The Great Reset”. The show was inspired by the conspiracy theory that claims that a group of elites are planning to use the Covid-19 pandemic to create a new world order. The collection featured exaggerated silhouettes, distorted proportions,
and surreal details like masks with horns, spikes, and feathers. The models walked on a red carpet surrounded by security guards and paparazzi.

These are just some of the many memorable moments from NYFW 2023. Other notable shows included Anna Sui’s nostalgic tribute to her early days in New York, Eckhaus Latta’s minimalist yet sensual collection, Tory Burch’s elegant homage to her parents’ style, Khaite’s cozy yet chic collection, Proenza Schouler’s sleek and sophisticated collection, Willy Chavarria’s powerful protest against racism and violence, Elena Velez’s futuristic collection inspired by space exploration, among others.

NYFW 2023 proved that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the fashion industry is still alive and thriving, and that creativity, innovation, and diversity are more important than ever.