New York Fashion Week Fall 2021 kicked off on Valentine’s Day with a shortened schedule ending on the 17th of February. As expected, NYWF was mostly virtual because of COVID-19. But many high-profile brands were absent this season. Also surprising, the fashion week isn’t a week anymore. That is, it’s become more than a month-long since The Row presented its Fall 2021 collection two weeks before NYFW. Additionally, some labels will show at the end of February and even in April. So what exactly is going on, what’s changed in NYFW and why?
What has changed in NYFW
We’re feeling a bit lost with the newly changed NYFW. The designer Tom Ford, chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, announced, that, instead of scheduling an official New York Fashion Week, the organization would publish an American Collections Calendar to promote American designers that show off the calendar and abroad. In other words; the Big Apple may lose its spot as centre-stage of American fashion. If this change happens, we’ll certainly miss the great street style during NYFW.
Why has NYFW changed its schedule?
As the fashion industry becomes more global, many designers choose to show their new collections outside NYFW. Tom Ford, for example, moved his runway shows to the more glamorous Los Angeles. Many fashion brands have followed Ford’s lead because of the celebrity-packed Oscars and Hollywood red-carpets. Others labels moved their shows to Paris or London.
But despite all that’s changed, here’s an overview of New York Fashion Week Fall 2021, so far.
Jason Wu
One of the only two physical shows at the changed NYFW, what Jason Wu designed for fall 2021 are wearable separates to mix and match. Coca-Cola was a partner for the show hence the pleated skirts printed with Coca-Cola bottles, and a red dress with its logo.
Batsheva
Batsheva’s romantic dresses in crushed velvet, with ruffles and bows, are comfortable enough to cook yet elevated enough to go out.
Anna Sui
Inspired by Jane Birkin, the Beatles and the psychedelic late ’60s, Anna Sui hasn’t changed her style and presented a whimsical collection at NYFW Fall 2021.
Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson’s fall 2021 collection was inspired by the ’70s and ’80s. We saw earthy-coloured dresses with Ikat prints worn over animal-print second skins.
Adam Lippes
Adam Lippes Fall 2021 is cheerful and easy-to-wear, with plenty of comfortable knitted dresses and skirts, as well as oversized tailored jackets.
Markarian
Markarian, the brand Jill Biden wore on Inauguration Day, presented at NYFW a Fall 2021 collection far from basic.
Prabal Gurung
NYFW may have changed, but what Prabal Gurung presented was his usual cool and chic style, with a mainly black, white and red colour palette.
Title photo by Paul Westlake, courtesy of Adam Lippes.
If you want to keep looking at beautiful clothes, get comfortable and watch the video with fantastic Cannes red-carpet looks. Because we will go out again soon again!
