Leading the way, New York witnessed Tommy Hilfiger's much-anticipated return to the fashion calendar, showcasing a tribute to the metropolis. Concurrently, Khaite, Altuzarra, and Helmut Lang unveiled their collections during the inaugural weekend, drawing A-listers to their premier seating. Here's MOJEH's second round of highlights. Click here to read our recap of days one and two.
At the vanguard of fashion's ever-evolving narrative, Michelle Ochs' maiden collection for Hervé Léger heralds a fresh perspective on the brand's iconic lexicon. Ochs articulates a vision of augmented dimension, movement, and a fluidity that dances on the edges of tradition. Ochs reflected on keeping it polished but with a promise of more."
The brand's hallmark bandage dresses stand, unwavering, their ingenious construction obviating the need for shapewear, yet maintaining their hallmark embrace. In Ochs's realm, the Léger woman retains her allure, grounded in the tangible world. This is evidenced by a deep dive into separates—precise tailoring, sculpted jumpsuits, elevated tops, and the quintessential trousers.
The essence of this debut isn't solely in Ochs's readiness, shaped by her tenure at Cushnie et Ochs and Et Ochs, but in her nuanced understanding of Hervé Léger's spirit. It's a commitment to invigorate the brand, a deft blend of reverence and revolution.
In a parallel sartorial narrative, Joseph Altuzarra embarks on a journey of introspection and renewal. Foregoing grand narratives for a meditation on individual pieces that resonate with personal significance, the collection emerges as a tapestry of Altuzarra's private musings. From the inaugural piece, a macintosh with a storm-flap, a direct echo of his personal wardrobe, to silk-twill sundresses with abstract equestrian prints and jodhpurs, the collection is a dialogue with the self.
Clown illustrations, with their Pierrot ruffs, subtly influence frilled collars and cuffs, juxtaposed with more austere pieces such as peacoats and tailored blazers, reminiscent of '80s Ralph Lauren. The collection, with its diverse array of knit pants and pointy ballet flats, invites one into a personal sartorial history, each piece a chapter in a larger narrative of identity.
Gabriela Hearst stands as a paragon of sustainability, her collection weaving environmental consciousness with sartorial innovation. A quilted denim duster coat harks back to the brand's origins, now reimagined in recycled cotton and hemp. Hearst channels the divine warrior Athena in a dress that balances strength and elegance, while drawing inspiration from Leonora Carrington's surrealist legacy. The collection, with its cashmere "fur" and crinkled leather trench, invites a bolder exploration of magical realism, a tribute to Carrington's dreamlike oeuvre.
Michael Kors, amidst a world in flux, reiterates his mission to instill confidence through timeless elegance. His Fall 2024 collection is a symphony of sculptural tailoring, demonstrative outerwear, and bias-cut dresses, a homage to personal heritage and the transformative power of fashion. From tweed jackets with defined waists to sequined cashmere hoodie dresses, Kors crafts a narrative of resilience and adaptability, a testament to the enduring allure of well-considered design.
Tory Burch's runway is a playground of experimentation, a bold departure from the familiar towards a realm of daring innovation. From sequined fringe dresses that challenge conventional silhouettes to smocked nylon taffeta dresses that flirt with whimsy, Burch redefines the everyday sublime. Her collection, vibrant in color and rich in texture, is a celebration of creativity, a journey through the realms of possibility.
Carolina Herrera, under Wes Gordon, becomes a canvas for the fusion of beauty and strength, a narrative that challenges conventional dichotomies. Gordon's collection, with its floral and ruffled motifs, is interwoven with architectural designs that speak to a modern sensibility. From streamlined turtlenecks paired with cigarette pants to hoop-skirt dresses reimagined for contemporary wear, the collection is a testament to the transformative power of design, a bridge between heritage and innovation.
For Coach's Autumn/Winter lineup, Stuart Vevers embarked on a journey to redefine the essence of luxury, imbued with New York's avant-garde ethos. His AW24 collection, rich in denim and leather, draws inspiration from the city's myriad love tales, both timeless and contemporary. Vevers is captivated by New York's juxtaposition of the idyllic and the impromptu, a blend that gives the city its unparalleled character. Central to his vision is a celebration of materials that bear the marks of time, a nod to authenticity and repurposing. At the heart of Coach's narrative is the pursuit of genuine engagement with the moment and an homage to the youth's innovative interpretation of tradition.