NYFW FW19: Longchamp, J Mendel, and Prabal Gurung

Embodying the free spirit and rock ‘n’ roll attitude of women who dare to travel the globe, Longchamp presented its Fall/Winter 2019 collection atop an Andrée Putman-inspired carpet. Meant to highlight the distance between Paris and New York (the two cities that influenced this season’s designs), the gray geometric patterned carpet led for 40 looks combining the effortless femininity of the Parisian woman with the cool urbanity found in the typical New Yorker. While this season’s silhouettes remained feminine and flowing, the addition of leather details added a welcomed edge—seen in looks like an ankle length striped dress paired with a cropped sweater vest, snakeskin boots, and a studded leather belt cinching in the waist. Other noteworthy looks included the head-to-toe black leather workman’s suit with a fluffy collar, the printed shorts paired with matching knee-high boots, and a leather Longchamp graphic shirt.

Offbeat elegance was the term that came to mind when we saw J Mendel’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection. Photographed with an enchanting marbled backdrop, the undeniably beautiful collection offered details like rich furs, printed velvet, eyelet-inspired lace, and ruffles, placed on a palette of sweet neutrals and muted jewel tones. Suitable for both daytime or relaxed eveningwear, the collection included a series of long-sleeved shift dresses and classic cut trousers, which were paired with pieces like leather-and-fur coats and thigh-high heeled boots. Ideal for galas, balls, and the red carpet alike, the collection also featured a series of gowns like a stunning red strapless garment with a full, structural skirt, and a shimmering navy mermaid-style dress worn over a turtle neck sweater.

Questioning what it means to be a citizen of this world today, designer Prabal Gurung found inspiration in his home of Kathmandu, following the path once known as the Hippie Trail. Through the streets of cities like Delhi, Lahore, Beirut, and on into the western hemisphere, Gurung gathered bits of inspiration on his journey, that he then pieced together for the Fall/Winter 2019 collection. Creating an exchange of histories, traditions, and craftsmanship, elements like utilitarian cargos were paired with cashmere kitted in Nepal, while uniform pinstripes could be seen next to handwoven silken brocades. Silhouettes ranged from short and fitted to long and flowing, bearing evidence to an amalgamation of cultures coming together as one. Some of our favorite looks included the patchwork brocade gown, worn with suede mule-style clogs, and the 1980s-esque blouse in green and yellow paired with loose-fitting trousers and brightly colored boots.