NYFW FW19: Ralph Lauren, Linder, and Brandon Maxwell

For Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 2019 presentation, the brand transformed its Madison Avenue flagship into Ralph’s Café, an immersive dining experience where attendees enjoyed breakfast in an intimate environment while previewing the new collection. In a classic palette of black and white, and accompanied by pops of dazzling gold, this season’s designs focused on unexpected silhouettes, featuring the inclusion of exaggerated trouser legs, flowing silky details, and sharp tailoring. Comprised of a number of styles easily transitional from day to evening, the collection included a pair of white wide-legged trousers worn with a black cropped top and pea coat, a military-reminiscent shimmering gold gown, and a sequined black floor-length shirt dress with a polo-style collar.

Presented at The High Line Room at The Standard, High Line, Linder gave us with a collection that focused on separates. Garments were accessible to the everyday wearer who uses clothing as a part of their ever-changing self-collage. As in previous seasons, the collection featured a mash-up of references like a satin shirt with athletic cuts, spandex printed in buffalo check, and a pair of gaucho trousers imagined in powder blue silk. The line also featured collaborations with Café Du Cycliste, Swarovski, and Mephisto, helping to complete each look with a pair of shoes—our favorite of which were the silver Mary Jane flats.

Brandon Maxwell’s Fall/Winter 2019 presentation was an elegant affair, as the models emerged one by one from a curtained entrance, making their way down an entirely white runway. Including a range of silhouettes like pant suits, mini dresses, relaxed sweaters, and full skirted gowns, this season’s designs were sensual but refined, and imagined in a palette of primarily black and white. Feminine shapes were seen in gently hugging body-con cuts, accentuated waists, and the occasional plunging neckline, complemented by minimal details like gold belt buckles, petal sleeves, and tiny ruffled trims. Highlights included the relaxed trousers and sports bra top with the black silk-trimmed blazer, the classic black satin ball gown, and the white belted sweatshirt dress paired with deep green heels, which was worn by Bella Hadid.