New York Fashion Week is wrapping up, so we’re highlighting details from some of our favorite presentations. Below, we spotlight Spring/Summer 2020 collections from Anna Sui, Claudia Li, and Brock Collection.
Anna Sui’s “Victorianna!” collection infused the prints and styles of the Victorian era with a cheerfully romantic vision, reminding us all of the protagonist in the 1960s film Pollyanna. Throughout, we saw elements like shimmering organza pieces mixed between striped pajamas and calico dresses—all in a palette of buttery pastels, complemented with occasional pops of neon. Things that may have once belonged to the early 1900s were brought to the present-day—like a yellow cropped jacket with a scalloped collar and puffed sleeves, worn with a body suit, platform sandals, and cat eye sunglasses; and a pink quilted silk set, worn with pair of shimmering gold lace-up boots. Each look was complete with a playful half-updo that ended in a messy bun, and accessories like Teva platforms, gingham bucket hats, and wooden lunchboxes covered in velvet ribbon were seen adorning some looks.
Courtesy of Anna Sui.
Claudia Li reflected on her past as a designer, as well as her own upbringing, revisiting brand favorites and incorporating new themes. Wide-leg pants and tailored jackets make a return, this time featuring a print inspired by a photo of the designer’s parents, and structured shapes were seen in enlarged jacket lapels and oversized bows tied at the neck. Highlights included the jumpsuit in red and white stripes, the hot pink blazer dress, and garments bearing a hidden brand logo—only revealed when the UV-reactive material is exposed to sunlight.
Reminiscent of various eras of period dress, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the new garments debuted by the Brock Collection filling the closets of a modern Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Bennet, or Scarlett O’Hara. Bold, voluminous, and palatial, the modern romantic will surely be entranced by the brand’s latest details—lined corset bodices with lace-up backs, puffed bishop sleeves, and full skirts that trailed the ground. While the collection’s inspirations may be from the past, details like pants worn with dresses, hems left frayed, and t-strap sandals accompanying each look ensured looks were undeniably contemporary. Elements we loved included pearl-encrusted straps adorning some dresses, detailed floral embroidery, and messy wet hair sported by each model.
Courtesy of Anna Sui.
Courtesy of Anna Sui.
