NEW YORK, United States — The official New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has come and gone. And what an interesting week long affair it has evolved to be. With designers on- and off-schedule, virtual or in-person, there is a sense of freedom and flexibility regarding how a brand wants to represent itself in front of its consumer base. With the Met Gala nipping on its heels, NYFW gave original ideas from industry newcomers and long-time favorites.

laquan smith

The King of Sexy! A title rarely given, but most certainly deserving of one LaQuan Smith. Lest you forget he is also a mentee of Tom Ford and Carine Roitfeld, a respected duo in the annals of sex appeal. Off the back of a series of commercial partnerships (ASOS, Revolve, and most recently Puma), which will hopefully fortify the business, Smith saves the glamour for his most devoted following in an evening runway presentation held at none other than the Empire State Building. That he is the first designer to do so in the building’s 90-year history is apropos given the Queens-born designer’s stomping grounds have been the city that never sleeps for years…

victor glemaud

Ice cream dream. Victor Glemaud’s debut turn at NYFW emphasized comfort and sensuality. Mint green, peach pink, and vanilla bean hues take his classic knitwear from its typical covered-up approach to skin accentuating. The eclectic color palette harkens spring’s warmer weather and the delicious ease of layering sumptuous fabrics. Haitian-American Glemaud is no wallflower when it comes to color. Dressing girls and boys in his mod minimalist looks aligns with his ethos of statement knitwear for all. Fifteen years in, Queens-raised Glemaud continues to channel youthful energy, even in the styling with fresh faces, two-strand twists, and clear bobble hair pulls. Moto crossed striping takes leisurewear up a notch in a series of body suits, speaking to the desire for cozy yet chic clothing options, and his partnership with fellow Haitian designer Pascale Théard on hand-woven sandals is a welcome treat. His forthcoming Target collaboration out on September 25 is sure to entice those too impatient to wait for Spring 2022.

Photos Courtesy of LaQuan Smith; Victor Glemaud. Lead Image courtesy of LaQuan Smith.