New York Fashion Week: The Era of Quiet Luxury

In the heart of Manhattan, New York Fashion Week has unveiled its latest season, with designers like Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, and Thom Browne displaying their collections on models like Irina Shayk, Taylor Hill, and Aweng Chuol. The elegance showcased this season suggests fashion’s return to luxury.

At Mischka’s Fall/Winter NYFW Show, Daisy Marquez declared, ‘Quiet luxury speaks for itself. I feel like less is more,’ further strengthening the emergence of Quiet Luxury as the defining theme of New York Fashion Week, captivating audiences and designers alike.

This season, designers have prioritised understated fashion, emphasising quality materials and timeless silhouettes over fleeting trends, from Carolina Herrera’s elegant gowns to Proenza Schouler’s minimalist chic style.

Amidst over 70 collections, Badgley Mischka stood out. Models adorned in shimmering gowns and ruffled cut-out dresses exuded elegance on the runway. Mark Badgley and James Mischka, the creative minds behind the brand, said, “There’s a sophistication in our clothing, and our women love a little bit of luxury or a vintage touch,” effectively capturing the essence of quiet luxury within their classic designs.

Other renowned designers echoed these sentiments throughout their collections. From the iconic Michael Kors and visionary Christian Cowan to the innovative Jason Wu, each of these designers presented their collections with restrained beauty.

For Tommy Hilfiger, returning to the NYFW stage after a two-year hiatus, his collection displayed the glamour that has defined the quiet luxury movement. “There’s a renewed appreciation for dressing up,” remarked Hilfiger, his confidence evident as he unveiled his latest creations, which embraced sports coats, peacoats, corduroy suits, and varsity jackets.

“Luxury is the word on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Everyone knows what luxury looks like now, and everyone wants it.” Tommy Hilfiger said while models strutted down the runway in his oversized blazers with cardigans, trench coats with big-collared shirts, babushkas, and berets in the presence of A-listers like Sofia Richie, Damson Idris, and Becky G.

Although Quiet Luxury retained its crown as the core theme of NYFW, with designers such as Badgley Mischka and Altuzarra inspiring the trend, two additional themes have also stood out: Western Chic and Leather.

Tommy Hilfiger leads these trends, paying homage to the spirit of the American West. Beyoncé, seated front-row at Luar’s show, donned a complete Western chic outfit, while Coach revealed collections featuring sweats, blazers, and leather jackets adorned with concho detailing.

Leather, a fabric synonymous with rebellion and elegance, found its way into every facet of the runway, adding a touch of edge and refinement to the collections.

This was further displayed by New York Fashion Week’s most anticipated debut, the Paris-based fashion designer Ludovic de Saint-Sernin — whose collections were a combination of crystal mesh gowns and black leather, including BDSM-inspired leather masks and rear-cleavage pants.

Upcoming shows like Brandon Maxwell and Thom Browne are certain to solidify this trend, shaping not just the runway but also our everyday fashion. The rise of quiet luxury at NYFW reflects conscious clothing and timeless style. While trends come and go, quiet luxury offers pieces that endure, and become cherished staples in one’s wardrobe.

One thing has become abundantly clear: the convergence of quiet luxury, western chic, and leather at New York Fashion Week has set the stage for a new era in fashion.

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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo