Fashion will never be the same…but in a way, it never is. It’s a constant reflection of our time and where we are as a society. In the midst of COVID-19, as a Cynthia Rowley shirt featured in her latest collection plainly states, “THE SHOW MUST GO ON,” and it did, most of it virtually. Spring 2021 collection semi-virtual fashion week were a mix of video loops, streaming presentation photos, documentary shorts, interviews and outdoor shows, with proper social distancing regulations with scattered seating and and a mix of masked editors.
Earlier in the week, Jason Wu unveiled his new contemporary line with an outdoor show transformed into a “holiday in Tulum,” an island with palms and tropical plants. Hearing the sound of waves in the background made me think of shows like Survivor and Lost. I thought that perhaps this show would represent something hopeful to look forward to next year. Will this nightmare of a pandemic will be over? Will we emerge as if we’ve just been wrecked at sea, ready to start anew…in Jason Wu?
Indya Moore opened the show and it did not disappoint. The colors were vibrant and I LOVED the hats.
Anna Sui presented her signature ditsy floral DIY-inspired looks with extra comfort and the ease of dressing for life (and work) at home. Beauty maven Pat McGrath added her artistic touch in creating a whimsical “‘no makeup’ makeup” beauty look.
“The global zeitgeist always effects fashion and for me this longing for a hopeful spring translates into somewhat classic relaxed clothes but clothes that make me smile. Clothes to have a bit of fun in.”
Collina Strada took us on a literal mental trip to a surreal and colorful world full of 3D animated characters, animals, moving patterns, textures, and models.
Badgley Mischka wisped us away to the places we’ve never been, ” the isles of Greece, the capital of Cuba, the fabled ruins of Mexico, the Garden of Good and Evil…” in colorful gowns and dresses on a deserted estate:
Tom Ford closed the week with a heartfelt message stating, “The global zeitgeist always effects fashion and for me this longing for a hopeful spring translates into somewhat classic relaxed clothes but clothes that make me smile. Clothes to have a bit of fun in.”
However, my absolute favorite show of the entire week was Christian Siriano, an event that he hosted at his home in a lovely outdoor garden space. The top editors were in attendance, socially distanced, and it was reminiscent of what a typical fashion show would look like. Watching from home, I longed to be in attendance, oohing and ahhing at the dramatic gowns, ruffles, puff sleeves, and silhouettes that only a fashion mastermind like Siriano could bring to life…during a pandemic. Every look had a matching mask and the word “VOTE” was plastered over a number of gowns and accessories, but what I loved most, was not only a pregnant Coco Rocha jumping in the pool during the finale, but the song that played, “Supermodel” by Jill Sobule from the 1995 hit movie Clueless (unfortunately it was cut out of the edited version, but I had a blast dancing to it at home).
