NY Fashion Week in Black and White

Now the Fall 2011/12 shows are over, lots of articles are being written about what we’ll be wearing in 6 months time. This isn’t one of those articles; we’ll do a trend report later in the year. It makes us sad to think about Winter when Spring has barely begun.

An article on jezebel.com caught our eye as it detailed how racially diverse NYFW was. Some bright spark over there got the abacus out and counted up how many black, white, Asian and Latina models were used and by which designer. Made for an interesting read.

Melodie Monrose at 3.1 Phillip Lim

In a nutshell the just ended New York Fashion Week (NYFW) featured the least racially diverse cast of models since 2008. NYFW featured 137 designer runway shows and presentations and 5,269 different outfits were presented. Of those, over 84% were modelled by white women. Black models were used 384 times, Asian models 323 times and non-white Latina models 79 times.

Hereith Paul at Diane von Furstenberg

Designers who cast diverse models included 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and Ralph Lauren.

And those that didn’t? The list is too long but it included Donna Karan, Hervé Leger by Max Azria, Jill Stuart, Rodarte and Vera Wang.

NYFW most frequently booked Asian models were Liu Wen and Fei Fei Sun who each worked 18 shows; Ming Xi who took part in 15 and So Young Kang and Tao Okamoto who each walked in 13.




NYFW most popular black model was Joan Smalls who walked in 17 shows. Brits Nyasha Matonhodze and Jourdan Dunn tied with 14 shows each. Dunn was the only non-white model to walk for Calvin Klein.

Read the full report here.

Some online magazine readers are saying they will boycott the designers who didn’t feature anyone of colour. Will you?

Our Favourite Looks from NY Fashion Week

Fashion is a curious beast. We’re yet to put away our scarves and gloves from Winter 2010/11 and already the fashion industry is looking forward to next Winter. Feels like we’re still in the middle of this one in the UK!

London Fashion Week is in full swing, but for now, we look back at the wonders some of the less famous shows in New York had to offer.

The Jen Kao Show 

Chado Ralph Rucci

Academy of Art University

Mara Hoffman

Naeem Khan

Elie Tahari

The ever smiley Gabrielle Union

Bold choice from Iman!

The lovely Veronica Webb

Olowu wows New York

London designer Duro Olowu rocked New York Fashion Week with a great debut at Milk Studios on Sunday night. The show was classic Olowu with the recurrence of his wild print combinations. But there was freshness too.

Olowu brought to the catwalk that hotbed mix of cultures that is the signature of modern-day London. There were beautiful silk print dresses, suits, wide cropped pants, tweed coats. In short, there was something for everyone.

No doubt about it, we like!

Olowu Set for New York debut

Fashion Week has kicked off in New York. We are particularly excited because one of our favourite London designers Duro Olowu will be making his debut as part of the MILK/MAC-sponsored shows.

Olowu is known for the way he boldly blends patterns and prints. Here are a couple of examples below.



Duro Olowu Spring 2011





Yes, we agree that some of these combinations are pretty fearsome, yet we have to admit - they look good.



Duro Olowu Spring 2011

 There is also a strong African influence in the Nigeria-born designer’s creations.

Duro Olowu Spring/Summer 2008

Duro Olowu

As for his Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection, Olowu says that he has been inspired by Patagonia, the great outdoors, Haysi Fantayazee and coats. So what should we be keeping our eye out for in his show on 13 February at 8pm? He told Vogue:

"A play on length and proportion and sharp tailoring in intricate modern fabrics and urban pieces that are stylish and travel well."

Frankly we can’t wait.