New York Fashion Week SS16: The Highlights

As always, New York was the first city to kick off fashion week for Spring/Summer ’16, showing the best the U.S. has to offer next season. One thing that NYFW taught us was that the ‘70s trend is still very much alive and kicking, but in a more subtle, minimal way than previous seasons – think a bell sleeve added here or there, or fuss-free maxi dresses with a boho shape. Also, prepare to clash your prints and textures, and wear your best silk pyjamas come next spring. Take a look at our favourite collections below.

For his 10th anniversary collection, Alexander Wang went back to what he does best; cool, modern clothing that epitomises New York’s street wear scene. Sports luxe was a reference throughout, with mesh vests and bomber jackets paired with silk slip dresses and trainers, or heels and leather biker trousers. Military-inspired pieces were found in cropped khaki jackets and long zipped-up skirts, while a subtle nod to the 70s was seen in fringed leather dresses, cropped denim flares and long, split denim skirts. Shop the latest Alexander Wang women’s collection andmen’s collection on Coggles.

Lacoste has enjoyed a youthful revival ever since Portuguese designer Felipe Oliviera Baptista became Creative Director in 2010. Collections became colourful and contemporary, whilst still respecting the rich heritage of the brand, and dominated the world of sports luxe. Baptista’s SS16 collection is one of his strongest yet; using the Olympics as his inspiration, his collection featured deconstructed flags tied around the waist or billowing behind the models’ backs, and flag prints on everything from jumpsuits to polo shirts and mini dresses. Smart summer tailoring provided a contrast to the sportswear, creating those pieces one would love to wear while holidaying on the French Riviera. Shop the latestLacoste women’s collection and Lacoste men’s collection on Coggles.

A little bit grunge, a little bit 18th century French royalty, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli took REDValentino’s signature feminine aesthetic and added a bit of edge. Tulle skirts were paired with leather corsets, pink satin dresses came complete with black lace-up sides and delicate floral lace dresses were worn with trainers. This was a collection that was young, fresh, and provided a welcome point of difference to the ever-present ‘70s trend. Shop the latest REDValentino collection on Coggles.

Tibi is renowned for its sophisticated simplicity, and this season is no different. Designer Amy Smilovic took inspiration from summer wear in Miami and Malibu, resulting in long, loose silhouettes and the unexpected use of sequins on everything from culottes to cropped sleeved tops and low-on-the-hip knee-length skirts. The colour palette ranged from neutral whites and tan, to flamingo pink and emerald green, with classic black thrown in for good measure. Those famous off-the-shoulder tops are back, too, but this time they’re asymmetric and come in a looser fit. Shop the latest Tibi collection on Coggles.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the iconic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, and it seems that the designer was keen to keep on celebrating for SS16 by dipping into the archives. The wrap dress was updated in pink printed chiffon, while references to the ‘70s were seen throughout in wide legged silk jumpsuits, sheer gold maxi dresses worn over floaty trousers, and lashings of metallic gold lamé. This was a collection full of bold colour and unabashedly feminine designs – from the bright pink peasant blouses, to the butterfly motif that appeared on everything from plunging maxi dresses to split-side trousers. Shop the latest Diane von Furstenberg collection on Coggles.

Opening Ceremony is known for its creative take on fashion, taking international influences to create clothing that is simple and impeccably cut with an eccentric edge. For SS16, design duo Humberto Leon and Carol Lim were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect who believed in designing structures that were harmonious with humanity. His architectural designs were a clear influence in this season’s collection, with arch-shaped necklines featuring on jumpsuits and tunics, and light sand tones used in dresses, wide leg culottes and large buttoned-shirts. Pieces were structured but fluid, simple but complex, and came in a strong colour palette. Shop the latest Opening Ceremony collection on Coggles.