As we are bombarded daily with news that attests to a new “normal” it is impossible not to feel angst, no matter which side of the aisle you are on.  Perhaps in response to this there is less to challenge us in the fashions presented in the first days of NYFW Spring/Summer 2019.  The looks are a bit simpler.  Designers are favoring cleaner cuts and tailoring. There are fewer embellishments.  Solid, straightforward separates make for wardrobe options that are wearable and timeless.  Still, with bit of irreverence, humor and optimism, some designers are addressing the mood with fresh, fun looks that provide a much needed antidote.

Just like a bud ready to bloom, there was a pent up eagerness that comes with waiting in Zac Posen’s SS2019 RTW collection- you know there’s a beautiful flower that will unfold but there’s also beauty in the bud. Wispy tulle and billowy cotton in antique colors of green, rose, and ivory wafted down the runway on models with expressions that were just as romantic and alluring as the designs. Retro separates in old fashion patterns had a 50’s feel. Crop tops and circle skirts were among the options. An unexpected favorite was a boiled wool sweater paired with short shorts which made for a great spring transition piece. Posen did quite a few full length gowns that had a bridal feel which is not a bad market for Posen to cultivate.

Simple certainly does not mean boring. Lisa Perry proves that to be true in a SS2019 RTW collection that was crisp, clean, disciplined, and fresh. Razor sharp tailoring and bold colors marked the collection that delivered an optimistic vibe with her use of bold felt florals. The clean A-line silhouettes brought us back to a simpler time. A white patent leather cropped jacket with black metal snaps was the perfect example of Perry’s interpretation of uncomplicated elegance. If this is her interpretation of the new normal, we’ll gladly accept.

Ahhh, it’s good to be a girl in the world of Pamella Rolland. The iconic designer knows how to dress a woman!  For us it is her fantastic fur fashions that have won us over again and again. In her spring/summer 2019 RTW collection, plunging deep V necklines, strapless bodices, nipped waistlines, and short or long hem lengths were the silhouettes of choice. Sexy, statement making suits were a fresh departure from her slinky gowns. Embellishments included edgy metallic sequins and delicate eyelash marabou feather tufts. This spring fashion tends to lean to the safe and expected and Rolland fell right in step.  There wasn’t a bad look in the bunch which will make it hard to choose a favorite.

Cartoonish with a hint of super hero was the read off the runway at Jeremy Scott’s self-titled SS2019 RTW show. We loved the fun, fresh, and spunky attitude.  Who else would be so bold as to feature images of himself in various stages of exploration as prints on hoodies and tops?  “Revolt’, “Riot”, and “Shock” shared the floor with “Hope” and “Future” in pop art graphics that sent the message for his vision of what needs to be done right now.  And if there was any doubt, he finished his message by taking his bow in a top emblazoned with  “Tell your senator No on Kavanaugh 202-902-7129.” We call this “walking billboard”  fashion for a cause.

One of the cruel facts of life is that life goes on even after you’re gone. The Kate Spade Spring/Summer 2019 RTW collection was the first since the sudden death of its namesake founder and it was a moment in time. Under the creative helm of Nicola Glass, Kate Spade lives on. Retro daywear, a signature sign of Spade, was on tap for spring. Seventies bow blouses and sweater vests done in mustard yellow and brown were sprinkled among pattern mixing and geo prints. The handbag is always the guest of honor here and there were plenty of cool options for the season. Laser cut leather bucket bags were a crowd favorite to take today’s Kate Spade girl from work to weekend.

If you want to know what the cool kids are wearing next season, look no further than Kith. The name dropping and celebrity sightings were almost too many to count at the Kith SS2019 RTW show. Designer Ronnie Fieg showcased his collection of the brand collaborations including MISBHV, Advisory Board Crystals, Eastpak , Tommy Hilfiger, Ugg, and Versace. Fieg featured a strong collection of shearlings including a rich deep blue shearling, a cropped camel suede for her and a golden shearling under crinkled leather for him. Easy, chic, and sure to be wearable for many seasons to come, get your celeb style on in Kith!