4 Must-Watch Trends from New York Fashion Week
This article was originally published on Smashd.co on February 23, 2016

Despite frigid temperatures, last week thousands of style enthusiasts descended upon the Big Easy to watch some of the most renowned names in fashion present their newest collections to the world.
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From the runways of Skylight Moynihan Station and Skylight Clarkson Square, to the presentation halls at Milk Studios, four trends quickly rose to the forefront and earned spots on our “Must Watch” list. Read ahead to discover more.
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Rise of the Lipstick Feminist
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With rebellious, sensual and feminine, erotic overtones plastered prominently across collections such as Namilia, Ground Zero and Chromat, the message at this season’s New York Fashion Week resounded loud and clear: neo-feminism is alive and unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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From Ground Zero’s graphic t-shirts brazenly warning onlookers to “Beware Of The Bitch” to their intarsia knit sweaters adorned with “Lucky Pussy” patches, designers Philip and Eri Chu continue to push boundaries of anti-conformity.
“We designed the collection for the downtown girl who is rebellious in spirit but embraces her femininity.” said Chu.
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Similarly, Namilia’s “Feel the Heat” collection plays on current events: disowning the idea of “dividing women into the categories of either achievement in life or sexual appearance” by referencing hypersexualized stereotypes of women in pop culture.
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Consisting of six “gangs” aptly named Orgasm Clinic, Come And Play, Wet And Wild, Nude And Rude, Hush Hush and Feel the Heat, Namilia’s new line merges functional sportswear (track suits, leotards and sports bras) with sultry, formal elements like long trains, transparent materials and kitsch embroideries.
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In like manner, Chromat opted to highlight “intersections and joints of the body,” rather than waist and bust size for their new “Lumina” collection – emphasizing body empowerment.
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Flapper 2.0 Has Arrived
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How ironic is it that as neo-feminism flourishes in fashion, the flapper dress decides to make a bold reemergence?
During their time, flappers ushered in a new era of feminism (and style), and although it’s not exactly the iconic, fringed and straight-waist dress most have become accustomed to, this season Flapper-esque designs reigned supreme.
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From Jonathan Simkhai’s high-necked dress with cut-out sleeves and a hemline embellished by asymmetrical fringe to Jason Wu’s heavily fringed collection (including a strapless all-over fringe dress and a floor-length fringe gown), the modern take on Flapper-chic was all over the runway.
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Besides the aforementioned, Jenny Packham, Yuna Yang, Pamella Roland and Monique Lhuillier also contributed their own remolded versions of the Flapper aesthetic – and officially sealed in the 1920’s revamp as one of the biggest, emerging Fall trends.
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So how can one incorporate the Flapper trend into their wardrobe? Statement pieces are key. Whether it’s an all-over fringe dress or a simple black piece which integrates fringe along the bottom, let the statement piece do the work for you, and make sure to wear jewelry and shoes that don’t distract from the main affair.
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Autumn Yellow is the New Black
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As proven by the runways of Leanne Marshall, Marissa Webb, Lacoste, Jenny Packham and Christian Siriano, the new hue to watch for is golden “Fall Leaf Yellow.” Each designer collection featured an evening gown in the stunning shade and despite whether the sun is shining or not, one’s skin can’t help but glow when wearing this complimentary color.
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For best results, pair with a darker hued color such as black or deep purple.
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Gaucho Pants Are Back and Wide Leg Trousers Aren’t Leaving
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Remember gaucho pants? The cropped, stretchy pants that stopped just below the knee and were always a bit difficult to style? Well, they’ve just been resurrected from the dead, and there are tons of designer co-signs to prove it.
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From Marc Jacobs to Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren, gaucho pants made strides up and down the hottest runways – and in a variety of eye-catching revisions.
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While Ralph Lauren featured gaucho pants in subtle shades of brown wool, Marc Jacobs opted for a more flamboyant push with gauchos in sparkling silver hues, as well as in soft, black and chestnut brown leathers.
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Not to be outdone, the gauchos close cousin, the wide leg trouser, was also notably featured in presentations and shows such as This Is The Uniform, Ground Zero, Proenza Schouler, Marissa Webb, Opening Ceremony and Ohne Titel – proving that there is room for both in Fall’s trends.
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To flawlessly execute both styles, remember to pair the bottoms with fitted tops (as not to lose your figure in the bagginess). Belts are also good, but don’t overdo it with anything too bulky. Trust us, the pants make enough of a statement by themselves.