New York celebrates the return of the American dream

New York roars again. After four years of isolation due to Covid-19, the Big apple is getting ready to show its own strength in terms of fashion to the international public. From september 9 to september 14, the city will host a fashion week full of events, illustrious comebacks and international guests. «The upcoming shows are a clear sign of the importance of American customers», Steven Kolb, ceo of the Council of fashion designers of America (Cfda), told MFF. The organization represents American maisons, and this year it celebrates its 60th anniversary with a special moment during the Cfda fashion awards, to be held on november 7. By looking at the calendar, the fashion week will start on friday, september 9 with Proenza Schouler’s runway and will close with Tom Ford on wednesday, september 14.

In detail, a total of more than 100 brands are confirmed, including Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Coach, Gabriela Hearst, Jason Wu, Khaite, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger and Puma, which will return after a five-year absence. Among the foreigners debuting on the official schedule, there will be Fendi, which will celebrate 25 years of the baguette bag and designer Kim Jones on the evening of september 9 (see MFF of July 16), Marni, which will have a show on the evening of september 10 (see MFF of July 28), and Cos, on stage on september 13. Ralph Lauren is, however, still absent, opting for a fashion show-event in Los Angeles on October 13 (see MFF of August 19). Spring studios are confirmed as the fashion show hub and headquarters for a series of events promoted in partnership with Img, the official organizer of New York Fashion Week (the shows are presented by Afterpay). A series of talks will enliven the fashion show days as well as special activations with partners such as Alo. Continuing its partnership with the Black in fashion council, Img will introduce 14 new designers through scheduling and showrooms. Reliving the American dream, as Kolb himself pointed out at MFF.

What do you expect from the September edition of fashion week?

The upcoming Nyfw is a strong representation of the importance of the American consumer.  We see American designers of all generations leading the charge, and this season we see many international brands coming to Nyfw as well. Over 20% of the brands showing are Black-led, representing one of the most diverse fashion weeks globally. 

After four seasons of mainly digital shows, will the comeback to physical shows and the return of big American brands boost the fashion system?

The last two seasons were when we saw the physical shows return, but this season’s schedule has the most live shows on the official calendar and solidifies Nyfw as an important market for buyers and editors. 

What have fashion houses learned from the pandemic? Resilience?

No one can predict the future.  American fashion has always been resilient, and in the face of a pandemic, the designers pivoted, and the industry organized to support each other. It certainly reinforces a sense of community. 

Does the association still support young American brands, and how?

Supporting young designers is core to Cfda’s mission. This season, many of the ten designers in the 2022 Cfda/Vogue fashion fund will be participating Nyfw.  The Cfda/Vogue fashion fund is the gold standard of programs supporting emerging talent. 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the CFDA. How will you celebrate such an important birthday?

There will be a special moment at this year’s Cfda fashion awards on november 7. We have been sharing stories from the last 6 decades and featuring the creativity of our members on our editorial channels since the beginning of the year.  We have an amazing Web3 partnership that will further highlight the anniversary.

How has American fashion evolved during this time?

Our founder Eleanor Lambert championed American designers and set the stage for the Cfda and our current mission to support American designers in a global economy . We grew to be a global creative capital that reflects our culture.   

What’s your dream for American fashion?

My dream for American fashion is the American dream.  Everyone should have the opportunity to be part of the business, and through our work at Cfda we are helping to making that happen.  (All rights reserved)