Carly Mark Bids Farewell to Ready-To-Wear
Image Courtesy: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com
As the first look makes its way down the runway of what appears almost like a parking garage, Puppets and Puppets sets a sultry grunge tone.
"I don't make things so that they are easily digestible," said Carly Mark in an interview with the New York Times. While this is true of previous collections, Puppets And Puppets’ Fall/Winter ‘24 collection may be the most easily digestible yet. Unfortunately, it's Mark's last Ready-To-Wear (RTW) collection as she plans to run away to England in search of new opportunities and inspiration. Mark has decided to ditch RTW and focus on accessories due to the popularity of Puppets And Puppets’ handbags.
Miss Mark has announced this collection will not be put into production and is instead serving as a goodbye to New York and ready-to-wear fashion as the brand is failing to stay afloat. “It would’ve been smarter for me not to [continue with the collection],” the designer said, “but I needed to finish what I started, and I also needed it as a gesture to say goodbye to New York. So I’m doing it on my terms… the rug isn’t being pulled out from under me,” said Mark in a press release.
Many of these designs took the form of spirals, reflecting the brand's spiral. Models clutched at clothing, but not to keep it on. Instead, they did this to represent a clutch of the heart to reflect the brand’s current state of seemingly going down. According to Mark’s financial advisor, there was less than a year before Puppets And Puppets went under.
According to Mark, her team used money from the previous collection and struggled to keep the show’s budget under $100,000.
Regarding this brand, it's important to note the bags. While the collection stays closely within the brand's (and Mark's) overall signature look of black, occasionally gothic attire, the bags have become incredible statement pieces, elevating each look even further.
These looks' dark shades and baggy shape create what is best described as a backdrop, highlighting the intricate accessories carefully paired with each outfit—bags in gold, royal blue, silver, red, and some black.
One accessory that showed dominance throughout the show was opaque tights ranging from black to brown to green to red. Accessorizing with opaque tights has been trending recently, but Puppets And Puppets put their own spin on it, adding a pop of color and even layering them. In one look, the designer layers red tights over black, splitting at the shin into what almost looks to be a cape held over the shoulder.
Fur was used heavily, styled in overcoats, trench coats, and even a shawl. Incorporating these furs added an elegant, elite tone to the looks in which it was used.
Sheer is still here, according to Puppets And Puppets, and it doesn't seem this bold look is going away anytime soon. Delicate floral patterns paired with the sheer material created a flowing and free style, especially with looks that included a veil to tie it together.
Headpieces attached to bottom wear were sported in a small number of looks, which were attention-grabbing and fed a little more into Mark's "less digestible" side of her designs.
As Mark says goodbye to New York, we're reminded of young designers' struggles trying to make it in the fashion world. It's not easy, and while it's unfortunate New York is losing such a talented young artist, you can't help but be excited for the future of this brand as it takes on London and the world of accessorizing. Puppets and Puppets’ future still looks bright, and there is no doubt that Carly Mark will continue to create and dig deeper into her outstanding artistic vision.
Strike Out,
Morgan Harms
Boca Raton
Morgan Harms is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a Pisces mermaid with a love for the ocean. She spends her free time daydreaming, wave-watching, and blasting whatever music she’s into that day. You can reach her by email at morganjharms@gmail.com or on Instagram @morganjharms.
