NYFW is Back, and so are Three Major Fashion Brands
New York Fashion Week is arguably the most significant fashion event in the country, maybe even the world. For one week only in February and September, everyone—celebrities and regular people alike—can celebrate a variety of fashion designers from all over the world. From Australia’s Dion Lee to New York’s Tory Burch, there will always be a show that everyone can enjoy. However, what’s so special about this year’s NYFW is that three huge fashion brands are making their long-awaited comebacks after hiatus. New York welcomes back Tommy Hilfiger, Area, and PUMA for this year’s fashion week.
TOMMY HILFIGER NYFW EXPERIENCE: TOMMY FACTORY
Images Courtesy: Tommy Hilfiger
After taking a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the iconic Tommy Hilfiger returned to New York to present Tommy Factory. Hilfiger was inspired by Andy Warhol’s Factory that started in the 1960s, and produced a collection of edgy, preppy pieces while focusing on the use of primary colors (think of the Harry Potter houses) and integrating the famous Hilfiger monogram into his patterns and prints. He paired pleated skirts, cardigans, and letterman jackets with trendy oversized varsity polos. Knee-high boots, gold jewelry, and tote bags were among the many accessories styled with the pieces. Like Andy Warhol, Hilfiger combines art, fashion, music, and entertainment by having Blink-182’s Travis Barker close out the show with an amazing performance. Tommy Hilfiger created a fantastic comeback show that went back to his creative roots and commemorated the birthplace of his brand: New York.
AREA COLLECTION 04
Known for their popular embroidered crystal butterfly top, AREA is back with a bold, and—dare I say—avant-garde collection. There are three main themes for Collection 04: ancient architecture, punk, and bondage. To emphasize the ancient architecture theme of their collection, AREA incorporated hand-sewn folded pyramids in the gowns and skirts to create spherical structures. AREA added their own glamorous twist by covering their headpieces and accessories in 24k gold and Swarovski crystals. Additionally, spikes were produced using 3D technology, then covered in more crystals to emulate the punk subculture from the early 1980s. These spikes were then incorporated into the accessories, evening coats, and cocktail dresses, giving the pieces an aggressive armor-like appearance. In addition, AREA decided to stick with using bows in their clothes for this collection. The folded bondage bow was used to show the divergence of bondage and femininity. Metal ribbons and folded bows covered in rhinestones were fabricated into glamorous headpieces and sewn onto evening gowns to give traditional feminine pieces a BDSM twist. Indeed, AREA came back to NYFW with their usual allure, but with an unexpected, powerhouse twist.
PUMA FUTROGRADE SHOW
After the compelling Rihanna FENTY x PUMA 2017 Fashion Show, PUMA is returning to NYFW with another fierce and powerful runway show. NFTs are used in the show to present their Nitro NFRNO and Nitro Fastroid sneakers. Divided into three acts, PUMA is saluting the past, present, and future in a technological, interactive metaverse experience called the Black Station. Act 1 includes aesthetics associated with the Roaring 20’s plus an achromatic and monochromatic color scheme. Usain Bolt, sprinting champion of the world, is seen representing Act 1 on the runway, alongside Winnie Harlow. Act 2 presents a colorful and unique representation of the present. This act experiments with layering and oversized pieces, as well as unveiling collaborations with other designers such as Dapper Dan and Palomo Spain. Act 3 takes inspiration from Act 1’s achromatic and monochromatic color scheme, but with a sleek futuristic twist. This act incorporates the use of shapes to create “futuristic” silhouettes. PUMA’s five-year hiatus allowed them to create one of the most immersive and timeless pieces for this year’s NYFW.
This year’s New York Fashion Week surely reintroduced these three fascinating fashion brands back into fashion society. Tommy Hilfiger reimagined the classic, American preppy aesthetic. AREA reminded us that fashion does not have to be wearable, and that it can still be elegant while playing with punk and fetish themes. PUMA proved that athleisure can be high fashion as much as it is fun and comfortable. The return of these brands added to the charm and lure of New York Fashion Week. NYFW 2022 was a treat, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for the fashion world next year.
Strike Out,
Writer: Tatiana Brown
Copy Editor: Emma Twilley
Content Editor: Gabby Macogay
Orlando
Tatiana Brown is a content writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. If she’s not writing articles, she’s probably watching sitcoms or romcoms. She has an obsession with Mike & Ike’s, and is always snacking on something sweet. You can reach her at tatibrown14@gmail.com.