Fashion week has always been a platform for social commentary and showcasing unconventional beauty. This second leg of New York Fashion Week is no different.
We’re currently in the middle of NYFW spring/summer 2020 and so far, there have been interesting and game-changing moments on the runway. Designers have recruited models of various body types, and using their fashion shows to put forward statements relating to the current political climate and issues surrounding women’s rights.
If you’re not caught up on what’s been happening in NYFW, we’ve got you covered.
Normalizing breastfeeding in the workplace
Designer Rebecca Minkoff is an advocate for working moms who need to breastfeed their babies while getting their jobs done. She highlighted this with her show “inspired by the modern working woman,” which showed model Mara Martin breastfeeding her daughter and pink breast pumps displayed next to handbags. “Being a mom is the hardest job in the world, and then adding on trying to work as a model among other things I’m trying to do, doesn’t make it any easier,” Mara said of the show. “Being able to represent ALL working moms out there made this show so special for us. Shout out to all the working moms out there, we see you!”
The first double amputee child model
Nine-year-old Daisy-May Demetre made her NYFW debut at label Lulu et Gigi’s show, becoming the first double amputee child model to grace the runway. According to BBC, she was born with fibular hemimelia, “where part or all of the fibula bone in the leg is missing.” But this isn’t her first rodeo—Daisy also walked for London Kids Fashion Week last April. After NYFW, she’s scheduled to walk at Paris Fashion Week later this month. So inspiring!
Chromat casts pregnant model
Chromat is known for its inclusive fashion pieces and shows featuring plus-size models, women with mastectomies, and this year, a pregnant model. Bianca Cook, who is seven months pregnant, wore a pink strappy swimsuit, which showed off her growing baby bump. If you think models should look a certain way and shouldn’t be carrying children on the runway, think again.
“Who gets to be American?”
Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung’s spring/summer collection is a commentary on America’s divided political climate and anti-immigration laws proposed by Pres. Donald Trump. “Sleek” describes the show as dramatic and fabulous featuring models with pageant-style sashes that read, “Who gets to be American?”
Cheetos actually becoming wearable
Yes, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos made it to the NYFW runway thanks to costume designer Ami Goodheart. The show featured pieces with the Cheetos logo, accessories made from leftover wrappers, and chips were also used to line skirts and fill bags. Unique, but also a total insect magnet, if you ask us. We give it an A for effort though.
Photo courtesy of NYFW’s Instagram account
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
A rundown of social commentary during NYFW fall 2019
Albert Andrada on his holiday collection and presenting at NYFW
We might just see Maymay Entrata at NYFW 2020
100 of the best outerwear from Milan Fashion Week