Reimagining Fashion: Maximalism in Full Bloom at New York Fashion Week
In an industry that has become increasingly minimalist, a group of rising designers from across New York City set out to embrace the aesthetic of excess. On September 8, the Maximalist Manifesto New York Fashion Week show, hosted by Eplorium at Rory’s Rooftop Bar in the Meatpacking District, provided a platform for these bold collections to make their mark on the runway. From an eclectic mix of multi-dimensional textiles to a dress made from shower curtains, each collection offered a unique take on confronting the “less is more” mentality in fashion.
6100
The show opened with 6100’s colorful collection of whimsical garments. Set to pop-rock music with a live singer, the models strutted in ensembles where 6100’s eye for shape and texture truly shined. The designer’s experimentation with fabrics, coupled with the use of primary and secondary palettes, struck the audience with a sense of nostalgia. This runway set the tone for an evening of bold creativity and style, with 6100’s use of textile collaging and vibrant patterns reflecting the idea of sound and color blending into wearable art.
Luxenburg
As the sun dipped below the New York City skyline, the next collection by Luxenburg brought a stark contrast, fusing medieval themes with modern urban color schemes and shapes. Models moved in a slow, calculated manner to synth-wave music, dressed in charcoal tones and loose fits that bent the fabric of time. Allusions to Medieval times were prominently featured through Luxenburg’s use of chainmail, the Templar cross, knight-inspired hood constructions, and Merino wool. Each ensemble was a nod to the past as their respective models strutted toward the future of fashion, captivating the audience with their time-bending elements.
Monah Li
Another shift in atmosphere followed with Monah Li’s collection, which took the audience on a serene journey through rustic, countryside-inspired fashion. Spanish guitar melodies accompanied her designs, grounded in earth tones and floral motifs. Breezy cardigans, lettuce-cut fabrics, and delicate ribbons lent an ethereal but organic quality to the pieces, evoking a sense of escape from the urban chaos. Flowing fabrics and soft, bohemian elegance defined her romantic silhouettes, capturing a dreamy atmosphere on the runway.
When the Xu Fits
When the Xu Fits by designer Veronica Xu Mai McNally followed with an intricate collection of hand-stitched garments. Dynamic, bass-forward music reverberated through the venue as models strutted down the runway in McNally’s signature pastel and metallic pieces. As a self-taught sustainable designer, McNally presented the audience with her thoughtful combinations of pearls, upcycled curtains, and secondhand fabrics. One standout piece was a gown made entirely of neckties and discarded lace – a symbol of McNally’s ingenuity. The resourcefulness of this collection added a unique twist to the designs, allowing the show to come full circle as a celebration of maximalist art, culture, and creativity.
When asked to describe her experience at the Maximalist Manifesto NYFW show, runway model Taylor Tookes only had one thing to say: “Iconic.”
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