AN ode to 70s high fashion, Michael Kors debuted his 2019 fall collection on a triangular catwalk in NYFW. Closing with Barry Manilow singing his hit 1978 single Copacabana, the show was playfully nostalgic, bringing the best of the ’70s fashion, as well as music, to the runway. Could you think of a better way to bring NYFW to an end?
Beginning with a series of archive footage of ’70s New York, alongside quotes including ‘The sidewalks were like a runways – an explosion of style”, Kors clearly established his intentions to celebrate 70s style through the collection. Featuring an array of super models, including the likes of Bella and Gigi Hadid, even the celeb-culture fuelled show honed back to the excess of the ’70s fashion world. In fact, the entire collection encompassed excess. From day-wear to nightwear, the designs were alluring over the top with vintage glamour, with an abundance of sequins, glitter, feathers and fur, in the best way possible. High fashion feather-boas have never looked so good.
Kors brought the unexpected into vintage-inspired street-wear, incorporating flare trousers into work-wear and sequins into day-wear. Fully embodying the spirit and energy of the ’70s, the collection succeeded in being both very wearable yet full of character. Even the extravagant brightly coloured platform heels seemed to carry an elegance, bringing a new feeling of sophistication to ’70s style.
Inspired somewhat by counter-culture, Kors delved into different trends and styles of ’70s fashion through the collection, ranging from punk-inspired all black ensembles to brightly coloured hippie-ish tunic dresses. Perhaps the most show-stopping piece was the champagne satin midi-dress, complete with feathers and matching boa. Igniting new life into ’70snightwear, the dress encapsulated the essence of the collection, as well as the glamour, extravagance, and, above all, party of the era.
by Emma Hart