Gigi Hadid, Imaan Hammam And Other Models Dominate The Runway At New York Fashion Week
As live shows make a comeback, the Catwalk Queens are back in action…
After COVID-19 had most fashion weeks around the world on an unexpected hiatus, with virtual shows becoming the new norm, New York Fashion Week has finally found a somewhat sense of normality and rhythm after almost 24 months of uncertainty. Having already kicked off earlier this week on Wednesday 8, the Big Apple has been hosting some of the world’s most renowned designers.
On until Sunday 12, notable models have been spotted alongside the socially-distanced catwalks of several trendsetting luxury fashion houses and it is clear that some of them did not shy away from serving us with the freshest of looks, the most iconic of poses followed through with the most memorable of fits. As it is the creations rather than the creators that we should be visually listening to, it goes without saying that the ones who have been embodying these pièce de resistance have been holding just as much importance as the textiles that they have been wrapped into this year.
American-Dutch-Palestinian model Gigi Hadid marked her much-expected return by walking down the runway for Italian label Moschino just like her Moroccan-Egyptian equivalent Imaan Hammam in a naughties nostalgia-inspired collection. Creative director Jeremy Scott was the brain behind this very kaleidoscopic line of clothing, highlighting elements of our childhoods through colourful patterns and bright pastel baby-print motifs, where he also cast the likes of Taylor Hill and Precious Lee as part of the troupe of models strutting down the catwalk.
Opening and closing the show, Gigi, who gave birth to her daughter with ex-One Direction lead singer Zayn Malik a little over a year ago, first appeared in a matching two-piece ensemble layered over with a colour-matching graphic tailored tweed jacket. Decorated with unconventionally kitsch and heavily pop-induced jewellery that scream of nursery times and rhymes through pink playful earrings and a thick Moschino-spelled out necklace and belt, the fit, which was already eye-catching, saw itself out-praised by the strapless gown worn to wrap up the event in a rainy Manhattan. Stapled in Scott’s usual statement cartoons through friendly-looking animals featuring lambs, elephants and bears to mention just a few, the thigh-high slit, yellow heels and baby-bottle accessorised fit mirrored a retro look that was only lauded by both the audience and general outlets although some scepticism made itself heard online.
Second appearance since becoming a mother last September following her walking Proenza Schouler’s SS22 show in a blue and yellow long-sleeve dress, she was not the only catwalked regular with regional roots strutting down Moschino’s runway this week; 24-year-old Imaan Hammam also took part in the festivities boasting two blazing looks from a yellow ensemble matched with an ornamented purple collar, handbag and pair of gloves to another strapless robe also soaked in references to joyful farm animal characters that we are getting used to by now.
Also worth mentioning, on the opening day of the fashion week last Wednesday, Imaan was also made figurehead of London-based designer Peter Dundas’ collaboration with online fashion retailer Revolve for their inaugural launch. Carrying the new partnerships designs in style, the Dutch model opened the ceremony in a black-leather lined cloak and same colour knee-high boots and ultra-detailed tights whilst also bringing the event to an end in a diva-like golden dress gracefully reminding us of how she personifies to perfection what being a supermodel is like in the 2020s.
Finally able to watch what we love to see, this season is chockfull of must-visit shows and it is far from being over with London and Paris fashion’s weeks peaking their noses as they are set to pick up the flame in the next couple of days.
Images courtesy of Stefan Knauer.