Here are the most talked-about events in New York this week, from fantasy-themed Rodarte and Area presentations to runway visits from the Lohan family and “White Lotus” actor Jon Gries.

Once more, Fashion Week has taken over New York City with six days of shows from companies like Rodarte, Thom Browne, Prabal Gurung, and Eckhaus Latta for the Fall/Winter 2023 season.

A-List celebs flocked to the city for a jam-packed programme of stylish, high-production concerts all throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn last season, which saw the return of practically all live shows. With performances happening at the historic main branch of the New York Public Library, vintage hotspot the Rainbow Room, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum this week, the trend towards recognisable settings and imposing architecture continues.

On Friday, Rodarte opened the official schedule inside the neoclassical Williamsburgh Savings Bank, transforming the Brooklyn relic into an ethereal dinner filled with gothic fairies. The atmosphere was high fantasy. Actresses Brie Larson, Jemima Kirke, and Natasha Lyonne were among the attendees, and Rodarte’s romantic collections have a devoted celebrity following.

The motif of change persisted throughout the evening, from Dion Lee’s edgy club-kid looks that played on the idea of garments as shedding snake skin to Collina Strada’s fun presentation of models transformed into animals (the latter of which Julia Fox and Ice Spice attended).

With inspiration from meditation and his Nepalese roots, architect Prabal Gurung intended to create a celestial getaway in the centre of the New York Public Library. Models strolled on a mirrored floor beneath star projections while wearing various outwear with Kimora Lee Simmons and Nicky Hilton among the audience.

He told CNN in advance of the concert, “I wanted people to forget for 10 minutes that they are in New York—to feel like they are on a spiritual journey with me to Nepal.”

Getting things ready

Another highlight of the weekend was Area’s dramatic interpretation of fruits. He transformed bananas, watermelons, and grapes into sculpture groups that appeared to be greatly influenced by works of art throughout history, such as Andy Warhol’s pop art and Dutch “vanitas” paintings. Models moved to the sounds of thumping techno and buzzing flies as colours changed from brilliant to black to represent deterioration.

Ali and Cody Lohan, who walked in Christian Siriano’s early Thursday presentation with Lohan watching from the front row, and “White Lotus” actor Jon Gries, who made an unannounced debut on the Eckhaus Latta catwalk on Saturday night, are two examples of celebrities who have been on the runway. Simkhai’s display of power-dressing ensembles was concluded by Emily Ratajkowski.

The always-masked South African musician Orville Peck and the lead vocalist of Japanese Breakfast, Michelle Zauner, were both sighted in the front row this week. Michelle Zauner attended Sandy Liang and Rodarte. With a fan base that includes Bella Hadid and Phoebe Bridgers, Liang added, “I’m very delighted that people get it. The garment was envisioned as a “contemporary, everyday uniform” in Liang’s most recent collection, which combined utilitarian elements with feminine forms, including characteristic bows, rosettes, and ballet pointe flats.

Collina Strada’s clothing had animal-like accents like horns and organza bunny tails. Deadstock wool, cotton, jacquard, and lace were used in the materials, which also included recycled yarn and biodegradable satin.

Christian Siriano chose Cody Lohan to star in his vintage-glamour-inspired production, which he described as “Audrey Hepburn’s rose garden at midnight.”

With her latest collection, Sandy Liang mixed unexpected pieces, like this puffer vest with lace slip dresses. The runway also showcased detachable capes, sashes, and knit hoods

According to Area designers Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg, fruits can symbolize abundance, fertility, vitality, youth, and mortality. A banana, watermelon, and grape embroidery, embellishment, and metalworked garment were just a few examples of the high-octane show they put on. 

The highlighter-colored hues and slick retro suits of Sergio Hudson were inspired by Fran Drescher in “The Nanny” and Hilary Banks in “The fresh prince of Bel air,” and Barbie.Photo : Sonny Vandevelde

A reptilian-inspired collection, featuring textures and outerwear inspired by snake shedding and rebirth, formed the inspiration for Dion Lee’s show.

The show by Eckhaus Latta skewered grunge and featured a variety of materials, such as knits, shearling pelts, mohair, and denim. While menswear featured backless tops and mid-length skirts, womenswear featured sheer fabrics and slits that played peekaboo.

After the second season ended in December, the ensemble has continued their foray into fashion with a surprise appearance by “White Lotus” star Jon Gries at Echkaus Latta.

“Anichiya”, Prabal Gurung’s most recent collection, was inspired by the idea of impermanence. It featured a variety of outerwear and asymmetrical shapes. Following his experiences on a lengthy meditation retreat, Prabal Gurung’s collection contained textiles that mirrored the patterns of butterfly wings.

Jason Wu made his NYFW comeback with a lush and elegant presentation at the Guggenheim Museum.

The Bowery Savings Bank served as the setting for Kim Shui’s catwalk. Fashion with 2000s flair, embellished ‘K’ initials, and fuzzy knee-high boots were all part of Kim Shui’s collection.