Designers of Color Dominate at New York Fashion Week

Top left to right: Dao-Yi Chow, Maxwell Osborne, Tracy Reese, Alexander Wang, Naeem Khan

New York Fashion Week has just ended and it is safe to say that minority designers who fused their love of art, fantasy, and culture presented the most outstanding collections seen this season, and ultimately dominated. Public School, Noon by Noor, Tracy Reese, Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang, Tadashi Shoji, Jason Wu, and 'Yeezus' (just to name a few), all presented some of the most coveted collections during the week, with shows that served as the most sought after invites in town. This is a drastic shift from seasons past, where their European counterparts not only out numbered them in presentations but also received double the press and media coverage. In the words of Nina Simone, it's a new dawn, it's a new day.

My personal picks for favorite NYFW Spring/Summer 2016 collections hail from two fashion houses with a legacy of strategic detail and impeccable design. Indian‑American fashion designer Naeem Khan, and Barcelona native designer of Spanish heritage brand Delpozo, Josep Font, presented SS16 collections that were rich with historical depth, texture, movement, and were absolutely gorgeous.

Photos courtesy of Gianni Pucci

The Naeem Khan SS16 collection was said to be inspired by iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Actress Sophia Loren, and the wild vegetation of the Mediterranean. With no surprise, Khan flawlessly intertwined his muses together to create a collection that was both vivid and gracefully delicate. The star of the collection was the intricate embroideries that burst with fiery color from the sweetheart gowns, flared skirts, and floor length capes. The hues of pinks, lilac, effervescent yellow, and deep crimson transported you away to a romantic, bright, and undoubtedly Spanish locale.

Photos courtesy of Gianni Pucci

The Delpozo collection took a slightly more fantastical approach to their SS 16 offering. Font swept us away from the vacation destinations of South America to a place where pastels and bohemian crochet dance in a dreamy harmony. Ruffles, wraps, and magnificent choices in graphic patterns made each piece of the collection feel like a unique part of a wonderful fairytale. The playfulness of bows and florals kept with springtime sentiments and the femininity that the brand is most known for. With strong and beautiful silhouettes reminiscent of couture constructions, Font made a bold statement on what his aesthetic and craftsmanship continues to offer the Delpozo house.

It will be interesting to see if this exciting surge of diversity and creativity will make it’s away across the pond for the remainder of fashion month. I'll be watching.