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At the Son Jung Wan NYFW Fall 2020 show wearing a custom Ella Pritsker Couture jacket. Shop the rest of my look here.
From billowing chiffon capes at Chiara Boni to tough studded and fringed leather jackets at Rebecca Minkoff, this February’s New York Fashion Week shows exhibited a breadth of fantasy and personality that truly proved the 2020 woman can – and should – dress however she wants. Here are five NYFW Fall 2020 shows I attended that made an impact.
If you missed my coverage of the top chic (and wearable) fall trends from the runways, check out that post here.
Son Jung Wan
Photo credit: Son Jung Wan Fall 2020 Images by Rodin Banica
My favorite show from last year, South Korean designer Son Jung Wan has done it again with a masterful spectrum of color and texture. She is an expert at taking you on a fashion journey – from tweed to sequins to satin and back again. With voluminous and artfully pleated sleeves, sculptured jackets, and asymmetric hemlines, the show did not disappoint. Trends to watch: the high necklines and oversized sleeves are everywhere this year. I love the sensitive way Son Jung Wan speaks to both strength and femininity, with impeccable attention to detail and a clear love of textiles.
Rebecca Minkoff
Photo credit: Rebecca Minkoff
Through a rainbow-colored, female-focused lens, Rebecca Minkoff’s presentation took us on a journey through womanhood. From a pregnant model to one cradling her own young baby, another rocking a lactation pump, and a slew of adorable children, the inclusiveness was wonderful and striking. (If you have kids you’re going to drool over the Mommy-and-me matching possibilities). With the goal of dressing women at every stage – from young professionals to first-time moms – Minkoff made it all about floral prints, mini bags, and leather jackets (but I’m also here for the sleek pepto-pink shorts suit).
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
Photo credit: Chiara Boni
Italian designer Chiara Boni was another one of my favorite shows from last year, and this February she upped the drama factor. From a theatrical show opening and closing complete with a mustachioed model to dramatic headwear and peplums, Chiara Boni knows how to make women feel sexy and classy at the same time. While almost all her silhouettes were built on the same trademark sheath pattern, inventive details like cutout sleeves and built-in capes kept things fresh. Bottom line? Chiara Boni La Petite Robe is a wardrobe staple.
Oxford Fashion Studios
Na Yeong Baek 
Samantha Darryanto 
Mayan The Label 
Ruth Zabetta 
Manishii 
Poli & Jo
Photo credit: Oxford Fashion Studio/IMAXTREE
A London-based collective that aims to give voice and visibility to independent designers, Oxford Fashion Studio consistently puts on exciting shows that highlight new talent and fresh perspectives. Last year I discovered Ron Ramos New York at one of the OFS shows (read about our recent collaboration here). This time around, I was delighted to see more from the very talented Ruth Zabetta and bag brand Poli & Jo, both of which showcased last year. Joining them were a slew of others who demonstrated a wide range of talent and perspective, referencing everything from Georgia O’Keefe to The Matrix.
JUST IN XX
Photo credit: JUST IN XX
Taiwanese designer Justin Yu-Ying Chou of JUST IN XX enticed with rich textures and layers, from dickies worn on the outside to multilayered knits with allover eyelash fringe that looked surprisingly wearable. Styled with fedoras and tennis shoes, Justin elevated pieces that will easily get snapped up by street style aficionados as well as the Louboutin-heeled set.
My second NYFW experience was, if it can be said, even better than my first. Anna and I knew what we were doing and how many shows and meetings would be too many in one day – so we were able to plan accordingly, prioritizing and budgeting time on the things we really wanted to do, like the five shows I’ve recapped here. Were you at NYFW Fall 2020? What shows did you love? We’re already planning for September so I will happily take note of any tips!
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Ah I love that Rebecca minkoff collection!!
It was such a cool presentation! The attention to detail was beautiful, and I loved the way the entire collection was cohesively pulled together.
The pops of color are so popular this year! ESP pink. But loving the sleek black looks (like Manishii).