Jonathan Simkhai presented his Fall Winter 2018/19 collection during the New York Fashion Week. Inspired by American history, the collection concentrate on the shift of victorian era to the modern ideas of the 20th century.
FALL WINTER 2018.19 WOMENS COLLECTION
I have spent time thinking about turning points in american history, specifically when the victorian era shifted to the modern ideas of the twentieth century. Suffragettes and Gibson girls; how they used their wardrobe to express a revolution and social power as they asserted themselves onto the political scene. This moment in time seems particularly relevant now, when the inner strength of so many women has been at the forefront of our American consciousness. It is that expression of fortitude which is at the heart of my collection. Utilitarianism coalesces with romance in many forms this season. Wool suiting is used in structured basque blazers and balloon gigot sleeve midi dresses, while traditional pinstripe shirting is tucked and pleated into fanciful blouses. Velvet meets lace and fluid silk in lingerie-esque dresses and denim takes on corset-like silhouettes in jackets and wrap bustiers. Eveningwear featuring tulle, cascading pleats, and layers of embroidery is meant to capture a sense of ethereal energy. The color palette is made up stone greys, almond nudes, deep bordeaux, warm tobaccos, and inky blacks. My collection references the past because I see there are valuable lessons to be learned in history that are important to our future. What I have learned was so brilliantly put by Congresswoman Maxine Waters when she said, “We should have hope because we earned it. We worked for it! It’s ours. – Jonathan Simkhai
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