By Jordan Koziol
Columnist
In regards to the tumultuous presidential debates, plummeting oil prices and erratic international affairs, the past month has been nothing short of chaotic. Overwhelmed by the headline frenzy, you may have skimmed over an important (and extremely stylish) affair — New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
This year, a promising, new stylish investment emerged — the “designer” designer. That’s right: Not only did celebrities line the catwalk, but they also collaborated and created the very pieces on display. From NYFW to beyond, these collections are gaining significant traction in the fashion realm. Hate ’em or love ’em, there are a few noteworthy collections released this year.
• FENTY PUMA by Rihanna: On Friday, Feb. 12, the Barbadian singer launched her first clothing line as the creative director of Puma sneakers. Held at the former JPMorgan Chase bank on Wall Street, the event was styled as an “arctic urban forest,” according to The Guardian. Rihanna described her genderless collection as “Japanese street culture with a gothic undertone.” Featuring form-fitting streetwear and over-sized outerwear, Fenty is just what millennials ordered —sneakers with a sporty, edgy ’90s vibe.
• Yeezy Season 3 by Kanye West: When the album debut of a self-proclaimed music icon collides with a fashion collaboration with Adidas, fireworks are inevitable. Held at Madison Square Garden, West’s fashion extravaganza on Thursday, Feb. 11, received significant media coverage. Models displayed oversized silhouettes, muted tones and of course — the infamous Yeezy sneakers. While Season 3 of West’s clothing line provided color-blocking inspiration, the ready-to-wear ensembles actually just resembled rags. The real showstoppers of the night were the Kardashian family members, who were all decked out in Balmain.
• Parkwood Topshop Athletic Ltd by Beyoncé: This April, Topshop will tap into the athleisure market with this highly anticipated venture. Oh, and did I mention Beyoncé is collaborating on the project? (Seriously, kudos to whoever’s brainchild this was). Without an NYFW preview, the collection is rumored to encompass versatile clothing perfect for the gym and the streets.
Once a dime a dozen, celebrity designers have shifted their fashion focus from mere endorsement to a more hands-on approach. While many critics argue that celebrities retract from up-and-coming talent, the stars are nonetheless taking over the runway.
