Welcome to the Jungle: Rebecca Minkoff's Spring '21 NYFW Presentation
Lacking its traditional traffic and everyday hustle, New York City is not currently the “concrete jungle” we are used to. Nonetheless, designer Rebecca Minkoff drew upon the city’s nickname in her recent New York Fashion Week presentation. The event transported guests to a garden paradise, as models displayed the top trends of the season afront tropical greenery. Indeed, the line drew inspiration from the contrast between elegant florals and the “downtown edge of the concrete jungle, that of New York City.”
Minkoff’s spring collection featured seasonal staples such as pastel florals and eyelet embellishments, melded with a touch of the designer’s signature bohemian edge. Fringe, studs, animal prints and exaggerated details established an unapologetically bold aesthetic, ideal for the woman who can’t help but make a statement in her Zoom meetings. Each ensemble also featured a matching face mask, whether produced in denim, gold or zebra print. The classic COVID accessory accompanied a slew of pieces, including a maxi dress, soft quilted jacket, shift dress and more.
The designer’s signature accessories featured a fun and flirty twist for spring. The Edie Crossbody, in particular, stands out: produced in suede, the purse incorporated several 70s-esque strings of fringe. As for shoes, studded sandals (with and without a heel) and booties accentuated with fringe took center stage.
The presentation also had a high-tech element: Minkoff utilized XR extended reality (in partnership with Verizon Media 5G content) to give people 360-degree access to the show via their phones. Using a technique called photogrammetry capture, the event was cast in AR, providing a unique experience that made at-home viewers feel as if they were witnessing the designs live. “Immersive content really helps to contextualize a collection and allows the consumer to get up close with the designer and the garments without stepping foot in a store,” Minkoff has said. To advance digital viewing opportunities, the event was live streamed on the brand’s TikTok and Instagram as well.
Minkoff’s recent ode to the environment was anything but subdued. Despite the slew of luscious, sky-high plants, the designer stayed true to her signature feminine rocker vibe. The juxtaposition of elegant silhouettes and edgy accents even transcended screens belonging to at-home audiences, who may have attended Fashion Week for the first time from the comfort of their couches. The pandemic has transformed the fashion industry, but change is not to be frowned upon: with creative use of digital media and powerful presentations of clothing amid adversity, the future of Fashion Week is bright and charged with boundless hope.
