Every time fashion weeks/months roll around I am reminded of why I love designing and sewing. The fashion shows are beautiful and the clothing is always inspiring, drool-worthy, electric and dramatic… but what inspires me the most are the tiny elements of sewing and innovation in individual pieces. I am always inspired to try new things in my designs, but then quickly go home, forget or run out of time to execute. This NYFW, I wanted to show you the fashion and sewing bits that inspired me this season, so that you understand in the future when I use them as reference. If I use them as reference. If I have time. Fingers crossed. So here are 9 of my favorite design ideas from NYFW Spring ’19 Collections:
1. Ribbon Stripes: Monse
At first glance this just appears to be a cool hybrid sweater situation. But then upon looking closer in you can see the satin ribbons are sewn in between the sweater stripes on the left hand side, and left to hang freely diagonally, revealing the sweater stripes on the right. I think this is visually, and technically, genius. Goals to make something this year with this technique!
2. Color Block Lace: Carolina Herrera
Ok I know color blocking lace isn’t exactly new, but I don’t know if I’ve seen it this boldly done before. I love the bright colors of lace, and the fact that the simple blocking of it seems relatively easy to replicate… so maybe I will try?
3. Neon Satin: Prabal Gurung
People have used neon and people have used satin. But I love this swath of luxe satin as a border edging with the sheer sports-tech mesh skirt. It feels so unexpected but surprisingly luxe!
4. Pocket Raffia: Christian Siriano
Mostly I love this one because I have lots of trim scraps under 1 yard and I think this is a GENIUS way to use them. Plus, on a relatively safe pantsuit, isn’t drawing attention to the pockets such a fun way to innovate?
5. Silver Macrame: Area
This detail is where fashion meets craft, and I dig the combo a LOT. What a cool way to update a jacket or shirt you already own? Sew on some contrast embroidery thread and weave yourself a fringe-y cape detail. So unique, yet so simple!
6. Trim as Fabric: Tory Burch
Be still my trim-loving heart. This shirt’s entire lower half (back and front) is covered from the waist down with a series of trims. Sure, they all coordinate, but again I think it’s a great way to update a top you already have or use up a ton of extra trims hanging about. If you have less, consider doing just the sleeves!
7. Rope Halter: Monse
Who says you need to know how to fit clothes properly to make them? This top shows that a swath of fabric with loops around a rope is enough to create a cool, spring-y top. I can’t find the back but I hope it secure with a sailors knot in the back- such a clever idea!
8. Reverse Patches: Rebecca Minkoff
Another stupidly obvious one, but again a great way to add detail and interest to something you already have in your wardrobe. It’s a bit like this jacket I up-cycled, but I just love the idea of a solid patch against a pattern, especially in an unexpected place like the shoulders.
9. Fringe Seaming: Anna Sui
Fringe was all over the spring runways, as the western theme makes an even bigger return to trend than this past year. In some ways the use was quite gaudy, but I love the way it was used to highlight an interesting seam detail below, which also adds a tutu-like femininity to the straighter dress silhouette.
{All photos from vogue.com}
