The fashion world saw a momentous change Wednesday, September 16th as DKNY’s former leader Donna Karan sat, watched and supported DKNY’s new designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne.
Founded in 1984 by Donna Karan, DKNY saw its first fashion week led by fashion directors other than Karan herself. Westfield World Trade Center West Gallery debuted DKNY’s Spring 2016 RTW collection under co-fashion directors and Public School co-founders Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne. The beautifully tailored collection focused on a narrative on corporate America with pinstripes, blazers and a color palette more New York than having a fashion week presentation at a PATH station. Black, white, gray and navy blue were the colors on the runway with a mix of feminine and masculine silhouettes. Asymmetrical design, broad shoulders and large and fitted trench coats were also at play. The cityscape, architecture and essence of New York were heavily present in the collection which reflected the construction of the city.
According to Yahoo, Osbourne gushed about Karan’s support, “She’s been so supportive, you know, throughout the process. It means a lot to us for her to be present and supportive like that. It’s been amazing. … Hopefully it’s in good hands and we’ll take care of it.” Chow also added that their new endeavor is growing process, “funny enough, we titled this season Missing Pieces, knowing that it’s a journey. … We still don’t really know this girl altogether. We’re still putting the pieces together…still trying to find ourselves, but we know that it’s a long journey and we left ourselves enough leverage to have some fun in the future.” Staying true to their roots as well as Donna Karan’s, Osbourne and Chow plan to keep their vision tailored to New Yorkers.
Notables in the front row included Jennifer Hudson, Kate Mara, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Hannah Bronfman and Santigold. HBFit founder, DJ, and fashionista Bronfman told us, “Max and Dao are such good friends. We’re so excited to see their progression and I’m really excited to see their collection with DKNY. Been a fan of the brand for so long and I’m really excited to see their twist.”
Santigold added, “Well I’m really excited about the new designers! Dao-Yi and Maxwell are old friends of mine and I think that they’re wonderful designers and I can’t wait to see what they are going to do with the DKNY.” Her favorite part of NYFW is … “The fashion! Thats about the only thing I love about it. I love the actual clothes and the shows. The rest of it is a bit much for me.”
Later that night Santigold performed at the DKNY official after-party at Irving Plaza.
Photo Credit: Madison McGaw, BFA
-Nishat Baig
