New York Fashion Week has been a whirlwind of unexpected events and controversies. Runway shows have seen their fair share of drama, with animal rights activists making a bold statement during Coach’s showcase, influencers taking the spotlight as models, and even famous YouTube stars making surprise appearances. Brands like Pandora, Bombay Sapphire, and Dove were also on hand with clever NYFW integrations and activations.
New York Fashion Week is renowned for unveiling designer brands’ latest ready-to-wear collections for the upcoming fall and spring seasons. The fashion frenzy took an unexpected turn when Fred Beyer, a YouTube sensation, confidently strutted down the catwalk in a clear trash bag, a shower cap, and eye-catching bright pink shorts.
Initially, the audience appeared unfazed, but as he continued down the runway, he repeatedly glanced over his shoulder, raising suspicions. Before long, a security officer was hot on his heels. The Coach runway show added an extra layer of drama when two passionate PETA activists briefly invaded it. One of them was in body paint, resembling tendons and muscles, creating a striking “skinned” animal effect. Across her chest, the message “Coach: Leather Kills.. Her companion, more conventionally dressed, carried a sign echoing the same statement.
This wasn’t PETA’s first appearance at a fashion event; their history dates back to the disruption of Oscar De La Renta’s runway show in 1991. PETA’s executive vice president shortly conveyed their message, stating, “PETA is shaking up Coach’s catwalk to drive home the message that leather belongs in the annals of history, not in designers’ current collections.”
Adding to the commotion, models expressed their discontent at including influencers on the catwalk merely due to their fame. Over the years, receiving an invitation to a fashion week event signified an exclusive membership in the fashion elite.
TikTok influencer Danny Rayes chimed in, saying, “They decided to use influencers this year because they thought that it would bring more attention and press, but in actuality, it just looked terrible.”
“I believe that New York Fashion Week was downgraded by involving TikTok influencers instead of how they were doing it previously with celebrities only,” said senior Maia Vedani.
New York Fashion Week has undeniably been a rollercoaster ride of unexpected moments and bold statements, shaking up the world of fashion uniquely. Different people have various opinions, but something that is safe to say is that fashion is an outlet where people can experiment and have fun with different patterns, materials, and more.
