First up, Ulla Johnson.
Ulla Johnson
I’ve been a huge fan of Ulla Johnson for years and this would have been my first time seeing her show in person. When I saw it unfold on social media I almost died. The silhouettes, fabric choices and color palette were everything I dream of.
Straight out of the gate Ulla hit us with bold colors. Emerald satin led the pack followed by chartreuse, plum and electric violet. Her signature bohemian prints were a solid throughline in addition to her feminine dresses. For fall they played out in crochet and delicate handwork, cascading in multi-tiered skirts and plunging necklines.
While she gave us a taste of her signature, she also broke new ground. Debuting for fall were eyewear and an expanded jewelry line created in partnership with women’s groups in Kenya. The eyewear leaned 70s, but the jewelry, styling and overall vibe went very 80s. No wonder I’m such a fan of her fall/winter 20 collection.
The puffed shoulders featured on head-to-toe leather looks were fabulous. I adored the forest green and juicy plum colors. Exaggerated belting was another strength as seen in her obi belts wrapped multiple times around the models’ waists.
The handbags, footwear and accessories went big. Gloves and socks were ruched, earrings bold, handbag straps wrapped around limbs like arm candy. It all worked. Ulla Johnson showed us that sometimes more is more.
Badgley Mischka
From clothes to be worn during the day, we moved to clothes that shine at night.
Badgley Mischka has a flair for the dramatic. And I love it.
For FW20 the design duo gave us sexy confidence and soft elegance. The show opened with strong separates in luxe fabrics. Wool belted overcoats and smart skirts played out in camel and silver, while flirty day dresses gave us a dose of florals.
This bell-sleeved maxi dress would look amazing with combat boots or a stiletto knee-high boot like these. I love how it can lean tough girl or feminine depending on the styling.
No Badgley Mischka show would be complete without paying homage to their gorgeous eveningwear. If you follow Eva Chen on Instagram you know she’s always noting runway looks someone should get married in. If the tulle, feathered champagne gown isn’t the perfect wedding dress, I don’t know what is. Ethereal, delicate and show-stopping. Now that’s a big day dress.
While I love a feminine look, you know my cup of tea leans more masculine-inspired. Their sequins suit killed (please someone wear this on the red carpet!) and the caped gown with long emerald sequin applique was sexy, mysterious and such a moment.
Pamella Roland
Pamella Roland is another designer that knows how to turn heads. Her cocktail pieces and gowns always evoke sartorial oohs and aahs.
Before we get to the show-stopping gowns, I have to point out the separates. This feather appliqued overcoat in a tapestry print is bold and vibrant yet still retains Roland’s ladylike signature. Paired with posh Mary Jane’s and slicked back hair, it’s every boss lady’s dream.
And oh the gowns. Roland took risks this season and they worked. Her voluminous 80’s inspired number evoked the Dynasty days. She chose a vibrant rose print, raised the front to mini length and finished it with a cascading train. Talk about drama.
While she gave us all the embellishments we expect from her – sequins, hand-beaded applique, feathers – it was her vampy caped gown that stole my heart. I have no idea how she managed to create the illusion of layered necklaces (those handsewn crystals are so precise!) but the result was STUNNING.
ICYMI: check out my NYFW FW20 Day 1 OOTD.
All images via @IMAXTREE