NY Editors Recap the Week that Was
With New York Fashion Week storming runways all over the city—showcasing spring/summer 2020 collections from the likes of Tom Ford, Proenza Schouler, and Batsheva—GrandLife caught up with a few influential editors for the lowdown on the looks, the vibe, and the downtown hotspots they favor to rest their weary feet.
Laura Brown, Editor in Chief, InStyle
Brown has helmed the celebrity style bible—headquartered in an office tower overlooking the Hudson River in Brookfield Plaza in Battery Park—for the past three years. Renowned for her close-knit relationships with heavyweight A-listers Jennifer Aniston, Julianne Moore, and Laura Dern, Brown has over 300K followers on her hilarious and highly addictive Instagram, which features everything from kangaroos (she’s Aussie), to huge bowls of pasta and, of course, an endless stream of Hollywood stars.
Share your highlights of the week…
Laura Brown: Tom Ford (now he’s the big CFDA boss man), Brandon Maxwell (the most fun and warm and glam), and Marc Jacobs aka ‘The Greatest Showman.’
How are you dressing this season?
LB: Trousers and floral shirts. When I’m feeling racy, I’ll throw on some leopard print.
What new trends have you seen?
LB: Gave up looking for trends years ago. It’s exhausting.
Any personal NYFW traditions or survival tips?
LB: I love seeing mates in town from Europe. And lying down as much as possible.
Name a favorite downtown hang…
LB: Until Barbuto reopens, Don Angie.
Rajni Jacques, Creative Lead & Fashion Director, Allure
If directing the pages for Allure isn’t impressive enough, Jacques, who has also left her indelible style mark on Glamour, Racked, Teen Vogue, and Nylon, is a painter, mother and regularly photographed street-style star.
Name your standout shows…
Rajni Jacques: Pyer Moss, Mathew Adams Dolan, Echaus Latta, MNZ.
What’s your NYFW style vibe?
RJ: Very comfortable pieces that are also easy to move in.
Any surprising trends on the radar for next spring/summer?
RJ: Every season, I am surprised by the trends that pop up on the runway. For me, it’s more about whether these trends will translate to the real world.
Favorite NYFW tradition?
RJ: Late night dinners with real friends after the last show.
Where do like to refuel?
RJ: Lucky Strike in SoHo is a favorite for me and any hotel lobby bar.
Amanda Alagem, Accessories Director, Harper’s Bazaar
As the head of the Harper’s Bazaar accessories team, Alagem has spent the past seven years pouring over the latest “it” handbags, shoes and jewelry. With a BFA in art and design and art history, it is no surprise she is known for her strong visual eye, which is also perfectly reflected in her personal style—best described as understated and classic with a modern edge.
Share your highlights of the week…
Amanda Alagem: All the incredible live performances at the shows; the dancers at Rag and Bone, performers at Tommy Hilfiger, and beautiful choirs at Pyer Moss and Michael Kors, it was such a treat.
Describe your NYFW wardrobe…
AA: Classic easy pieces. I feel my best in clothes that I’m comfortable in.
What’s the look for accessories?
AA: There’s an easy feeling to shoes; there were plenty of sandals and flats. If it is a heel, it’s a lower height, a mule or heavier tapered block heel. Bags tended towards the classic with many designers bringing back styles from the past season in new fabrications and finishes.
Any favorite fashion week traditions?
AA: The Harper’s Bazaar Icons party is always the perfect kick-off to the week, and a great excuse to get really dressed up. Marc Jacobs is always the perfect way to end the week. It felt exuberant and full of joy.
Where do you love to go to unwind?
AA: There’s never enough downtime, but I’ll always squeeze in a quick dinner at Giorgione in SoHo, which is luckily near my apartment, and many of the shows.
WORDS Natasha Silva-Jelly
IMAGERY Pyer Moss show at the Kings Theatre, New York Fashion Week, September 8, 2019
