New York Fashion Week may lack some of the big names this time around, but it managed to serve up delightful designs all the same.
Without Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren, there were still plenty to see – despite the absence of runway shows (physical or digital) for some labels.
Read more: The rundown on fashion weeks and how they're coping with going digital
In order to help American designers hang on, the Council Of Fashion Designers Of America (CFDA) invested in a new platform – named Runway360 – that is accessible to designers for free and lets fashion houses show their collections.
But even without in-person shows, "fashion is a business, and fashion week is a platform for designers to do business," CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said.
Crucially, "fashion week is about jobs... it's about people's livelihoods. It's about moving forward, but cautiously, with safety in mind," he added.
Read more: The verdict on digital fashion presentations: 'They can do more'
The message is clear. No matter what happens, the show must go on. And a large number of designers delivered – even if it means releasing just a lookbook.
Scroll through the gallery below and check out some of the highlights from the Spring/Summer 2021 New York Fashion Week.
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Pregnant model Coco Rocha was seen walking the Christian Siriano fashion show. The designer turned his backyard into a runway, complete with picnic baskets for his small number of guests.
Photo: AP
Without a runway show or video, Tom Ford revealed his new collection with a 973-word statement and accompanying images. Ford said that he was inspired by "joy and hapiness", which was evident in the campaign shots of smilling models.
Photo: Tom Ford
Rebecca Minkoff's collection was inspired by the modern working woman. The showcase transformed a rooftop terrace into a completely furnished diorama, each scene reminiscent of New York City’s once vibrant nightlife.
Photo: AFP
Rodarte did away with a runway show too. Instead, the label presented a lookbook shot in the Californian hills. It proved to be a very visual collection, with floral prints, lace and ruffles all combined into cohesive looks.
Photo: Rodarte
Jason Wu created a tropical oasis in New York for his fashion presentation. The runway took the form of a boardwalk lined by an array of palm trees. A huge load of sand (reportedly 12,000 pounds) was brought in for the occasion.
Photo: AP
