Jenny Packham autumn/winter 2016 collection catwalk show for NYFW

On a frigid Valentine’s Day evening as thousands of New York couples went to dinner, scores of others went to the Skylight at Clarkson Square to seek their true love for the evening: Fashion. Jenny Packham has designed for numerous celebrities in the past including Adele, Emma Roberts, and the Duchess of Cambridge to name a few. Pulling inspiration from the 80s and 90s club scene, her autumn/winter 2016 collection is certainly glamorous and red carpet ready to say the least.

The runway layout was a U-shape, with the bulk of spectators at ground level. This allotted the models to emerge like 80s disco goddesses, towering over onlookers with a pyrotechnic display of crystalline beadwork and sequins as they made their way through the gallery. From the start, bright metals dazzled on form-hugging, floor-length gowns. The beading gave tulle gowns stunning texture and sparkle while creating subtle ombré and patterned effects as they moved. Intricate beadwork gave way to more nuanced glam in the form of flowy chiffon gowns with bejeweled accents. Star-embellished cocktail dresses with crepe sequins dazzling from underneath fur coats in shade of ivory and rose soon followed.

The colors palette was as varied as the downtown club scene from which the collection was inspired. Bold reds and ochres were paired with olives and pinks. Bright yellow dresses contained bursts of beaded accents involving most colors of the rainbow. Lime and gold found harmony as glitter adorning a tulle and crystal “starburst” dress. A pink organza metallic fringe top and matching skirt were belted in navy velvet. Seemingly disparate tones were free to mingle and be unified within patterns and sparkles.

Finishing out the incredible display of flash included gowns covered completely in bright sequins two of which in fuchsia and one “drop your iPhone and stare”-worthy tomato red ombré hologram long sleeve gown.

Following these looks, the lights dimmed, and came up as the crowd applauded for the final iridescent walk through. The collection ended like a fireworks display, with a room buzzing with the awe-inspired chatter that typically followed a show of ear-shattering bangs and blinding lights. Except these fireworks were worn by models with Louboutin heels.

Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Bogdan Seredyak