Taoray Wang autumn/winter 2018 collection catwalk show for NYFW

Saturday morning Taoray Wang presented a runway show that was a master class on power dressing for fall 2018.

The collection was inspired Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia who ruled during their Age of Enlightenment. As both a powerful leader and a patron of the arts, Catherine the Great embodied both typically male and female attributes. This duality was explored through the collection as well as a bit of east-meets-west.

Designer Wang Tao has long been known for her impeccable tailoring and sophisticated suit dressing and this season was no exception. Classic menswear fabrics were mixed with lace and silks in looks that perfectly balanced hard and soft. Shoulder pads emphasised strength in the silhouette while waisted cinched with belts created a feminine shape. Colours were taken from the olive of Russian military uniforms while the bright pops of red symbolised the Russian spirit.  

The idea of workwear that is both powerful and beautiful is certainly something that would appeal to a broad cross-section of modern women. In a time when many women are asserting themselves in the workplace and demanding equality, a powerful wardrobe can silently convey the wearer’s intentions.

These clothes were for women who aren’t afraid to break the mould and be both unabashedly embracing the delicate and feminine as well as their desire to go after what they want in a stereotypical man’s world. After all, isn’t that the lesson of Catherine the Great?

 

Maggie Gillette
Photos: Getty Images