Desigual spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

The plastic-covered dual runways in the Arc Pavilion at Moynihan Station, waiting to be uncovered, lay bathed in an array of purple and gold light before being trampled on by a multitude of roaming fashionistas. Rushing in from the hot September Thursday outside, onlookers filed in for Desigual’s spring/summer 2017 runway show. The show aptly titled, Global Traveller sent paired models on an extensive runway expedition, pumped with youthful energy and bold color. A global bazaar of textures, patterns, and accessories ensued.

Models, traveling as couples, made their way up and down the runway a total of five times per look exchanging to opposite sides of the runway with an oncoming pair, making for quite the journey indeed. Along the way, the collection professed beauty through diversity. The models themselves spanned the globe in their origin and hairstyles ran the gamut from wild crimped tresses to bald. 

Variety is always a key element for Desigual collections. Bold ethnic patterns and crystalline appliqué work made denim cropped jackets pop with light and color. Bohemian-chic chambray maxi dresses were artfully paired with embellished denim vests and leather jackets. Military-inspired olive bomber jackets were feminised with floral patterns and paired with bedazzled berets. Light cotton skirts flowed elegantly as vegan leather pom-pom satchels bounced in rhythm on models’ hips.

Rich variation in textiles was evident, including everything from tie-dyed chiffon dresses to vegan suede jackets. Swimwear could be found peeking through fully crochet’d macramé maxi gowns. Despite the array of textures and fabrics, nearly everything from chokers to sandals was whimsically embellished with patches of jungle animals or flowers.

A hidden gem of the show was its pioneering social media tie-in. Several of the models were seen sporting interesting makeup and hair adornments that seemed well…familiar. Upon seeing these makeup looks collectively one noticed that they were in fact living representations of popular Snapchat filters! The bee, the crown of flowers, the swarm of butterflies, and of course the puppy, were all carefully hidden in plain sight, bringing delight to the mostly millennial crowd. A truly ingenious escape from the typical.

The final walk of the show began with the models gathering together behind an ethereal “cage” of directed lights before essentially breaking free for their final ensemble walk. The party-like vibe of the music and lights only further drove the youthful and pan-global spirit of this collection honoring, “personal freedom…and a legacy of women pioneers”. Pioneers of course, traveling with excellently embroidered sandals.

Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Getty Images