Mara Hoffman autumn/winter 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

“Women’s rights are human rights” was the motto of the Mara Hoffman show.  The diversity in our society is the representation of our strength.  Through this display, the idea that in unity, love recognises no boundaries was at the forefront.  The ability of Hoffman to uncover this reality and depict it so fully in her collection speaks to her desire to change the world in which we live.  

Accessibility and simplicity were at the head of designing the collection, and this lead to an ease and flow throughout its entirety.  The reversible denim jacket paired with an indigo turtleneck and cropped flare denim pant is a perfect example of such an aesthetic.  Blue is used as the basic colour and is utilised in different variations and textures.  These variations create a diverse look, while the medium renders it accessible to any woman.

Interesting pops of colour were distributed throughout the collection; however, because of the simplicity in which they were displayed, the pieces still work in cohesion with the other materials and tones.  The black and cream plaid top with mustard corduroy trousers, is not only a display of colour, but it also works in connecting the colour to different patterns and textures.  The top is a print while the pants are a solid; however, the soft nature of the top is unlike the ridged texture of the bottom.  The fact that each piece only exhibits one bold aspect and one more gentle element is why it is still so workable within the collection.  It is not overbearing with the rest of the more subdued looks.

Complex beading was profound on the long, one shoulder slip dress.  The process of placing each individual bead is imaginably taxing, and the arrangement of the beads is key to the visualising feature of an abstract woman’s face.  Different colours of beads were intricately displayed on the black fabric.  The movement of the model did not detract or skew the design, and the mastery of drapery in cohesion with design adds to the overall appreciation of such an elaborate creation. 

The relatively neutral colour palette that she utilises creates a perfect space in which Hoffman can create a workplace for justice to act through fashion.  She is able to connect her fashion with each diversity of womanhood.  She is recognising the social inequality of world, and she conveys this idea through the means of fashion, representing that fashion can serve as a platform for which our ideas can stand.

Rose Carlisle
Photos: Dana Laquidara