New York Fashion Now
This spring the V&A will display the work of the latest generation of New York fashion designers. New York Fashion Now will bring together designs by 20 of the most talented and innovative designers from the numerous independent fashion labels launched between 1999 and 2004. The display will include work by Duckie Brown, Cloak, Derek Lam, Mary Ping, Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler and Behnaz Sarafpour.
In New York, where a handful of branded empires have dominated the fashion scene, it has often been difficult for younger talents to flourish. In recent years, with focussed support from fashion press, retailers, manufacturers and funded design competitions, dozens of young designers have started their own fashion businesses. This explosion of design productivity has reinvigorated fashion in New York and made an impact on the city itself as new designers have established their businesses away from Fifth Avenue and the traditional ‘garment district’, forming new areas of creativity.
The display will feature around 60 outfits together with accessories. The designs range from sporty daywear to glamorous evening wear and will be arranged in five themes: Sportswear Chic – showing practicality combined with ornament and luxury, Atelier – couture designs that reveal highly accomplished craftsmanship and techniques, AvantGarde – the more radical side of New York fashion, Menswear and Celebrity – looking at the role celebrity has played in the success of some of the labels.
Sonnet Stanfill, the curator, said: “New York Fashion Now attempts to capture a
significant moment of design productivity and innovation. These emerging fashion
designers have revitalised fashion in New York and this display will demonstrate the talent and diversity of the New York fashion scene now.”