An Evening in the Park with Cynthia Rowley

September 15, 2021

Cynthia Rowley brought a stunning show to New York Fashion Week, presenting her Ready to Wear Spring 2022 collection upon a whimsical backdrop in New York’s waterfront Wagner Park. The collection drew upon Y2K-inspired styles, employing big bling, butterfly prints, and even some low-rise waistlines. But perhaps the most evident inspiration for the show was pure optimism, as the collection displayed a palette of vibrant colors and free-flowing shapes, and models’ faces beamed with cheerfulness from beginning to end.

Rowley married evening wear, outerwear, swimwear, and accessories in this collection which consisted of quilted jacket and pants sets, neon-toned surf suits, rhinestone-encrusted sheaths, and patterned fun pants. Although the collection is fit for a range of occasions and conditions, one thing that remains true from piece to piece is this: fun and flirty is back in full swing.

Text by Kayla Curtis-Evans
Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

"Sexy! Sexy for sure, right? Haven't we been waiting a lot of time to be sexy?” says Rowley. Each look from the Spring 2022 collection radiates confidence and joy that was much sought after, after a year spent lounging in sweats. But this is not all Rowley brought to the table; she also showed that sexy can be sustainable too. Multiple looks utilized recycled materials and Rowley also dished out a new assortment of 3D printed heels, which act as a more mindful solution to producing shoes than traditional methods.

SHOW CREDITS:

Hair: Cutler

Makeup: Bobbi Brown

Dive into the kaleidoscopic collection below.

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Born in the Moroccan town of Tétouan and educated in Paris, Khattabi’s upbringing required him to make sense of how the different influences surrounding him could align. In turn, his designs explore the embedded codes and history of his bicultural background. Total Recall addresses this phenomon by including garments meant to reflect adaptation and transformation. Skirts made of tire covers and motorcyle tarpaulins refashioned into dresses are scattered across the collection, conveying notions of displacement. Blending these elements adds an industrial touch to the pieces while still keeping a sense of movement.

From sweatpants infused with polka dots to nostaglic slogans and banner display, the ensembles symbolize hidden identities and memories. Giving us a glimpse into his own memories, Khattabi's work evokes affection for the past. It's a nod to the interconnectedness of culture and how we interact with its complexitites creatively. View the collection below.