The Best of NYFW FW23 Recap: Bronx and Banco, Jason Wu, and Anna Sui
Bronx and Banco, an Australian-based brand, has always had a very entertaining runway show not just because of the garments that are being displayed, but also the choice of venue and the scenery that goes with the collection.
The choice of venue for this show was a rooftop that overlooks the Manhattan skyline. Not only is this a different kind of venue for a runway show, but it also complements the pieces in the show. For this runway show, the inspiration behind it was a woman’s inner diva and being an independent person, to show that there were a lot of sequins, tassels, rhinestones, and chains used.
Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images via VMagazine
Natalie De’banco, the designer behind the brand, uses her own inner diva to create this collection and it allows the audience to feel the power and strength that she was trying to give. All of the models wearing metallic or sparkling pieces with makeup and hair done to perfection, the message is clear; women's empowerment is important and being confident in one’s own skin and clothes can make that happen.
Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images via VMagazine
Jason Wu stepped out of his comfort zone with his Fall 2023 collection, debuted on Day 3 of NYFW. His previous work has displayed a lot of structure and control, which is how he has created his works in the past. But, this collection gave him a sense of freedom because he could do so much with it that he had not done before. When designing this collection, he wanted to be different because and letting go of control and structure helped him achieve that unique element he was aiming for. His collection is a blend of dark femininity with hints of masculinity and elegance. However, beauty is possibly the biggest aspect of this collection because every part of the show is soft and gentle, which forces everyone to slow down to watch.
Photo: Dan and Corina Lecca via Vogue
Many of Wu’s pieces revealed his proficient skills in tailoring men’s clothing, which is used throughout all of the garments. However, there were other inspirations within the show aside from menswear. Sportswear and lingerie were also inspirations that are included within the pieces with an element of deconstruction. This is shown in quite a few dresses, where it seems as if only the structure and bones of the garment are left behind a black mesh cover. The background that is used for the show provides a contrast from the flowers' light-feminine appearance to the dark-feminine garments on the runway.
Photo: Richie Lee Harris via Vogue
The very influential and iconic Anna Sui made a return to the runway for NYFW and stunned everyone with what she brought. Everything is based around a former nightclub, The Peppermint Lounge. This nightclub was so popular and desired that Jackie Kennedy requested to have a pop-up in the White House. At this club, everyone is free to dance and have fun without any distractions. Everything in her Fall 2023 collection is vibrant and energetic, which is what she was trying to portray knowing how the nightclub used to be. Three of the pieces in the collection were labeled as some of the best looks that were shown during the Fall 2023 season of this NYFW edition. One was a baby pink dress with white lace, another piece was a tweed-like dress and coat with green trim, and the last was a set with a multitude of pinks paired with a scarf and a cheetah print fur coat. The goal of this appearance was to entertain and give the audience something to smile about.