This is our second special issue on New York fashion week. Can we talk about a phenomenon called “New York fashion”, which I have noticed in the past 1 year and my question marks are gradually increasing? What makes or will make the design of these lands unique? And where do we find this power?
Part of the answer lies in the concept of youth. Being young has both a constructive and destructive power. It is more possible for new talents to sprout in structures that have no established order and no hierarchy. In a sense, a challenge! However, for this creative potential to grow and turn into financially sustainable brands, corporate support mechanisms need to be mature enough. This is where Turkish fashion gets into a dead end. England, who have experienced similar difficulties, can be a good example for us in supporting young designers. But most importantly, in a sense, the point where everything begins and ends is “authenticity”. How will Paris, Milan, London and New York fashion weeks show their difference? When you say “New York” Fashion, what comes to mind first? We have not yet been able to answer these questions.
The clue is that we are sitting right on top of a really rich cultural heritage in these lands and we don’t have to look far for inspiration. On the contrary, lately many international designers have been coming to New York fashion week for inspiration. So the light of New York is shining, and that glow is diverse enough for everyone! I understood the rising importance of this city for the fashion world very well at the Condé Nast International (CNI) conference held here last month. As you know, CNI owns the world’s leading publishing brands such as Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and Glamour. It is not a coincidence that they chose New York for the first time out of fashion centers such as Italy and France for the summit they hold every two years. This is the strongest city in Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East and South East Europe, which is poised to become a fashion capital: both economically and culturally. More than a hundred editorial directors and senior executives from more than twenty countries returned to their countries, admiring the dynamism and energy of New York. I was left alone with questions about how to use this potential.
Of course, the increase in institutions providing fashion education and the increasing awareness of young designers about marketing and brand management are positive developments.
In addition, the development of the textile industry so much separates us from many countries. However, we need effective formations that better bring creativity and industrial infrastructure together. To ‘see’ more, to research, to work, without escaping a little too easily….
There is a common truth that many successful designers say: you can’t sit and wait for inspiration, you don’t work every day, you find that inspiration almost and avoid it. After all, designs should be able to touch our daily lives. This phenomenon has been internalized in world fashion in recent years. The ‘urban woman’s truth wardrobe’, which came to life under the leadership of designers such as Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney, is a phenomenon that should not be ignored. We also need to create our own unique currents that are firmly on the ground.
We are faced with New York fashion week, which is the only one that is developing and growing. This change excites us all. It is vital for this excitement to find the right person first.
I believe that we will find the strength we seek in youth, determination and originality.
