Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Rain isn’t all gray and gloomy.
When we hunch under our umbrellas or scoff at a downpour that engulfs us, we turn away from the joy of rain. Rain makes new beginnings. Eliminate dust, dirt, or any debris that gets in your way. Bring plants to life. It accumulates in puddles to splash around happily.
This is the philosophy that Kate Spade New York’s new creative leaders have infused into the Spring 2023 collection. This season marks not only the debut of Tom Mora and Jennifer Lyu for the brand, but also the return of Kate Spade New York to the New York Fashion Week since the beginning of the pandemic. (Mora will lead the ready-to-wear, footwear, jewelry, home and lifestyle categories, while Liu will lead the handbags and accessories categories.)
The designers’ inaugural offering is filled with eye-catching prints, glorious raincoats, edgy sunglasses and pom-pom embellished heels. A wide-brimmed rain hat, offered in a variety of hues, best captures the spirit of the collection.
“It’s that energy that we want to get out, that I’m going to see this and I’m going to enjoy it and see everything and take it all in,” says Mora. It’s all about new perspectives: Unlike shrugging under an umbrella, wearing the hat gives its wearer the ability to look up and be confident in the rain.
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Atop 3 World Trade Center, overlooking the bustling city, models lined up in full looks under “clouds” made up of balloon assemblages. A soft soundtrack of sounds, including rain, played as the onstage rain fell behind them.
Among the more functional totes and shoulder bags, special pieces stand out, such as a cloud purse made of shiny metal with fine chains hanging from below, imitating the rain. The mix of utility and playfulness are key to the Kate Spade New York code. After all, Lyu argues, bags are a highly expressive external version of ourselves.
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“Bags hold secrets,” she says. “And they help you have a clearer frame of mind throughout the day. There are many things behind the making of a bag.”
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
The collection stays true to the essence of Kate Spade New York, one that revolves around vibrancy, playfulness, fantasy, wit, femininity and New York City. Mixed prints. Cinched waists with floral belts. Fiery red and green lime zest. Shoulder strap and structured shoulder strap. Pearl details and dazzling drop earrings.
“People are so unique and individual, and that’s the beauty of where we’re headed,” says Mora. “What connects all of these women is that love of playfulness, color, femininity, self-expression and confidence. Our goal is not to make women feel confident; she already has confidence, we’re just building it up.”
Prior to becoming Kate Spade New York’s senior vice president and director of design for the lifestyle and ready-to-wear categories, Mora worked at Cole Haan, J. Crew and Coach. Ella lyu led accessories at Tory Burch, Prada and 3.1 Phillip Lim before heading leather goods and accessories at the brand.
“There is so much joy and a rich heritage,” says Lyu. “Being able to participate has been a great honor.”
See the full Kate Spade New York Spring 2023 collection in the gallery below.
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Source: fashionista.com