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It’s been clear since Lionne’s runway debut just over a year ago that the woman the brand serves likes it tailored but not stuffy; top items but not your average; and the shape, statement enough to grab attention but wearable enough for every day. The brand’s latest runway presentation for New York Fashion Week sees designer Latoia Fitzgerald deliver another big dose of sophisticated elegance, the designer tells ESSENCE that this time it feels more personal – A love letter.
“Knowing that I’m showing my collection so close to home and sharing this moment with my family makes me so excited,” Fitzgerald tells ESSENCE ahead of Thursday night’s show, which effectively kicked off the list of Black Designers of the Week of Fashion in New York. the season. “This collection references a lot of my childhood growing up in Philly and nostalgic New York fashion, so there’s a lot more of my identity woven throughout.”
On the runway, the models were mostly dressed in black, with the exception of brief moments in orange, white and blue denim. However, an emphasis on the nuance of high-gloss fabrics (there were tube tops, mini skirts, matching sets and coats, all in what looked like vinyl or patent leather materials) catapults the designs into territory that is not at all quiet and minimal. In fact, elevating basics far beyond their norm is exactly what Fitzgerald does best, her knack for elongated sleeves, oversized collars and edgy structured silhouettes coming together in unison on the runway. It’s an element that has quickly become a signature for Lyonne, and Fitzgerald tells ESSENCE that this collection is a natural, incremental progression from the last. Beyond the aesthetic choices, the collection signals other ways the brand continues to grow, as the first collection made in Italy (Fitzgerald took fans behind the scenes on Instagram), with an emphasis on the highest quality.
Known for drawing a star-studded crowd, celebs like Draya Michelle and Cassie sat front row at Lionne wearing their favorites from the designer. And as for the finale, those in attendance were in for a more personal love letter than Fitzgerald could have imagined. First, a deconstructed leather trouser that commanded the room, a cut-out dress. Then, a surprise marriage proposal closed the show and the designer left her engaged runway.
Check out every look from the show ahead.
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