New York Fashion Week is upon us once again, and this year the runways are full of looks inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. Fringe, platform shoes, bell bottoms and high waisted pants controlled the runway this season, once again mimicking the underlying vintage tones of last year’s festivities.

Rose Carlisle, Fordham at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ‘19, is a fashion minor and excited to be living in the city for the revelries. When  asked about her thoughts on this year’s styles, Carlisle replied,  “[It’s my] favorite season yet; bohemian, yet chic, and not super grungy. I love all of the fringe–it’s fun and flirty!” Ohne Titel, a womenswear label designed by longtime friends and Parson’s School of Design graduates Alexa Adams and Flora Gill, took a distinct liking to the fringe, incorporating the fabric onto the majority of their shoes. Not to be solely confined to the shoes, Ohne Titel also premiered many full fringe outfits at their 2016 Spring/Summer show.

BCBG MAXAZRIA was perhaps the label most inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s  decades, incorporating everything from bucket hats, platform shoes and bright color combinations into their display. Max Azria’s collections  Each model for BCBG was completely styled to fit the vintage theme; the models’ hair was placed in loose waves reminiscent of the 1960s with matching nude makeup consisting of a matte face, big lashes, and pale lips. Another distinct, retro factor of the BCBG MAXAZRIA show was the fit of the clothing itself. Whereas the new norm for high fashion is tight, body clinging outfits that display every curve of a woman’s figure, the BCBG outfits were loose and flowing, creating movement that really brought the outfits to life.

The influence of the  ‘60s and  ‘70s can also be clearly seen in Parson’s Paris alumna and 2007 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award recipient Erin Fetherston’s whimsical work, not just for the architectural design of her pieces, but also for her choice of patterned fabrics. Many of Erin Fetherston’s works are patterned or textured, with a floral design emerging several times in earthy olive, ivory and burgundy tones. This color scheme was an ongoing pattern in the entire collection, with an emphasis on ivory and the occasional light blue or dark orange hue. One specific, standout 70s factor in this show was Fetherston’s use of moderately thick headbands and voluminous hair, creating a distinct look for her collection while still keeping up with this season’s biggest vintage trend. While each show had a distinct flavor, there was one recurring theme throughout–small, cross body shoulder bags that are manufactured out of suede-like materials, some even with a fringe texture.

Lienne Harrington, FCLC ‘18, has mixed feelings about these trends. While she agrees that it “looks really good on the runways,” Harrington doesn’t feel like the everyday women can successfully execute these looks on a daily basis. “The patterns are very busy, and it can get tired…it can look matronly,” Harrington said. That’s the beauty of fashion- we have the choice to express ourselves however we prefer. If the ‘60s and ‘70s are not your style, then there are plenty of timeless looks to fall back on!