Runners On The Runway: The Best Of New York Fashion Week
Only a few days are left in New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2018 calendar, and the big players on the sneaker scene have already presented their latest collections to the public.
This season, brands have embraced unisex fashion with great enthusiasm. This is good news for sneakerheads: many of the shoes we’ve seen on the runway will be available in both men’s and women’s sizes. Whether you’re a woman tired of the limited range of models available in your size, a man looking to add some flair to your sneaker rotation, or a couple with a penchant for couples’ dressing, NYFW presents you with a nice range of kicks to choose from. Here, we take a look at this season’s offerings from Fenty x PUMA, Kith, Public School New York, and Philipp Plein.
PUMA FENTY
Rihanna’s collaborative collection with PUMA has fast become one of NYFW’s most anticipated events. This season, Rihanna turned her runway slot into a true spectacle: pink glitter mountains were installed in the venue, the singer turned up on the back of a motorcycle, and BMX riders performed tricks for attendees. The presentation’s footwear was in keeping with the show’s overall ‘rainbow-bikie’ aesthetic and all shoes were worn by both male and female models. The popular Fenty Creeper resurfaced in a wider spectrum of shades, including orange, fluorescent yellow and black-green.
Rihanna and PUMA have also provided us with a new boot (like most of the collection, it comes in a whole range of shades). The high-top makeup features a bold fastening strap with Fenty and PUMA co-branding and a thick sole.
Last year’s spring/summer staple, the Fenty slide sandal, will now be available in both men’s and women’s sizings. This season’s slide moves away from the shoe’s signature pastel colourings, instead coming in a range of fluoro shades and appearing to have a rubber construction.
KITH
LeBron James’ runway debut was surely the highlight of Kith’s fashion week presentation. Proving himself to be the king of the catwalk as well as the hardwood, James introduced the LeBron 15 – and while he opted for a white and floral colourway of the 15, other models came out in black and white strapped-up renditions (we’re guessing this may be our first look at the LeBron Soldier 12).
Given that Kith and LeBron announced their collaborative venture in the weeks before the show, it was no surprise to see the LeBron 15 presented in a host of colourways, such as these black and blue models.
Just as he wasn’t to be outshone by Jordan, Scottie Pippen didn’t wish to let LeBron James steal all the limelight at the Kith show. Pippen made his way down the Kith runway in a furry rendition of the Air Pippen 1 (the shoe can be seen in a behind-the-scenes image from ). Pippen also collaborated with Kith on the Air Maestro II.
PUBLIC SCHOOL NEW YORK
Public School New York presented their Spring/Summer collection in collaboration with Jordan Brand. Understandably, the collection centred on the newly released olive and black , with apparel designed to match the colours of the shoe. Though this new Jordan 15 seems to be releasing in men’s sizes, it was refreshing to see the brand providing pointers on how to incorporate the model into a feminine wardrobe.
The Jordan 15 silhouette seemed to inspire the other footwear offerings at the PSNY show, with this knee-high boot looking like the 15 on steroids.
A peculiar plastic covered shoe also made an appearance on the PSNY runway. The shoe looks pretty similar to the Jordan 15, but the gum sole confuses things. Is it attached to the plastic bag, or is this a different version? In any case, it’s the perfect offering for sneakerheads afraid to dirty their expensive kicks.
PHILIPP PLEIN
Spring/Summer is Savage Season for Philipp Plein. The fashion house sent a star-studded cast, including rappers 21 Savage and Swae Lee, down the runway in a range of motoring-inspired luxury sneakers. The collection aimed for a ‘pedal-to-the-metal style’, merging the worlds of sports cars and rock’n’roll. If Philipp Plein’s previous price points are anything to go by, you should be prepared to shell out a pretty penny for these gaudy offerings.