A Modern Love Story: Adore Me at New York Fashion Week

On Wednesday, February 7, lingerie and intimates brand Adore Me, presented by Art Hearts Fashion, put on a show that explored the complex intersections of love. Located at The Angel Orensanz Foundation, the cathedral-like interior was decadently decorated with large pink bows cascading from the upper mezzanine. In a scene that felt like a New York Fashion Week Galentine’s Day party, guests arrived in lingerie-inspired outfits accompanied by bow accessories, pearl jewelry, sheer gloves and various shades of pink to fit the theme.

The show opened with Adore Me CEO Morgan Hermand-Waiche humbly introducing the show. Hermand shared that the Adore Me brand has notably joined the Victoria’s Secret family, and shared the brand’s desire to keep fashion inclusive.

“At Adore Me, we like to do things differently. We want fashion to be inclusive,” he said.

Hermand invited guests to immerse themselves in a narrated love story of two main characters. The runway segments revealed a series of three relatable, and may we say, cliché rom-com chapters. Chapter One explored their romance and love at first sight, which then led us into Chapter Two, depicting the ups and downs of love. Finally, we were brought full circle to embrace love in all its forms, thus proving love will always prevail.

Chapter 1: An Opportune Encounter

Adore Me’s dedication to size inclusivity and diversity was evident throughout the show. Models of all shapes and sizes triumphantly emerged on stage in sultry lingerie sets. Details like bows, heart motifs/cutouts and lace decorated this romantic collection.  

The brand meticulously utilized color and textiles to guide us throughout the show. Shades of red, pink and black ran their course throughout this segment representing romance. During the first stages of romantic love, it’s easy to fall into the thrill of lust and the alluring appeal of someone new. This chapter captured the very essence of how confident, sexy and excited women should feel while experiencing the possibility of love.

This collection included a line of sheer bodysuits, corsets, unlined push-up bras and panty sets perfect for an intimate night with your Valentine which may result in love at first sight. 

Although Adore Me curated a beautiful collection meant for the bedroom, what came to life in that cathedral surpassed the typical love that is found in romance novels. To say the least, this show was for the girls, which made the experience even more relatable and emotional. Before a new model would take the stage, the former model would high-five and interact with the oncoming talent. These ongoing exchanges exhibited such a pure form of female support and girlhood. However, the models didn’t hoard their love and support just for each other on stage. The energy and constant support of the crowd was so magnetic, that models frequently smiled, waved, threw flowers and even took a Polaroid picture of guests.

Chapter 2: A Perfect Storm

Moving into the second chapter, this collection took us through the stages of grief and emphasized that there’s no perfect love story. Love will always face its challenges and trouble in paradise is only but a mile away.

Before the reveal of the collection, the Bridgerton-like narrator guided us through the tale of how the male love interest was sighted with someone else. This led the female protagonist to feel the overwhelming waves of emotion and betrayal. What she thought was going to last was fleeting, so she decided to “block his ass.” 

Chapter two’s exploration of color personified the way one may feel during a state of sadness and confusion. Like a storm cloud, a model in white lingerie entered the scene, yet still keeping that upbeat and energetic energy as the chapter before. Models in beautiful lingerie sets in shades of white, blue and purple entered the stage one after the other, representing that sometimes in life, when it rains it pours. Through the sadness and rain, it’s important to know that you need to water your garden and plant your roots. 

These stunning intimates slowly moved into brighter shades like yellow, hints of white, to ultimately vibrant green reminding the audience that we are meant to grow after the storm. Not only should we be nurturing each other, but we need to nurture ourselves and in that, love will still grow. Pieces that represented growth came to life as models proudly walked down the runway in a flower motif skirt cage, an emerald green corset and an emerald green matching bra and panty set. Golden Bachelor alum, Susan Noles appeared on the runway in a yellow and white printed slip dress – the Angie Slip Dress. 

Alongside color, this collection brought the story to life in the range of silhouettes. Models wore pieces that showed the cozier and relaxed side of lingerie like bralettes, slip dresses and nighttime attire. The diverse range of silhouettes and textures reminded us all that during these moments it’s okay to cozy up and be sexy in your own way. 

Chapter 3: Happily Ever After

The final chapter of this love story revealed that also with love, oftentimes, what may seem like a devastating blow to the relationship is a silly misunderstanding. In this story, the other woman seen with the male love interest is actually his sister. Chapter three inspired the audience that there can be happy endings after all.

Perfectly on theme with the message, the models came out in white bridal lingerie with hints of something blue throughout the collection. Accessories like veils, robes, sheer gloves and pearl jewelry tied the theme together along with one model performing a bouquet toss at the end of the runway.

This sexy bridal collection showcased how every bride should feel on her wedding day. Every model had their moment on stage along with the last model performing a bouquet toss at the end of the runway.

As a final treat, singer and actress Ashanti took the stage and performed everyone’s favorite songs like Foolish, Unfoolish, Happy and more.

Adore Me’s distinct and iconic use of storytelling made the experience memorable and creative. In the show’s final moments, all the models made their way back to the stage, dancing and freely expressing themselves. The energy in the room was so pure and everyone present felt this sense of unity while sharing the love that was on stage.

All photography by Abby Schirmacher.