Spring Trends On Display at Flying Solo New York Fashion Week

Located in the Starrett-Lehigh Building on the 14th floor, this season’s runway shows presented by Flying Solo paved the way for emerging designers to showcase their Spring/Summer collections on the New York Fashion Week stage. 

With a view of New York City’s skyline as the backdrop, Flying Solo developed a simple yet sophisticated setting for fashion to serve as the focal point. The runway production platform strives to amplify emerging designers and brands, introducing collaborative opportunities for clothing, jewelry and handbag designers to showcase cohesive collections. Located in the building hosting New York Fashion Week: The Shows, Flying Solo has been introducing new energy to fashion week since 2016 while prioritizing visibility to participating designers.  

Yacht Basins brought streetwear to the runway, bridging color and striking accessories in a wearable collection for the cool kids of the city. The looks defined the importance of brand messaging, with “Yacht Basins” displayed on various pieces, presenting a message to the audience in the room and on the streets of New York City that this collection is meant to stand out. 

Designer Kierra Nichole of Atlanta-based brand RosaByrd introduced industrial chic to the runway. The collection combined materials like zippers and fur in modern and oversized silhouettes while embracing spring neutrals and pastels. With jewelry by Candian-based designer Jillian Leigh Jewelry and bags by Borboleta Bag and Wajahat Mirza, the collection represents the working woman with innovative additions to her style, combining an industrial aesthetic with business professionalism. 

Luxury leather belts, cuffs and handbags embraced a rugged representation of feminity and the chic working women in a collection by California brand Streets Ahead USA. Owner and Founder David Sack works alongside his wife Michelle to bring authentic Italian leather and hardware to the U.S., manufacturing products in Southern California. The NYFW collection featured layered belted looks, and neutral-toned button-ups styled with leather accessories, defining a collection represented by timeless fashion and wearability. Jillian Leigh Jewelry specializes in simple yet luxurious pieces that tie each look together, establishing a collection fit for women living on either coast. 

Elegance is often defined by shades of white and creme, tones that are at the foundation of spring and summer trends this year. We’re used to bridal collections, but ALISA DUDAJ defeated the status quo with a striking collection that played with materials and fabrics but one thing remained consistent: each look was white. Titled the Alpine Whispers collection, looks were constructed with beading, quilt and fleece. Structure and dimension were at the forefront of the designs, accompanied by jewelry by MEGHAN JEAN JEWELRY, known for finely crafted and classic yet unique luxury pieces. 

Continuing the showcase were wearable inspired by comfort and natural beauty, Mexico-based designer Margot collaborated with ethically-produced Borboleta Bags, created by designer Veronica Race. The looks were styled with intention and wearability in mind, focused on the fashionable woman whose beauty can be exemplified by what she is wearing. 

In a collection with designs by Unfrndly and jewelry by Pregomesh, the runway transformed into a setting meant for the alternative fashion lover. Layering with black lace turtlenecks accompanied by striking silver chains offered a grunge aesthetic that is all the rage in contemporary fashion. The collection was dark, mystifying and sexy. 

Launched in Mambai, tara and i experiments with ruching and dimension amongst various types of fabrics, including leather. The looks are flattering and retrospective for any type of woman. Designer Reshma Dalal founded tara and i after having her daughter, envisioning a brand that represents womanhood and will embody the future of fashion for her daughter. Alongside Jillian Leigh Jewelry, this NYFW collection inspires the wearer to be bold, authentic and beautiful. 

Vibe the People took the runway by storm with colorful and patterned sets worn by a diverse group of models. The luxurious streetwear is made in Canada and is meant to make a statement, with printed looks that are playful and eccentric. Pregomesh, Wajahat Mirza and Aderiyike London worked seamlessly to showcase contemporary fashion with a bold and chic take on accessorizing. 

Following a brief break, the runway showcase continued and energy from the audience once again filled the brightly-lit 14th floor of Starrett-LeHigh. Abstract, artful avant-garde looks hit the runway with a collection from 2Madison Avenue, emphasizing color, structured shapes and carefully styled looks. In conjunction with shoes by Geppetta Zapatos, this segment revealed the true meaning behind wearable art. 

Handcrafted in El Salvador, ILA looks graced the runway, showcasing beautiful gowns that left us yearning for spring. Using delicate prints as the foundation of the collection and paired with jewelry by Roosik and Co, these looks were the true embodiment of beauty and warm weather.

Using organic cotton, KUMI showcases prints defined by bold colors like royal blue and deep browns and reds. Paired with jewelry by MUZE, each manually screen-printed look came to life with embellishments and the use of various fabrics. KUMI pieces are unique but share common themes and silhouettes, making this collection cohesive and vibrant.

Quilted jackets started appearing in recent months and this spring, we expect them to be all the rage. With a colorful take on quilted outerwear, BELIEVE by tuula rossi proves that wearability works hand in hand with style. Paired with MEGHAN JEAN JEWELRY, Wajahat Mirza bags and accessories by Aderiyike London, this collection meant business but playfully and daringly, proving that staying warm can, and should, be chic.

If you haven’t seen the trending Mob Wife aesthetic, where have you been? BBCOUTURE takes the furs behind the surfacing trend to the next level with bright green faux fur. The collection also featured a cropped fur set styled with earmuffs and a tote bag. In exploring different shapes and structural designs, these looks were truly high fashion. But we do just want to bundle up in them, too. ADERIYIKE sunglasses were paired with several looks as proof that the Mob Wife is the moment.

Taj Cottage pieces by designer Rachna Chandra are the definition of elegance. From stunning ivory two-piece sets and gowns with cutouts to a dazzling silver skirt that shimmered on the runway, Chandra is innovative and thoughtful in her construction. Made in India, the beadwork and details are captivating.  

Flying Solo explores the immense talent and craft behind fashion on a global scale, offering a space for emerging designers to showcase their work on a well-respected stage. The collections on display were thought-provoking and creative, emphasizing the stories behind high fashion and the designers who create works of art meant for the runway and the wardrobe. We left with inspiration for spring looks and trends that are meant to last, with art and intention in mind.

All photography by Abby Schirmacher.