The 7 Best Shows Of NYFW, According To Our Editors

Now that New York Fashion Week is behind us, our editors have had the chance to finally reflect on the whirlwind seven days and piece together what our highlights were after countless shows and presentations. Though there's still work to be done, the Fall/Winter 2019 season was one of the most diverse to date, and designers — both emerging and established — found ways to bring intimacy and feeling back into fashion. Brandon Maxwell walked the finale with his mom; designers at Collina Strada chose to ditch a traditional soundtrack in exchange for a monologue from indigenous environmental activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez; Michael Kors ended his 10 a.m. show with a surprise performance from Barry Manilow; Staud's models danced the runway — and those were just a few of the best shows from Fall/Winter 2019 according to the TZR team.

When you spend the day running from show to show, it's the ones that touch on something emotional that stick. Beautiful clothes are abound, with so many talented designers paving their own lanes in NYC, but a collection that seeks to support women — by making them feel beautiful, by protecting them, or by streamlining their style — is what stands out. Though each brand approaches this in its own unique way, it all boils down to offering women a unique connection to what she wears. Below, you'll find nine shows that made our editors feel all the feels, and left us excited for the moment the clothes arrive on the racks IRL.

Lauren Caruso, Managing Editor

Staud

It's so hard to pick just one favorite show from fashion week, but I loved the energy at Staud. Not only did the models dance down the runway to '70s-themed music, but many of them were classically trained performers, which really added to the show. The clothes were uncharacteristically bright for fall, too.

Michael Kors

My favorite moment had to be at Michael Kors: Just minutes after Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" and Andrea True's “More, More, More” played one after the other, Barry Manilow surprised the entire audience with an IRL rendition of Copacabana. The Studio 54-inspired wares — including colorful faux feather boas, glittering tailored suits, and silk separates — were powerfully fun.

Aemilia Madden, Senior Market Editor

Sies Marjan

Sies Marjan designer Sander Lak proves season after season that he's an expert in playing with color. Models walked a sequin dusted runway in mixed-and-matched hues that are decidedly bright for fall. I was entranced by the idea that you don't have to tone things down just because it's cold outside.

Bode

Though Bode is technically a menswear line, designer Emily Bode creates pieces that as a woman, I'm equally drawn to wearing. The focus on heritage craftsmanship and attention to construction and detail make the collection feel precious, like an heirloom dug out of the attic of a quirky aunt.

Khaite

From the moment I walked into Khaite and saw the giant tree standing in the center of a dark room, I was mesmerized. Models waded through yellow leaves dressed in elegant antique-detailed dresses and jeans alike, and the brand debuted bags this year (which I'll be eyeing a must-own fall accessory).

Mecca James Williams, Contributing Market Editor

Brandon Maxwell

I am mesmerized by Brandon Maxwell's finale look. The pockets and the lace-up details made it is hands down my favorite look of the season. Watching model Grace Elizabeth walk down the runway, I felt like I was in a dream.

Area

The whole Fall/Winter 2019 collection is out of this world. Rhinestone details — metallic headpieces, crystal-studded shoes, and even sparkly socks — glistened as the collection walked the runway. This look is a favorite of fashion week, because frankly, it's the look I want to embody for fall. The cool factor of this fringe knit dress makes it a piece I want in my closet.

Christopher John Rogers

This collection made me very emotional. I was just so overwhelmed with excitement and pride to see a young black designer with so much talent showcase their creative talent, and the collection did not disappoint.

Marc Jacobs

I found this look to be so captivating. The layers of texture and color feel like the ideal take on layering for fall — the perfect combination of frill and sophistication. Marc Jacobs is such a legend in our industry, and I appreciate the creative energy that he puts in every collection. Inspiring!