Kate Spade’s press teamed saved some coin on its spring/summer 2016 media kit by way of a paperless display of more than 30,000 flowers decked out at its presentation on Saturday, signaling its seasonal theme of romantic, flirty and floral fun.
While the thought of being perpetually trapped in rose-scented garden party inhabited by the wasps of Fifth Avenue might for most likely be considered a fate worse than hell, for the New York fash pack, the olfactory overload channeled the brand’s trademark quirky champagne-before-noon vibe, doused in a flammable proportion of Chanel No.5.
Gone were the label’s resident sparkly numbers and matching bright, popping accents, which were this season replaced by a series of pastel twin sets and party-ready skirts, in daisy prints and rose-emblazoned patterns.
The designer’s latest collection is sure to be applauded by its New York and abroad devotees, but the show stealers remained its custom clutches and bags. It was hard to decipher whether attendees were supposed to feel like they were at a carnival or watching a movie about one, with handbags ranging from a spotted dog to an ice-cream truck to a box of popcorn to an ‘Admit One’ ticket stub.
A standout look paired a black cape with black capri pants, which was given a playful, eccentric vibe through floral print t-bar pointy flats and a flower pot clutch, matching the adjacent real red roses.
Catering for the New York hipster’s biannual jaunt to Paris Fashion Week was an edgy leather biker jacket, worn over a white top and black-and-white stripped skirt, sure to have you looking the part for a day of shows and much-earned cocktail hour with your international jet-set pack.
Also keeping in check with the Parisian vibe was a black oversized sweater featuring the phrase, “Ooh La La”, styled with a flower print floaty skirt, straw boat hat and a cream tasseled cross-body bag.
The show’s flower-power theme was exemplified in a matching flower-print blouse and trouser set, given an Upper West Side princess venturing downtown feel through a cheeky honey pot beehive clutch, with a pair of oversized dark tinted shades sure to hide any hangover telltale puffy eyes.
Many of the presentation’s more conservative looks screamed ‘first date night’ – or your next Tinder adventure – options, with the designer’s quirky bags sure to function as conversation starters during any lulls in #awkward moments.
For a more serious relationship VIP event, look no further than the collection’s formal strapless black fit-and-flare dress, teamed with an adults only respectful fancy clutch and spiked black heels.
For those looking to venture down a more sartorially risky avenue, a glitzy rainbow sequined dress, featuring bold stripes on a white backdrop, is the perfect addition to your carnival-themed ticket clutch, especially when teamed with a pair of canary yellow patent flats.
Kate Spade’s infinitely growing cult following has reduced the need for the label to take far-flung risks on the New York Fashion Week stage, but the absence of many blockbuster looks may disappoint its long-time fans this season.
However, given the company’s meteoric success on Wall Street, perhaps the time was ripe to stop and smell the roses.
