Fringe, light-as-air frills and fluorescents: The look of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019

New York Fashion Week is coming to an end, which means now is the ideal time to reflect on the looks presented so you can look ahead at the upcoming trends for the Spring/Summer 2019 season. Like always, there a mind-boggling number of shows, ideas and messages — but no need to get overwhelmed. We're focusing on five top trends worth watching now, and shopping later. Start scrolling for all the runway-inspo you need for the next season.

BRIGHTER is better

For SS19, more than one designer had a bright idea. Prabal Gurung embraced neons for contrast with darker shades, and for head-to-toe looks inspired by the villages of his birthplace, Nepal. Meanwhile, designer-of-the-moment Brandon Maxwell took inspiration from Texas and dressed his models in shades of ultra-bright pink that somehow still felt glamorous. Tibi stuck to its roots with laid-back yet still dressed up co-ord knits in bright colours. Meanwhile, Jeremy Scott's girls at Moschino could not be missed in their fluro minidresses and dungarees. The takeaway? If you want to get noticed for all the right reasons, neon is the way to do it.  

Fringe benefits

What happens when Longchamp makes its way to New York for its 70th anniversary? Apparently, one is presented with '70s-inspired looks, a whole lot of fringe dresses, and knee-high gladiator sandals. On a different stage, Area opted for a sparkly take on the trend with ropes of crystals cascading down from dresses and handbags. At Calvin Klein, Raf Simons kept it cool and simple with a touch of multi-coloured fringe at the waist of skirts and dresses, and on the flip side, Oscar de la Renta offered up the most glam version of the trend with a black dress outfitted with swinging silk fringe from the hip down to the ankle.

The wild west

A giant dinosaur towered over the runway at Coach, but it was the festival-vibes fashion that stole the show. Think billowy blouses, patchwork denim and fringe-trimmed accessories all inspired by Stuart Vever's day trip to Sante Fe. Alexander Wang got in on the fun and lightly infused the theme into his show through his models' bolo tie necklaces and metal fringe detailing. And for his 50th anniversary, Ralph Lauren stuck to what he does best: everyday staples as American as apple pie. Here, leather boots, denim, cozy plaids and flannels and silk neck-tie handkerchiefs made for a spectacular showing at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park.

Delicate dresses

If ever there were a place for frills, SS19 is it. Set within a cemetery, Rodarte's show came to life with a line-up of ethereal tulle dresses in some shocking shades and with OTT floral headpieces. Elsewhere, J.Mendel's collection of super romantic gowns came in layers upon layers of light-as-air tulle in candy colourways like bubblegum pink and macaron aquamarine. Of course, there was also Tory Burch, who included tiered chiffon gowns in contrasting black and nude shades, and for the most expert craftsmanship, The Row's sheer black version was a lesson in simplicity. Marc Jacobs may have kept his guests waiting, but his collection—which referenced the '80s love of couture extravagance, replete with feathers, froth and ruffles in pastel colours, was almost unanimously considered to be worth the wait.

Set, match

Cool girl designer Sally LaPointe, who drew inspo from a sci-fi comics for her monochromatic looks, marched matching pants, skirts and shorts sets down the runway, which you can expect to see in street style shots everywhere next season. Matching pantsuits in unexpected colours and textures, like mustard lace, paisley and racy red ruled the runway at Zimmermann. And last but not least, at Carolina Herrera, Wes Gordon presented an off-the-shoulder polka dot top and skirt combo in alternating shades of black and white.