Standing in line waiting to enter the venue hosting the Fe Noel spring 2023 RTW runway show alongside a few of the most influential Black beauty and fashion editors, style content creators, and some of the most fashionable people in all of New York City was surreal.
Eventually, we made our way inside the venue – a wide-open studio space in SoHo, oh so very chic and minimally decorated – and I’m handed the show notes, which is designed like the front page of The New York Times wrapped around a stray, faux flower. The show notes contextualize this beautiful collection “duality in three parts,” alluding to the show’s three acts. A wide range of human emotions translated through Fe’s designs – from joy and exuberance, loss and introspection, to vitality and fearlessness.
“We’ve explored the spectrum of emotion this season. Capturing the feelings of being both carefree and buttoned up, fearless and cautious, knowing there’s space for both.”
Fe noel
In signature Fe fashion, this collection carries slick, shape-defining silhouettes, voluminous sleeve accents, and highly versatile ensembles. Each outfit appeared to be weightless as the models floated down the runway. Fe left us little room to want, serving us evening elegance, late-night seduction, and a chic twist on the 21st century’s ideas of professional wear.
The sensual drama of three black and floral lace looks was a welcomed surprise alongside the 2 masculine outfits – one more streamlined and structured, the other reveling in the boundless joy of the Fe Noel brand.
Fe has said that she only participates in New York Fashion Week when she has a “special message to share,” and her closing look – her first couture look – made a statement. Fe Noel’s closer dress is the product of her partnership with TIAA. The gown – officially dubbed “the Dre$$” – is strapless and corseted with layered ruffles. Its matching petticoat, even the weight of artificial dollar bills, and the statement of this huge financial disparity don’t weigh down Fe’s signature airiness. The petticoat has her signature puffy sleeve and an extravagant – and audible – train.
This couture dress is made of artificial bills that total 1.6 million dollars – symbolizing the egregious amount of money women lose out on in retirement savings due to the gender wage gap. Fe wants us to leave nothing on the table, whether it be financial abundance, fulfilling experiences, or human connections.
P.S.
Special shoutout to the person who shared their bench seat with me at the show! It’s a kindness that truly meant to the world to my feet and my first-ever NYFW experience.
Leave a Reply