The Council of Fashion Designers of America has announced that New York Fashion Week will be back in September with a return to in-person shows following two seasons of virtual experiences. What's more, Kerby Jean-Raymond's Pyer Moss is making its NYFW comeback, too.
"With current signs of progress in the pace of vaccinations and the strategic, gradual reopening and tangible reawakening of New York City, we look forward to a strong fashion season that celebrates the best of American fashion in both physical and digital presentation formats," says Steven Kolb, the CFDA's chief executive officer, speaking to Business of Fashion.
As Kolb says, the vibe for September does appear to be a celebration of all things USA with the Met Gala's (Instagram-sponsored) return scheduled for the same month with the theme of "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion." The September gala is expected to be followed by a second, even bigger Gala in 2022 with the theme of "In America: a Modern Anthology of Fashion" to offer contemporary designers a chance in the spotlight too.
In addition to the return of the Met Gala, Pyer Moss will be back after a two year hiatus from NYFW. The news is a welcome amendment to the schedule as Pyer Moss is renowned for its exciting, big-budget shows – the last of which included a full choir singing hits from Missy Elliott, Donny Hathaway, Frank Ocean, and Cardi B with Doja Cat and Brent Faiyaz closing the show.
In addition to creating memorable spectacles, Pyer Moss shows have historically included a more sobering activist front as well. The brand's NYFW debut in 2015 opened with a 12-minute video about police brutality. The video – featuring interviews with family members of Eric Garner, Marlon Brown, and Sean Bell – resulted in death threats to Jean-Raymond and stores dropping their orders at the time.
Since then, and during his NYFW hiatus, Jean-Raymond has taken on a new role as Global Creative Director for Reebok, launched a new platform “Your Friends in New York” with luxury conglomerate Kering, outfitted VP Kamala Harris. He was also named the American Menswear Designer of the Year at the 2020 CFDA Fashion Awards. So, with all that in mind, we're excited to see what Collection 4 will bring come September.
NYFW will run from September 8 - 12.
