Paloma Elsesser: NYFW SS22
New York Fashion Week SS22 has officially come to a close, but not without making some major noise in what seems to be a return to normalcy. In-person shows, presentations and events took place after a long pandemic-induced break, and this week has for sure attempted to make up for the lost time. The NYFW schedule was packed, with shows running from 9 am-9 pm all week long.
One model, in particular, has been booked and busy, appearing at a multitude of elite shows, gracing the runway with her presence. Paloma Elsesser has made waves in the industry in the past year and is a constant role model to me. She exudes confidence and demonstrates how necessary humility is in a cutthroat industry. She kicked off fashion week by opening the Maryam Nassir Zadeh show in a pair of khaki capris, a little black bikini top and a peachy plaid flannel. A pair of strappy blue heels tied this outfit together and set the stage for the rest of the collection. Zadeh has set the tone for a Mediterranean summer, with her collection being found somewhere in the midst of playful yet sophisticated.
Paloma made her return to Gabriela Hearst’s show this season, modelling a black, white and red patterned dress. Hearst collaborated with members of the Navajo Nation, a U.S Native American reserve, on this collection. The impeccable weaving done by these members was showcased in a dress worn by Paloma, inspired by a painting by Hearst’s children. The rest of the collection highlights the creative skill sets and labouring processes that the members of the Navajo Nation have passed down through generations.
Being one of the most anticipated shows of the season with a star-studded lineup, Michael Kors did not disappoint. The show took place in the heart of Central Park, an ode to the city of New York and the hope for its future in fashion. Sleek ponytails and towering heels set the scene for an exquisite collection, something Kors has proven to excel at, season after season. Paloma was fitted in a navy blue lace bra and matching skirt, with a thick leather belt and bold red lipstick. She carried a mini black bag to tie it together, as black seemed to be the popular shade choice for this collection.
Brandon Maxwell debuted the liveliest and most vibrant collection. He played around with neon colours, funky prints, and a wide array of fabrics. Dressed in look 22/34, Paloma wore a blue and white checkered sequin dress, along with a matching cardigan draped around her neck. Two stacked butterfly necklaces accentuated her décolletage, and shimmery lip gloss finished off the look. Her outfit was very much toned down compared to the rest of the collection but stood out no less.
Closing out NYFW, Paloma walked the Altuzarra show. Gigi Hadid opened the show in a green tie-dye set and mini satchel. She was followed by a collection full of bohemian looks, from tie-dye to beads to crochet tops. Paloma was fitted in a warm-toned flowy dress with a layered crochet bra top and neckpiece. Beads could be found outlining the pockets of her dress, and tassels hung from her neck. This show gave a glimpse into the future of contemporary fashion and was a perfect way to end off the SS22 season.
