NYFWM HIGHLIGHTS: PUBLIC SCHOOL
PUBLIC SCHOOL
There had been whispers in the industry that Public School would not be showing their men’s at NYFWM like last season, but would present their men’s collection alongside their women’s the following week. Menswear was disappointed for a moment, and at the last minute, a show was confirmed. Brands have lifted the veil between audience and production before, most recently at the Duckie Brown show two seasons ago, where hair and make up stations, clothing racks and models readied themselves in front of the assembled attendees. Public School took that concept a step further.
The backstage area was open to invited guests, and on the other side, huge glass windows faced the street where crowds of the public gathered to get a glimpse into the menswear world. When the models walked, they walked first along the sidewalk outside the building, so it was the public consumer that got the first look.
The collection was also somewhat of a departure. There was less of the street wear influence that has, to a greater or lesser degree and not necessarily to the designers liking, defined the brand. Military and utilitarian influences seemed more prevalent, perhaps simply in sync with the trends of the season, but with the fresh perspective that designers Osborne and Chow are known for.
