February 14, 2024 |
Monday proved to be a New York double-header. First Coach had us headed uptown to the historic James B. Duke House while Tory Burch ended the night at another NYC landmark, The Public Library, marking her 20 years running her namesake brand. Fittingly the speakers kept playing shushing sounds as guests took their seats – after all we are in a functioning library after dark. The music quickly shifted once the runway kicked off, starting off with Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 56’ before segueing into the best of ’80s New Wave with the likes of The Cure and Joy Division setting the tone. Like earlier in the day, the best of uptown clashed with downtown, leaving behind a cool girl with plenty of exciting clothes the way.
That’s the new Tory Burch now, by the way, as the brand has undergone its own parallel renaissance in the past year or so. Gone is the socialite, in her prim prints and conservative silhouettes. The new Tory woman is bolder, more inclined to show skin, and has plenty of youthful energy. For autumn 2024 that means plenty of volume and silhouettes with sharp edges, textures, and sporty details. Opening with a sculptural black sequin fringe dress, the looks then moved on to a slinky sheer red dress before cutting back to sensible work-friendly coats, cropped jackets, and roomy trousers. But before it felt too practical, the clothes took another turn back to slick and cool, with hoodies worn with brightly colored skirts, ruffly micro minidresses layered under jackets, and transparent trenches. A series of mixed print dresses were a hit and Irina Shayk’s finale look, a tinsel raffia coat, played well against the silver runway.
Burch noted that the show centered around making the everyday sublime, whether it’s elevating an old jacket, a lampshade, or a shower cap. Whatever the household object may be, based on the tapping toes and smiles, Burch had a hit on her hands. Here’s to seeing what the next 20 years have in store.
Photography courtesy of Tory Burch.
