Glamour with a green thumb

Concrete jungle. The spring 2020 collections gracing the runways of  New York Fashion Week marry the tropics with Manhattan’s sophistication. She may have vastly overpriced Jimmy Choo sandals trademarked, but Carrie Bradshaw wishes she could pull off statement periwinkle eyeliner. 

Rising designer Rosie Assoulin brings glory to the jumpsuit in a long-sleeved, gold number complete with delicate embroidery. Her abstract floral patterns, bright palettes and smooth neutrals meet both ready-to-wear and resort categories. Straw hats and horizontal stripes are no longer your mom’s favorite beachwear, but Assoulin’s as well. 

It may be back-to-school season, but Oscar de la Renta keeps us all on vacation. 

Although De la Renta’s line was an ode to his Latin American roots, the addition of strappy heels with dangling pom-poms brings a playfulness to his extravagant gowns and sleek hairstyles. He brought the perfect amount of kindergarten craft table vibes to the party, a striking whimsical creativity. Baskets of bananas and papayas line the aisles as models strutt around in vibrant reds, textured, woven fabrics and metallic, mini cocktail dresses with trains for days.

Shoshanna, Ulla Johnson and Kate Spade’s designs, instead, went au naturale with bold leaf prints and the whimsy of Beyonce’s pregnancy photoshoot. Neither of these designers subscribes to the myth that flamboyant patterns can’t go together. They can — Johnson’s Aztec and gingham three-quarter-sleeve proves it. 

Did I mention that Kate Spade’s team sent several models down the runway toting real potted plants? 

The audacity. 

The slayage.

Still, chaotic glamour is on-trend. Whimsical AF. Maybe fall fashion should take inspiration from Spade and use rustic foliage accessories.

But the standout in the spring florals department is Marc Jacobs.  Jacob’s show felt like church on Easter Sunday: pastel blazers, ornate hats and neatly tied neck scarves. Jacobs crafted bubble skirts out of fabric zinnias and ruffles into caps fit for a synchronized swimmer. The celebrated designer brought glitter, rhinestones, tights and ugly sweaters. I still can’t get over his teal velvet trench coat decorated with gold stars. Gorgeous. 

Simply, I would sign up to be head coffee-fetcher at the next New York Fashion Week, just to be in the presence of such greatness. This year’s group of botanicals were a pure celebration of Mother Earth and the wannabe florist inside us all. The looks recalled traditional mother-of-the-bride, with a slightly more granola twist. 

Hey Oscar de la Renta, I make fabulous lattes.