The 6 Top Takeways From New York Fashion Week: House of Aama, Luar, LaQuan Smith & More

For the Fall/Winter 2023 season, designers including Luar, LaQuan Smith, Tia Adeola, and more presented compelling collections.

New York Fashion Week came and went. But what was most important was the opportunity that designers received to showcase their newest designs. 

Brands likeLuar,Tia Adeola, LaQuan Smith and House of Aama were already on our radar, and they did not disappoint. In fact, they debuted some of the most noteworthy pieces out of all the collections that debuted from February 11 to February 15.The latter was one of the most compelling presentations of the week. This is mainly because the designers dug into a specific folklore tale while staying true to what comes naturally to them — revealing resort wear that doesn’t feel stuffy and is vibrant and intricately designed. As always, the multi-day event also included celebrity appearances that included Teyana Taylor, A$AP Ferg, Lil Nas X, and Ice Spice.

Above we’ve pinpointed the handful of key moments that are a part of this week’s festivities. Keep reading to see the biggest takeaways from New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023.

Black In Fashion Council Discovery Showroom Features Jeofroi, Madamette, Ciriaco & More

Designers/founders of Jeofroi, Jeffrey Taylor and Roy Carey in The Black in Fashion Council x NYFW Discovery Showroom. (Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG Fashion)

This season,Black In Fashion Council and IMG highlighted quite a few brands that rose to prominence through their own e-commerce shops during their invite-only discovery showroom at Spring Studios. Among the brands included were Made By Ciriaco, an accessories label founded by Ashley Ciriaco, andJeofroi by best friends Jeffrey Taylor and Roy Carey. The former creates unique handbags that have landed it in global shops by Kith and Atmos, while the latter has become known for its take on glam evening wear. Invitees were also able to get familiar withMadamette, a New York-based accessories brand by Quanaisa Graham, and Miko Underwood’sOak & Acorn, a sustainable denim heritage brand. Other brands like Diotima,Ellaé Lisqué,CISE,Torlowei, andSincerely Ria were highlighted, too. 

LaQuan Smith Brings Business Chic to NYC’s Rainbow Room

Designer LaQuan Smith poses at his Fall/Winter 2023 show at The Rainbow Room. (Photo Credit: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images)

For his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, LaQuan Smith sent his models down the runway wearing sleek tuxedo jackets, tailored trousers, mini blazer dresses, and other pieces that could be easily blended into a working woman’s wardrobe. Another staple look for this season included a bedazzled bodysuit, which was styled with an oversized fur coat. Aside from these standouts, he also debuted menswear pieces for the first time. Show attendees ranged from rising drill rappersLola Brooke to R&B star Teyana Taylor. 

Ice Spice Takes Fashion Week

Ice Spice at the Coach Fall/Winter 2023 presentation. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Rising drill rapper Ice Spice received some coveted show invites this season. She sat in the front row at Australian brand Dion Lee’s show, and also attended Coach and LaQuan Smith’s shows. The Bronx-born rapper also reportedly performed at two after-parties: one for Tia Adeola and another for LaQuan Smith. 

Tia Adeola Shares a Collection Inspired by Revenge Wear

Actress Tara Raani poses in Look 10 at Tia Adeola's Fall/Winter 2023 presentation. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Post-breakup, some women look for garments that allow them to evoke confidence, and Tia Adeola created a whole range that speaks to that. In her newest collection, there are sheer gowns, silk sets, and attention-grabbing mini dresses. She also created a completely see-through lace gown outfitted with ruffles. This collection was strong, and proof that though she continues to lean on lace, she is constantly figuring out ways to create experimental pieces with it. 

House of Aama Hosts a Breathtaking Presentation 

A model poses in a color-blocked set at House of Aama's presentation. (Photo Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka presented a collection deeply inspired by Caribbean culture and the folktale character Anasi the spider. The energy of Jamaica was injected into the line, and that’s seen in the knit bucket hats, the color-blocked dresses in bold colors, and the vibrant outerwear pieces. While some clothing features Anasi, other pieces were inspired by the Southern Gothic period: flared sleeves, delicate ruffles, and the use of the pussy bow. Hours after the show, House of Aama hosted a lively after-party that featured an enthusiastic performance by Jamaican singerSevana, and a stellar DJ set by multi-hyphenateGianni Lee.

Luar Closes Out New York Fashion Week

Photo Credit: Hippolyte Petit/FilmMagic

The Luar presentation, which was hosted in Brooklyn and closed out New York Fashion Week, was a breath of fresh air. Raul Lopez dreamed up cocoon suits, gorgeous gowns with hoods, and more, a testament to his unique take on streetwear. He rounded out the range with moto jackets and gaudy furs, as well as standout pieces like a glitzy sequined gown worn with stiletto heels, and a khaki buttoned dress with extreme shoulders and an insanely low V-cut worn with translucent gloves. Ravyn Lenae, A$AP Ferg, and Joey Bada$$ were a few of the artists in attendance for the striking presentation.