DKNY Spring 2015: A Bold Look at the New York Nation

Playful Geometric Prints and Blazing Reds were part of DKNY’s Spring 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week  (photos courtesy DKNY)

Last week at New York Fashion Week, DKNY presented the brand’s Spring 2015 collection. After struggling to get around New York City during New York Fashion Week in the heat and humidity, I was really feeling this collection. New York City  really is the world all  in one place. All the good, all the bad, all the joy and all the stress in one little island.  For Spring 2015, DKNY is a sexy mix of street chic, designed for the “New York Nation” of urban warriors.  If you are living in New York, or you have visited, then you will get this collection’s homage to New York City’s culture and creativity.  The collection mixes geometric prints, blazing reds and pops of color.   Each garment is statement making , designed for the women who is strong enough to make it through every day in New York and beyond.

Paradise green vinyl, supersonic blues and multi-color knits are part of DKNY for Spring 2015 (photos courtesy DKNY)

As with previous runway shows, DKNY incorporated real New Yorkers into the show as models for the clothes.   This is one aspect of the show that I love–you see real women, in different shapes and sizes wearing the clothes, not just sample size runway models. These women are real New Yorkers taking to the runway to show off DKNY’s marketing message  “Real life, real style, real you.”  The real New Yorkers walking in the show were from Harlem, Bushwick, the Lower East Side, East New York and the East Village.

Unlike previous collections , there were no subtle pastel pinks or taxi cab yellows.   The palette was a vibrant Spring Mosaic of blazing reds, caress  blues, supersonic green, luxe yellow, paradise greens, cabana blues and power nude.  This collection is clearly designed for a strong working woman.

Other highlights of DKNY for Spring 2015 include the designer’s collaboration with Pony for sneakers and Bottletop for bags.   The DKNY + Pony collection is a limited edition unisex sneaker inspired by…you guessed it New York City.

The DKNY X Bottletopcollection of hand-crafted accessories blends metal, leather and canvas.

Overall, this collection makes a strong statement just like New York City.  While so many designers draw inspiration from Europe, the Mediterranean and vintage designs, Donna Karan’s DKNY pay homage to New York City season after season.   Her beloved city seems to be the source of endless inspiration for this iconic designer.   Her love for New York keeps things real, urban and comfortable.   It’s refreshing to see models on the runway in sneakers rather than high heels.  That’s a more comfortable way to walk whether you live in New York, Los Angeles, the Midwest or the deep South.