Area A/W 2019 New York Fashion Week Women's

The label's postmodern vision comes to life in a public atrium 

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Area A/W 2019
Area A/W 2019
(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Scene setting: Area has become known for selecting unusual venues for its runway shows. From high school rooftops to basement swimming pools, the label's taste for character-filled spaces is as much an expression of its ethos as the collection itself. This season was no different, with the label closing off a public atrium located between office buildings on Wall Street, designed in a postmodern, Greek revival style during the late 1980s. Refined in detailing yet also famed as a base for Occupy Wall Street protesters, the space's mix of polish and protest carried over into Area's latest effort.

Mood board: Designers Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk have typically ignored conventions when creating Area's collections. This season was no different with its eclectic mash up of Upper East Side hallmarks, such as tailoring and houndstooth print, with oversized logos, chintzy rhinestones and exaggerated knitwear. The silhouettes on show were equally wideranging, with balloon-sleeved track jackets, sculpted cocktail dresses, crisp shirting and cocoon-like coats all getting a look in.

Finishing touches: Area has always dabbled in jewellery, especially hoop earrings and chain necklaces made from strings of rhinestones. This season saw the label build upon their handbag offering, which took a sophisticated tack. Ranging from box-like top-handle bags in patent leather to ball shapes caged in metallic pink leather and PVC and metallic satchels, these accessories were footloose and carefree. 

Area A/W 2019

Area A/W 2019.

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Area A/W 2019

Area A/W 2019. 

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Area A/W 2019

Area A/W 2019.

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Area A/W 2019

Area A/W 2019.

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)
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Pei-Ru Keh

Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.