Public School S/S 2016

Mood board: It’s been a busy few months for the home-grown fashion label Public School. Not only did the growing brand present a memorable menswear collection during the inaugural New York Fashion Week Men’s slightly over a month ago, founders Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne now also newly hold the creative reins of DKNY, whose first collection will be revealed later this week. Judging from its eponymous womenswear collection though, Public School’s abilities run far and deep.

Scene setting: Staged at Skylight Moynihan Station, one of New York Fashion Week’s two new official homes that were inaugurated this season, Public School created an imaginative setting by using oversized, all-white building blocks to break up the monotony of a classic runway space. Carving up the runway at different angles and randomly interspersed within the audience, the effect was simple, yet impactful and gave the show an avant-garde feel.

Best in show: For S/S Chow and Osborne put forward a comprehensive collection that crystallised the label’s urban, edgy aesthetic, while honing in on a feminine style of its own. Softly tailored full-length trench coats and vests were worn loosely belted over billowing trousers and maxi dresses for an ethereal feel. There was no shortage of feminine staples, be it asymmetric skirts, plunging v-neck dresses or thigh high slits, but utilitarian touches such as d-rings, drawstrings, bungee cords and trailing straps, brought a sporty edge to the clothing.