Diversity and inclusion is a never ending topic of discussion within the fashion industry. How does a brand successfully include and market to all types of women without veering into tokenism territory? At Kate Spade New York, designer Nicola Glass offered up a take with a refreshing mix of models, influencers, and “real” women who wore her designs with ease.
Grace Elizabeth and Karen Elson checked the notable model box, but it was the unexpected models like art curators Nicola Vassel and Kimberly Drew, twin sisters and Instagram-famous influencers Reese and Molly Blustein, and influencer Lyn Slater of Accidental Icon who made the show feel less like a fashion show and more like a gathering of your chicest friends. Debi Mazar and her daughter Evalina even popped up, much to the delight of all the Younger fans in the audience.
“Today we’re on a city safari, where every turn and wardrobe choice is an adventure,” read the brand show notes. While signature feminine shapes, ditzy florals, and kicky prints were present through out the collection, Glass offered safari-ready greens, whites, and khaki for the customer who may prefer her Kate Spade in a more streamlined fashion. This is a right step for the brand. It feels elevated and fresh, a sure fire way to capture new consumers.