By Gabrielle Echevarrieta
In spring of 2020, New Yorkers’ hearts ached, longing for the return of vibrant nightlife, dining and culture, as they watched the once-bustling streets of their city go dark and quiet. Some naysayers said that New York City had lost its sparkle forever, but Tory Burch’s runway show and block party, held on September 12, proved them wrong.
Wearing a collection of all-new fashion from Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2022 line, models strutted down the cobblestone street, just steps from the brand’s boutique at 151 Mercer. Big-name Hollywood fashionistas cozied up in the front row, including Emily Ratajkowski, Mindy Kaling and Keke Palmer. The festive block party commenced after a lively performance by dancer Lil Buck and drummer Cornelio, with local Soho businesses inviting guests to eat, drink and be merry. Vendors’ booths lined both sides of the runway, featuring heavenly French-inspired cuisine from Balthazar, Italian bites from Sant Ambroeus, Morgenstern’s ice cream and confections courtesy of BonBon NYC.
Inspired by the ingenuity of Claire McCardell, the 20th-century designer credited with the creation of American sportswear, Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection embodies a sense of freedom, confidence and casual elegance. Paying homage to the then-radical ideas of women’s fashion, the line merges contrasting color palettes, prints and fabric. Delicate broderie anglaise is mixed with modern jersey textiles, and effortlessly chic linen and chiffon are merged to create laid-back warm-weather looks. The collection is part of Tory Burch’s ongoing partnership with the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which houses McCardell’s personal archives.
“There is a delicate tension between the retro and the modern,” says Burch of her namesake brand’s new aesthetic. “Cat-eye sunglasses, and sculptural silver jewelry. Our new bucket bag silhouette, Lampshade, is the inverse of a 1950s-inspired lampshade hat. This, along with oversize totes, hobos and cross-body envelopes, is crafted in suede, napa, double top-stitched leather and T Monogram raffia. Included are two reissues of McCardell’s designs: a flat she created with Capezio in 1953, and a striped silk-cotton boot.” toryburch.com