Step into Kate Spade New York Fall 2023 presentation at the Whitney Museum of American Art and immediately eyed a flamboyant Haley Lu Richardson in an electric yellow dress that was, simply put, a vibe. It set the tone for the entire event, including a musical performance from the Julliard School, and used the Hudson River as the backdrop.
“We wanted to harness the energy of a reboot or a blank canvas. Fall is always like the beginning, isn’t it?”
“Actress White Lotushis outfit — a blazer and tonal patterned skirt worn over a leopard print bow tie shirt with matching heels, heart-shaped pants and an applique tote bag crystal — reflects not only the theme of the new collection (a return to the joy of getting dressed) but also a bit quirky, like something eclectic for her character Portia can choose to wear. Richardson’s dirty blonde hair was parted to the side and tied into a comfortable bun. She wears ’60s style makeup, with bold eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and glossy lips, and she completes the look with jet-black nails. Kate Spade SVP and Head of Design, RTW and Lifestyle tom mora revealed that Richardson and her team of stylists changed the silhouette to a mini skirt to evoke a more youthful mood. And that goes back to the intentions of design duo Kate Spade. Together with SVP and Head of Design, Leather and Accessories Jennifer Lyu, Mora wants to bring to her clients “fall in New York”. He describes it to POPSUGAR as a blank canvas — when you’re back in town after a long summer and can’t wait to discover new restaurants and landmarks with friends, enjoying everything NYC has to offer.
Vibrant colors are a key element Mora and Lyu used to embody the energy of the line, highlighting the newly minted Kate Spade Green signature Pantone color, which embodies positivity and optimism. From sequins and prints to matted beanie and beanie, it’s clear that Dopamine clothes mostly played this season. The bags themselves are, of course, works of art, bringing eye-catching shapes and textures to the vibrant Kate Spade stage.
Mora reveled in the celebration as he took in the atmosphere, telling POPSUGAR: “We went into space yesterday for a walk and what this looks like when the sun goes down, it’s amazing. Then you layer in the color of the clothes, and it’s a special moment.” He continued: “You know when you really feel something? We’re feeling it. And that’s just the beginning.” Lyu agrees: “The initial inspiration is a vibe,” she says. “Today, to come in full circle and recreate the vibe we’ve felt and watch it come to 360 degrees, it feels amazing. It’s amazing as a designer .”
First, find out how Richardson chose her outfit for that special day as the face of the brand, and read our full interview with Mora and Lyu.
