Karen Walker Brings Utilitarian Glam to New York Fashion Week

I’ve always been a fan of New Zealand-based brand Karen Walker ever since I saw one of her ads for her eye-catching, oversized sunglasses while flipping through a magazine one day. It wasn’t until very recently that I found out that she also does a ready-to-wear collection.

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

As it turns out, this Fall/Winter 2016 season marked Walker’s 20th season showing at NYFW. Her collection, titled ‘Magnetic’ was inspired by American photographer- Berenice Abbott, who was known for her for portraits and black-and-white New York City cityscapes and architecture during the 1930s.

According to the Karen Walker team, “Berenice possessed an aesthetic that never faltered through the decades – utilitarian with an air of androgynous chic.” The collection consisted of calf-length pencil skirts, coats daintily belted at the waist, billowy jumpsuits and pants, print mixing, texture mixing, layering and of course, models rocking the brand’s signature eyewear.

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

: Karen Walker NYFW2016 / Photo by Fashion GPS

What immediately drew me to the collection was the bright red grid print belted coat and calf-length pencil skirt with dark tan blouse with balloon sleeves. I also loved the mixing of patterns and textures, with emphasis on metallic and leather fabrics. I would consider this a pragmatic collection, with pieces that can be taken from season-to-season and can be effortlessly styled for multiple occasions.