When we want to know the hottest fashion trends of the season, we turn to Ken Downing, the man behind all things fashion at Neiman Marcus. We asked him for the lowdown on what to buy for spring and what the next month entails for this front-row fixture at fashion weeks around the world. Right now the style guru is in New York, where designers are debuting fall 2015 collections. Then he’s off to London, Milan and Paris. Such is the life.
CultureMap: Tell us what we need for spring.
Ken Downing: This spring, all roads lead to the 1970s. Romanticism, exoticism and escapism defined the runways of the world, ushering in an era of the new bohemian:
- Jet-set meets gyp-set, with maxi and midi skirts and dresses defined by ruffles, flounces and handkerchief hems.
- Boho blouses and tunics, embellished with elaborate embroidery and punctuated with patterns, prints and artisanal patchwork, allow you to embrace your inner Stevie Nicks.
- A ’70s staple, denim appears flared or tattered, torn and distressed. It looks great when worn with more denim or with the prettiness of a peasant top.
- The flat sandal and flatform are the foundation for spring’s longer lengths.
- Fringe swings and sways, from ready-to-wear handbags and shoes, giving your wardrobe immediate new bohemian credit.
- Rugged meets refined, with long and layered necklaces in strands of colorful beads, turquoise and coral, that add to the wanderlust of the hippie spirit that defines the look.
- Color takes inspiration from sun-baked shades of Moroccan spice markets: Cayenne, paprika, saffron and sage add spice to a spring/summer wardrobe for her and for him.
- Spring’s patterns and prints insist you mix, don’t match, for a look inspired by the runways of men’s and women’s collections that easily translates into the reality of your wardrobe.
- A sporty attitude gives the beat of the street to many of my favorite looks. Sneakers, skaters and high-tops lend an urban edge to the season.
CM: What shows are you planning to attend at New York Fashion Week?
KD: I attend many shows during New York Fashion Week — collections of designers who I know, love and consider friends, as well as new and emerging talents that I am interested in introducing to the Neiman Marcus customers around the country and around the world in my stores and online.
CM: How many shows a day do you go to?
KD: I attend more than 115 shows during New York Fashion Week alone, and that’s just the beginning. From New York I continue on to London, Milan and Paris, returning to the U.S. to begin my national and international travels curating fashion shows, celebrating the current season and meeting my enthusiastic customers who can’t get enough of a fashion moment!
CM: Take us through a typical day during Fashion Week.
KD: A typical day is rarely typical during New York Fashion Week, with so many shows on my itinerary. I start my morning front row and end my evenings front row.
In between fashion shows and presentations, I attend showroom appointments with my team, take press and media interviews on the collections of the day, and write trend reports from the back seat of the car. Food is a rarity; lattés are a must! But it’s all invigorating, energizing and exciting. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
CM: What new designers or collections are you looking forward to in New York, London, Milan or Paris?
KD: There are always interesting new and emerging talent that appears on the fashion calendar. In New York, I am looking forward to Gabriela Hearst and Jonathan Simkhai, who will be mounting his first runway show this season.
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Keep up with Downing and his Fashion Week journey on Instagram.
Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing attends 115 shows during New York Fashion Week.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box