Willie Nelson has inspired many musicians in his day and for Spring 2016, he served as the influence for one NYFW designer: that of Mara Hoffman. The crooner and songwriter’s tune “Blue Skies” flooded the venue with the backdrop taking the song title and lyrics quite literally: cumulus clouds covered the wild blue yonder and a wheat field in the background. The opening looks also echoed the sentiment: a menswear-inspired suit, button-front shirt, wide headband, and strappy sandals wrapped in clouds.
Hoffman usually looks outside to other cultures for inspiration, but she put her own spin on Americana for the season. Bird motifs were strewn across the hem of a wide-leg jumpsuit, stripes were quite psychedelic in vibrant colors, and the aforementioned classic pattern was undoubtedly bohemian on off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, bandeau tops, and high-waist full midi skirts.
Leaf prints on tie-front swim tops, relaxed shirts, and easy dresses felt like signature Hoffman, as did impossible-to-miss floral prints on functional, yet bold jumpsuits, and breezy frocks.
Hoffman riffed on the timeless collared, button-front shirt with head-turning colorful stripes, shirtdresses that were practical in silhouette yet adventurous in print, and suiting in blush pink and white.
The brand always has one of the most diverse runways each season and Hoffman did not disappoint this time around. From FBD favorite Ataui Deng to some new and beautiful faces, we were happy to see so much color on the catwalk: in every sense of the word.
At times, it seems Hoffman is perpetually rooted in the Resort mindset, with mini dresses, swimwear, and cover-ups in abundance. Thus, it was refreshing and unexpected to see so many suiting pieces including tailored overalls, high-waist trousers, and office-appropriate sets.
And it was only fitting to close the collection with star-accented designs. Sheer button-front tunics, effortless pants, and simple maxi dresses weren’t necessarily red carpet-worthy, but they surely were deserving of a few swipes of our credit cards.
Thoughts on Mara Hoffman’s Spring collection?
Images: VOGUE.com