New York Fashion Week is coming to a close, kickstarting the Spring 2023 season. Throughout the week, editors, influencers and celebrities have seen collections from designers throughout the city. This has also presented an opportunity to have one’s photos taken as street style inspiration — and some photographed attendees are wearing Zara, the affordable fast fashion retailer favored for its luxury-inspired pieces and low prices.
It’s no surprise why those flocking to Fashion Week are wearing the brand. For some consumers, its affordability, mimics of runway pieces and closeness to top fashion figures are part of its appeal; a new Narcisco Rodriguez-designed collection and Kate Moss’ party-wear campaign are prime examples. Mandy Ansari Jensen, a fashion blogger who attended Alice + Olivia and Pamella Roland’s Spring shows this season, indeed says Zara‘s influence has made Fashion Week dressing more approachable.
“I think Fashion Week can be really intimidating; previously, it felt like there was an expectation that you had to wear big labels to attend,” said Ansari Jensen, who often pairs luxury items with Zara pieces. “As someone who loves to mix high-low pieces and play with trends, it’s appealing to not blow tons of money on a designer brand when I can experiment with a trend by purchasing it through Zara.”
Among those photographed, some of the street style set has certainly utilized Zara to wear trends like oversized suits, neon hues and Barbiecore pink. This maximalist approach to dressing — which can be seen throughout the retailer’s new offerings — has an unabashedly eye-catching appeal, ideal for capturing photographers’ eyes. Stylist Shea Daspin noted this trend while at shows for Cynthia Rowley, Adeam and Badgley Mischka, and believes the street style emphasis on Zara statement pieces comes from a post-pandemic desire for glamour.
“Maximalism with big suits, bright colors and accessories is popular because we’re coming out of COVID,” Daspin exclusively told FN. “People have not been able to get dressed up, and now is a time when [they] can do that. I think they’re going into overdrive to dress up more, just because they finally have the opportunity to do so.”
Zara’s closeness to runway pieces, finger on the pulse of current trends and affordable prices are its greatest assets. Add in easy access to shopping online and in retail stores, and you have a brand that offers many an easy approach to kickstart street style-worthy outfits.
