NYFW: Burnett New York Outfits an Uptown Art Exhibition at FW19
If you’re looking for streetwear, athleisure, loud prints, or exclamatory colors, keep on moving. It was purely high society Manhattan at the Burnett New York show, and the swanky albeit weather-beaten crowd loved every minute of it.
I made my way downtown to Spring Studios through slush puddles and freezing rain; waited in line outside - thankfully shielded from the elements by awnings and scaffolding - and finally shuffled into the gallery with my fellow show attendees. The moment I entered the room, I sensed this show was going to be different from the others I’d seen over the last five days. The atmosphere felt distinctively upscale. The mood: smart, unflustered, in vogue. I could almost hear the ringing of champagne glasses and the chatter of posh socialites and wealthy aristocrats as they toasted an exhibition of contemporary art pieces I imagined on the bare white walls of the gallery. This was a luxury affair.
Emily Burnett is the CEO and Creative Director of Burnett New York. She earned a loyal following after proving her genius for cocktail and evening wear during her 10-year run as Creative Director for New York luxury house Dennis Blasso; she entered the position at just 23 years old. Burnett exited the house last year to launch her eponymous line, and I predict she’s going to do better than fine. The roaring standing ovation was a dependable clue.
YOU DON’T SEE FUR LIKE THIS DOWNTOWN
Burnett has something in common with Anna Wintour: they both love fur. While more and more luxury fashion houses are doing away with fur, Burnett is brazen in her utilization of these extravagant furry hides.
ARTSY-ELITE
Can’t you just see the giant painted canvases hung on the walls of a funky art-deco Upper East Side mansion and the expensive glasses of wine floating around the floors as white-gloved waitresses serve them up on silver platters?
REAL LIFE STARTS AFTER 9 PM
Well-versed in evening wear, Burnett presented party dresses and glittering pant-suits for ultra-luxe ladies who stay out late and pay for their own champagne.
SOPHISTICATED DAY WEAR
Because jeans and T-shirts are so déclassé.