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.