Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Throughout the years Cynthia Rowley has been influenced by surf culture. This muse once again played an important role during her New York Fashion Week screening of her Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Upon arrival at her space on Morton Street guests were transported to the beaches of Montauk where her latest fashion show and look book were produced.
What impressed viewers was that her film was not like any ordinary fashion show video, since it was shot with DJI drones allowing visitors to see 360-degree views of the garments. Cynthia explained that while she was watching her daughter's surf show she spotted a drone videotaping the performance, and it sparked the idea of using drone cinematography to get the angles she desired. Surf culture once again influenced her video when she was developing the presentation of her latest fashion show. She informed me, "while watching surf films I wondered -- how can you have a runway show that goes over and over like the surfers riding waves? This idea led to the show being played continuously throughout the screening."
Once the designer identified the direction she wanted to take for her fashion show she contacted DJI drones of China and they soon sent aerial cinematography specialist Rio Rex to film the show. During the course of a week Rio Rex captured a beachfront fashion show that took place on a mirrored runway. He also filmed videos of the skyline and beaches at daybreak -- the time he found them to be the most beautiful. During the screening the walls and ceiling were covered in projections of Montauk's skylines, ocean and Rowley's fashion show. No wonder Cynthia can't help but be inspired when so much beauty surrounds her.
The silhouettes and textiles of Cynthia's collection were just as lovely as the Montauk landscape and just as spontaneous as its wave formations. Her silhouettes ranged from kimonos, to kaftans, to A-line garments and her textiles varied from fringe, to sparkles, to patterned silks. One garment that caught my eye on the runway was a yellow silk charmeuse romper that had a great cut and drape. Another piece that caught my attention was a flirty off the shoulder dress composed of light blue colored fringe. Like most of the garments from Rowley's Spring/Summer 16 collection, these looks would be great for a summers night or day.
Since the 21st century began digital technology has stuck the world with force. For a while digital technology primarily effected fashion behind the scenes, but lately it has come out from behind the curtain and showed the world it's true impact. Cynthia Rowley was able to expose to the world what her ideal fashion show would look like using the latest and most sophisticated techniques. This unique insight into the art of fashion is the reason why this designer will be around for time to come.
Photographed by William Eadon
To watch Cynthia Rowley's beach front fashion show featuring her Spring/Summer 2016 collection go to:
http://www.cynthiarowley.com/
To see the complete look book of Cynthia Rowley's Spring/Summer 2016 Collection go to:
http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2016-ready-to-wear/cynthia-rowley#collection