New York Fashion Week highlights: Christian Siriano gets political, Kate Spade receives touching tribute

New York Fashion Week wowed once again this year, with highlights including a tribute to the late Kate Spade and political T-shirts from Christian Siriano.

New York Fashion Week never shone more brightly than in 2018, thanks to a tear-inducing tribute to the late Kate Spade and a head-turning show from designer Christian Siriano. So get your tissues ready, prepare your OMGs, and join us as we share our favorite NYFW moments.

Kate Spade honored

When a company’s leader passes away, it’s always a dilemma on how to honor that influential individual. The shocking death of Kate Spade left the company that she had co-founded with such a challenge. But Kate’s former brand rose to the occasion at New York Fashion Week, reported CBS News.

Held at the New York Public Library, the fashion show honored Spade with models sporting the brightest hues, from pink to green, walking on a path of glitter on a pink carpet. Even though Kate and husband Andy Spade had sold the company, the brand chose to focus on paying tribute to the designer.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Creative Director for Kate Spade, Nicola Glass, poses for Kate Spade New York during New York Fashion Week at New York Public Library on September 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images)

Kate passed away in June. Following her suicide, insiders shared that she had been struggling with both anxiety and depression.

In her memory, the fashion show guests were greeted with notes on their seats reading, “she left a little sparkle everywhere she went. in loving memory 1962-2018.”

Christian Siriano weaves politics with fashion

Christian Siriano fans know that when it comes to what to expect, it’s wise to expect the unexpected. We’ve got mad respect for his daring, bold fashion moves, and Siriano’s New York Fashion Week show epitomized his always-outside-the-boring-box styles.

For Christian’s Spring 2019 show, guests found “Cynthia for NY” promo cards awaiting them on their seats in the show held at New York City’s Gotham Hall.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Judith Light, Cynthia Nixon and Whoopi Goldberg attend Christian Siriano – Front Row during New York Fashion Week: The Shows on September 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

And just in case anyone didn’t know, the “Cynthia” they’re referring to is Cynthia Nixon (yes, the same actress famed for Sex and the City). The actress herself was spotted sitting in the front row. Nixon has stepped up to battle New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, which the state is holding a primary election on Sept. 13.

Other celebrities seen at Siriano’s show were Tiffany Haddish, Coco Rocha, Whoopi Goldberg, Danielle Brooks, Carmen Electra, Sarah Hyland, and Judith Light.

Although Christian’s show included all types of people and fashions (such as including plus-size model Candice Huffine or gender fluid looks like leopard tops and black frocks), the designer’s red-carpet gowns stole the spotlight. Really, who could resist a flamingo pink gown featuring crystal and floral organza?

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Models walk the runway at Christian Siriano – Runway during New York Fashion Week: The Shows on September 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images)

But the cheers and applause came when a model appeared with a black T-shirt bearing the slogan “Vote for Cynthia.” How to top that? Siriano succeeded by using his traditional finale walk to whip open his jacket to display his own black T-shirt emblazoned “I’m voting for Cynthia.”

What do you think of the tribute to Kate Spade and Siriano’s political T-shirt? Share your comments with us!