Slideshow

Nordstrom Designer Preview: The Runway

July 28, 2014

We chatted with Nordstrom's director of creative projects—and popin guru—Olivia Kim (shown here) as well as visiting Vogue editor Cynthia Cook Smith, and Nordstrom fashion director Gregg Andrews about key looks and trends before the show began. Keep clicking for their sartorial wisdom.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

Kim's on-site popin was a great democratizing force at the event. Not able to get it together for that Saint Laurent bag? There was supercool gear from Poketo on offer inside for a lot less.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

But on to the runway ... the first scene belonged to Dries Van Noten's sophisticated woolen op-art, the perfect note for a show dedicated to helping fund SAM's upcoming exhibit, Pop Departures.

Prior to the show, fashion director Gregg Andrews mentioned American designers like Michael Kors, who remain—year after year—remarkably true to their DNA while hitting all the season's key looks as well. This chunky wear-anywhere cable knit cashmere sportswear classic, paired with a leather fringe skirt, illustrates that beautifully.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

Andrews counts autumnal pastels as a strong fall factor. This Gucci dress—and those boots!—has a '60s feeling that colors their whole collection.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

But Gucci's take on the season isn't too retro. Case in point, this glass applique-studded leather-skirt dress. A touch mod, sure, but even more modern. Andrews likened the bodice to armor. Very modern armor.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

On loan from New York City, Vogue market editor Cynthia Cook Smith highlighted the "It" factor of the big, bold, beautiful statement coat. While Cook Smith leans toward the shearling models, this one, in alpaca mohair by Donna Karan, was a stunner.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

A quiet moment—and a nice example of summer/fall transition—from Marc Jacobs.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

The final scene, from Valentino, was all about geometric patterns and graphic impact.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

Paired with another dynamic example of the fringe factor, the Valentino graphics felt timeless and rootless in the best way.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

Rose Dennis is always impeccable.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

Shoes. The after-party, which is really a shopping party, is all about shoes.

What's great is that the runway is matched only by real life; style-spotting is almost never better. Next, take a look at our arrivals slide show from Le 21eme blogger Adam Katz Sinding.

Photography by Andrew Swanson

After the show, the party begins. Seattle songstress Hollis Wong Wear, in an outfit from Fremont's Pipe and Row, was among the bold-faced celebrants.

Dark and moody images from the runway (and few pre- and post-show happenings) on July 24 at Pier 81 from Seattle photographer Andrew J.S. For street style arrival shots, see this post from Adam Katz Sinding.

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