The Best of New York Fashion Week 2013: Trends, Street Style, and Insider Backstage Moments

From front-row glamour to backstage secrets: Discover the trends and unforgettable highlights that defined New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014.

By Medha deb
Created on

New York Fashion Week 2013: A Season of Style, Surprises, and Spectacle

The Spring/Summer 2014 shows at New York Fashion Week 2013 were anything but ordinary—they set the bar for creativity, innovation, and pure fashion fantasy. From jaw-dropping runway moments and street style inspiration to candid backstage glimpses, NYFW delivered a sartorial explosion that continues to inspire. Dive into the essential highlights, trend forecasts, and stories that defined this weeklong celebration of style in the city that never sleeps.

Table of Contents

Spring/Summer 2014 Trend Report

Every year, New York Fashion Week sets the tone for what you’ll be wearing next season. Spring/Summer 2014 was no different, delivering a kaleidoscope of fresh ideas, bold statements, and highly wearable updates.

  • Urban Sport: Designers dubbed the season sport-chic thanks to slouchy trousers, neoprene dresses, and numbers emblazoned football jerseys worn as dresses. Accessories like baseball hats and chunky wedge trainers channelled city athleticism on and off the runway.
  • Retro Romance: Nostalgic references—think jewel-embellished coats, bias-cut maxi dresses, and back-combed glossy hair—showed up in everything from Tory Burch’s La Piscine-inspired collection to polished 1940s silhouettes at Michael Kors.
  • Denim Reimagined: Customized denim and patchwork emerged as must-haves, especially at DKNY where badged jackets and dungarees modernized the old-school staple.
  • Prints and Patterns: From faded mosaics and floral satins at Tory Burch to bold bandana prints and star-spangled shift dresses at Marc by Marc Jacobs, motifs ran wild—with florals, star prints, and stripes popping up in unexpected places.
  • Beach Culture: Tommy Hilfiger went full California dreaming, creating a surfside paradise with boardwalks, sand dunes, and scuba-inspired ensembles.
  • Laid-back Luxe: Flowy linens, pastel satins, and feather-light trenches made it clear: relaxed doesn’t mean boring.

Runway Highlights from Iconic Designers

Some shows stand out by sheer star power, innovation, or the ‘I NEED that!’ factor. Here are the collections that stole the spotlight:

DesignerSignature LooksShow Highlights
DKNYSlouchy dungarees, lightweight trenches, button-up shirts, customized denim, bandana-printed parkas, maxi bias-cut dresses with wedge trainersJoan Smalls’ cool opening, Rita Ora’s dance-filled finale, a parade of urban-inspired must-haves
Tory BurchMosaic print dresses, jewel-scattered A-line coats, fine floral print satins, sophisticated 60s-70s poolside glamourSubtle nods to French cinema, flawless sun-kissed beauty, and a wardrobe-worthy fantasy
Tommy HilfigerNeoprene mini dresses, surf and skate separates, numbered football jerseys as dresses, boardwalk brightsSand dunes and surfboards on the runway set a playful tone for the show
Marc by Marc JacobsPastel satin pants, beaded blazers, silk scarves, star-print shift dressesPlayful, youthful, and lit up with sequins and shine—the ultimate cool-girl collection
Michael KorsBreezy white linens, petrol blue lace dresses, flirty 40s-influenced silhouettesEffortless, real-world ready-to-wear: aspirational but absolutely attainable

Front Row Glamour & Celebrity Sightings

The shows dazzled, but the front rows sparkled. Editors, bloggers, and a who’s-who of Hollywood and fashion lined the catwalks, contributing to the buzz both in person and across social media feeds.

  • DKNY: Kelly Osbourne, Ashley Greene, Bella Thorne, Nicole Richie, Christina Ricci
  • Tory Burch: Anna Dello Russo, Tamara Mellon
  • Tommy Hilfiger: Anna Wintour herself brought her signature bob and steely presence
  • Marc by Marc Jacobs: Eva Chen, Bryanboy, Iggy Azalea
  • Michael Kors: Katie Holmes, Derek Blasberg
  • Y-3: Justin Bieber’s unexpected appearance got nearly as much attention as the show itself

Whether they’re snapping selfies, snapping up insta-fame, or simply sipping their coffee, the front-row set remind us: half the spectacle during NYFW happens off the runway.

Street Style: New York’s Sidewalk Catwalk

Between shows, the streets of New York turn into a runway all their own, with editors, style bloggers, models, and influencers putting their best foot forward for an army of street style photographers. Cameras chased looks that were:

  • Eclectic Layering: Weather during Fashion Week can be unpredictable, so cool kids mixed vintage pieces, designer finds, and high-street buys for the ultimate statement outfit. Think bold outerwear, patterned trousers, and standout accessories.
  • Statement Handbags: Classic satchels, studded clutches, and ultra-modern totes—no look was complete without a bag worth double-tapping.
  • Comfort Meets Chic: With marathon days and endless shows, plenty of editors swapped heels for fashion-forward trainers or chunky boots, striking a balance between comfort and cool.
  • Signature Shades: Oversized sunglasses to hide tired eyes or just to add a little mystery—a must-have for any NYFW attendee.

Backstage Pass: Behind the Scenes at NYFW

Backstage is where the magic (and mayhem) happens—and New York Fashion Week 2013 was no exception. From last-minute fittings and makeup meltdowns to fast-paced hair transformations and pep talks, the stories behind the curtain are often as fascinating as what’s seen on the runway.

  • Beauty Evolution: Hair and makeup trends shifted towards effortlessly cool: tumbled waves, feline-flick eyeliner, and sun-warmed skin topped the beauty mood board.
  • Last-Second Surprises: Zippers stuck, buttons popped, and accessories were swapped in the nick of time, proving that quick thinking is as important as style when the countdown clock is ticking.
  • Famous Photographers: Legendary shutterbugs like Bill Cunningham captured every behind-the-scenes moment, making stars out of models, editors, and unsuspecting guests alike.

With all eyes on New York, even backstage antics became must-see content, with Instagram feeds and fashion blogs abuzz with candids and confessions.

Insider Fashion Week Survival Secrets

Veterans of Fashion Week know that looking fabulous is only part of the equation—stamina, style smarts, and a healthy dose of humor are key to surviving (and thriving) through eight action-packed days and nights.

  1. Plan Your Outfits Ahead: Mixing vintage, designer, and accessible high-street pieces is a tried-and-true formula. Think about comfort as much as impact—you’ll be on the go nonstop.
  2. Embrace Layers: The weather can turn in an instant. A statement coat or light trench can save the day—and your look—when temps fluctuate.
  3. Always Accessorize: If you invest in one piece, let it be a handbag that stands out.
  4. Hydration and Snacks: Between shows and running to presentations or meetings, energy can dip fast. Keep water and a quick snack on hand to power through.
  5. Capture Every Moment: Instagram and Twitter weren’t just for show—they’re practical tools for networking, style inspiration, and sharing your front row point-of-view. Don’t forget to scan the crowd for your favorite bloggers or models!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What were the standout trends of New York Fashion Week 2013?

A: Urban athleticism, reinvented denim, retro glamour, patterned prints, and surf-inspired casualwear stood out as the most talked-about trends.

Q: Which designers had the most buzzworthy shows?

A: DKNY, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors led the charge, each with memorable collections that captured the season’s mood.

Q: Who were some major celebrities seen on the front row?

A: Notables included Anna Wintour, Justin Bieber, Kelly Osbourne, Ashley Greene, Nicole Richie, Christina Ricci, Katie Holmes, and Iggy Azalea.

Q: How do editors and guests survive the chaos of Fashion Week?

A: Preparation, comfortable yet chic shoes, layering, statement accessories, and staying hydrated are essential, as is staying connected via social media.

Q: What makes New York Fashion Week unique compared to other global fashion weeks?

A: NYFW is celebrated for its blend of commercial savvy, innovative American sportswear, and electric, diverse fashion culture—a true melting pot of trends and talent.

Stay Connected: Style Beyond the Shows

Your Fashion Week inspiration doesn’t stop at the runways. Keep up with the latest street style moments, real-life fashion director selfies, and insider updates by following your favorite editors and designers on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter were flooded with behind-the-scenes looks this season, and with hashtags like #NYFW and designer tags, you’ll never miss a beat of the New York style pulse.

Whether you’re a fashion devotee or a casual observer, New York Fashion Week 2013 was an unmissable moment in style—one showing just how much creativity, collaboration, and energy goes into this world-renowned style spectacle. Until next season, keep experimenting with your own style, and remember: fashion is all about having fun and expressing who you are.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb