Snow Xue Gao FW ’23 Inspires Women Empowerment at NYFW
By Stacy Kim | @stacy.kimm
Originally famous for styling Rihanna, fashion designer Snow Xue Gao returned this season with a new collection that has more meaning beyond the designs themselves. Snow sends a message of support to other women through her designs this season.
On February 11, Snow revealed her Fall/Winter 2023 collection at the flagship store in Bowery where she also had her past Spring/Summer dresses on display along the aisle through the entrance of the store. Elements of Snow’s styles and aesthetic are portrayed at the entrance with Rihanna’s styled look and past runway shows that incorporate a mix of Eastern and Western culture.
Inside the store, there was a presentation stage of models who styled Snow’s new collection. Snow’s specialty designs are the asymmetrical and tailored lines consisting of pattern prints. Two puppies dressed in black and white plaid outfits also modeled for the presentation. Many of Snow’s designs intentionally break away from the traditional definitions of feminine and masculine.
The new designs consist of a variety of silk prints and range from dresses to skirts to coats, to pants. For her collection this season, Snow was inspired by the 16 Women Movement, honoring the 16 women throughout history who fought for equality in the fight against sexism, racism, and marginalization.
“16 women protested on the streets, their anger, and in the same hand, they dress up well,” says Snow. “It’s weighing the balance between masculinity and femininity.”
Pictured above: Snow shares about her collection prints and inspiration to attendees at the show.
Snow further describes that she hopes to motivate other women to feel empowered and confident that they can achieve their dreams, just like how she started her own collection. Snow hopes to use her collection to inspire women to become entrepreneurial and capable of standing up for themselves.
In order to achieve the looks to convey the contrast between emotions of anger and well-dressed models, Snow points out the focus on the smoky eye shadow and darker eye makeup in general. This accentuates the models’ expressions and sets the stern tone which balances with the colorful dressy designs. Snow’s presentation was sponsored by L'Oréal to achieve the makeup look and Dr. Martens for the chunky black shoes worn by the models.
In addition to the presentation of the collection, New York Fashion Week is also a time for the attendees to make a statement with their outfits. Pictured above at the Snow Xue Gao presentation, well-dressed attendees styled a variety of contrasting looks to pair with the collection.
All photographs credited to Stacy Kim at NYFW and Snow Xue Gao.