These 19 photos prove New York Fashion Week is having a love affair with leather

By Edaein OConnell
12th Feb 2020

These 19 photos prove New York Fashion Week is having a love affair with leather

We are keeping a close eye on New York Fashion Week proceedings and have discovered a love affair between the fash pack and leather clothing

I remember my very first faux-leather jacket.

At the tender age of 14, it was the most special item I had ever owned. Bought in Miss Selfridges for €60, it had studded lapels, three-quarter length sleeves and puffed shoulders. I adored it and wore it until the last stud was on its last thread.

I also remember the abuse I got from my friends who were shocked I had bought something that wasn’t a zip-up hoody from Penney’s. Years later they too were wearing faux-leather jackets and even regarded a leather piece as a ‘must-have’.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Fashion world

The fashion world has known for decades that leather (real or faux) has serious fashion credentials. Sexy, powerful and enticing, leather is ever-enduring and the cool kids of New York Fashion Week are walking talking leather advertisements.

NYFW began last Tuesday and we have been keeping a close eye on the street style proceedings. And the main trend you ask? It’s leather. New York is having a minute. This minute is a love story with leather and I can’t say I am against this match.

Dresses, jumpsuits, trench coats, normal coats, trousers, boots and shirts – it is being worn in all forms. Those brave enough are wearing suits (in python print) and running wild in the city of dreams. While others prefer luminous colour in hues of bright pink and yellow.

Luckily for us sitting at home in front of the computer screen, online and high-street retailers have taken note too with Zara, in particular, offering the best range of real and faux leather goods.

14 year old me is currently shaking in her studded jacket at the news.