What They Wore: Backstage
Unlike their celebrity counterparts, typically models are not ambushed by swarms of paparazzi documenting their day-to-day routines (and outfits). Despite this lack of quotidian evidence, models do exist off the runway and out of frame, and generally look very chic in their about-town clothes! Even better, when these girls are snapped between jobs, it's practically guaranteed that they haven't enlisted stylists to show them how to rock the coolest trends. They've got natural personal style in spades; just take this crop of fresh and familiar faces from the fall shows for example. They deftly mix key seasonal pieces with tried and true wardrobe staples, and have mastered a look that is edgy, playful, and absolutely au courant.
After trawling through hundreds of behind-the-scenes images, we have gathered a group of standout looks and will break down the major style trends seen backstage during New York Fashion Week. We hope that you are inspired to take some cues from the catwalkers featured in today's story and make these off-duty-model style trends your own, tout suite!
Denim Redux
While it's easy to assume that models would turn to liquid leggings, leather pants, and all the other body-conscious bottoms out there, it seems that most prefer to stick to something simpler: denim. Despite the brisk February weather, a preponderance of girls chose to wear beat-up cut-offs over opaque black tights, as seen backstage at Oscar De La Renta, Thakoon, and Alexander Wang. Though this is not a new pairing, certainly, it is noteworthy because it's an indication that this long-loitering look still has legs.
If you haven't invested in some vintage-looking cut-offs, now's the time to do just that. We can recommend two of our recent favorites: Current/Elliott's Boyfriend Cut-off Shorts ($187) and Urban Renewal's Destroyed Denim Shorts ($28). Additionally, you might consider a variation of the shorts-plus-tights look, as spotted at Preen. Try dark tights with ripped boyfriend jeans in a versatile light wash, like J. Brand's Ripped Tie Dye Skinny Jeans, ($218) to get a transitional spring look.
Nude et Noir
When you are a model, there are many serious professional perks, including getting gifted by designers with the latest shoes, bags, and clothes before they are available to the world at large. Additionally, this early exposure allows models to test-drive the newest looks and figure out how to make a blooming trend their own, long before everyone else catches on. As such, we weren't shocked to see that many young ladies were already displaying their own seasoned variations of spring's nude trend.
Some of our favorite examples were spotted behind-the-scenes at Jason Wu and Preen, where we noticed that most models chose to wear the color in a cold-weather appropriate way. By juxtaposing a nude ruffled frock or taupe heels with dark tights, a cozy flannel shirt, or well-worn Chucks, they’re able to stay on-trend without looking overdone. While the heels shown above are fresh off the Preen runway, we think that Banana Republic's Rocio Platform Sandals
($167) or Pour La Victoire's Pascale Sandals
($325) would look equally chic with contrasting black tights. Add a simple nude dress like Free People’s Encinitas Dress ($68) in pumice to complete the look.
Proportion Play
Models spend their days in the company of the industry's elite editors and designers, so naturally they pick up a thing or two about pulling a look together. Whether they learned by observation or osmosis, today's subjects could teach a master class in the art of making different proportions work for their bodies. In less-skilled hands, different textures and lengths could add up to make for a frumpy silhouette, but, as the girls above show us, playing with proportion in a smart way can yield amazing results.
As seen backstage at Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang, a long cardigan under a short faux-fur coat or a bomber jacket layered over a heather-gray sweatshirt and printed sweater is executed brilliantly and looks fresh. Splendid's Loose Knit Cardigan
($115) is perfectly thin and would drape beautifully underneath a short denim jacket or this season's go-to motorcycle jacket.—Kate Mulling
After trawling through hundreds of behind-the-scenes images, we have gathered a group of standout looks and will break down the major style trends seen backstage during New York Fashion Week. We hope that you are inspired to take some cues from the catwalkers featured in today's story and make these off-duty-model style trends your own, tout suite!
Denim Redux
While it's easy to assume that models would turn to liquid leggings, leather pants, and all the other body-conscious bottoms out there, it seems that most prefer to stick to something simpler: denim. Despite the brisk February weather, a preponderance of girls chose to wear beat-up cut-offs over opaque black tights, as seen backstage at Oscar De La Renta, Thakoon, and Alexander Wang. Though this is not a new pairing, certainly, it is noteworthy because it's an indication that this long-loitering look still has legs.
If you haven't invested in some vintage-looking cut-offs, now's the time to do just that. We can recommend two of our recent favorites: Current/Elliott's Boyfriend Cut-off Shorts ($187) and Urban Renewal's Destroyed Denim Shorts ($28). Additionally, you might consider a variation of the shorts-plus-tights look, as spotted at Preen. Try dark tights with ripped boyfriend jeans in a versatile light wash, like J. Brand's Ripped Tie Dye Skinny Jeans, ($218) to get a transitional spring look.
Nude et Noir
When you are a model, there are many serious professional perks, including getting gifted by designers with the latest shoes, bags, and clothes before they are available to the world at large. Additionally, this early exposure allows models to test-drive the newest looks and figure out how to make a blooming trend their own, long before everyone else catches on. As such, we weren't shocked to see that many young ladies were already displaying their own seasoned variations of spring's nude trend.
Some of our favorite examples were spotted behind-the-scenes at Jason Wu and Preen, where we noticed that most models chose to wear the color in a cold-weather appropriate way. By juxtaposing a nude ruffled frock or taupe heels with dark tights, a cozy flannel shirt, or well-worn Chucks, they’re able to stay on-trend without looking overdone. While the heels shown above are fresh off the Preen runway, we think that Banana Republic's Rocio Platform Sandals
Proportion Play
Models spend their days in the company of the industry's elite editors and designers, so naturally they pick up a thing or two about pulling a look together. Whether they learned by observation or osmosis, today's subjects could teach a master class in the art of making different proportions work for their bodies. In less-skilled hands, different textures and lengths could add up to make for a frumpy silhouette, but, as the girls above show us, playing with proportion in a smart way can yield amazing results.
As seen backstage at Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang, a long cardigan under a short faux-fur coat or a bomber jacket layered over a heather-gray sweatshirt and printed sweater is executed brilliantly and looks fresh. Splendid's Loose Knit Cardigan
illustrious, you poor dear idiot. set off our 'metabolisms'?? 'we models' might like to set off your own metabolism with some food. it may help you make some sense. i just hope that you really are a model, you haven't got much else going on sweetums!!
Posted by: s | 2009-04-17 23:03:25
Angry little women... so Sorry to set off your metabolisms, THE ARTICLE (in my rights) is talking clearly about fashion wore by models backstage(in the title) The language so very unlady-like this is a post about fashion and EVERYONE who is involved can speak about it from there view, to judge because ur jealous and angry is childish and shows ur animosity towards models, all of them , that is where my paychecks come from, and fashion is my life too, I never judge fashion even in the hands of haters, and the 3 of u sound VERY bitter with ur own personal life, this is a fashion comment page not therapy.. Lima no need to add u 2 cents just keep to clothes babe and Amber might be cute pun were ur from but u guess wrong, Never have to wear or buy it,but I give away plenty of Ambercromie freebies and can hand u some that I donate to charities and Goodwill.. Britni please refrain from repeating my name Illustrious is about light not dark, keep ur negativity to urself..thanks Sarah do the same no need to talk of me... remember this is about Clothing not C*nts , take note
Posted by: The Illustrious | 2009-04-06 11:38:31
the bag is in fact a Moni Moni "dolce vita" bag. :D
Posted by: stephanie | 2009-03-18 13:19:06
the 'rag and bone model' as you keep refering to her is coco rochas, anyone commenting on here should surely know that! duh caitlin! where's your sense of humour now?
Posted by: Sarah | 2009-03-16 22:53:40
Really? Four different outfits of cutoffs shorts with black tights underneath? Are you sure this isn't a uniform?
Posted by: MEP | 2009-03-16 08:15:56
The jason wu bag is a brand called "moni moni" That style is not available in that color, but this site has a few of their bags on sale. http://www.endless.com/Moni-Minerva-Satchel/dp/B0018ANEOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1237172642265&cAsin=B0018AOTDU&asinTitle=Moni%20Moni%20Minerva%20Satchel&asins=B0018AOTDU%2CB001PBF33C%2CB0018AJRBO%2CB001PBF2MO%2CB001PBF2N8%2CB001PBF2MY%2CB001PBF2O2%2CB001PBF30A%2CB001PBF2SS%2CB0018AJSFY%2CB0018ANG3E%2CB001PBF2S8%2CB001PBF2R4%2CB001PBF2QU%2CB001PBF2QK%2CB001PBF2RE%2CB001PBF2RO%2CB0012QS19S%2CB001PBF2Y2%2CB001PBF2PQ%2CB001PBF2OW%2CB001PBF2OM%2CB001PBF2P6%2CB001PBF2Q0%2CB001PBF2PG%2CB001PBF2V0%2CB001PBF2UQ%2CB001PBF2LU%2CB001PBF2M4%2CB001PBF2LK%2CB0018AJQOW%2CB001PBF33W%2CB001PBF346%2CB001PBF2TM%2CB001PBF2TC%2CB001PBF2VK%2CB001PBF2VU%2CB001PBF31O%2CB001PBF31E%2CB001PBF314&sr=1-1&contextTitle=Search%20Results&fromPage=search&sort=relevancerank&node=241747011&keywords=moni%20moni
Posted by: stephanie Landr | 2009-03-15 22:09:59
I hate sounding so trashy & unclassy but once & while I have to let it out. THE ILLUSTRIOUS can choke on a fat one!!
Posted by: Britni | 2009-03-15 12:54:20
i like lily donaldson the best! and she looks awesome with red hair!
Posted by: guccilily | 2009-03-14 22:17:03
I second the Jason Wu bag. I NEED to know where it's from!
Posted by: Bianca | 2009-03-14 20:19:12
Oh come on, Sarah, get a sense of humour. Rag&Bone-model's face is pure Dynasty. I agree with all of you, Jason Wu-girl's bag is beautiful, but I'd love that red Dior bag even more. And what happened to Lily Donaldson? Looks like she checked off all the trends and ended up a mess anyway...
Posted by: Caitlin | 2009-03-14 19:45:03
love the herve leger girls they look sooo cute;)
Posted by: gemma ward | 2009-03-14 17:33:41
The bag kind of looks like a moni moni, but I don't think it is...
Posted by: Steph | 2009-03-14 17:30:56
Deniz, the Thakoon model is Anabela Belikova, I believe. She's also shown here at Preen. Is that Anne V. at Jason Wu? She looks very pulled together. Gorgeous bag!
Posted by: Marina | 2009-03-14 16:18:01
The Renta-model is Daiane Conterato. She is brazilian. I hope that The Illustrious is joking. If she is not, I`m not sure that anyone, sane, would call themself a model again. She so totally high-school-movie-ish. Her name is probably Amber and she probably wears Skechers and Abercromibe and Fitch. Hooray to her...
Posted by: Lima | 2009-03-14 14:49:47
who is that STRIKING model for Oscar De La Renta? I've seen her before & i just ADORE her. She's WAAAAY fierce & looks totally down-to-earth! WHO IS SHE??
Posted by: Britni | 2009-03-14 10:14:57
oh my god, blah blah blah. someone please give 'illustrious' ( ooooh) an 'it' bag to shove in her big mouth before she chokes on her monstrous ego, ugh. and to the person who commented on the rag and bone models face...??? are you sure your in the right place? its like playschool in here sometimes.
Posted by: sarah | 2009-03-14 01:13:08
i am thoroughly obsessed with every single look. oh to be a model. hannahwanna.blogspot.com
Posted by: hannah | 2009-03-13 21:34:31
The leggings paired with hi-top Chucks is fresh! www.RedChippedPolish.blogspot.com
Posted by: RCP | 2009-03-13 20:00:55
Model style is the best! I like how the Alexander Wang model layered the leopard cardie, grey hoodie and leather jacket. I really like the Herve Ledger girls' outfits. :)
Posted by: Amy | 2009-03-13 17:05:12
does anyone know who is the thakoon model? i really love her style.
Posted by: Deniz | 2009-03-13 15:59:12
Please someone tell us what bag the Jason Wu model is carrying - I've been looking for one just like it? Thanks!
Posted by: Cyndi | 2009-03-13 15:33:18
haha i love the rag & bone models face!
Posted by: J | 2009-03-13 15:05:31
I love what the Herve Leger models are wearing. They're simple yet fun and eye-catching outfits. Especially the bear t-shirt! Where can I get one of those??!!?? I am however getting a little tired of the who denim cutoffs over tights look. But I can understand the desire to just throw on something comfy like that. I love WWW! Keep up the good work!! http://downindiddywahdiddy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Meghan | 2009-03-13 15:04:03
Does anyone know who makes the bag that the Jason Wu model is holding? I MUST have it!
Posted by: V | 2009-03-13 14:41:51
the being said--i love the one's at oscar de la renta and thakoon--they look chic. again, they all do.
Posted by: r | 2009-03-13 14:04:47
thankyou www! this is what i remember your site for--best post in a while!!
Posted by: r | 2009-03-13 14:01:01
Not to mention her nude shoes are FABULOUS! ;*)
Posted by: Wanderlusting | 2009-03-13 13:22:33
Hmmmmm. I hate light denim, especially this ripped trend, BUT I really like that model at Preen. Her cardy is adorable but I really like her black tights under the ripped jeans. It's a nice contrast, makes it classier somehow. Great post! They all look fab :) x0x0 Lusty www.ontheblogbandwagon.blogspot.com
Posted by: wanderlusting | 2009-03-13 13:21:22
THANK YOU SO MUCH WWW !!! As a model I soooo appreciate this article !!! I agree that we don't need Paps following us around but, people forget what good fashion sense looks like and we models are naturals at it !!! Thanks a Bunch and to the question about models backstage, after jobs we show to support friends all the time backstage, not to mention we get called in sometimes for backup last minute and receive TONS of stuff - plus us that are marketing savvy make more DIRECT contacts and get more press pics. It always pays (if ur known, of course) it is ALWAYS worth the trip no matter how many shows I have just done.. We LOVE clothes at the end of the day, its our job! Especially when its your favorite designer, they never tell models no, hardly EVER...
Posted by: The Illustrious | 2009-03-13 13:11:32
stories like THIS are why i love www
Posted by: liza | 2009-03-13 12:51:55
I can't decided on which look I like better. I guess I like all of them. www.cforchic.blogspot.com
Posted by: Champagne | 2009-03-13 12:48:54
This is my favorite post! I would happily wear every single one of these outfits. Perfecto!
Posted by: LuLu | 2009-03-13 11:51:31
I love the shorts with tights look but feel it's best suited for leggy models and not the vertically challenged. ohioverticals.com/blogs/style
Posted by: Jane | 2009-03-13 11:02:20
denim cut-offs: Round II
Posted by: d | 2009-03-13 10:30:02
the jason wu model is carrying the most beautiful bag! anyone know who it's by?!?!
Posted by: Leah | 2009-03-13 09:57:36
i dont think lily donaldson was IN alexander wang this season..why is she pictured backstage there???
Posted by: ar | 2009-03-13 05:44:26
the model shown backstage at Jason Wu has the most "put together without trying too hard" look and i love that she mixed colors. http://noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com
Posted by: s | 2009-03-13 03:30:04