Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection was a color story that focused on the modern working woman. In an interesting deviation from the traditional fashion calendar, Minkoff decided to showcase her current collection now being sold in stores and online for this season. The designer also changed things up this season by collaborating with online retailer Stitch Fix for a size-inclusive collection ranging in sizes 00 to 24 and XXS to 3X.
With various settings that displayed a career woman’s workplace, be it the office or the home, each room attempted to tell a story about how a woman can work in any place and find empowerment.
“As a female founder and entrepreneur, I am continuously inspired by the women around me and women in the workplace who represent strong examples of leadership, strength and grace. When creating this collection these inspiring women were top-of-mind—I wanted to highlight the modern working woman, her wardrobe, and her environment,” Minkoff stated in the show notes.
c/o Rebecca Minkoff Instagram
Though the pieces were fun and whimsical and avoided the power suit cliché of women’s empowerment, Minkoff’s presentation missed the mark in creating a cohesive statement catered to all women. Maybe it was because of the odd timing of the presentation. Despite its relevancy in both fashion and culture, it felt like the pieces, though stunningly tailored and glamorously embellished, had been seen before. With belt bags, midi skirts, chunky knits, structured outerwear, and suiting (of course) all various shades of primary colors, the presentation was fashionably late to the party. For it was difficult to find inspiration and nuance in a collection that everyone is already wearing.
Even with the shortcomings, Minkoff must be commended for her effort to make fashion more inclusive.
“I truly believe that when you look your best, you feel your best and I want every woman to experience that [feeling] when she wears Rebecca Minkoff. Extended sizing has long been relevant, and a priority for the brand, but finding the right partner with the right synergy was equally important—Stitch Fix is the perfect partner for this venture,” said Minkoff.
c/o Rebecca Minkoff Instagram
Given the current fashion climate with designers like Christian Siriano and Becca McCharen-Tran of Chromat embracing women and their different bodies, the industry still lacks size inclusivity as a whole. It’s refreshing to see that Minkoff is a designer who recognizes that and is willing to extend her sizes to be available to more women.