People Don't Give a Fuck About New York Fashion Week

In the trenches at #NYFW. Photo by Miyako Bellizi

New York Fashion Week is like an alien invasion of the rich, hungry, and pseudo-famous. Twice a year, herds of exasperated designers, teenage models, and D-list celebrities decamp from their artfully frayed pods and launch an incursion on the rooftop bars and hotel lobbies of downtown Manhattan. The spectacle, which costs roughly a gajillion dollars, is bizarre and grotesque, but also culturally pervasive. It's the subject of literally thousands of obnoxious blog posts, Instagram spams, and New York Times style features. Given this ubiquity, it's easy to assume that anyone with broadband access is an avid spectator to the city's seasonal game of dress-up. But in interviews with people around City Hall last week, I found a refreshing ignorance—it turns out most New Yorkers actually don't give a shit about Fashion Week. And that's probably a good thing.

Peter, interpreter for the Eastern District of New York

VICE: Who had the best collection at this fall's New York Fashion Week?
Peter: I really don't know much about fashion. I guess I should know more.

What is normcore, and which designers make it?
Normal clothes?

What are hypebeasts, and what do you think of them?
You're talking to the wrong guy. A beast who's hyper?

Who are you wearing now?
Regular clothes.

Christi, who works in retail in Manhattan

Who had the best collection at this year's NYFW?
I'm not really into fashion. I shop at thrift stores.

What is Tumblr Chic, and what designers make the stuff?
It has to do with clothes, right? It's like an internet thing.

What are hypebeasts, and what do you think of them?
Those people who are obsessed with sneakers. I knew some of those guys in high school.

Who are you wearing right now?
Leggings. I got them at Forever 21. The shirt is from the store where I work.

Gilbert, liaison for the New York City Department of Education

Who is Alexander Wang, and what does he do?
Never heard of him.

What is normcore, and what designers make it?
Well, a norm is a standard. Maybe it's a standard of fashion? Or fashion design?

What is a hypebeast?
Maybe it's a fashion that is over promoted.

Who came up with the idea for leather jogging pants?
[Laughs.]

Who are you wearing right now?
These pants were custommade in Thailand, about five years ago. And the jacket is not any designer wear.

Matt, MBA student

What does Opening Ceremony mean to you?
The Olympics.

Who are some young menswear designers who showed at New York Fashion Week?
I just know the old ones. Kenneth Cole. Cole Haan.

Who is Alexander Wang, and what does he do?
A designer? I really couldn't tell you.

Who came up with the idea for leather jogging pants?
Someone very brilliant.

Who are you wearing?
Right now, I'm wearing Jos. A. Bank.

Giulina, works in finance

Who had the best collection this NYFW?
I really like Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta.

What is Tumblr chic? Which designers make it?
I have no idea. [Laughs]I really don't know.

Who are you wearing now?
Ann Taylor. Nothing fancy.

Jan-Peter, owns a job search board

What does Opening Ceremony mean to you?
Opening Ceremony of what?

Who had the best collection this NYFW?
I haven't been to the Fashion Week. But maybe… [checks label of jacket] Michael Kors?

What are hypebeasts and what do think of them?
Hypebeast? I haven't the faintest idea.

Who are you wearing right now?
Umm. Cole Haan. Something Italian. And some Dutch shoes.

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