Jane Wade RTW Spring 2024 – WWD

Emerging designer Jane Wade, currently working exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman for two seasons, brought her Brooklyn-based label to New York Fashion Week with a debut runway show on Sunday afternoon.

Since launching her label in January 2022, the designer has created a mix of elegance and downtown flair through her revamped business-meets-utility wardrobe. Wade expanded on the idea of ​​revamping corporate identity with a spring collection that cheekily drew on office archetypes.

“Emma’s receptionist, she’s coming in quietly with headphones on,” she said backstage as she spotted the three-piece convertible cotton poplin bustier dress; “Donovan, the remote meet” wore a boxy blazer with branded boxers, and Wade’s archetype, the “She-EO,” wore a tube dress with a slightly exaggerated train.

Other highlights included her open, short-sleeve button-down bra top with exposed underbust and hybrid pinstripe shirt skirt (reworked shirtings are a key part of her designs); Utility layers with detachable pockets; chainmail dresses, consisting of hundreds of custom-printed metal labels; Gorpcore accents from Soloman and her oversized blazer with exaggerated sleeves and shoulders.

“A lot of these looks are versions of old pieces, but deconstructed or oversized and exaggerated versions of them,” Wade said of the predominantly cotton collection. Although similar versions of the designer’s spring looks are currently available on her e-commerce, it was nice to see her strong point of view and clean designs in motion.