Tory Burch kicks off NYFW day six

Tory Burch, who Forbes says is worth around $1 billion thanks to her fashion empire, showcased different visions of beauty in her elegant spring/summer 2016 collection in New York on Tuesday.

"It was a lot about contrasts," she told AFP backstage after the show at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour guest of honor.

Her collection was in tune with many of the hottest trends of the season: strapless or cut-out dresses showcasing bare shoulders, skirts to the ground, delicate stripes and statement jewelry.

Hems were embellished with lace and fringing. There were knits, an asymmetrical slit up the front of simple yet beautiful strapless dresses and details picked out in delicate embroidery.

"It was thinking about beauty and how it is found in unexpected places," said the American designer and mother of three.

In classic Burch style, she kept the palette simple -- white, blue, olive and splashes of 2016 must-have orange -- and her models sported the dewy natural look of the season with unfussy hair and discreet make-up.

In a nod to the growing global reach of her brand, she said the collection was "for all women" and about celebrating women in general, rather than asking clients to subscribe to a set formula.

"I like all women. To me it's all about global women, it's not centered on any kind of women, I am very interested in differences," she said.

It was easy to imagine the clothes being worn in any time zone and climate. One model even sported a South Asian-style sleeveless tunic with slits down the sides worn over wide-legged pants.

"We were inspired by how beauty is enhanced through time and nature," wrote Burch in notes to accompany the show.

"There is an emphasis on contrast; natural fabrics paired with iridescence; neutrals with brights; simple shapes with texture and intricate embroideries."
Shoes were unusual -- there were towering sculpted clunky gold heels, which Burch said were "originally inspired by a slice of natural bark."

In June, she opened a flagship store in Paris and told AFP that she was "super excited" about the venture and getting to know the French customer.

"Being an American designer, I was a bit scared to come to Paris, and we wanted to wait until the right time," she said.

"French women to me are the chicest probably than anyone. I just love their reverence and just their style, because it's not planned, but it's always super chic."

Other top draws on fashion week day six are Vera Wang, an affordable capsule range unveiled by tennis ace Serena Williams and Oscar de la Renta.