NEWCOMERS WITH NEW SHAPES — the runways opened their doors to new faces and labels this season, particularly in the realm of curves. While Natalie Nootenboom became the first plus-size model to walk for Anna Sui, plus-size brand Torrid celebrated its first showing at New York Fashion Week. As the 16-year-old model wrote on Instagram, “Let’s go break some stereotypes.” PLUS SIZE POWER — while Anna Sui embraced a plus-size model for the first time, curves were plentiful on the catwalks this year at shows like Christian Siriano, Chromat, Michael Costello and Prabal Gurung. Meanwhile, Ashley Graham kicked off her third consecutive year showing her Addition Elle lingerie line with a bevy of curvy stunners proudly sporting her bras and panties. As Gurung told E!’s Zanna Roberts Rassi, “The essence of the woman and the girl is far more important than the size of her.” BAD GALS WANTED — leave it to Hollywood’s bonafide bad gal Rihanna to close out her Fenty x Puma show not on her feet, but on two wheels. The star left fashion week in her dust as she rode out onto the runway on the back of a dirt bike in true kick-ass finale style. AU NATURAL — while models are typically moulded into the vision the designer has for his or her collection, more and more, we’re seeing shows like Kate Spade highlighting the hair textures women are already rocking on their heads. As lead hairstylist Bob Recine explained to E! News backstage, “We were going for individuality. We’re not going for transformation. We’re respecting who the person is-hair texture and everything.” “There’s nothing perfect about beauty,” he continued, while adding the finishing touches on the show’s relaxed ponies. “When you perfect beauty, you sacrifice its power, charm. We like the charm.” DRESSES FOR EVERYONE — genderless clothing was in the spotlight this season as Christian Siriano sent his male models out on the catwalk in vibrant, floral suits and spaghetti-strapped cocktail dresses; while, Snow Xue Gao presented her male models in jackets layered over dresses layered over pants. The message: Whoever you are, wear whatever you want. Published in Daily Times, September 21st 2017.