This summer was a real scorcher here in New York City. So as a brand that’s born and operated here, it only seemed right for 6397—a joint collaboration between founder Stella Ishii and designer Lizzie Owens—to address the conundrum of dressing for busy city living while dealing with uber-hot climates. Or, as the show notes so bluntly put it, they wanted a collection that explored “how to feel naked and beachy in an urban environment.”
Today’s presentation marked the label’s first time doing a full-on runway show, and their intriguing-yet-wearable pieces proved they are indeed worthy of a spot on the calendar. (The collection was styled by Oscar-nominated costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, no less.) The aim was to amp up summery wardrobe essentials, making them a little more modern and elevated, while still keeping them easy to mix-and-match on those days where putting together any outfit seems impossible.
That resulted in pieces like a breezy striped button-up shirt, updated to have a wrap-round panel that gave it more structure around the waist. Something you could keep cool in, while still looking cool. “We were thinking about solutions for intense weather, where you can still feel chic and live a real life,” said Owens. “The reality of urban living in the summer is you want an escape from it—but it’s also the busiest time of the year for a working woman.”
There was certainly a real New York energy to the looks. That squared-neck gray tank top, styled with a floral cummerbund and silky checkered shorts? You could easily find such a look on a trendy Lower East Side girl. The ombré-pink button-down, paired with a matching pink skirt with sheer overlay? It’s a more polished and ritzy ensemble you’d find, say, in the West Village or Upper East Side. “There was an intersection of different characters,” said Owens. You could tell the designer was thinking of all kinds of women existing in the city—including those who love to dress down, or dress up, even on the most sweltering of says. (The bikini set with the gauzy checkered T-shirt dress over it, meanwhile, nailed the concept of trying to look put-together while beelining it to the beach.)
6397 has always done color choices well, always tending to pick the less obvious hues. Layered tanks came in aqua and teal; a pale yellow knit, slung off the shoulder, was set against a mossy green utility skirt. “The colors were meant to feel really optimistic,” said Owens. “So even though it’s dealing with all of these tensions, it lands in a happy place.” Sure, one could wonder if the heavier waxy-green chore jacket or merlot trench were necessary, especially if the theme for the line was heatwave dressing. But you’ll always find a New York woman fully committed to a look, weather be damned—and 6397 has something fresh and distinctive for them.