NYFW

Somewhat of a Love Letter to Sandy Liang (& Balletcore)

The recent SS24 Sandy Liang runway brought playfulness and nostalgia to the runway in a unique iteration of balletcore.

I remember gawking in horror at the first sign of the return of the ballet flat: a shoe I swore off at age 8, never to return to my closet. As a kid, I hated the awkward silhouette they created. It seemed that no matter the outfit, a ballet flat created a visual ‘flop’ at the foot. When the shoe reappeared on runways, I was far from excited. However, despite my initial resistance, the elegant work of many of my favorite designers has allowed me to appreciate the resurgence of the trend and actually fall a little in love with it.

Balletcore has come to popularity in tandem with the age of childhood nostalgia: it seems as though ‘girlhood’ is being talked about everywhere. Social media is filled with 90s kid memory posts, the Barbie movie gave us Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’, and fashion is showing us ballet-derived pieces season after season. This year we have observed many iterations of the airy trend: from Buci’s debut show held at the infamous Central Park Boathouse to Simone Rocha’s bow-covered collection of live roses and tulle. While I have come to love each of these collections, Sandy Liang’s simple takes on staple pieces from childhood put this show in my top 10 of the season.

What I love so much about this show is the way that this all-encompassing line takes inspiration from various uber-relevant trends and brings them together seamlessly. We are presented with ballet-inspired looks paired alongside tailored jackets, ultra-sheer tops, and the season’s favorite colors (bright red & butter yellow). By integrating so many relevant trends, Sandy Liang has shown us that this line is epitome of what we should expect in the coming months of fashion.

Now, on to the looks themselves!

Bow Bags (Look 32)

The mega bow bags were standouts pieces, as a simple yet elegant dramatization of the iconic look of balletcore. The bags were, as can be imagined, gigantic bows that glided gracefully down the runway alongside each flowy look.
Look 21

While simple in its execution, this look brings a twist to various 90s styles. I can’t wait to see more sweater sleeve bow ties roaming the streets of new york this fall.
Look 15

I have been resistant to the skirt-over-pants trend, but this look proves that it can, indeed, be chic!
Look 34

This tulle + mini bows + wide skirt ensemble will be my fixation from now on. Paired with gold yellow satin ballet flats, look 34 represents the new era of ballet core that I have fallen in love with.
Look 28

Look 28 takes on a different approach with the youthful puff-sleeve dress, creating a playful break within the line.
Look 31

Look 31 proves that sheer is still in! The mix of soft and structured elements create a balanced look that brings a sophisticated energy to the ultra-sheer top.