Rosie Assoulin's Spring 2020 Presentation was a Fashion Week Utopia

Summer may have just come to its unofficial end, but Rosie Assoulin has already started to gear up for adventures next year with her Spring 2020 collection. On Sunday in Union Square, the industry-beloved designer saw no better way to please guests than to throw a bit of an urban garden party. Bocce became an enclave within the bustle of a busy weekend afternoon, where editors, friends, and other fashion people could enjoy a trendy cocktail menu (highlights within which were a negroni slush and the ever-popular Aperol spritz), snack on pizza and small plates, and even pickle vegetables as they checked out the new collection. Models stood in one corner of the open architectural space, looking as relaxed as attendees while finding fun new ways to pose for photos.

The collection itself was perfect for a summery garden party. Beachy patterns mingled with classy cuts and silhouettes, making it the perfect look for elite city dwellers who want to embrace the sunny season's carefree mood. Assoulin also subverted stereotypes by reimagining the nautical aesthetic as something more chic. There wasn’t a boat shoe in sight—instead, Assoulin accented her designs with thick rope ties and colored armbands reminiscent of buoys. The pieces are structured but flowing, guaranteeing wearers will feel the ocean breeze without the chance of a wardrobe malfunction. One particular gown, a tangerine off-the-shoulder number with a high slit that revealed pink pants underneath, was a vision of sunny modern glamour that quickly caught guests' attention, luring phones out to capture the moment. The afternoon was a reminder of why the designer, who is the daughter-in-law of jewelry entrepreneur Roxanne Assoulin, has become one of the industry's favorite moments of fashion week over the years of uplifting presentations. While lots of brands present standout collections, it's truly something special when an event fosters relaxed joy in the craziness that is fashion week.