Review of Heron Preston Fall 2023 Fashion Show
A Return to Focus
By Obi Anyanwu
Heron Preston had been gone for a while.
Though Preston lives and operates his brand in New York City, he had been a Paris Fashion Week regular for some time. His return had been a long time coming when you track the years.
Preston had been fortunate to grow his talents in New York City and Paris
In 2020, in the midst of lockdowns due to Covid-19, the designer debuted his Spring/Summer 2021 collection of “greatest hits” comprised of his worker pants, Toolbox handbag, and open-back blazers for women. The shift came after years of exploring new ideas and believing that newness is what the people demand.
Preston had been fortunate to grow his talents in New York City and Paris, do collections for brands like Calvin Klein and take risks when many brands don’t have that privilege.
His homecoming is another version of America’s prodigal fashion son returning. And like the many designers before him who left to show in another country and return, Preston had a very clear vision to share.
Preston played up a security team theme, expanded his color range to a bold green and indigo, played up Y2K styling and motifs like barbed wire and went deeper into his bread and butter of workwear, sustainability and the color orange.
The designer succeeded in establishing and owning brand codes and values that are recognizable and synonymous with his label even if other brands adopt certain looks and themes.
The designer succeeded in establishing and owning brand codes and values that are recognizable and synonymous with his label
Typically, designers do this the other way around. They figure things out then go to Paris to show a realized vision but it feels special to see Preston return home with a proper foundational story and look. It’s been a long time coming, and we’re happy to see him return this way.