“America the Beautiful,” indeed—Vivienne Hu’s Fall/Winter 2020 NYFW show successfully captured the allure of the country and its purple mountains’ majesty. The collection—inspired by the American Southwest—featured a color palette reminiscent of the canyons, with shades of camel, mustard, bronze, and orange coloring the runway, as well as pops of pink and angelic white. 

Hu strived to represent the romanticism of the region’s natural beauty, highlighting 40 looks at Spring Studios that ranged from cowgirl essentials to tailored down jackets. “I was inspired by the beauty and sheer magnitude of the great American Southwest. I think it was Antelope Canyon that first stole my breath away,” Hu has said. “In this collection, I hope to capture the nostalgia of witnessing such natural grandeur while playing on the lore of the west.”

Outerwear was prominent throughout the collection, including puffer coats (ranging from sherpa-lined bronze to grey velvet) and colorful fur jackets (in hues of bright orange, pink, and black). Indeed, the furs are part of an exclusive collaboration with Sustainable Fur producer Saga Furs. Hu partnered with additional companies on the line as well, including Luxury Danish Jewelry line Shamballa Jewels, which contributed to the $200,000 diamond- and gold-embellished finale gown. 

Snakeskin was a popular accessory print on the runway: rust-colored knee-high snakeskin boots gave an edge to the feminine looks, while grey snakeskin was paired with tan suede in a playful pair of booties. The print also appeared on mini bags, which were often accented by a gold, circular handle. 

Among the standout looks was a multicolor fur coat—speckled with orange, lilac, black, and white—worn with a black leather mini dress. Statement accessories completed the look, including a mini brown croc purse and high snakeskin boots. An air of edginess was carried on through some of the collection’s more Western-inspired ensembles, including a belted terra cotta jacket, featuring a shearling collar and studded detailing on the sleeves and matching boots. 

Vivienne Hu’s collection paid proper tribute to the Southwest’s earthy tones and varied textures, with classic silhouettes sure to make a statement in colder seasons.

Additional reporting by Julia Heming.