Sandy Liang is back on the official CFDA calendar and with good reason. 2023 was one of her most successful years to date—she sold out two Baggu launches in the pre-sale stage, had a line as long as The Row’s at her first sample sale on Orchard Street, and one of K-Pop’s biggest names, Jennie, wore and posted about her clothes to her 83 million Instagram followers. Those three events acted as a catalyst, especially for a smaller New York brand like Sandy Liang. These days, you can’t go anywhere in the city without spotting a pleated skirt, ballet flat, phone case, or a bow motif from Liang.
The internet may have declared the bow as being “out” for 2024, but Liang says otherwise. Her fall 2024 collection still showcased her signature motif, but in more subtle ways so that it’s not so in your face. If last season we saw Liang’s bows exaggerated, this season they became miniature, acting as little button replacements on jackets. A tailored red pantsuit that looked like your standard workwear fit from the front featured a subtle tonal bow in the back.
Standouts included regal long-sleeve A-line dresses that come in an array of pastel colors including baby pink and sky blue. The dress’s silhouette was inspired by the Princess of Japan, Kako of Akishino whose personal style during her imperial family days included lots of ladylike and modest pieces including midi skirt suits and high necklines. Perhaps thanks to her ultra-successful bag launch, Liang debuted leather bags this season, a treat for her Lower East Side fans, who are now able to shop head-to-toe looks from the designer.
