Molly Ringwald Makes Strong Statement For Women Over 40 At New York Fashion Week

Designer Batsheva Hay continues challenging stereotypes within the fashion industry, showcasing that age is not a barrier to creativity and expression. At the New York Fashion Week 2024, held on Tuesday night, iconic actress Molly Ringwald made a captivating appearance.

The 55-year-old, renowned for her memorable roles in the quintessential 1980s Brat Pack films and acclaimed for her portrayals in numerous coming-of-age classics, brought a sense of timeless elegance to the event. For Ringwald, stepping onto the runway marked a significant moment in her illustrious career and her debut appearance at the  New York Fashion Show.

Molly Ringwald speaks up for women over 40 at New York Fashion Week

Ringwald showcased her versatility on the runway by donning two distinct ensembles. The first ensemble, a captivating all-purple dress, gave off the classical ’80s style, featuring exaggerated shoulders, a coordinating belt, and a chic below-the-knee length. Transitioning to the second look, she opted for an edgier vibe with an all-black attire—a unique head-covering accessory and a sleek black hand warmer, reflecting a more contemporary aesthetic. Her glamorous appearance harmonized seamlessly with the overarching theme of the collection.

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In an interview with WWD, the actress expressed her delight at participating in the show. “It was my first [runway] walk in a while, it felt really great, I really loved both of my looks and I’m so happy to be included in this incredible group of women,” Ringwald admitted. “I find it really inspiring. The first look I was thinking of Jackie Kennedy wearing the widow’s weeds. The second is kind of Victorian meets the ’80s.”

Hay revealed that for her collection, she drew inspiration from a personal journey marked by an identity crisis, stemming from her evolution as a designer and navigating the transitions of motherhood. As she found herself in a different stage of life from when she initially launched her business, she grappled with the challenge of defining her professional and personal identity as a woman entering a new phase of life.

To manifest her vision, she engaged with a diverse group of women over 40, including notable figures such as the Feud: Capote vs. The Swans actress Ione Skye,  Vanessa Place, a poet and lawyer, and Racquel Chevremont. The 42-year-old also enlisted models from various backgrounds, including some recruited from a local dance studio, who enthusiastically brought their flair to the runway.

“I found everyone was excited to feel seen and included and participate in getting dressed up,” Hay confessed. “A lot women are left out of fashion so to be invited in was a thrill. And I think the clothes really reflected that. They are kind of covered but playful–how I am. I’m not trying to be young or cool, it’s just all the shapes with the fun flourishes that feel exciting to me.”