NYFW wraps up: The most glamorous fashion week highlights, from Brandon Maxwell to Prabal Gurung

NEW YORK – And just like that, New York Fashion Week has come to an end. Not quite with a bang, but with cautiously optimistic applause.

The week of fashion shows, presentations, installations and events – the first full in-person fashion week since the start of the pandemic – concluded Sunday night with Tom Ford at Lincoln Center.

But before the glossy ending, there were vibrant colors, celebrity guests and performers, dramatic statement pieces and hints of Americana on and around the runway throughout the week – as well as coveted vaccine cards.

New York has been the epicenter for much of the pandemic and its various eras of change, so it makes sense that its continued return to some semblance of normalcy culminates in a week of celebration, bookended by the return of Broadway, the MTV Video Music Awards and the Met Gala.

These were some of the highlights of NYFW:

Prabal Gurung salutes America, questions what it is to be American

Poised against the backdrop of one of New York's most famous women – the Statue of Liberty – Prabal Gurung simultaneously celebrated and challenged the idea of who is allowed to be American.

"America has always been a woman – but she has not always been treated beautifully," Gurung wrote in the show notes. "What does it mean to be the most essential person in this country? What is feminine? What is American? And who gets to be it all – or none of it?"

Gurung answered that question in part with the front row guest list – which included newly-minted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Nicky Hilton, model/actress Leyna Bloom, La La Anthony (though technically all guests sat front row in the egalitarian set up at Robert F. Wagner Park) – as well as the piano performance by composer Chloe Flower, which set the soundtrack to the diverse group of models wearing his brightly colored, feminine designs.

Gurung said "the marches, protests, and legislative advocacy in the past year have served as continued sources of inspiration," and it "punctuated" for him that "those who may have traditionally been mislabeled as weak are actually our greatest weapon."

"This made me reconcile my own individuality and freedom to live my authentic life in New York City – a life that is possible because of the people that allowed me to have these liberties. New York City unveils the true promise and potential of America, the beautiful: a city that is the heartbeat of the country and represents what it could – and should – be. A place built on innovation, optimism, and resilience."

Sergio Hudson brings vibrancy, glamour and Sheila E. to runway

Without love, it ain't much: And designer Sergio Hudson showed that with love, the fashions are more than much. He brought "The Glamorous Life" to Spring Studios (the home of many NYFW shows), with drummer Sheila E. performing her hit song with a rousing drum solo before Hudson's jewel-toned suits and glittering dresses made their way down the catwalk.

The show's theme, "Return to Glamour," matched the feel of the rest of the week, with Hudson's designs tapping into the brightly-colored outfits seen on many runways this seasons.

Hudson, whose looks have graced high-profile women from Beyoncé to Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day 2021, collaborated with Brother Vellies on the footwear for the show, which matched the vibrant looks. Saweetie sat front row in a bright turquoise dress.

Fitted power suits suits, dramatic coats, sparkling and slinky dresses (including a chartreuse number modeled by Veronica Webb), and off-the-shoulder pieces commanded the runway.

Brandon Maxwell goes psychedelic, while Gigi Hadid closes the show

Brandon Maxwell always goes for fun and femininity at his shows. This season, he gave his usual event a psychedelic upgrade, personifying the topsy turvy world we're living in while infusing it with some light.

Maxwell brought a toned-down trippy vibe to the whole show, from mushroom designs on posters and t-shirts to wavy stripes on dresses. Though there were bright colors and shimmering metallics throughout, there were no gowns and the looks mirrored much of how real people have been dressing in the pandemic: for comfort.

NYFW: Brandon Maxwell brings smiles to the runway, Gigi Hadid closes out show

Though the final look of a fashion show tends to skew more dramatic, Gigi Hadid closed the show in a more understated midriff-baring suit.

Maxwell, always one to thoughtfully consider the soundtrack to his shows, had the opening look accompanied by “Be Your USA” x EASYFUN feat. Iiris, another subtle nod to the America themes permeating the week’s events. For the finale, “And the Healing Has Begun” by Van Morrison blasted over the speakers as the models walked down the runway arm in arm, smiling and laughing.

Christian Siriano show kicks off NYFW with star-studded front row, colorful designs

Siriano returned to New York City's Gotham Hall to showcase his spring/summer collection, which he said was inspired by a "simpler time" and "the Italian women in my life."

"I wanted it to feel powerful and strong but also romantic like any true Italian woman," he wrote in the show notes.

Powerful and strong were also apt descriptions of the star-studded front row, which included Katie Holmes, Lil' Kim, "Clueless" star Alicia Silverstone, "Gils5eva" actress Busy Philipps, Kristin Chenoweth, "Real Housewives of New York City" cast member Leah McSweeney and Christine Quinn of "Selling Sunset."

The buzz of Gotham Hall was noticeably quieter than in years past, with most – but not all – attendees wearing masks inside the show after displaying their vaccine QR codes at the entrance checkpoint.

The show also featured a surprise performance: Marina Diamandis, known mononymously as Marina, took the stage in a bright orange minidress with multicolored fringed sleeves to belt out her hits as the models strutted down the runway.

NYFW is back! Christian Siriano kicks off show with celebs, color and a Marina performance

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Fashion Week: NYFW 2021 wraps up with glitz, glamour, America