Where Fashion Meets Purpose: Inside Philip Bloch’s Visionary NYFW Moments for Omniscient Things

The extraordinary Philip Bloch is carving out a powerful legacy with his fashion label, “Omniscient Things.” After presenting twice this year during New York Fashion Week, Bloch continues to solidify his status as a fashion icon committed to making style accessible to the masses.

For his NYFW debut, Bloch was invited to stage a flash fashion show at Terminal 2 of LaGuardia Airport. He gathered his crew, with bags of clothes and rolling racks at the crack of dawn for a sensational airport takeover. It wasn’t just your typical runway show, but instead Philip combined travel wear with high fashion to bring jet setters the chicest attire. 

“We had models dressed in great outfits as they came down the escalator and into the luggage area while flights were arriving, and a violinist playing in the background,” expressed Bloch.

Only Bloch who is renowned for creating fashion spectacles, could transform an international airport into a global runway moment, and he didn’t disappoint. The craftsmanship of each of his Omniscient Things sweaters were perhaps a testament of his exceptional eye for fashion.

He used a variety of fabrics, embellishments and technical elements like beaded fringe, and studs to create beautiful statement pieces that left travelers in awe. But Bloch proved that his designs go far beyond just luxurious materials like cashmere, and silk during his second NYFW show.

Philip showed fashion enthusiasts that his designs embody a deeper purpose during his presentation at Baci Studio beneath the Manhattan Bridge. After taking over the LaGuardia Airport with his stellar designs, he turned around to offer hope and unity in an increasingly divisive political climate.

As a longtime advocate for inclusion and global change, Bloch—who made history as the first fashion editor of Vibe magazine has always been deeply attuned to politics. Through his platform as a celebrity stylist and designer, he continues to focus on amplifying meaningful messages through fashion.

Models sashayed down the runway inside of Baci Studios carrying signs with quotes from influential celebrity figures who have taken a stand for justice and unity. One poster board read: “Everyone is our neighbor no matter what race, creed or color — Queen Elizabeth II.”

For a powerful opening moment, Bloch invited his friend and fellow CNN contributor Judge Glenda Hatchett to open the show. She appeared in a white tribute T-shirt featuring a photo of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American woman who was fatally killed by ICE in Minneapolis.

“I was honored to participate in Philip’s fashion show during NYFW,” Hatchett said. “It combines three things that are very important to me: the law, constitutional rights, and fashion.”

“I found myself conflicted and haunted creatively,” Bloch shared. “I could not ignore the graphic images of winter protests steeped in brutality, nor the senseless and horrifying murders of kindred, peace-loving spirits like Renee Good and Alex Peratti that flooded my social media feeds. I was torn between these images of cruel social injustice and the task of presenting this collection.”

Each of Bloch’s garments were mesmerizing, and rich in detail. From a forest green button up cardigan adorned with metallic floral fabric to the intricate use of tweed, the collection was both intentional and thought-provoking with a clear message that went beyond the runway.

Even after years of leaving his mark on the fashion industry, Philip Bloch is still redefining what it means to leave a lasting impact. His ability to create beautiful pieces with purpose-driven and courageous messaging challenges the status quo and as a cultural figure his forward-thinking is exactly the catalyst for change we need in fashion, especially during a pivotal time like now.

Ahead, see more of Philip Bloch’s incredible designs from his “Omniscient Things“ collection.

Photo Credit: @Jordantylerphotography

Complimentary of Phillip Bloch