New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2025, held from February 6 to 11, showcased a dynamic blend of established designers and emerging talents, setting the stage for the upcoming season’s trends. While NYFW usually marks the beginning of a consecutive month-long stint of ready-to-wear shows, this season, it stood alone. As the other three fashion capitals—London, Milan, and Paris—shifted their schedules back a week to reflect the later menswear and haute couture shows, New York remained steadfast in its early February dates. This change meant that London Fashion Week took place more than a week after NYFW’s conclusion, rather than the usual couple of days later, with Milan and Paris following without a break.
This scheduling shift may have contributed to a more reduced lineup, with notable absences including CFDA Award-winning American designer Willy Chavarria, who opted to present at Paris Fashion Week Men’s A/W 2025 instead. Additionally, iconic American brands Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren took a season off from the runway. However, excitement buzzed around Veronica Leoni’s debut at Calvin Klein, marking the brand’s return to the runway after nearly seven years. Leoni’s vision for Calvin Klein embraced ‘monumental minimalism,’ a revival of the brand’s defining 1990s aesthetic—a move endorsed by none other than Calvin Klein himself, who watched from the front row.
Thom Browne’s Avian Fantasy
CFDA Chairman Thom Browne closed the week with a collection rich in bird motifs. Models adorned feathered eyelashes and walked among 2,000 origami birds, drawing inspiration from John J. Audubon’s “Birds of America.” His lineup of tweed jackets and coats with reimagined proportions merged conceptual artistry with timeless wardrobe staples.
Michael Kors’ Layered Luxury
Michael Kors presented a collection emphasizing ‘throwaway chic,’ merging practicality with luxury. Models donned draped wool coats, leather dresses, and silk blouses, embodying a refined yet effortless approach to power dressing. Kors championed movement-driven sensuality, offering a counterpoint to the recent trend of overtly revealing styles.
Sergio Hudson’s Monochromatic Elegance
Sergio Hudson delivered a bold take on American sportswear, showcasing monochromatic suits, pencil skirts, cashmere sweaters, wiggle dresses, and fur coats. His collection also featured a shoe collaboration with Stuart Weitzman and marked his second foray into menswear. Notable attendees included Keke Palmer and Muni Long, further amplifying the buzz around his show.
Anna Sui’s Whimsical Dreamscape
Anna Sui transported audiences into a world of dreamy nostalgia with a collection inspired by vintage fairytales and rock-and-roll glamour. Ethereal lace dresses, richly embroidered coats, and eclectic layering showcased her signature bohemian aesthetic. The show featured a vibrant mix of colors and textures, exuding a playful yet romantic sensibility that captivated fashion enthusiasts.
Emerging Designers and Notable Debuts
Tyler McGillivary made her NYFW debut with “Date Night,” a collection celebrating the thrill of getting dressed up in New York City. Inspired by illustration, contemporary art, and early animation, McGillivary’s designs captured a playful, whimsical aesthetic.
Celebrity Sightings and Highlights
As always, NYFW attracted a host of A-list attendees. Jane Seymour, along with sisters Delilah and Amelia Hamlin, was spotted at various runway shows, presentations, and afterparties, adding an extra layer of glamour to the week’s festivities.
Despite its slightly reduced schedule, NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 delivered a diverse array of styles, from conceptual designs to practical luxury. With standout moments like Calvin Klein’s monumental return and the continued evolution of New York’s fashion scene, the week proved that the city’s influence remains as strong as ever.
