Highlights from NYFW Spring/Summer 2025
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for Spring/Summer 2025 has wrapped up, leaving a vibrant mark on the fashion landscape. This season showcased an impressive array of collections from both established designers and emerging talents, each offering fresh perspectives and innovative designs.
One of the standout moments came from Alaïa, which made its American debut under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier. The iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum served as a stunning backdrop for this collection, which paid homage to Azzedine Alaïa's original New York showcase in 1982. Mulier's designs featured streamlined, sporty silhouettes that captured the essence of modern American fashion while maintaining the brand’s signature structural complexity. The collection was highlighted by spiral motifs that echoed the museum's unique architecture, along with innovative closures that moved away from traditional zippers and buttons.
Christian Siriano transformed The Pierre Hotel into a whimsical wonderland for his SS25 collection. Drawing inspiration from fairy tales and vintage folklore, Siriano crafted a collection that balanced power and whimsy, featuring intricate floral-tattooed lace and laser-cut vegan leather designed to mimic tree bark. Siriano continued to champion size inclusivity in fashion, showcasing a range of sizes in his collection. His ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity have made him a leading voice in the industry, pushing for change beyond mere trends. In a groundbreaking move, he partnered with Circ to present the first lyocell fabric made from recycled textile waste at NYFW, demonstrating that sustainability can coexist with high fashion.
@christiansiriano The Designer vs The Designs #NYFW #designervsdesigns
♬ suono originale - al
Khaite, led by Catherine Holstein, presented a collection that epitomized refined elegance. The use of malleable fabrics such as pillowing tulle created a sense of softness and movement in the garments. Shimmering textures wrapped around the body, emphasizing sophisticated and wearable designs that resonated with the audience.
Michael Kors brought an Italian air to his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, inspired by his extensive collaboration with Italian artisans over the past 35 years. The show took place at The Shed in Hudson Yards and featured unexpected textures and easy elegance. Kors drew inspiration from the Netflix series Ripley, channelling dark romanticism through low-cut shirts worn in a feminine way. The collection showcased artisanal textures such as raffia and lace on leather, with floral prints adorning various pieces. Kors described his vision as "rustic opulence," combining glamour with everyday wearability.
Ralph Lauren took an unconventional approach this season by showcasing his collection in the Hamptons rather than in the city. The designer blended barn, polo, and riviera aesthetics to create a unique boho-chic vibe. Raffia made a surprising appearance as a key element throughout the collection, adding texture to blazers and skirts. Lauren's designs included tassel skirts and crochet dresses that perfectly captured the essence of late summer.
This season also saw a significant focus on emerging trends. Sheer tailoring emerged as a prominent theme, with many designers opting for transparent fabrics in tailored pieces, suggesting a shift towards a more composed and elegant aesthetic for spring. Surprisingly, black made a strong comeback on the runway, challenging the typical pastel palette associated with spring fashion. Many designers embraced this classic colour to create sleek and timeless looks. Additionally, the influence of recent global sporting events was evident in the sporty chic trend, particularly at shows like Tory Burch and Alaïa, where athleisure took centre stage. Fringe detailing also made a notable appearance across various collections, adding movement and texture to numerous outfits.
Among the notable debuts, this season was Off-White's first presentation at New York Fashion Week since the passing of its founder, Virgil Abloh. The collection, titled "Duty-Free," showcased at Pier 2 of Brooklyn Bridge Park, marked a significant moment for the brand as it typically presents in Paris. Creative director Ibrahim Kamara brought an edgy and sporty aesthetic to the runway, featuring bold patterns, dramatic shimmer, and signature elements like plentiful zippers. The star-studded show included celebrities such as Issa Rae and Zayn Malik, highlighting Off-White's evolution while honouring its roots.
As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons in London, Milan, and Paris, NYFW SS25 has set a high bar for creativity and innovation in fashion. The collections presented not only showcased individual designer visions but also underscored New York's enduring role as a crucial platform for fashion excellence. With each passing season, it is clear that the city's fashion scene remains as vibrant and influential as ever.