While the cold air blows through New York City, the streets themselves become runways. Well-dressed celebrities in oversized sunglasses breeze past fashion interns clutching garment bags and half-empty coffee cups, all buzzing with the same excitement. It’s Fashion Week!
Just as February’s weather is always a toss up between winter’s cool weather and the promise of a warm spring nearby, New York fashion week weaves together old-school elegance and innovative risk-taking. This year? It was a mixed bag, with some collections leaving me breathless and others…well, just leaving.
Let’s start with the high points because there were plenty. Michael Kors truly understood the assignment. His Autumn/Winter 2025 collection was peak “dégagé chic” (effortlessly chic)— glamour that didn’t feel like it was trying too hard. Think flowy coats, tailored silhouettes, and muted palettes that screamed sophistication. Kors managed to bring classic New York elegance without making it stale. It was the kind of collection that made me want to live my best Upper East Side life, complete with a croissant and a carefully curated playlist of soft jazz.
But then there were some designers who leaned too heavily toward minimalism. Calvin Klein’s revival under Veronica Leoni, their new creative director, had so many expectations surrounding it, and while her debut wasn’t bad, it felt safe. It felt boring. Leoni blended Klein’s iconic minimalism with a modern touch, but there wasn’t a “wow!” factor. I wanted a piece that screamed, “This is the new Calvin Klein!” Instead, I got a lot of tailored blazers and monochromatic looks. Nice? Yes. Groundbreaking? Not really.
Carolina Herrera was, as expected, pure elegance, yet it still had a fun, modern twist. Creative director, Wes Gordon, really leaned into the brand’s signature feminine vibe, but made it feel fresh. Think voluminous skirts, delicate florals, and silhouettes that are romantic and powerful, a combo that I’m obsessed with. The bold reds and soft pastels were perfection, and the lace details? Gorgeous. It was classic Herrera, sophisticated and graceful…just this time, it had this youthful energy that made it feel perfect for 2025.
One of my favorite moments from the week wasn’t about glitz or glamour–it was about emotion. Gabe Gordon’s knitwear collection was everything. Inspired by love and grief, the pieces told a story, and you could feel it. Soft, textured knits intertwined with sweet and delicate embroidery, almost like wearable poetry. It was intimate, raw, and so refreshingly different from the sea of standard runway looks. Gordon reminded everyone that fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about connection. And honestly–I’m here for it.
Off the runways, the streets of NYC were their own fashion show. Draped coats were everywhere, and while I usually love a dramatic coat moment, some of the looks felt like these so-called “fashionistas” had just thrown on their comforter and called it a day. But credit where it’s due: Kendall Jenner and Ayo Edebiri made the trend look effortlessly cool, especially paired with sleek boots and oversized sunglasses.
On the flip side there was an overwhelming amount of corsets, clearly inspired by Taylor Swift’s recent date-night looks, and while I get the appeal, it felt a bit too costumey at times. There’s a fine line between edgy and Renaissance fair, and let’s just say, not everyone stayed on the right side of it.
This year’s NYFW was an actual roller coaster. There were moments that felt like they were love letters to the fashion world, personal, thoughtful, and moving, and others that felt like they were trying too hard to make a statement without saying much at all. But that’s what makes Fashion Week exciting, right? It’s a blend of the beautiful and the bizarre, the timeless and the trendy. And even when I rolled my eyes at yet another corset or a very bizarre draped coat, I couldn’t help but love every minute of it.