New York Fashion Week – Does the Traditional Fashion Week Model Have Legs?
18-03-2025
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) recently drew to a close for the Fall/Winter 25/26 season, and while critics praised the diversity and creativity on show there was a general consensus that it felt somewhat subdued and lacked international coverage.
Post NYFW, The Business of Fashion posted on LinkedIn: ‘All Eyes on Paris’ – citing that ‘while there were plenty of noteworthy shows, and designers including Tory Burch and Khaite that remain committed to New York, the gravitational pull of all the big brands based in Paris and Milan is often too great to resist.’ The post displayed a clear graphic of the big four: NewYork, London, Milan and Paris, and the amount of online attention each fashion week city receives. Paris receiving twice as much attention than New York and London combined.
The fashion industry, is indeed, at a crossroads. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital platforms and small scale presentations while questions around sustainability dampened the lavish, city-hopping agenda the fashion pack had become accustomed to.
What were the highlights at NYFW?
According to The Guardian, Thom Browne‘s show was a highlight, featuring avian-inspired designs with models adorned in feathered eyelashes and a runway embellished with 2,000 origami birds. His collection included British-made tweeds embroidered with herons and magpies, blending conceptual artistry with classic tailoring. Browne’s influence is evident in modern menswear, particularly the trend of cropped trousers.
Sergio Hudson presented a collection of luxurious American sportswear in rich hues like ruby red and hunter green. The line-up featured monochromatic suits, pencil skirts and knit cashmere sweaters. While super brand Calvin Klein made a return after a six-year hiatus with Veronica Leoni at the helm showing clean, minimal tailoring in a monochrome colour palette.
NYFW Fall/Winter 25/26 emphasised simplicity and wearability. A notable trend was the incorporation of bold and bright colours into various pieces, including tailoring, outerwear, and elevated garments. Designers expanded the use of vibrant hues beyond traditional evening wear, making them suitable for everyday fashion.
Additionally, there was a resurgence of floral-themed pieces, with designers incorporating floral patterns and motifs into their collections, adding a touch of femininity and elegance to the Fall/Winer season.
A re-think of the traditional fashion week model
Despite perceptions that New York and London receive less attention compared to Milan and Paris, those within industry argue that they provide their own standpoint and creative prowess. The traditional Fashion Week model all over the globe is facing significant challenges in terms of sustainability and relevance. While efforts are underway to mitigate environmental impacts and incorporate sustainable practices, the industry must critically assess whether the current format aligns with the evolving values of consumers and the planet. Innovations in digital presentations, sustainable materials, and circular fashion models may offer pathways to a more sustainable and relevant future with fresh ideas in terms of presentation and social interaction.
Paris Fashion / Art showcase opportunity
Calling fashion designers, would you like to showcase at a unique fashion / art event in Paris? This year FashionCapital has teamed up with unique-fashionshow.com – to provide talented designers with the opportunity to showcase their designs in the heart of the city on 16th & 17th May. The Unique Fashion show will bring together global and local brands merging virtual reality with physical runway shows, exhibitions and performances.
For those applying via FashionCapital, quote Jennifer Holloway / FashionCapital and receive 20% off!
The event also includes competitions for upcycled and recycled designs plus a AI and 3D contest, to find out more visit: https://www.unique-fashionshow.com/
Or contact: info@unique-fashionshow.com
Top image: pexels.com
