New York Fashion Week - the semi-annual event that kicks off the season of fashion. Over the years, we have seen spectacular arrays of outfits ranging from elegance to avant-garde. This year, however, has opened up a different door of fashion for us. Bringing in mixed reviews, New York Fashion Week 2025 (NYFW 25) held from 6-11 February in Manhattan brought about fresh perspectives and collections for this year’s Fall/Winter (FW) edition. Arising Trends Hues of warm and rich colours like beige, red, dark green and browns will become more of a staple in people’s closets. Monochrome looks also made a major impact, particularly in all-white and all-black ensembles that exuded effortless elegance. Compared to last year, more smoky makeup and bangs were seen on models. Flowers are huge this season, with organic and 3D ones embellished on dresses. Accessories took centre stage this season, elevating all the looks to new heights. Oversized earrings, chunky chains, and dramatic headpieces were seen across multiple runways. Anticipated Runways Mixed Opinions The designers of this season pushed the limits of conventional fashion while embracing drama and refinement. One thing is certain as another incredible fashion week comes to an end: the upcoming year will be characterised by elegance and daring.
With this year’s runway, we can see that designers are seeking more of a comfort and cosy vibe, while perfectly tying it in with style and grace. This could be because of the current state of the world, where in times of crisis, people try to seek comfort. Dramatic draping and layering are a common theme. Statement skirts with oversized pillowy silhouettes and circles draping brought in that tone of comfort. Corduroy, lace, velvet and denim were some fabrics used often. Feathers and fringe added movement to gowns, giving a sense of ethereal fluidity, while structured leather pieces brought an edgy contrast. Sheer fabrics and lace were reimagined in fresh, contemporary ways, offering a balance between delicacy and modernity. Leather gloves and jackets were styled to perfection on models representing Coach, Khaite and Tory Burch.
Veronica Leoni debuted her first collection with Calvin Klein as the new creative director, who last had their runway on NYFW six years ago. Her approach to the collection was to blend minimalism with luxury. She mixed in different drapes, layers and volumes. Tory Burch brought in sportswear, calling it ‘twisted American sportswear.’ There was knitwear, crewneck sweaters and slashed cardigans. Michael Kors wanted to appeal to an older audience and brought in fashion from the 70s and 80s. Monochromatic looks in shades of deep purple and greys reminded people of evening looks. Kaithe and Brandon Maxwell brought back leather-styled looks, with leather jackets, gloves and maxi skirts. Thom Browne closed the curtains with notions of fantasy. Birds were repeated symbols, and he explained it by saying they were symbols of freedom.
This season, the reception from the critics was pretty mixed. While some thought that certain shows lacked coherence or played it too safe, others applauded the designers for their bold decisions and dedication to defying fashion conventions. Vogue interviewed a few people, including designers, critics and publicists, to get a more comprehensive idea. The week's exuberant spirit was commended by publicist Lucien Pagès, who suggested a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Given Paris's historical sway on New York, critic Alexander Fury suggested that the city has to improve its fashion sector even more. The success of Thom Browne's collection and the emergence of up-and-coming designers like Luar suggested that there was room for fresh perspectives in the fashion industry. In addition, several well-known designers came under fire for failing to advance sustainability initiatives in spite of the rising demand for environmentally friendly clothing.
Image Source: ouispeakfashion.com
26 Feb 2025
Nayana Ittiyamparampath
