New York Fashion Week: Highlights from the Spring-Summer 2025 runways

Over the past few days in New York City — and a little further afield, on Long Island — mainstay brands like Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Tory Burch looked to reinvigorate or redefine the classics, while labels including Ala?a and Off-White, who typically show in Paris, crossed the pond to define what American fashion means to them.

New York Fashion Week, which formally kicks off fashion month, has found itself at a crossroads in recent seasons as its counterparts in Milan and Paris have maintained dominance on the industry’s schedule with sought-after shows and splashy celebrity guest lists. But that doesn’t mean the city has been without its A-listers — especially since the weeklong event has coincided with the US Open, bringing out plenty of stars to sit both by the court and the catwalk.

Ralph Lauren got things started with an off-schedule Hamptons fête on Thursday, recreating its iconic Polo Bar for guests including First Lady Jill Biden, singer Usher, and actors Jude Law, Tom Hiddleston and Naomi Watts. At the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum the following night, Ala?a reunited supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Amber Valletta and Stephanie Seymour in the audience while Kendall Jenner led the models’ procession around the art museum’s famed spiraling architecture — though Rihanna’s glittering appearance in a crystal mesh ensemble by the French luxury house was the biggest surprise of the evening.

Usher and first lady Jill Biden enjoyed Ralph Lauren’s Bridgehampton affair. - Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Usher and first lady Jill Biden enjoyed Ralph Lauren’s Bridgehampton affair. - Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Rihanna arrived at the Guggenheim to see Alaïa’s long-awaited return to New York under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier. - Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
Rihanna arrived at the Guggenheim to see Ala?a’s long-awaited return to New York under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier. - Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images

Later in the week, Tory Burch drew an enviable front row that included Elizabeth Olsen, Michelle Williams, Jodie Turner-Smith, Mindy Kaling and Ella Emhoff, who watched on as aughts icon Alexa Chung walked the runway. And for the Brooklyn-based label Luar, who staged the final evening show, a surprise appearance by Madonna in latex gloves and a wide camel coat set off a frenzy of camera flashes. (Next to her, a final empty seat remained a mystery until the rapper Ice Spice arrived to claim it).

Celebrities also turned out in droves for Off-White as creative director Ib Kamara headed the label’s first-ever New York runway on Sunday. Singers Zayn Malik, Mary J. Blige, Tinashe, Victoria Monét and Camila Cabello, supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, and actors Issa Rae and Lena Waithe arrived at basketball courts along the Brooklyn waterfront to see the collection, “Duty Free,” which took inspiration from the late founder Virgil Abloh’s Ghanaian heritage. Also in attendance was US Olympic water poloist Ashleigh Johnson — with rapper Flavor Flav, of course, who became a sponsor of her team this year — and 2024 Olympic all-around gymnastics gold medalist Sunisa Lee.

Michelle Williams, Jodie Turner-Smith and Elizabeth Olsen in the teal-tiled Brooklyn skylight where Tory Burch hosted her latest collection. - Jeff Schear/Getty Images
Michelle Williams, Jodie Turner-Smith and Elizabeth Olsen in the teal-tiled Brooklyn skylight where Tory Burch hosted her latest collection. - Jeff Schear/Getty Images
Madonna arrived for Luar in Rockefeller Center wearing the Brooklyn label's doubled sunglasses. - Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images
Madonna arrived for Luar in Rockefeller Center wearing the Brooklyn label's doubled sunglasses. - Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images

But Olympians haven’t just been on the guest list this week — they’ve made surprise runway debuts as well. Another one of the gymnastics “Golden Girls,” Jordan Chiles, traded the balance beam for the catwalk at Kim Shui, wearing a floral silk leotard-style outfit, finished with a fluttering cape, while sprinter Noah Lyles embraced a more leisurely pace at Willy Chavarria’s show in white athletic shorts and armbands emblazoned with “América,” the name the designer chose for a show about the immigrant perspective of the American Dream.

Chavarria’s latest collection — which featured baggy, belted khakis; crisp ties and lapels; and utility menswear skirts, followed by a separate, new sportswear line with Adidas — was set against the backdrop of the American flag and began with a performance of the classic Spanish love song “Querida.” (Guests also received small booklets from the American Civil Liberties Union printed with the full US Constitution, a reminder of the country’s founding ideals.)

Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles made her runway debut at Kim Shui. - John Lamparski/Getty Images
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles made her runway debut at Kim Shui. - John Lamparski/Getty Images

It was far from the only show that expressed a sense of political urgency ahead of the 2024 election.

Galvanized by Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, the Nepali American designer Prabal Gurung wrote in the show notes that he wanted create a collection that reflects “a powerful affirmation of matriarchy, femininity and the future.” Gurung’s collection of trailing neck scarves, sheer bustiers and hand-draped sari pants was full of movement on a breezy day near City Hall — and included a seemingly tongue-in-cheek reference to Harris with an embroidered coconut tree mini dress.

“I’ve always believed in power of women, of feminine-leaning ideas,” Gurung told CNN just before the show. “I’ve always believed that they saved me… and I know they can save the world.”

The surrealist label Area, celebrating its 10th anniversary, had a pointed message as well. Partnering with the dating app Tinder to promote (and donate to) the national abortion rights campaign Bans Off Our Bodies, Areashowing a collection of handprints and fingerprints printed, stitched and etched on the garments.

“We really think about and reflect on what is going on in the world and put that back into our clothes,” creative director Piotrek Panszczyk told CNN backstage.

A Tinder-branded tee on the Area runway. - Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
A Tinder-branded tee on the Area runway. - Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Elena Velez’s OnlyFans collaboration included a ripped top with a corset motif on the front. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Elena Velez’s OnlyFans collaboration included a ripped top with a corset motif on the front. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images

Their lineup included a Tinder logo T-shirt, one of several highly visible partnerships of the week as companies jockeyed for branding within the collections. Designer Elena Velez was sponsored by the online platform OnlyFans for her show of reimagined mythologized heroes setting out for battle in platform boots, leather and pageantry sashes. Sandy Liang, collaborating with Android, sent out a Samsung Galaxy Z flip phone enclosed in a case with her signature star motif. (Pornhub also sponsored a show by the label Private Policy, though its logo did not appear in the line).

The biggest collaborations, however, were the ones that produced a second collection. Like Chavarria with Adidas, designer Naeem Khan did double duty with a second line of looks. For Khan, his partner was Universal Pictures for the upcoming musical adaptation of “Wicked,” leading to glittering gowns in pink, green and black that models showcased to the film’s score. Kahn told CNN that he strove for cohesion between the two sets of intricate evening wear.

“How do I say ‘Wicked’ in the chicest way possible? Because I cannot make it into costumes from the movie,” he said of the prompt. “It has to have my DNA.”

Scroll down to see this season’s runway highlights, updated throughout the week.

Paris Hilton invited Megan Thee Stallion for a performance at Hilton’s album release party with Nylon Magazine for New York Fashion Week. - Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for NYLON
Paris Hilton invited Megan Thee Stallion for a performance at Hilton’s album release party with Nylon Magazine for New York Fashion Week. - Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for NYLON
Crisp whites were on show (after Labor Day) at Ralph Lauren, with new takes on equestrian-influenced styles and northeast coastal codes. - Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Crisp whites were on show (after Labor Day) at Ralph Lauren, with new takes on equestrian-influenced styles and northeast coastal codes. - Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Willy Chavarria included a range of branded garments and his own spin on a neighborhood grocer’s logo. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Willy Chavarria included a range of branded garments and his own spin on a neighborhood grocer’s logo. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
The designer showed two full collections on the runway, with the second being an Adidas collaboration. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
The designer showed two full collections on the runway, with the second being an Adidas collaboration. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Models line up backstage at Willy Chavarria in wide, belted pants, starched tailoring and a bunch of dangling keys as accessories. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Models line up backstage at Willy Chavarria in wide, belted pants, starched tailoring and a bunch of dangling keys as accessories. - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Area played with markers of identity, uniformity and rebellion in the collection, repeating hand motifs throughout the collection. - Dan Lecca/Courtesy of AREA
Area played with markers of identity, uniformity and rebellion in the collection, repeating hand motifs throughout the collection. - Dan Lecca/Courtesy of AREA
This look, too, featured hands — with thousands of layered cutouts used to form a sculptural couture dress. - Dan Lecca/Courtesy of AREA
This look, too, featured hands — with thousands of layered cutouts used to form a sculptural couture dress. - Dan Lecca/Courtesy of AREA
This season was Nanushka's 20th anniversary as a brand. - Jonas Gustavsson
This season was Nanushka's 20th anniversary as a brand. - Jonas Gustavsson
The label's history was chronicled in a series of recycled paper images and notes that dangled above the runway from the ceiling. - Jonas Gustavsson
The label's history was chronicled in a series of recycled paper images and notes that dangled above the runway from the ceiling. - Jonas Gustavsson
Model Precious Lee in an organza slip dress with a black drip motif. Gurung’s celebratory collection also had ties to the Hindu festival of Holi. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Model Precious Lee in an organza slip dress with a black drip motif. Gurung’s celebratory collection also had ties to the Hindu festival of Holi. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Gurung’s silk chiffon neck scarves trailed behind the models for a touch of airy elegance. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Gurung’s silk chiffon neck scarves trailed behind the models for a touch of airy elegance. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
A powder blue sherwani-style jacket and mini dress made of multi-colored mylar strips. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
A powder blue sherwani-style jacket and mini dress made of multi-colored mylar strips. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Pink appeared throughout the collection as a nod to Holi, from this draped look to a finale where models released pink powder in the wind. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Pink appeared throughout the collection as a nod to Holi, from this draped look to a finale where models released pink powder in the wind. - David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images
Brandon Maxwell worked with a new “stripped-down” approach to “American ease” this season, per the show notes. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Brandon Maxwell worked with a new “stripped-down” approach to “American ease” this season, per the show notes. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
The designer mades twists on classic summery styles, playing with opacity and dropped waists. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
The designer mades twists on classic summery styles, playing with opacity and dropped waists. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
A multi-colored sequinned gown in Sergio Hudson’s 1960s-influenced collection. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
A multi-colored sequinned gown in Sergio Hudson’s 1960s-influenced collection. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Grace Ling has made breastplates for Jennifer Lopez and Radhika Merchant; her opening look for her sophomore show featured a draped gown with deconstructed metal armor worn by model Alex Consani. - Courtesy of Grace Ling
Grace Ling has made breastplates for Jennifer Lopez and Radhika Merchant; her opening look for her sophomore show featured a draped gown with deconstructed metal armor worn by model Alex Consani. - Courtesy of Grace Ling
Ling has developed a signature brand of dark fantasy with surrealist, sculptural metalworking. Her finale was a whirlwind of thorny branches and birds. - Courtesy of Grace Ling
Ling has developed a signature brand of dark fantasy with surrealist, sculptural metalworking. Her finale was a whirlwind of thorny branches and birds. - Courtesy of Grace Ling
The architectural detailing of cathedrals repeated throughout Who Decides War’s latest collection. - Victor Pagan/Getty Images
The architectural detailing of cathedrals repeated throughout Who Decides War’s latest collection. - Victor Pagan/Getty Images
Who Decides War creative directors Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore featured an explosion of textures and unconventional silhouettes, including a multi-tiered streetwear take on bridal gowns. - Victor Pagan/Getty Images
Who Decides War creative directors Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore featured an explosion of textures and unconventional silhouettes, including a multi-tiered streetwear take on bridal gowns. - Victor Pagan/Getty Images
Plunging necklines and sky-high embellished minis were some of the sexier womenswear offerings from Off-White this season. - JP Yim/Getty Images
Plunging necklines and sky-high embellished minis were some of the sexier womenswear offerings from Off-White this season. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The latest Off-White collection was inspired by Kamara visiting Ghana, where his predecessor Virgil Abloh was from. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The latest Off-White collection was inspired by Kamara visiting Ghana, where his predecessor Virgil Abloh was from. - JP Yim/Getty Images
In the show notes, Kamara — who is from Sierra Leone — recalls growing up feeling like New York was "a dreamland of utopias made real." - JP Yim/Getty Images
In the show notes, Kamara — who is from Sierra Leone — recalls growing up feeling like New York was "a dreamland of utopias made real." - JP Yim/Getty Images
 Jason Wu collaborated with the famed artist Tong Yang-Tze, featuring her sweeping Chinese calligraphy in an ethereal collection. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Jason Wu collaborated with the famed artist Tong Yang-Tze, featuring her sweeping Chinese calligraphy in an ethereal collection. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Tommy Hilfiger’s latest collection was a new take on nautical prep, with oversized and slouchy silhouettes. - Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Getty Images
Tommy Hilfiger’s latest collection was a new take on nautical prep, with oversized and slouchy silhouettes. - Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Getty Images
Models wove around the floor of a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry permanently docked at the South Street Seaport. - Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Getty Images
Models wove around the floor of a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry permanently docked at the South Street Seaport. - Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Getty Images
This season, Sandy Liang was inspired by spy girls, secret agents and princesses — and built her collection accordingly with playfully cropped trench coats and satin '60s-style dresses. - Filippo Fior/Sandy Liang
This season, Sandy Liang was inspired by spy girls, secret agents and princesses — and built her collection accordingly with playfully cropped trench coats and satin '60s-style dresses. - Filippo Fior/Sandy Liang
From prom queen sashes to '80s puff-sleeved silhouettes, the brand's mission was to unite style and substance: "Practicality can be fantastic and fantasy can be practical," read the show notes. - Filippo Fior/Sandy Liang
From prom queen sashes to '80s puff-sleeved silhouettes, the brand's mission was to unite style and substance: "Practicality can be fantastic and fantasy can be practical," read the show notes. - Filippo Fior/Sandy Liang
Irina Shayk walked for Carolina Herrera in a plunging halter gown with a burst of canary yellow. - Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images
Irina Shayk walked for Carolina Herrera in a plunging halter gown with a burst of canary yellow. - Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images
Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon began the show with mixed black-and-white graphic prints before expanding into pinks, yellows and reds. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon began the show with mixed black-and-white graphic prints before expanding into pinks, yellows and reds. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Gordon was inspired this season by a quote from the American painter Georgia O'Keeffe: “I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way — things I had no words for.” - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Gordon was inspired this season by a quote from the American painter Georgia O'Keeffe: “I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way — things I had no words for.” - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Coach played with scale this season, turning coin purses into weekender bags. Pinstripe trenches, weathered leather jackets and other classic Coach outerwear was given a youthful makeover, paired with satin mini dresses, stickered backpacks and retro sneaker accessories. - Ben Rosser/BFA.com
Coach played with scale this season, turning coin purses into weekender bags. Pinstripe trenches, weathered leather jackets and other classic Coach outerwear was given a youthful makeover, paired with satin mini dresses, stickered backpacks and retro sneaker accessories. - Ben Rosser/BFA.com
Giant teddy bear clutches joined dinosaurs, hearts and lips on the runway, toted like stuffed animals for twentysomethings. - Ben Rosser/BFA.com
Giant teddy bear clutches joined dinosaurs, hearts and lips on the runway, toted like stuffed animals for twentysomethings. - Ben Rosser/BFA.com
Ella Emhoff sat front row at several shows during the week but walked the runway for Coach in a classic “I Love New York” tee-shirt embroidered with scrawled notes. - Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Ella Emhoff sat front row at several shows during the week but walked the runway for Coach in a classic “I Love New York” tee-shirt embroidered with scrawled notes. - Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Naeem Kahn’s first collection was inspired by Sicilian Baroque architecture and included breezy suits in addition to his signature glittering dresses. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Naeem Kahn’s first collection was inspired by Sicilian Baroque architecture and included breezy suits in addition to his signature glittering dresses. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Kahn’s second collection included intricate gowns inspired by the film adaptation of “Wicked” in the musical’s famed color scheme of pink and green. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Kahn’s second collection included intricate gowns inspired by the film adaptation of “Wicked” in the musical’s famed color scheme of pink and green. - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Tory Burch pointed to a sense of gaining control over disorder in her latest collection, which toyed with the silhouettes of sportswear, from swimming to judo to tennis. “Everything’s so chaotic in the world,” she explained to CNN backstage. Her jumping-off point, she explained, was harnessing the power and precision of athletes. “It was really just about freedom movement and form.” - Yuki Iwamura/AFP/Getty Images
2000s It-girl Alexa Chung made her New York Fashion Week debut at Tory Burch in a skirt with a wide, floating waist that tricked the eye as she moved. - Shutterstock
2000s It-girl Alexa Chung made her New York Fashion Week debut at Tory Burch in a skirt with a wide, floating waist that tricked the eye as she moved. - Shutterstock
The other return from the aughts is Burch's Reva ballet flat that was ubiquitous that decade and put her brand on the map. - Shutterstock
The other return from the aughts is Burch's Reva ballet flat that was ubiquitous that decade and put her brand on the map. - Shutterstock
Burch said the whole collection felt like “a bit of a risk,” since she combined her main and sports collections, presenting unconventional but sophisticated looks that joined the two. - Yuki Iwamura/AFP/Getty Images
Burch said the whole collection felt like “a bit of a risk,” since she combined her main and sports collections, presenting unconventional but sophisticated looks that joined the two. - Yuki Iwamura/AFP/Getty Images
Winnie Harlow walked the runway for LaQuan Smith’s evening show. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Winnie Harlow walked the runway for LaQuan Smith’s evening show. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Wiederhoeft put its corsetry front and center for the spring-summer collection in a narrative show that began with an emotive dance performance. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Wiederhoeft put its corsetry front and center for the spring-summer collection in a narrative show that began with an emotive dance performance. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
The labels new bridal corsetry program offers an inclusive sizing range of 00-30, per the show notes. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
The labels new bridal corsetry program offers an inclusive sizing range of 00-30, per the show notes. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
An itty-bitty bag for the bride who needs to carry nothing — or a celebrity on the red carpet. Wiederhoeft has dressed Sabrina Carpenter, Nicola Coughlan, Tessa Thompson and Charli XCX. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
An itty-bitty bag for the bride who needs to carry nothing — or a celebrity on the red carpet. Wiederhoeft has dressed Sabrina Carpenter, Nicola Coughlan, Tessa Thompson and Charli XCX. - Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Elena Velez named her show ”La Pucelle” after the nickname for Joan of Arc. Her show reimagined patriotic and folkloric heroes as well as icons of Americana like pageant and homecoming queens. - Rodin Banica/WWD/Getty Images
Elena Velez named her show ”La Pucelle” after the nickname for Joan of Arc. Her show reimagined patriotic and folkloric heroes as well as icons of Americana like pageant and homecoming queens. - Rodin Banica/WWD/Getty Images
After spectating various shows during the week, singer Tinashe took the runway for Elena Velez. - Rodin Banica/WWD/Getty Images
After spectating various shows during the week, singer Tinashe took the runway for Elena Velez. - Rodin Banica/WWD/Getty Images
Velez's show call for the “battle-scarred valkyrie in her many modern forms.” - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Velez's show call for the “battle-scarred valkyrie in her many modern forms.” - Nina Westervelt/WWD/Getty Images
Luar’s show in Rockefeller Center was a high-octane presentation of textures, layers and unconventional silhouettes to thumping breaks blaring from outdoor speakers at opposite ends of the runway. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
Luar’s show in Rockefeller Center was a high-octane presentation of textures, layers and unconventional silhouettes to thumping breaks blaring from outdoor speakers at opposite ends of the runway. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
Luar creative director Raul Lopez offered up a full range of coverage, from layered looks with outerwear that cocooned models to sheer tops, tights-as-pants and shorts zippered open into briefs. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
Luar creative director Raul Lopez offered up a full range of coverage, from layered looks with outerwear that cocooned models to sheer tops, tights-as-pants and shorts zippered open into briefs. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
The rapper Offset made a surprise appearance on the runway to cheers from the crowd. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
The rapper Offset made a surprise appearance on the runway to cheers from the crowd. - Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty Images
Melitta Baumeister closed out NYFW. - JP Yim/Getty Images
Melitta Baumeister closed out NYFW. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The show was inspired by athletic motifs and sportswear. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The show was inspired by athletic motifs and sportswear. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The German designer won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2023. - JP Yim/Getty Images
The German designer won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2023. - JP Yim/Getty Images

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