The Big Apple turned into a runway for some of the best names in fashion for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. From September 6th to 11th, NYC showcased designer’s collections, elevating iconic venues like Spring Studios and The Shed at Hudson Yards into playrooms for fashion.

Brandon Maxwell kicked off fashion week with his take on quiet luxury. The runway came alive with oversized silhouettes, cut-out shirts, flowing dresses, tailored jackets, and an array of co-ord pieces that set the tone for the season’s edgy vibe. Gwyneth Paltrow even made a statement at the show, turning heads in Look 25 from the highly acclaimed collection.

Michael Kors then continued his tradition of merging eras with a collection that combined the romanticism of the 1950s with the sleek simplicity of the 1990s. His creations could be seen on celebrities like Olivia Wilde, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Lindsay Lohan, and Barbara Sprouse who eagerly watched the models strut the runway in monochrome pieces, fringed bags, belts on dresses, and peplum designs.

Shortly after, Christian Siriano captivated the audience with his signature dramatic flair. Describing his Spring/Summer 2025 collection as “a fairytale land of mythical beauties,” Siriano presented a show brimming with laser-cut beaded vegan leather, sheer long dresses, and elaborate headgear. Set against a backdrop of trees, the runway sparkled with pieces that celebrated diverse bodies and timeless elegance.

Emerging brands also made a splash at NYFW. Campillo, founded by Patricio Campillo, debuted with a menswear collection inspired by Mexican culture and a focus on sustainable practices. Sebastien Ami impressed with vintage-inspired designs that have previously caught the eye of celebrities like Bad Bunny and Justin Bieber.

Off-White made its NYFW debut under the new creative direction of Ib Kamara, who took over from the late Virgil Abloh. Known for his role as a Creative Director, Kamara brought a fresh perspective to the brand. His show, set against the backdrop of Brooklyn Bridge Park, featured streetwear with subtle African influences, marking a new chapter for Off-White, while paying tribute to Abloh’s legacy.

Tory Burch’s show took fashion lovers on a swim at the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn. Models, including Irina Shayk, strutted across mosaic tile walls and floors reminiscent of a swimming pool, merging high fashion with an aquatic twist. Jason Wu and Tommy Hilfiger also presented strong collections, with Hilfiger’s casual two-piece co-ords adding a relaxed edge to the lineup.

In addition to the fashion statements, NYFW was rife with high-profile attendees and notable moments. Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour were seen at the NYFW Harlem Fashion Row, while Emily Ratajkowski made a grand entrance at the Proenza Schouler show in Tribeca. Lucky B Smith made his NYFW SS25 debut before Usher and Jill Biden who sat front row at the Ralph Lauren show, and Rihanna drew attention at the Alaia fashion show, where she was joined by fellow fashion icons Linda Evangelista, Law Roach and Edward Enninful. However, much of the conversation online centered around rumors that Rihanna had allegedly snubbed Naomi Campbell, fueling speculation.

On the runway, Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight, wearing a striking bustier bra in second-skin knit paired with a black knitted skater skirt. Completing her look with high-heeled thongs and Pat McGrath’s signature makeup, Jenner embodied the grace she is now very familiar with. Another standout moment was when model Lulu Tenney took to the runway in ‘the look of the night,’ a voluminous pink brushed fur spiral coat knitted from silk, adding an extra layer of elegance to the show.

NYFW’s excitement extended beyond the runway with the Vogue and CFDA’s #FashionForOurFuture March across the streets of New York, advocating for democracy and encouraging voting. This event underscored fashion’s influence in social and political conversations.

Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung also made a strong statement, wearing a shirt that read “VOTE” on the front and “Harris/Walz” on the back. For Spring 2020, Gurung had posed the question “Who gets to be an American?” and once again, he used his platform to address pressing issues. His collection featured ‘Cobblestone couture’ made up of a stunning array of flowy, fringed, and form-fitting gowns that danced in the wind on the streets of downtown Manhattan. Vibrant chiffon dresses in shades of purple, blue, and red were modeled by women of all ages, celebrating activism and beauty.

Throughout fashion week, New York City was alive with afterparties, influencer-packed dinners, and exclusive pop-up events, enhancing the atmosphere of NYFW. The event not only introduced fresh trends but also unveiled the edgiest fashion we’ve seen in recent times and reinforced fashion’s impact as a force for change, creativity and cultural expression.

Read more Fashion week articles from KLATMAG

Prabal Gurung Photos by Lecca Dan

Off-White Photos by JP Yim/Getty Images

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo