This year’s New York Fashion Week ran from September 11-16, with over 60 shows during this period. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is responsible for this schedule, and this year’s event featured returning designers such as Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Christian Siriano, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Altuzarra, and Prabal Gurung. Along with the official runways, many brands and designers will also host parties and pop-ups for attendees, as well as some events that are open to the public.
Ralph Lauren opened the event with an almost entirely black-and-white collection, with some purposeful pops of red and accessorized with silver statement jewelry. Each piece combined the classic elements of the brand with modern style by pairing items such as wide-leg trousers with bralette tops and elegant gowns with contemporary coats.
Michael Kors was another major show on the first day of NYFW, and this collection emphasized Earth tones and a blend of casual and elegant. From an interview with Reuters, “I’m always thinking about new ways of how do you wear your black, how do you wear your gray, how do you wear neutral colors,” Kors said. This is in reference to Kors’ innovations with the color palette of this collection, inspired by his clients who tend to spend most of their time traveling and reworking neutrals throughout.
Later that week, Tory Burch showcased an office chic that emphasized structured silhouettes, a few bold patterns, and a wide variety of colors. This symbolized a modern comeback from the brand that has previously been more popular with older generations.
As for some of the unofficial events, brands such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Harper’s Bazaar, and Off-White hosted exclusive shows and parties.
Calvin Klein collaborated with Mytheresa to host an after-party and Indochine following their spring 2026 runway show. Ralph Lauren hosted a launch party for their new fragrance, which featured a “scent bar,” a performance by Waterhouse, and a variety of food and refreshments.
Harper’s Bazaar worked with Bulgari to host an intimate dinner in honor of Bazaar’s 2025 icons, at the restaurant Wild Cherry. Off-White took the opposite approach to their event, hosting a lively after-party at The Manner with A-list celebrities and DJs.
Not everything was exclusive to celebrities and designers, as NYFW also had several public and low-cost events for citizens to enjoy. Throughout the entire week, NYFW Live at Rockefeller Center showcased the different collections brought out this fall. During specific times Haus at Thompson Central Park held a pop up with a special runway show and a shop with emerging designers as well as beauty and lifestyle brands. The People’s Runway at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza also was held on September 14, it was an outdoor fashion show showcasing five emerging Brooklyn designers.
Overall, this year’s NYFW was an innovative and exciting way to kick off showing new collections for the upcoming 2026 Spring and Summer seasons. It will be followed by London Fashion Week from September 18-22, Milan Fashion Week from September 23-29, and Paris Fashion Week from September 29 through October 7.
