New York Fashion Week: Your Star-Studded Guide to NYFW 2025

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2025 got off to an unforgettable start. This year boasted over 52 runway shows and presentations taking place from Thursday, February 6, to Tuesday, February 11, 2025. This 2025 event offered fresh boundary breaking inspiration, providing new opportunities for self-expression.

The Season Kicked Off with Project Runway Alums.

Key Dates and Overview

This season kicked off with Project Runway alumni judges such as Brandon Maxwell (judge on Seasons 17, 19, and 20), Christian Siriano (winner of Season 4, judge on Seasons 17-20), and Sergio Hudson (guest judge on Season 20, Episode 7). These design collections focused on neutral tones and impeccable tailoring. The week concludes with Thom Browne’s avant-garde presentation, expected to showcase American menswear classics.

Celebrity Influence and Attendance

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2025 has attracted a star-studded lineup of celebrities showcasing their impeccable fashion sense both on and off the runway. A-list attendees like Keke Palmer, who stunned in a backless pink satin gown at Brandon Maxwell’s show, and Megan Thee Stallion, who made a bold statement in a metal high-neck harness adorned with beads and coins, are just a few of the fashion icons gracing the front rows. Other celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, who turned heads with a revealing bronze corset at the Jean Paul Gaultier show, and Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter, who wore a daring black fishnet catsuit, also made notable appearances, reflecting the edgy, haute couture vibe of this year’s event. Additionally, figures like Kendall Jenner, Laverne Cox, Katie Holmes, and Julianne Hough added even more glamour to the occasion, attending high-profile shows by designers such as Calvin Klein and Christian Siriano (Chung, 2025).

NYFW Venues Included Museum of Modern Art in Midtown.

Venues and Locations

The NYFW shows are staged across various iconic venues throughout New York City. Notable locations include the Ritz-Carlton in NoMad and the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown. Previous years have seen events take place at Bryant Park and Spring Studios, with 2024 introducing a brief move to the RXR Starrett-Lehigh Building in Chelsea.

The CFDA and Public Viewing

A notable development for NYFW 2024 was the partnership between the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Rockefeller Center, which allowed select runway shows to be streamed for public viewing. This initiative will continue into 2025, providing broader access to the event for global audiences, although not all shows will be broadcast live. Updates on the latest collections will be available throughout the week, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still participate in the excitement (Kaufman, 2025).

The Evolution of NYFW

NYFW has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, it was a platform for designers to showcase their collections to journalists and buyers. Over time, the event has transformed into a global cultural phenomenon that attracts not only fashion industry professionals but also critics, enthusiasts, and aspiring designers and stylists. This evolution underscores NYFW’s growing cultural and economic significance as a cornerstone of the fashion industry (Kaufman, 2025).

Christian Siriano’s Collection was Inspired by Automotives.

Christian Siriano’s Glamorous Ride

Christian Siriano’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection took inspiration from his love for cars, presenting a glamorous aesthetic that included car-inspired details like glossy jersey fabric and tire track motifs. Siriano’s inclusive designs were showcased by models of various sizes and genders, featuring eye-catching pieces like a black tuxedo mini dress worn by Coco Rocha. The show attracted A-list celebrities such as Julianne Hough, Katie Holmes, and Tiffany Haddish, solidifying Siriano’s reputation for creating body-positive, red carpet-ready pieces (Dupuy, 2025).

This Year’s Shows Included Newcomers and Returning Stars.

Newcomers and Returning Designers

NYFW 2025 will feature a dynamic mix of veteran designers and newcomers. Calvin Klein, under the creative direction of Veronica Leoni, will return to the runway after a six-and-a-half-year hiatus. Other returning names include Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, and Christian Siriano. First-time participants like Alexis Bittar, Gabe Gordon, and Leblancstudios will bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the event, ensuring NYFW continues to be a forward-thinking platform for the fashion world (Haute Living, 2025; The Untitled Magazine, 2025).

Tyler McGillivary’s NYFW Debut

In February 2025, Tyler McGillivary, founder of her eponymous brand, made a stunning debut at NYFW with her “Date Night” wardrobe capsule. Inspired by New York City’s vibrant aesthetic, the collection featured nostalgic, youthful styles and was met with enthusiastic support from attendees. McGillivary’s designs, priced from $80 for graphic tees to $350 for hand-crocheted knit dresses, are sold direct-to-consumer and through retailers like Nuuly, Urban Outfitters, and Revolve (Frischer, 2025).

Kari Vettese’s Collection was Filled with Romanesque Inspiration.

Kari Vettese’s Fall 2025 NYFW Debut

Kari Vettese made her debut at NYFW with a collection that explored her Italian-American heritage. Featuring woven designs, corsetry, and Romanesque inspiration, Vettese’s Fall 2025 collection reflected her unique blend of cultural influences. The collection served as a strong introduction, aiming to position her brand at the intersection of commercial and luxury fashion (Sessoms, 2025).

Gender Neutral Extends the Target Demographics.

Trends to Expect

Expect to see a continued focus on inclusive fashion, with models of all sizes, genders, and backgrounds walking the runway. Designers are increasingly integrating sustainability into their collections, from eco-friendly materials to ethical production practices. Additionally, gender-neutral fashion continues to rise in prominence, with collections offering versatile, androgynous pieces that appeal to a broader audience.

Another key trend is the return to nostalgia, with designers like Tyler McGillivary drawing inspiration from 90s and early 2000s styles. Bold, exaggerated silhouettes, graphic prints, wide pants, chunky shoes and glasses, along with vintage-inspired details are making waves this season (Palumbo, 2025).

Conclusion

2025 offers a diverse range of shows, inclusive designs, and boundary-pushing ideas, with this season promising to be a thrilling celebration of creativity and innovation. The evolution of NYFW signals an exciting future for fashion, one where diversity, sustainability, and self-expression take center stage.

Sources:

Kaufman, Anna. “New York Fashion Week Returns: Your Guide to the Star-Studded NYFW 2025.” USA TODAY, February 2025. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/04/nyfw-2025-new-york-fashion-week/78086755007/
Dupuy, Beatrice. “Christian Siriano Takes His New York Fashion Week Show Attendees for a Glamorous Ride.” Associated Press, February 7, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/christian-siriano-2025-fashion-nyfw-20c7bd6363586b74226aca570284eb1b
UntitledTeam. “New York Fashion Week February 2025: The Official Schedule and What to Expect on the Runway.” The Untitled Magazine, February 2025. https://untitled-magazine.com/new-york-fashion-week-february-2025-the-official-schedule-runway/
Haute Living Staff. “What To Expect From February 2025’s New York Fashion Week.” Haute Living, January 2025. https://hauteliving.com/2025/01/what-to-expect-for-february-2025s-new-york-fashion-week/762463/
Frischer, B. (2025, February 9). “Tyler McGillivary Makes Its New York Fashion Week Debut With a ‘Date Night’ Wardrobe Capsule.” Fashionista. https://fashionista.com/2025/02/tyler-mcgillivary-fall-2025-collection-review#gid=ci02f3a79180002609&pid=tylermcgillivary-fw25–look-31
Sessoms, Janelle. “With Its NYFW Debut, Vettese Has Already Established Its Signatures.” Fashionista, February 7, 2025. https://fashionista.com/2025/02/vettese-fall-2025-review#gid=ci02f390a790002680&pid=vettese-f25-029
Allaire, Christian. “New York Fashion Week Front Row Celebrities Fall 2025.” Vogue, February 2025. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/new-york-fashion-week-front-row-celebrities-fall-2025

Sources:

Kaufman, Anna. “New York Fashion Week Returns: Your Guide to the Star-Studded NYFW 2025.” USA TODAY, February 2025. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/04/nyfw-2025-new-york-fashion-week/78086755007/

Dupuy, Beatrice. “Christian Siriano Takes His New York Fashion Week Show Attendees for a Glamorous Ride.” Associated Press, February 7, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/christian-siriano-2025-fashion-nyfw-20c7bd6363586b74226aca570284eb1b

UntitledTeam. “New York Fashion Week February 2025: The Official Schedule and What to Expect on the Runway.” The Untitled Magazine, February 2025. https://untitled-magazine.com/new-york-fashion-week-february-2025-the-official-schedule-runway/

Haute Living Staff. “What To Expect From February 2025’s New York Fashion Week.” Haute Living, January 2025. https://hauteliving.com/2025/01/what-to-expect-for-february-2025s-new-york-fashion-week/762463/

Frischer, B. (2025, February 9). “Tyler McGillivary Makes Its New York Fashion Week Debut With a ‘Date Night’ Wardrobe Capsule.” Fashionista. https://fashionista.com/2025/02/tyler-mcgillivary-fall-2025-collection-review#gid=ci02f3a79180002609&pid=tylermcgillivary-fw25–look-31

Sessoms, Janelle. “With Its NYFW Debut, Vettese Has Already Established Its Signatures.” Fashionista, February 7, 2025. https://fashionista.com/2025/02/vettese-fall-2025-review#gid=ci02f390a790002680&pid=vettese-f25-029

Allaire, Christian. “New York Fashion Week Front Row Celebrities Fall 2025.” Vogue, February 2025. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/new-york-fashion-week-front-row-celebrities-fall-2025

Palumbo, J. (2025). “Vintage Vibes and Bold Statements: The 2025 NYFW Trends.” The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/2025/02/nyfw-2025-trends-nostalgia-graphic-prints/ Chung, Gabrielle. “Celebrities at New York Fashion Week 2025: Keke Palmer, Lisa Rinna, and More Celebrity Sightings.” E! Online, February 6, 2025. https://www.eonline.com/news/1412778/celebrities-at-new-york-fashion-week-2025

Jenica “Hen” Weyand is a seasoned writer and creative professional with over 20 years of experience in brand storytelling, art, fashion, trends, and lifestyle. With a background in theater, design, and brand experience, Jenica continues to shape conversations around art, style, and modern living.

Jenica Weyand