Our Predictions for New York Fashion Week FW25
New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 is on the horizon, and the anticipation is as thick as a Thom Browne overcoat. As the industry’s elite prepare to descend on the city’s most coveted venues, we’re looking ahead at what this season has in store. From major designer comebacks to the cultural undercurrents shaping the runway, NYFW FW25 promises a spectacle of innovation, nostalgia, and political commentary.
The Big Returns: Calvin Klein, Christopher John Rogers & More
It’s been six years since Calvin Klein graced the NYFW calendar, but with Veronica Leoni now at the helm, the brand is poised for a revival. Known for her tenure at Jil Sander, Céline, and The Row, Leoni’s minimalist, sophisticated touch could signal a return to CK’s roots—think 90s-era Kate Moss simplicity but through a 2025 lens. Will we see the return of those iconic slip dresses? The runway will tell.
Another highly anticipated return is Christopher John Rogers, whose bold color palettes and architectural silhouettes have been sorely missed since his last NYFW showing. If past collections are any indication, expect nothing short of drama—oversized tailoring, theatrical ruffles, and a masterclass in unapologetic glamour.
And then there’s Thom Browne, securing NYFW’s coveted closing slot. After dressing stars like Doechii at the Grammys, speculation is swirling around his upcoming show—will it be the season of exaggerated proportions, monochromatic gray palettes, and signature surrealism? The front row (or FROW) will certainly be watching.
The New Guard: Designers Making Their NYFW Debut
Fresh blood is breathing new life into NYFW this season. Names like Alexis Bittar, a Megan Thee Stallion-approved jewelry designer, and Gabe Gordon, a knitwear maven, are set to make waves. Ukrainian brand TTSWTRS and emerging label LeBlancStudios are also expected to disrupt the industry with their avant-garde takes on contemporary fashion.
Trend Forecast: What Will Dominate FW25?
1. Protest Dressing: The Political Runway
With Donald Trump’s return to office, expect the industry’s liberal-leaning designers to respond in full force. Back in 2017, fashion week was flooded with "pussy hats," feminist slogans, and overt political messaging—this season will likely see a resurgence of protest dressing. Expect brands like Collina Strada and Telfar to infuse their collections with socio-political undertones, making statements that extend far beyond fabric.
2. Sustainable Maximalism: Eco-Friendly Extravagance
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But this season, it's getting a maximalist twist. Gone are the days when eco-conscious fashion meant neutral palettes and minimalist silhouettes. Brands are embracing bold, statement-making sustainability, featuring recycled materials, deadstock textiles, and innovative upcycling. Think Marine Serre’s moon-print madness meets Stella McCartney’s eco-warrior aesthetic.
3. The ‘Penny Lane’ Coat Revival
If TikTok has taught us anything, it’s that fashion nostalgia reigns supreme. The latest comeback? The Penny Lane coat, made famous by Almost Famous’s effortlessly cool groupies. Expect shearling-trimmed outerwear to be a seasonal staple, with brands offering modernized takes on the 70s staple.
4. Hyper-Feminine Tailoring
Femininity is back, but not in the twee, cottagecore way we saw in previous seasons. Instead, designers like Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler are refining tailoring with sculpted hourglass silhouettes, exaggerated pleats, and structured yet fluid fabrics.
Cultural Crossovers: Music, Art & The Fashion Intersection
Fashion week has always been a melting pot of artistic influences, and this season is no different. From Kendrick Lamar’s rumored performance at an afterparty to Iris Apfel’s Christie’s auction, the week is shaping up to be as culturally rich as it is sartorially forward.
Marc Jacobs is once again playing with dystopian themes, echoing the industry's broader existential musings—how does luxury evolve in an era of economic uncertainty? Meanwhile, Collina Strada continues to be the rebel of NYFW, bringing playfulness and satire to an often too-serious affair.
Final Thoughts: What NYFW FW25 Means for Fashion’s Future
As the industry navigates the intersection of politics, sustainability, and digital evolution, NYFW FW25 is more than just a showcase of new collections—it’s a cultural timestamp. Will Calvin Klein’s comeback redefine American fashion? Will protest dressing reach new heights? And how will designers balance sustainability with spectacle?
One thing’s for certain: this season will be one to watch.
Stay tuned for more unique stories & trend breakdowns.