NYFW Runway Report!

After seeing each collection up close and tracking the trends as they unfolded, here’s my big-picture recap of the week.

I had so much fun with my Runway Report videos. I started filming on the very first day of NYFW, right before the Proenza show and Rachel Scott’s debut as Creative Director. After each show, I compiled my clips and shared the trends I spotted. As a former fashion buyer, this is an exercise I used to do constantly, so it felt very natural to slip back into that mindset.

I filmed at every show I attended: Proenza Schouler, TWP, Altuzarra, Ulla Johnson and Cult Gaia. Truly a dream lineup. Let’s get into it.

Proenza Schouler

What an incredible show. The bold cobalt blue runway set the tone immediately and echoed throughout the collection. We saw capes, pops of red, plaids, and the most amazing fringe shoes. Fringe absolutely had a moment here. There were sharp pleats, strong suiting, and thoughtful color blocking. Overall, it was all in the details. I felt so honored to witness Rachel Scott’s debut for Proenza. Such a special moment.

TWP

First, the location. The western and nature-inspired touches set against the cityscape felt like a preview of what was to come. TWP are masters of layering and mixing materials. We saw fringe, statement necklaces, furry shoes, and a definite western undertone throughout. A few cowboy hats even made their way down the runway. Pops of red and stripes were layered in effortlessly.

Ulla Johnson

Set inside a Chelsea art gallery, the space was the perfect backdrop for such a colorful collection. Jewel tones immediately stood out, along with bold color blocking in shades of pink, green, and blue. Ulla’s pieces always have beautiful movement and femininity, and her mix of lace, velvet, and silk was especially strong this season. My favorite styling moment was the colorful gloves paired with high socks and heels. So good.

Altuzarra

Always a favorite. I wanted to wear nearly every look that walked. The styling and layering were impeccable. The scarf tops with mixed metal hardware, silver and gold together, felt so fresh. The belts were a standout too, statement buckles worn vertically instead of horizontally. So chic. We also saw gorgeous tweed, fringe, leather, suede, and shearling.

Honorable Mention: Cult Gaia

Their NYFW debut. While I didn’t film a full runway report, I have to mention it. Lion bags, pops of color, fur coats, all very Cult Gaia. Unique and fabulous. I love Jasmin’s eye for sculptural shapes and unexpected silhouettes. And they debuted a bridal look. Hint hint. Could bridal be next? Either way, such a special show.

Overarching Trends

Fringe, fringe, fringe. It truly was the common denominator. Every show I attended incorporated it, but in a way that felt authentic to the house. At Proenza it felt sharp and directional, at TWP it leaned western, at Altuzarra it was textural and luxe. Expect fringe to move from statement to staple this fall.

Gloves showed up in four out of the five shows, styled in a way that felt modern rather than precious. They were paired with strong tailoring, layered under coats, or used as a punch of color. It felt like an accessory shift, a small detail that makes a full look feel considered.

Pleats were everywhere too, but not in a soft, bohemian way. These were controlled, architectural, and often layered into suiting. I think we are heading into a major pleat moment for fall, feminine but structured, polished but still fluid.

That sense of structure carried into tailoring overall. Strong shoulders and sharply cut jackets were a clear thread throughout the week. Blazers felt intentional, with defined shapes and confident lines. Even when paired with softer fabrics or movement, the foundation was structured. There is a return to power dressing, but refined.

And red. I spotted hints of red in nearly every collection, sometimes bold, sometimes just a flash in a shoe or accessory. Either way, consider that your fall color forecast.

Now off to London, Milan and Paris for more! xx

Sara