The Top 5 Memorable Moments from NYFW Spring-Summer 2025

Fashion Month is in full swing, with the global fashion capitals—New York, London, Milan, and Paris—unveiling their latest collections each week of September. This pivotal period in the fashion industry is where innovation meets tradition, and where emerging designers assert their creativity, setting the stage for trends that will ripple across the mainstream. In an industry often saturated with talent, standing out requires a distinct blend of creativity and originality.

As New York Fashion Week draws to a close, the city has once again proven its role as a crucible of avant-garde style. Designers have dazzled with collections that push boundaries and introduce fresh narratives, from striking patchwork designs to intricate embroidered floral details. These presentations not only showcased artistic ingenuity but also hinted at the future trajectory of fashion.

Beyond the runway, New York Fashion Week was abuzz with exclusive events and glamorous after-parties, providing a vibrant backdrop for the fashion elite to mingle and celebrate. Here, we spotlight the top five events that made a significant impact on this season’s Fashion Week.

The Dark Fantasy of "Horseplay"

photo via @gabe.gordon

Gabe Gordon’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Horseplay,” captivated New York Fashion Week with its darkly imaginative blend of horror and fantasy. Held in a Brooklyn warehouse, the show was a dramatic journey into a gothic, fairy-tale world, featuring eerie, repurposed designs that combined comfort and elegance with a touch of the obscure. Models moved through a hauntingly atmospheric setting, showcasing garments that echoed the aesthetics of classic horror and Gabe’s Gordon distinctive touch. 

Enhancing the collection’s immersive experience, the behind-the-scenes footage was captured by up-and-coming photographer Joaquin Castillo. His unique and retro inspired imagery offered a unique glimpse into the creation of “Horseplay,” complementing Gordon’s vision with a modern, evocative portrayal of the collection’s darkly enchanting narrative. The integration of Castillo’s work detailed teh collections knit, distressed and torn textiles and every cut-out asymmetric design. 

“knits reflect the vulnerable space between comfort and discomfort while marrying warmth and breathability.”

Luar Dares us to Forget Him

Luar's Spring/Summer 2025 collection made a bold statement at New York Fashion Week with its avant-garde approach and vibrant energy. The show was a dynamic fusion of streetwear and high fashion, showcasing an array of innovative silhouettes and daring color combinations. The runway featured oversized outerwear, sleek tailoring, and experimental fabrics, reflecting the designer’s signature blend of luxury and urban edge. With the queen of pop, Madonna and Ice Spice on the front row, Luar’s show was definitely New York’s hottest ticket. 

The presentation, titled ‘En Boca Quedó’, had the same attitude portrayed in its striking visual storytelling, with models navigating a set that merged futuristic elements with nostalgic references. The use of unexpected accessories and intricate details added layers of intrigue, while the overall aesthetic conveyed a sense of both sophistication and rebellion. Luar's SS25 collection not only pushed the boundaries of contemporary fashion but also set a new standard for how street-inspired designs can transcend traditional fashion norms, making a lasting impact on the audience and critics alike. Our favorites? Everything. From kitten-heeled knee-high boots, see-through evening wear to black lipstick. 

“En Boca Quedó literal translation is something like ‘I stay in the mouth,’ implying that even after you’ve walked away, you know people will talk about you—good or bad,”

Diotima’s Déja Vú

Rachel Scott, CFDA’s 2024 Womenswear Designer of the Year nominee, showcased her ability to bridge craftsmanship and modern design was showcased in the meticulous detailing of the garments, particularly the hand-crocheted bodices and skirts, which added texture and depth to the collection.

photo via Diotima 

The interplay of feminine silhouettes with edgier elements, like cutouts and sharp tailoring, reflected Diotima’s duality—both rooted in heritage and forward-thinking. The minimalist runway setup allowed the garments' artisanal quality to shine, while the dynamic choreography of the models highlighted the movement and fluidity of each piece. Diotima’s SS25 collection was a masterful blend of storytelling, tradition, and modern elegance, further cementing the brand’s position as a leader in artisanal luxury fashion.

Simkhai’s Skyscraper Fashion Show

photo via @simkhai

Designer Jonathan Simkhai made a striking return to the runway at New York Fashion Week with his first show in three seasons. Held on the 100th floor of The Edge at Hudson Yards—marking the skyscraper’s inaugural fashion show—this presentation was as much about location as it was about fashion.

For Simkhai, this collection was deeply personal. It was inspired by memories of his mother and the evocative imagery from his childhood. While sifting through a family album, Simkhai discovered a flower petal once attached to his mother’s wedding dress from the 1970s. This poignant find, coupled with his family's legacy in lace mills, became the heart of his floral-themed collection.

In an interview with Vogue, Simkhai shared, "The inspiration for the collection came from a picture that I grew up staring at on my piano in our family living room. It was a photo of my mother on her wedding day, and she was wearing this fabric..." The designs embraced the essence of spring with delicate floral fabrics, intricate details, and embellishments. The collection predominantly featured neutral tones, punctuated by vivid splashes of orange and black.

While florals can sometimes be perceived as overly sentimental or outdated, Simkhai's collection offered a fresh, youthful take. It featured unbuttoned shirts, sheer midi dresses, and fringe detailing, ensuring a chic yet accessible style for contemporary younger generations. Against an urban, cloudy backdrop, Simkhai’s vibrant and playful collection promises to set new trends for the spring season.

LaQuan Smith’s Brooklyn Loft Show

photo via @fuckswithfilm

Designer LaQuan Smith has swiftly become a favorite among celebrities, and his latest show was a star-studded affair. Held in a Brooklyn loft, the event showcased Smith's signature unapologetic style.

The collection radiated sexiness, fun, and freedom, drawing inspiration from vintage nightclub fashion and the ballroom scene. It featured vibrant colors and bold silhouettes that echoed New York's vibrant nightlife. Smith masterfully blended sensuality with sophistication, incorporating cutouts and high slits with tailored designs.

Smith's vision for his brand, as he describes, is "about glamour and sensuality, celebrating an unapologetically sexy and glamorous feeling." This collection embodies his ethos of female empowerment and modern allure, reinforcing why his designs resonate so strongly with his clientele.

Following his show, LaQuan Smith hosted an extravagant afterparty at New York’s Paradise Club, leaving no detail overlooked. The event was elevated through partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy and Samsung.

Marriott Bonvoy offered exclusive access to the show and afterparty through their 'One Point Drop' program, which provides members with unique event experiences. Smith remarked, "Fashion has traditionally been private, but this collaboration allows people to immerse themselves in the world of LaQuan Smith. I’m excited to redefine American luxury."

Tech company Samsung partnered with Smith to create an immersive experience for guests with Mcdonald's as the night’s meal.

Off White's Celebrity Filled After Party

photo via Off-White

Off-White made a splash at New York Fashion Week with a striking show set against the backdrop of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s basketball courts. Creative Director Ib Kamara drew inspiration from a recent trip to Ghana, blending American and Ghanaian fashion elements in his collection.

To celebrate the show and Off-White's New York debut, the brand hosted an exclusive after-party at The Manner Hotel. The event, attended by up to 450 guests including celebrities like Madonna and Flavor Flav, featured signature cocktails and a hotel tour.

Kamara shared his excitement with Vogue, saying, "It was all about dancing—lots of sweaty dancing. We had incredible DJs, some of whom are friends of mine. And Madonna! She is an absolute dream guest; I’m thrilled to have her support.”

Thom Browne's Intimate Dinner Party

photo via @thombrowne

In the midst of the bustling fashion shows and lively after-parties of Fashion Week, an intimate dinner can be a refreshing change of pace. Although designer Thom Browne did not present a collection during New York Fashion Week, he was still very much part of the festivities.

A few days after participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first day, Browne co-hosted a chic dinner party with actor Cole Escola. The event took place at The Commerce Inn, a cozy restaurant in West Village.

The guest list was a blend of fashion industry luminaries and celebrities, including Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Addison Rae, and Martha Stewart. Browne shared his thoughts with WWD, saying, “Since I did my show during couture, I thought it was important to engage with New York Fashion Week in another way. As the chairman of the CFDA, I wanted to ensure we all participate in the week’s activities around town.”

As guests dined and mingled over glasses of wine, singer St. Vincent delivered a captivating performance, adding a special touch to the evening.

Every fashion month, fashion shows take over New York and leave their mark and this year, they did just that. Each event brought something different to the festivities. Fashion week displays the constant innovation of the industry and shows how the industry is ever evolving. It is also an opportunity for the industry to get together and support one another. From Simkhai’s tribute to his parents to Off White’s after party, these events further make New York America's number one hub for fashion and trendsetting. As fashion week has come to a close, this week in New York was nothing short of eventful.