Strike Editors React to New York Fashion Week FW25

New York Fashion Week fall/winter 2025 was nothing short of a spectacle, and our editors were captivated from start to finish. From the playful "girlification" seen in Sandy Liang’s collection to the hauntingly surreal world crafted by Thom Browne, each show offered a unique experience that left a lasting impression. As always, NYFW pushed boundaries, blending art, innovation, and style in ways that challenged and inspired us. Here’s how our team reacted to the shows of the season.

Carolina Herrera

The Carolina Herrera fall/winter 2025 Collection by creative director Wes Gordon featured a wide range of primarily feminine looks— and although it was snowing outside, Herrera's show bloomed. Gordon's concept for the collection was displayed on Instagram in a short promo video: "In the garden— growth has its seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter." The show opened up to a white room on the top of a NYC skyscraper, with 3,000 burgundy ranunculus flowers sprouting from the floor. 

The show was undeniably bold, with varying necklines and iconic silhouettes. The silhouettes varied in shape, ranging from sleek form-fitting designs to more boxy shapes with large satin roses and floppy bows. The color palette for this collection included strong jewel tones such as bright red, varying shades of blue and purple, and deep teals. Neutrals such as grey, beige, and contrasting white and black pieces created a diverse display. The collection featured a range of understated florals with a more business-casual-oriented vibe with pinstripes, blazers, and trousers.

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith never fails to consume the runway with bold elegance. The New York City-based designer has seamlessly captured the essence of boss-babe royalty in his FW25 collection. From office attire to evening wear to night-out styles, if you’re on the hunt for it-girl inspiration, look no further. 

This collection shows royal blues, sharp blacks, smooth burgundies, charcoal greys, chrome silvers, and snow whites for contrast. Houndstooth print is a centerpiece of the collection, a bold yet timeless choice. Shiny black leather, dark sheers, rhinestones, furs, and striped linework made a striking presence. Bulky coats made of furs and heavy cotton stood out in the collection. The majority are paired with shiny leather thigh-high stilettos, a message that tall boots are far from going out of style. Baggy and slightly flared straight-leg pants perfectly represent a woman in charge. Sheer is a LaQuan Smith signature, and this collection was an excellent portrayal. Translucent dresses, skirts, and bodysuits pay a tasteful homage to the beauty of the female figure. Underboob, open back, bulky shoulders, steep slits, high necks, collars, mini dresses, mini skirts, and sheer black tights are some other honorable mentions from the runway.

Micahel Kors Collection

The Michael Kors NYFW FW25 collection was presented at the Terminal Warehouse in New York City. The location created a very modern, industrial feel to the show, highlighting the contemporary and sharp silhouettes of the clothing. The models walked on an aisle between the audience one by one in a continuous line. Separated by color, the clothing pieces brought out both feminine and masculine silhouettes, playing with a mixture of textures like fur, sequins, and leather. The majority of the styling was done monochromatically and consisted of neutral colors: brown, black, navy blue, and grey. 

Accessories were the center of attention during this show: sharp and bold, accentuated by the industrial setting. experimenting with large coats of different textures, elbow-length gloves, fringe purses, and knee-high boots. The show beautifully encapsulated fashion in the modern, industrial world, emphasizing how simple and practical colors combine to make something luxurious. 

Tory Burch

 A fun, playful texture was scattered throughout the collection, adding that whimsical feeling of enjoying a martini post-office without having to go home and change. Long pencil skirts and A-line skirts that flayed open at the bottom and worn with colored tights and open-toed heels exuded playfulness throughout. 

Dresses with a rolled, off-the-shoulder neckline and dainty floral patterns kept the feminine delicacy tied throughout the collection, along with a glimmering, fringe-like fabric that flowed like water with other dresses. The collection was also heavy on accessories like sunglasses, statement earrings, and large handbags, adding an elevated look and feel to the corporate-inspired outfits. House-favored models like Alex Consani, Adrianna Lima, and Irina Shayk were spotted on the runway. 

Coach

Coach had a memorable collection this year. Stuart Vever brought in designs that showcased confidence and self-expression. It was overall a very casual aesthetic mixed with a very chic creation. They had a cinematic live band that played music, in an old-timey, historic scenery that really fit the energy of the show. 

Their designs included purposely disproportioned tailoring with a theme of pockets that are almost nonfunctional high on jackets. All kinds of leather styles, in classic winter fashion, were shown in a variety of bomber style jackets, trench coats, and blazers with larger than life buttons. Several unique and airy pieces like slip and shift dresses were seen on the runway, as well as a collection of knits. There were stuffed animals portrayed uniquely as shoes, bag chains, and part of the outfits. The designs were controversially overly pushed with accessories, and no model was seen without being very accessorized. Rich-colored glasses played a big role in many designs, being paired with the darker and gloomier vibe that surrounded a show of modernization, as well as heritage.

Sandy Liang

Sandy Liang honed in on their nostalgic school-girl aesthetics for their fall/winter 2025 collection. This show was for the girls who wanted to shrink into Polly Pockets and escape into those colorful plastic worlds—portrayed through the vibrant colors, polka dots, and even custom prize ribbons. For audience members, it was like having a girl’s journal being opened and brought to life in front of them. 

With mini skirts that have even tinier skirts on them and a bubble gum pink dress showcasing a plastic star encapsulating doll clothes inside, Liang shows she is not afraid to play with proportions to emphasize her dreamlike style. One look features a flashy, sparkly dress over a white floral long-sleeve set. It’s reminiscent of a little girl playing in her mother’s closet right before bedtime. With the styling including concealer lips and messy hairdos in claw clips, it is clear this was a love letter to the adults who still daydream about playing dress-up.

Sergio Hudson

A designer who loves women, is a designer loved by women. Sergio Hudson graces 2025 winter fashion with retro-fall pieces that perfectly frame the model’s silhouettes. He toys with an extensive range of colors and fabrics to show he has a true touch for women’s fashion– anything from an exquisite business casual to a refined night-out look. His designs bleed of regality and elegance as they have been worn by our first ladies and other A-list celebrities.

The show begins with a powerful statement red pant-blouse-coat painting which sends chills down spines, as onlookers hear nothing but the tap of a heel come down a runway- then queue the music. Following that striking design, we are graced with a vibrant purple pant suit cinching at the waist- hitting the mark of “less is more”.  The combination of darker forest greens with a bright red shoe, or a yellow pant makes his fashion pieces stand out, with texture and color play.Jewel tones were heavy in this collection, along with a playful tone of colored leather. His utilization of monochromacy makes it hard to look away, and even harder not to buy the designer’s thousand dollar pieces– though credit limits are helpful in that too. Walking NYFW is every model's dream come true, but to walk in Sergio Hudson’s show is the true privilege.

Anna Sui

Anna Sui’s contribution to New York Fashion Week fall/winter2025 titled Madcap Heiress felt like something out of an old film, a series of looks and sensations that one may imagine having occurred in upscale speakeasies, filled to the brim with designs that hung in the air like a curl of smoke wrapping its way around a fur coat or the rim of a martini glass. Models walked the runway dripping with expensive fabrics such as furs and silks and lace just as an heiress might be, warm toned pieces punctuated with flashy jewelry and chunky belts to sell a tasteful eccentricity that one could imagine being possessed by an eclectic woman of high society making a stir with her unique flair.

This collection captured a blend of class in its warm tones and rich fabrics as well as sultry spunk in its patterns and accessories that enable it to be a timeless encapsulation of the essence of a brilliant heiress. Dark lipstick added to the tastefully sultry nature of the show, and bangs so prominent they boarded on bumper bangs immersed the viewer in the vintage nature of the collection. Prints are featured at the forefront of this collection, with most models donning some form of it in their look, whether that be a plaid blazer, a striped coat, or a paisley skirt. Accessories such as flashy sunglasses and arm warmers tied these looks into the modern age, a nod to modern day style trends sprinkled into a world of feather boas and shimmering a-line gowns. Brooches, richly patterned fur, and the occasional rider's adjacent boot supplied an exceedingly tasteful nod to the aesthetics of old money.

Parabal Gurung

An intricate piece of himself is the perfect description of Parabal Gurung’s collection at New York Fashion Week. Consisting of 41 unique looks, Gurung’s collection served as an ode to his life experiences coming to life on the runway. These looks take inspiration from his upcoming memoir “Walk Like a Girl” releasing this year. His collection consists of soft yet vibrant colors that highlight the muse showcasing the outfit. A big stand out was Gurung’s ability to use earth tones such as muted greens and ocean blues, subconsciously connecting the body with the earth, standing out to let the look speak for itself. 

With transparent materials, feathers, and leather providing a touch of sensuality to adaptable outfits that flowed from day to night with ease, such as long and luxurious coats to dresses that mimicked the look of a button-down shirt. A light, shiny fabric seemed to shimmer throughout the collection, and Gurung's careful attention to detail was clear. Gurung also paid homage to his country of Singapore, by combining the enhancements of the Western world with the moderness of the East. His ability to combine these two worlds flawlessly are the reason why he is hailed as a fantastic artist, being able to paint a picture in our imaginations through the use of clothing.

Thom Browne

Thom Browne finished New York Fashion Week for fall/winter 2025 with a mesmerizing collection of looks that prominently featured bird-inspired designs. The runway itself altered into a whimsical avian-like world, showcasing models in outfits that combined Browne’s signature tailoring with playful touches. The collection was a perfect mix of structured shapes and fun details. Models walked in perfectly fitted suits that were decorated with feathers, bird-themed embroidery, and headpieces that truly echoed the beauty of bird feathers. The color scheme varied from blacks and grays to bright, lively shades, reflecting the wide range of bird inspirations. The show’s backdrop really intensified the theme, with set designs that created a dreamy bird-like setting. The stage featured giant bird cages and abstract nest-like structures,  pulling the audience in Browne’s creative vision.

The lineup of models included both well-known faces and fresh talent, with each of them adding their own flair to the runway. Notable appearances came from experienced models recognized for their unique walks, which added depth to the overall presentation. The front row was filled with celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Some celebrities that attended were Queen Latifah, Peso Pluma, and Cara Delevingne, as well as fellow designers and stars from the entertainment world that definitely highlighted Browne’s impact and the excitement surrounding his new collection.

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