NYC Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026: A Recap

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 showcased a diverse range of styles and locations. From Manhattan piers and warehouses to an Episcopal church, the shows offered a unique blend of settings.

Star Sightings and Designer Returns

While some prominent designers chose alternative show formats, NYC still attracted A-list celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow and Leslie Bibb graced Michael Kors's front row, while Rosalía, Lily Collins, and Jung Kook of BTS added star power to Veronica Leoni's Calvin Klein show. Alexander Wang's return to the runway, marked by a new cultural space dedicated to Asian arts, generated significant buzz.

<img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/3s2a0723.jpg?c=16x9&q=w_1383,c_fill" alt="Willy Chavarria hosted an intimate presentation that referenced 20th-century department store salons, staging a second runway for the womenswear of his Spring-Summer collection." >

Unique Show Venues and Artistic Collaborations

Off-White's 1970s-inspired collection, featuring models like Natalia Bryant and Iris Law, took place on a Manhattan high school rooftop basketball court, transformed by street artists. The Alexander Wang show incorporated mahjong tables into the runway experience.

<img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2234098342.jpg?c=original&q=w_1093,c_fill" alt="Ralph Lauren held an off-schedule show on Wednesday evening, bringing the feeling of the Hamptons to its headquarters in Manhattan (after staging a show in the Hamptons last year).">

Dualities and New Talent

Many collections explored interesting dualities. Nicholas Aburn's debut for Area featured a mix of theatrical party wear and wearable streetwear. Collina Strada's show presented models alongside their “shadow selves,” representing “humanity’s darkest impulses.”

<img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/look-41.jpg?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill" alt="Creative director Nicholas Aburn brought the party for his debut with Area, including this gown entirely made of tinsel.">

Rachel Scott, previously of Diotima, is now designing for Proenza Schouler, showcasing her vision at a Chelsea gallery show. Coach showcased looks inspired by the city's grit and glamour, while Tory Burch emphasized optimism and the “complexity of women.”

<img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2234225042.jpg?c=original&q=w_780,c_fill" alt="Collina Strada models — and their shadow selves — walked a Manhattan pier just before sunset.">

Established Brands and New Directions

Khaite, featuring Kendall Jenner in its runway show, reinforced its signature power dressing style. Eckhaus Latta presented deconstructed looks, featuring innovative design and unexpected moments. Willy Chavarria's intimate Wall Street presentation showcased his collection, originally unveiled in Paris.

<img src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/khaite-s26-runway-hanna-tveite-look-30-press.jpg?c=original&q=w_780,c_fill" alt="Khaite's structured, wide-shouldered leather outerwear has become one of the labels's hallmarks.">