It is that time of year again—like clockwork, January’s quiet fades into the rush of February. Commencing in New York, the biannual buzz of Women’s Fashion Month awakens the city. This season was notably defined by Calvin Klein returning to the schedule after a seven-year hiatus with Veronica Leoni’s debut. The follow-up to Raf Simon’s Calvin Klein was defined by an effortless, obvious nod to 90’s silhouettes. Marc Jacobs, although technically off the schedule, showed Monday. Titled “Courage,” the collection was an avant-garde display. Jacob’s show notes spoke of his desire to lean into fearlessness, releasing himself from inhibitions of conventional designing. The collection featured exaggerated silhouettes, a universe of clothing and accessories that featured proportions akin to a Tim Burton film. 

My personal favorite show this New York Fashion week was Stuart Vevers’s collection for Coach. Wide-leg trousers, cropped aviator jackets, and layered silk dresses produced a well-rounded, wearable story that will undoubtedly inspire many stylish city dwellers in the months to come. Khaite’s Fall-Winter collection was also a standout, my favorite look featured an argyle sweater, paired with burgundy leather pants and a cropped fur coat. Several designers carried on with trending animal prints, predominantly leopard. A trend so strong that at the Ulla Johnson show, the majority of show-goers were wearing an interpretation of the print—myself included.

Artful layering was a significant focus of many collections; Coach paired dresses with pants, TWP runway looks featured silk shirts, button downs, and blazers. A nod to the everchanging winter weather was approached with a sense of fashionable utility. Replacing the overwhelmingly popular burgundy color-story was a vibrant, tomato red. Lola Tung for Tory Burch showed multi-pocketed handbags and jackets featuring the vibrant shade. Street style this season further hinted at looks that are sure to make their way into our wardrobes. Statement accessories, like colorful gloves and tights, were everywhere. Exaggerated fur coats also made waves with attendees throughout the week.

Many designers opted for preview style presentations this season, a format I particularly enjoy attending. I compare shows to a roller coaster–fast and furious, whereas previews allow you to immerse yourself in the designer’s world at your leisure. Theory invited us to their atelier, allowing an intimate look into the entire production process–from sample creation to the photoshoot of their latest collection. Bevza’s collection preview was a continuation of Svitlana Bevza’s strong tie to her Ukrainian heritage. One-shoulder tops featured braid elements, inspired by traditional twisted bread techniques. Diotima’s preview was particularly special, entitled “Matriarch.” Rachel Scott’s show notes detailed her desire to pay homage to her community, the stories of black women that came before her. The design results of Scott’s inspiration were ethereal–romantic capes and beautifully embellished drop-waist tops and dresses made a lasting impression. 

Fashion week would not be complete without the glamorous events and parties that accompany the shows and previews. Saks kicked off the week with a chic soirée at hotspot Crane Club, complete with a martini tower and a performance by Caroline Polacheck set against velvet red curtains. Jimmy Choo hosted breakfast at their new flagship store, where conversation largely centered around the latest campaign starring the iconic Chloë Sevigny. Prada hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the Spring Summer 25 campaign, books named “Ten Protagonists” displayed the collection featuring several muses. On the same night, we forwent cars to walk in the snow a few short blocks to YSL Beauty’s “Candy Club.” Kesha performed, and Candy Glaze lipsticks were aesthetically placed around the venue.