By Camille Sanez
Staff Writer
Without World War II, there’s a big chance New York Fashion Week wouldn’t exist.
Its first showing occurred on July 19, 1943. Organized by publicist Eleanor Lambert, its original purpose was to steer attention away from French fashion. Because of the war going on at the time, fashion insiders were unable to travel to Paris to see fashion shows.
Eighty-three years later, NYFW still stands. It’s an event that occurs biannually, spread out throughout New York with multiple popups in locations across the city. Designers showcase new collections through shows, gatherings and presentations for about seven to nine days.
These are important events from this season that you might have missed.
Sept. 10
Around 9:00 a.m., Gigi Hadid opened for Tommy Hilfiger’s new collection. Slayyyter also appeared with a surprise performance, playing her track “UNKNOWN LOVERZ.”
Michael Kors’ Spring/Summer 2027 runway show took place at Terminal Warehouse in Manhattan.
Sept. 11
Michael Kors showcased the 2027 line once again, but in the Museum of Modern Art.
Tory Burch’s latest collection debuted at Isamu Noguchi’s sunken garden space. Burch’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection focuses on the “psychology of how women pull things together.” Specifically, she wanted to portray the happiness that comes with getting dressed.
The collection featured a beautiful color palette with fabrics and textures reminiscent of old vintage rugs. Deep reds, vibrant blues and gold detailing, all clashing together to create an air of elegance that night.
Veronica Leoni, creative director for Calvin Klein’s runway fashion line, unleashed her Spring 2027 collection at Terminal Warehouse. Her theme this year was minimalism and the relationship between the female form and textiles. Teyonna Taylor and Rosalía showed at Leoni’s show dressed in Calvin Klein.
Sept. 12
New York native designer Conner Ives made his NYFW debut. He described his collection as flamboyant, using “color as shock therapy.” Some big names were also seen that night. Alysa Liu attended Anna Sui’s show, and Kaia Gerber opened for Khaite.
While the main hubs were bustling with activity, Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza hosted its own annual free community fashion show, The People’s Runway. Powered by the clothing brand KidSuper and Brooklyn borough President Antonio Reynoso, five local up and coming designers showcased their looks.
The grand finale of the first dog fashion week also took place. This new addition to NYFW features dogs on the runway, which are chosen through partnerships with New York local animal shelters, direct connections to designers or being specifically chosen by designers and related parties.
Sept. 13, 14 & 15
On Sept. 13, a major event occurred that took over the talk of fashion for the next three days. Steven Kolb, chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, got into an altercation with PETA protesters during a COS runway show.
The protesters claimed that COS and their partner company H&M abused sheep to get wool for their clothing. This led them to storm COS’s runway show, holding up signs with statements such as “SHEEP BEATEN AND BLOODIED FOR WOOL. DON’T BUY IT!”
This season’s NYFW also marks the first since CFDA’s ban of featuring runway looks made of real animal fur.
In a statement with People Magazine, PETA said, “This animal advocate got to go home, but sheep used for wool end up at the slaughterhouse.”
Steven Kolb was placed on leave from his position as chief executive. He eventually apologized, taking to Instagram saying, “I reacted inappropriately to an incident at a show earlier today. It wasn’t my place to do so. I should have let the security team handle the situation.”
New Yorkers and visitors alike were caught in the flurry of fabrics this season, with a side of drama near the end of the week to top it off. Designers, behind the scenes workers, puppies, protestors and viewers all left their mark on the carpet. This season’s fashion week, like those before, brought all walks of life together to make for an unforgettable experience.
