NEW YORK SETS THE PACE

Stars fill the frows as New York Fashion Week showcases trends ranging from Eighties power tailoring to lace

- REPORT: TANIA LESLAU

New York Fashion Week has always been defined by quiet luxury, commercial polish and a commitment to pared-back, timeless design. And the inner circle of US style insiders flocked to the metropolis en masse to see the sartorial offerings for spring/summer 2026 on the runway, culminating in a melting pot of creative stimuli for all to revel in this season.

From Hollywood veterans to Gen-Z influencers, stars watched as sketches took shape on the catwalk, modelled by familiar faces such as Iris Law, Emily Ratajkowski, Romee Strijd, Coco Rocha, Paloma Elsesser and Alex Consani.

These notable names effortlessly stitched together the season's defining moods: Eighties-style power tailoring, lace rendered with a touch of whimsy and muted palettes that championed a “less is more” philosophy of self-styling. Fashion was feeling particularly nostalgic this season, with exaggerated shoulders, cinched silhouettes and officewear paying homage to Eighties yuppie culture, à la Patrick Bateman.

Yet, while fashion looked back in order to look forward, New York also delivered a hefty dose of newness.

Calvin Klein reinvigorated classic Seventies fringing with stark monochrome hues, marrying bohemian motifs with corporate pinstripes, shirt silhouettes and Bermuda shorts.

Garments constructed solely from the brand's signature logo waistbands made for a tongue-in-cheek twist, while textures such as gabardine cotton were a clear departure from its heritage denim.