The Who What Wear Podcast: New York Fashion Week F/W 25 Recap

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, host Lauren Eggertson engages in an insightful conversation with Kristen Nichols, Associate Director of Special Projects at Who What Wear, to dissect the highlights and emerging trends from Fall/Winter 2025 New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Additionally, contributions from fellow editors Anna Laplaca and Tara Gonzalez provide a multifaceted perspective on the event's most buzzworthy moments and street style phenomena.

Standout Shows and Favorite Brands

Kristen Nichols shares her enthusiasm for several designers who made significant impressions during NYFW F/W 25.

• Kalmier
  Kristen recounts attending Daniela Kalmier’s intimate show at a downtown gallery space, highlighting the relaxed atmosphere enhanced by thoughtful touches like coffee trays and takeaway cookies. She notes, "it was perhaps her most elegant collection yet. It was really Beautiful" ([02:18]).

• Kate
  Attending her first in-person Kate show, Kristen describes the presentation at the Park Avenue Armory as "very simple set, but very impactful" ([04:23]). The collection fused downtown cool with uptown polish, featuring standout leopard prints and an exciting new bag debut, the Kate bag—“a glossy faux crocodile bag that I know will be on my shopping list once it drops” ([05:48]).

• Altazar
  Kristen praises Altazar for evolving into a salon-style, intimate show format, emphasizing the designer’s ability to create an elegant and cohesive aesthetic without a fixed theme: "he really had a very strong point of view that fused all of his ideas into this very cohesive aesthetic world" ([12:00]).

• Tory Burch
  Tory Burch’s show at MoMA is highlighted for its vibrant mix of celebrities and innovators, including Martha Stewart and TikTok stars. The collection featured mix-and-match pieces like animal print outerwear and strappy heels paired with colored tights. Kristen remarks, "it was a take on classic American sportswear, which she does and is somehow able to reinvent each season" ([10:03]).

• Brandon Maxwell
  Kristen appreciates Brandon Maxwell’s versatile collection that blended great coats with easy-to-wear denim, inspiring new ways to style jeans: "they somehow made me inspired to wear my jeans in different ways" ([07:48]).

Buzzworthy Moments

NYFW F/W 25 was not without its share of highly anticipated and talked-about moments.

• Calvin Klein's Return
  Calvin Klein made a significant comeback with Veronica Leone at the helm as the first female creative director. The show featured Kendall Jenner walking the runway, signaling a revitalization of the brand. Kristen notes, "there was a lot of buzz about that" ([08:05]).

• Christopher John Rogers in Brooklyn
  The colorful and fun collection presented by Christopher John Rogers in Brooklyn stirred considerable excitement, marking his return to the NYFW calendar after a hiatus: "there was a lot of buzz about that" ([08:05]).

• Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Jeans
  The fashion world buzzed over Kendrick Lamar’s distinctive bootcut jeans worn during the Super Bowl, sparking a divisive yet highly talked-about trend the following morning: "there were so many buzzy moments from the whole performance. But I love that the jeans really took a trophy home for sure" ([09:25]).

Editors' Voice Notes and Highlights

Tara Gonzalez on Tory Burch and Sandy Liang

• Tory Burch’s Tracksuit Pants
  Tara highlights the luxe tracksuit pants from Tory Burch, noting their elevated fabric and wide stripes: "we will be seeing a lot of it in the fall and winter" ([11:05]).

• Sandy Liang’s Colorful Collection
  On Sandy Liang’s latest collection, Tara praises the playful accessories and nostalgic elements inspired by her girlhood: "there's just so many things that she touches on that... make me really happy to think about my girlhood" ([13:56]). She predicts these whimsical details will influence upcoming street style trends.

Anna Laplaca on Street Style

Anna Laplaca reports on the street style scene, emphasizing the prevalence of statement coats and the creative use of belts to cinch waists. She observes, "there was a lot of fur and shearling moments" and "people using one, maybe two or three even belts to cinch the waist of their coat or their blazer" ([25:40]).

Tara Gonzalez on Styling Techniques

Tara comments on innovative styling trends, such as tassels in jewelry and bag accessories that add a playful touch to practical items. She mentions, "people are trying to make those bags... more fun and playful" and foresees this trend gaining popularity: "that's something that we're going to see people" ([20:55]).

Emerging Trends from NYFW F/W 25

Kristen Nichols identifies several key trends emanating from NYFW:

• Tassels and Accessories
  Tassels appeared across various accessories, enhancing necklaces and bags with an element of fun: "a very fun, easy to execute trend that can take something very simple and add that element of styling" ([19:34]).

• Colored Tights
  Vibrant and patterned tights in colors like purple, green, and blue are making a statement, allowing wearers to express their adventurous side: "they were mixing that with more patterns and more colors, and it was really fun to see" ([26:39]).

• Slingback Heels
  Slingback heels remain a staple, often paired with tights to create a polished yet versatile look: "we're not seeing any slowdown of slingback heels" ([19:34]).

• Bag Accessories
  Creative bag accessories, such as stuffed animals and bag necklaces, are transforming practical bags into playful fashion statements: "there are so many cute stuffed animals attached to the bags that I absolutely will be needing" ([20:55]).

• Skirt Sets and Outerwear
  Skirt sets in midi lengths and dramatic outerwear like shearling coats are prominent, offering both style and functionality: "seeing them with longer midi skirt lengths, which I'm personally trying to track down a version for my wardrobe" ([17:11]).

Street Style Insights

The street style during NYFW F/W 25 mirrored the runway trends, with a strong emphasis on individuality and personal expression. Kristen observes, "people really excited to dress based on what their personal sense of style is" ([24:21]). Anna and Tara further elaborate on the practical yet stylish choices attendees made, such as statement coats, belted waists, and maximalist color combinations.

Predictions for the Rest of Fashion Month

Kristen predicts that the intimate show formats may continue to gain popularity, fostering closer connections between designers and guests. She also anticipates the persistence of elegant and sophisticated styles with nostalgic references from the 1950s and 60s, shaping both runway collections and street fashion: "a lot of the collections just felt very polished and really had almost nostalgic references" ([27:38]).

Conclusion

The F/W 25 season at NYFW highlighted a blend of timeless elegance and modern innovation, with designers pushing the envelope in both storytelling and styling. From intimate show settings to bold street style choices, the event showcased a dynamic interplay between personal expression and emerging fashion trends. As Kristen Nichols looks forward to covering London Fashion Week, the insights from NYFW set the stage for an exciting continuation of Fashion Month.

Notable Quotes

• "It was perhaps her most elegant collection yet. It was really Beautiful." — Kristen Nichols, [02:18]
• "There was a lot of buzz about that." — Kristen Nichols on Calvin Klein, [08:05]
• "People are trying to make those bags... more fun and playful." — Tara Gonzalez, [20:55]
• "I'm still working on appropriate footwear." — Kristen Nichols, [23:38]

This comprehensive recap encapsulates the essence of NYFW F/W 25 as discussed on The Who What Wear Podcast, offering listeners a detailed overview of the event’s most impactful moments and trends.