- Beauty trends at NYFW embraced a daring, extravagant approach, with feathered lashes, bold blush, and sculpted hair taking center stage.
- Calvin Klein’s return to the runway showcased minimalist designs and second-skin knitwear, signaling a refined direction under new creative director Veronica Leoni.
- Tory Burch reinvented classic American sportswear, merging the familiar with unexpected elements to create a balance of wearability and innovation.
The Fall/Winter 2025 season of New York Fashion Week marked a major turning point for American fashion, with designers embracing experimentation.
Calvin Klein made a triumphant return after a six-year hiatus, reestablishing its place at the forefront of American fashion. Veronica Leoni’s collection balanced minimalism with sensuality, showcasing clean lines and neutral tones.
Maximalist Beauty and Minimalist Fashion: The Fall/Winter 2025 NYFW Highlights
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 season highlighted the diverse beauty trends that swept the runway. Artists like Isamaya Ffrench and Alex Levy created striking, otherworldly makeup, while bold blush, dramatic lashes, and feathered nails featured prominently. Designers like Raul Lopez at Luar took inspiration from club culture, creating looks that paid homage to queer underground scenes and pushing beauty into a new, exaggerated territory.
The influence of youth culture and underground movements became apparent not just in beauty but also on the runway. At Luar, feathers were an unexpected motif, symbolizing both empowerment and defiance. Meanwhile, hair was pushed to new heights, with oversized, gravity-defying updos at Christian Cowan and precise geometric cuts at Christopher John Rogers. These styles reflected the boldness and freedom that defined this year’s NYFW.
Meanwhile, NYFW saw a return to elegance and minimalism, particularly with Calvin Klein’s understated collection. Veronica Leoni’s designs were a masterclass in precision, showcasing tailored pieces, neutral colors, and a sensual sophistication that remains timeless. This return to form highlighted how American fashion is evolving, moving away from excess toward a quiet, understated luxury that feels both fresh and classic.
Tory Burch also brought a sense of innovation to the table, reimagining American sportswear through deconstruction and unexpected alterations. Her collection blended high fashion with approachable, wearable designs, demonstrating that American designers are not just creating for the runway but for everyday life. The fluidity between avant-garde and practicality encapsulated NYFW’s growing influence and ability to blend tradition with forward-thinking.
This season’s NYFW demonstrated that American fashion has entered a new era of creativity and innovation, with designers blending bold experimentation and refined minimalism to create a truly exciting future for the industry.
“Everything but the kitchen sink” – Terry Barber’s quote perfectly encapsulates the over-the-top beauty trends at NYFW Fall/Winter 2025.
