On and Off the Runways: The New York Fashion Week Roundup

After some hard work, sweat, tears, and a fair amount of discernment, I’ve pulled together the standout moments from the Big Apple’s fashion week — from runway extravaganzas setting the tone for Spring/Summer 2026 to the street style trends already shaping how we’ll dress this fall. This roundup distills the season’s defining shows, prevailing moods, and the looks that stole the spotlight on and off the catwalk.

Fashion’s first official stop came and went in the blink of an eye, leaving behind anything but a faint impression. New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2026 season was both expansive and introspective, balancing streamlined restraint with bursts of exuberance. Across 101 shows and presentations, American fashion proved its confidence — from Ralph Lauren’s timeless polish to Diotima’s breakout runway debut.

Standout Shows

The week’s most compelling moments came courtesy of both seasoned powerhouses and rising stars. Ralph Lauren once again cemented his mastery of American tailoring, while Khaite married architectural precision with sensual fluidity. Brandon Maxwell marked a decade of confident refinement, and Altuzarra delivered billowy proportions laced with artisanal detail.

Khaite, Ralph Lauren, Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell

Prevailing Trends

Designers gravitated toward a refined minimalism — soft organic draping, elongated lines, and discreet transparencies gave clothes a sensual edge without tipping into excess. Light, loose layers set the tone, while ballooned and harem-inspired silhouettes whispered echoes of Alaïa. Lace appeared everywhere, even unexpectedly tracing the legs, adding a romantic texture to transitional looks. Meanwhile, Americana resurfaced through relaxed sportswear cues, varsity stripes, and a certain louche nonchalance.

Ulla Johnson, Michael Kors, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren

But the season wasn’t all pared back. Painterly watercolors, appliquéd florals, feathers, shimmer, and shine brought whimsy and romance to the runway. Fringe, leather, tulle, pleating, and hand-crochet underscored a free-spirited, bohemian femininity. The color story swung between extremes: crisp whites and summer black, earthy browns, and vivid bursts of red and pink — with flashes of baby blue cutting through for a dose of freshness.

Ulla Johnson, Aknvas, Off-White, Ashlyn

Accessories punctuated the runways with bold statements, opening the door for us to start dreaming about styling — from sculptural hats and knotted headscarves to utilitarian neck bags reimagined as containers. Belting, too, pushed boundaries: cummerbunds, aprons, and layered straps offered inventive new ways to reassert the waistline.

Ralph Lauren, Sandy Liang, Coach, Rachel Comey

Street Style Signals

Outside the shows, New Yorkers reminded us that autumn is right around the corner. Attendees leaned into transitional layering: lightweight fabrics stacked with unexpected combinations. Midriff-baring silhouettes peeked beneath outerwear, a balance of utility and allure.

Key Pieces — Click to Shop

• Camel suede blazers

• Barn jackets

• Daytime sequins

• Luxe leather bombers

• Funnel-neck jackets

• Cropped trenches

• Argyle print revival — a Blair Waldorf callback

• Pillbox hats (reviving Jackie Kennedy’s 60s silhouette).

The Bigger Picture

This NYFW revealed a pervasive, calming beauty — one that unfolded both on and off the runway. It felt like fashion’s quiet response to an unsettled world: a grounding softness, a reminder of its ability to restore balance, offer reassurance, and project quiet strength.

And if you’re curious about what went down in London, you can catch my LFW roundup for Harper’s Bazaar Arabia here → Click to read

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