What We Are Expecting This New York Fashion Week 2026

What We Are Expecting This New York Fashion Week 2026

Every year ending with ‘6’ has had some iconic fashion moments. From the crop tops, classic Converse, and straight leg jeans in 2016, the ‘it’ bags and low waist jeans in 2006, the bold prints and miniskirts in 1996. And this year is no less special, with many prominent brands celebrating their successful decade in fashion at the New York Fashion Week 2026.

Why is this year special for New York Fashion Week?

From Brandon Maxwell, Khaite, Kim Shui, and Private Policy, celebrating their 10th anniversaries, we also have Off White returning to showcase some gorgeous ensembles at NYFW this year. Cos and Toteme will also be seen on the runway, bringing international representation to New York Fashion Week. Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren rolling out their new collection on the 9th and 10th of February, 2025, respectively, a little ahead of the New York Fashion Week 2026. And the most exciting event to see is Vera Wang launching her ready-to-wear line for AW/26 for the very first time. And hence, this year’s lineup and celebrations make New York Fashion Week 2026 a bit more special and exciting.

New York Fashion Week

Image Credits: Wallpaper

What Are We Expecting At New York Fashion Week 2026?

It’s also the era of celebrating timeless fashion, which means we'll see some signature styles. We witnessed the same with the SS/26 as well, the minimalist flair with some statement elements in ensembles that exudes calmness but also makes a distinctive impression with its allure. Folklore has been a popular theme on the SS/26 runway, and we believe some elements of it will follow into AW/26, with its mysticism and hopeful allure, which the current masses crave and grasp at. Minimalism also seems to be something the people are leaning towards, as they have in history during times of recession and uncertain times. Minimalism offers the calm and grounded quality that people need in their otherwise chaotic lives. Capsule wardrobes were also popularly seen on the SS/26 runways and will probably be a part of this season’s runways as well, offering the masses versatility and ageless pieces, especially from the brands with ready-to-wear lines.

There have also evidently been a lot of Eastern fabrics, prints, and patterns used by many designers, and also concepts circling from the East, celebrating their roots and culture. Embracing individuality and celebrating artisans and local fabrics and materials, elaborating the horizons of creativity. As seen on other runways, a lot of the designers are using nature as the theme this year, as we saw Schiaparelli explore it by featuring birds and animals in a way that celebrates life through art.

The most exciting though are the sets for the show, we see many “intimate” showcases at the Copenhagen Fashion Week, and we wonder and hope to see some intriguing and eccentric showcases from the designers, other than just some runways. Storylines for collections have been at the core of designing in this era. A gripping theme and concept that goes beyond just couture and fashionable pieces. It gives fashion an art quality, and us, an insight into the amalgamation of the brand’s and the designer’s personalities.