New York Fashion Week came and went, but best believe, it didn’t disappoint. Despite being the shortest stint of fashion month, the five-day affair was stacked with unexpected moments, proving that NYFW isn’t dead after all.
We kicked off our week with Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra, watching tiny dogs strut the catwalk in bedazzled collars. Our eyes were set on the fashion week newcomers, some of whom reintroduced a polarizing trend ahead of spring, while streamer Kai Cenat made his divisive debut as a designer with the hotly anticipated Vivet. Of course, many of our favorite musicians were front and center on and off the catwalk, some of whom performed live and even debuted new music on the runway.
A Star-Studded Runway
This season, there was an abundance of A-listers and up-and-coming musicians. After a long day of shows, rapper Trim performed her hit track “Nobody” at the launch party for literary dating app Readme. 21 Savage attended Tommy Hilfiger and Public School New York, while Lil Yachty assisted in styling and walked alongside Loe Shimmy, Jorjiana, and more at Domenico Formichetti’s ’90s-inspired sportswear show. And SZA invited fans to view her gorp-inspired shoe collection with Vans – she was joined by Ravyn Lenae, who also popped up at the Tory Burch show.
The Return of the Bumster
For spring 2027, waistbands are sitting lower – like, a lot lower. Emerging designer Ben Doctor debuted a slew of low-slung bottoms down the catwalk. After sagging made a comeback last year, it’s no surprise that the bumster trend seems to be staging its return too.
KidSuper’s People’s Runway
Once again, KidSuper’s Colm Dillane proves he’s for the people. The designer’s second annual edition of The People’s Runway introduced a fresh slate of local designers. But showgoers were in for a surprise: Wyclef Jean hit the stage and brought out Ms. Lauryn Hill for an unexpected reunion, with the two Fugees artists performing “Ready or Not,” 30 years after the release of their album, The Score.
Kai Cenat’s Design Debut
This season’s wildcard goes to streamer Kai Cenat, who debuted his clothing line Vivet. Prior to the launch, the Twitch juggernaut spent months studying sewing, textile manufacturing, pattern-making, and leather construction in Italy. The collection nods to modern tailoring with hints of sportswear and streetwear cues. The internet has thoughts on whether Cenat deserves a fashion week slot, but we were pleasantly surprised.
