For SS26, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Anna Sui, Coach and Michael Kors were the most sought-after shows while emerging talent proved their potential to make it big.
Star-wattage front row at Calvin Klein
New York Fashion Week, created in 1993 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, always has a high-wattage runway schedule with runway collections shown to the buyers, the fashion media and the coveted guest list.
It is one of the Big Four global fashion events, held bi-annually in February and September. Bringing together fashion designers, models, retailers, media, and celebrities to showcase the latest collections, the event plays a significant role in shaping the global fashion industry, influencing seasonal styles and giving a platform to both established and emerging designers.
NYFW has a significant impact on the economic climate. Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer and President at Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) — NYFW generates nearly $900 million in economic activity, supporting tourism, retail, hospitality, and real estate as designers, media, and buyers converge from around the world.
The fashion sector employs over 180,000 professionals, including event planners, makeup artists, caterers, and security personnel. New York City contributes $20 billion in wages, and fashion-related activities nationwide generate over $50 billion in direct sales and support more than 130,000 jobs. Take a look at some of the highlights from NYFW SS26.
MICHAEL KORS
Michael Kors mined the relaxed vibe of luxury travel and the glamour of urban city life during the SS26 showcase at Manhattan’s Terminal Warehouse. The designer referred to Sicily as the inspiration for the rustic aesthetic and colour palette, integrating it into the urban, glamorous vibe of Manhattan. The collection was laid-back, elegant and sensual with the spotlight on beautifully draped chiffon-wool sets, fluid skirts, harem pants and shimmering paillette dresses with sheer overlays, and white shirts. Kors’ client is the well-travelled woman of all ages and sizes, reflected in his show casting, loyal customers, and front row including Gwyneth Paltrow, Ariana DeBose and Olivia Wilde.
RALPH LAUREN
‘When I create a collection, I am always inspired by the spirit of the woman who makes it her own. My Spring 2026 Collection reflects that same spirit.’ — Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren SS26 spelt sensuality, modern design and minimalism — with the colour palette restricted to red, white and black. Held at the company headquarters at 650 Madison Avenue with celebrity guests Naomi Watts, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Ariana DeBose, and Usher gracing the front row, the focus was on sharp tailoring, signature sarongs, and languid elegant eveningwear, with sculptural jewellery.
As the models walked to the soundtrack of More than a Woman sporting classic, directional pieces we could imagine each piece in our closet. Ralph Lauren consistently delivers timeless, unpretentious collections: we loved the satin harem pants, the slip dress pinned on one shoulder with a metal appliqué, the sportswear-driven little black knit dress, the wide-brimmed hats and the raffia sandals. PS Ralph Lauren is nominated American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2025 CFDA Awards!
CALVIN KLEIN
Calvin Klein built upon the brand’s historic return to New York Fashion Week earlier this year. Making its debut in an intimate show at the Brant Foundation in lower Manhattan, Veronica Leoni’s sophomore Calvin Klein Collection for Spring 2026 expands on the idea of clothes for life—inspired by cinematic American characters that exist in New York City with a morning after attitude that blends 9AM with 9PM.
‘Calvin Klein has always been a brand that belongs to the people and presents a true lifestyle offering rooted in minimalism, modernity and an American sensibility,’ says Veronica Leoni, Creative Director of Collection. Friends of the brand included K-pop superstar Jung Kook, Spanish artist Rosalia, actresses Lily Collins and Priyanka Chopra, and basketball player Jalen Green.
ANNA SUI
Anna Sui is acclaimed for contemporary collections inspired by intensive research into vintage styles and culture. Sui joined New York’s creative cultural underground in the 1970s, forging relationships in fashion, art, photography, music, and her SS26 collection at New York Fashion Week mined the 1970s vibe with delicate florals, lace bell-bottoms, sheer layers, pinafore dresses, and big hair. The collection featured crochet, babydoll dresses and whimsical accessories, embodying Sui’s bohemia in everyday and occassion wear.
COACH
Creative director Stuart Vevers zeroed in on the brand’s target customer with a grunge-influenced line that references the past. The distressed denim jackets, shirt-dresses, long pleated skirts, wide-leg pants and leather accessories that mined the seventies and nineties spoke to young people — the target audience.
The collection featured upcycled materials in a nod to sustainability while paying homage to the core of the brand with geometric bags, barrel bags, and pouches. Focus was largely on the accessories. All 48 looks were accessorised with coin purses worn around the neck on leather straps. Clutches and mini duffels were tucked under arms, and—tiny books were made into both earrings and bag charms.
‘At Coach, our purpose is the courage to be real—and this collection lives that truth. Every piece tells a story of individuality, transformation, and the beauty found in imperfection. I can’t wait to see this collection come to life—from the runway to the streets of New York, worn with confidence and authenticity by the people who inspire us every day’, said Todd Kahn, CEO and Brand President Coach at Tapestry, on LinkedIn.
ALEXANDER WANG
Celebrating 20 years, Alexander Wang returned to the fashion calendar with shirt-dresses layered under argyle vests and cardigan twinsets designed with knitted lace and crocheted metal yarn. ‘The runway return of alexanderwang llc. after five years signalled a tectonic shift for us, reinforcing our commitment to the alpha femme muse, to building a global community, and to dresses and handbags as growth engines for the future. What I witnessed behind the scenes, seeing Alex’s creative superpower at work, was a powerful reminder of what sets this brand apart’, said Robert Rizzolo, Global President at Alexander Wang, on Linkedin.
PRABAL GURUNG
Nepalese-American fashion designer Prabal Gurung is popular for his bold, vibrant, and inclusive designs that combine modern elegance with a global sensibility. Since launching his eponymous label in 2009, Gurung has gained widespread acclaim for his innovative approach to fashion, championing diversity and body positivity. His designs, often characterised by their impeccable tailoring and culturally inspired motifs, have been worn by celebrities and political leaders.
Gurung’s commitment to social causes, including gender equality and sustainability, reflects his belief that fashion can be a powerful platform for change. With a distinct aesthetic and a vision rooted in authenticity and empowerment, Prabal Gurung continues to shape global fashion; key looks for SS26 include the silk faille trench-coat, tops with draping similar to the saris, and patiala pants.
OFF-WHITE
Off-White is back in New York City, a locale it considers a core influence. His show notes elaborated, stating, “There is no better place than New York City to highlight how central the influence of Black culture has been in the shaping of pop culture as we know it. Disco, hip-hop, graffiti, and what is today known as streetwear all flourished in the cradle created by African creatives who chose the city as their playground.”
Inviting guests like Mary J Blige, Busta Rhymes, Honey Dijon, and Ellie the Elephant to the roof of the Lower East Side’s New Design High School — amid a mix of cheering fashion students — and commissioning graffiti artists to tag the space in the theme of the five boroughs, creative director Kamara embraced all the city has to offer. The collection juxtaposed formal wear with streetwear in the airbrushed shirts, denim shearling power-coat paired with matching shorts, and tie dye printed suits.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
