New York Fashion Week (NYFW) brought a spectacle of high fashion, celebrity sightings, and even artificial intelligence (AI) to the Big Apple. Running officially from Sept. 11 to Sept. 16, the week featured back-to-back shows where designers and brands revealed their newest collections.
The previous edition of NYFW held in February featured more than 60 runway shows, and the September calendar was just as packed, with shows from Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tory Burch, and more.
Front rows for many of the shows were packed with big names like Oprah Winfrey, Usher, Martha Stewart, and Nick Jonas. Many stars also had their runway debuts this week. For instance, Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk’s estranged daughter, appeared in three shows and opened the Dauphinette catwalk with a scream.
Reality television also had its moments this week. Olandria Carthen from the most recent season of Love Island USA earned applause while walking for Sergio Hudson, rocking black shorts and a leopard print jacket. Fellow contestant Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez also made his runway debut, strutting in Trapstar London’s show. He showed off a blue tracksuit paired with a black jersey.
“It was cool seeing people from Love Island walking on the runways,” expresses Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) senior Mia Cichero. “It makes [NYFW] feel more connected to pop culture and what people are actually watching, and I loved seeing Olandria stepping into more fashion.”
This season offered more than just the traditional glitz and glamour, featuring some unconventional shows. Designers Susan Alexandra and Rachel Antonoff created a playful dog show in Brooklyn, New York. Adoptable puppies walked alongside celebrities like Dylan O’Brien, wearing matching accessories.
This week also signaled a shift in the fashion industry toward technology. Many designers and brands embraced the use of AI more than ever. For instance, Ralph Lauren introduced an AI-powered assistant called “Ask Ralph.” Created with Microsoft and OpenAI, the tool helps customers with personal style advice and answers questions like “How do I style this shirt?” or “Show me a casual outfit.”
Additionally, Alexander Wang used artificial intelligence to create a digital backdrop for his runway show. Vivrelle, a handbag rental brand, used NYFW to unveil its new AI stylist, “Ella,” which recommends accessories and clothes from partner companies like Revolve. Glance AI also hosted an event featuring a “Fashion Newsstand,” where guests could upload selfies and receive AI-styled outfits that they could instantly buy and shop from.
Designers and brands are looking for ways to incorporate technology into not only their marketing campaigns, but also in design, styling, and retail. Many fashion enthusiasts see this as controversial and not reflective of how fashion should be innovative.
“I think AI can be a useful tool for designers, but it can’t replace creativity,” says senior Jada-Li Drummond, a member of the PPCHS Fashion Club. “Fashion is about expression, and I don’t think that’s something that AI can just recreate.”
Despite this controversy, one thing is clear: New York Fashion Week is always evolving and changing. This season captured current fashion trends while also showcasing what’s in store for the future. With the next edition only a few months away, NYFW remains one of the most exciting stages in the fashion culture.
