Catwalk Comebacks and Viral Moments Expected at New York Fashion Week

A model presents a creation from the Michael Kors SS25 collection during New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York City, US, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo
A model presents a creation from the Michael Kors SS25 collection during New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York City, US, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo
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Catwalk Comebacks and Viral Moments Expected at New York Fashion Week

A model presents a creation from the Michael Kors SS25 collection during New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York City, US, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo
A model presents a creation from the Michael Kors SS25 collection during New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York City, US, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo

New York will kick off the month-long catwalk season on Thursday, with several luxury labels making their return to Fashion Week to present their latest womenswear creations.

From Feb. 6-11, the city will host the starting leg of the autumn-winter 2025 calendar, with Calvin Klein Collection, Christopher John Rogers and Norma Kamali holding their first New York Fashion Week runway shows after an absence.

Now under the creative direction of Veronica Leoni, Calvin Klein's high-end collection brand, which had been renamed Calvin Klein 205W39NYC in 2017 under previous designer Raf Simons, last held a runway presentation at the event in September 2018.

"Everyone has a very sharp eye on Veronica Leoni... Her show will be the first time the brand has shown in a handful of years so that's very exciting," said Aaron Royce, fashion news editor at industry publication The Daily Front Row, Reuters reported.

"And everyone seems to be paying a lot of attention to New York-based designers who have grown a lot in the last handful of years, like Thom Browne, Luar and Collina Strada."

Some 60 labels will present their creations at a variety of venues, a change from a once-centralized show location.

"There is a very wide range of places where shows are going to be taking place and I think that used to be a little more novelty a handful of years ago and now it's become the norm," Royce added.

As well as the clothes, celebrities sitting in the coveted front rows - or sometimes even performing on the catwalk - will likely garner attention.

"There is a lot more of an expectation that Fashion Week will be full of a lot of surprises and viral moments, whether that's somebody sitting in a front row or a collection that has a particularly viral look or moment taking place on the runway," Royce said.

"Social media has really opened the doors for more people to access the industry and do their own homework."

Among the names on the agenda are shows by Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera and LaQuan Smith. Browne will close the event, with fashionistas then heading to London, Milan and Paris for designer presentations in those fashion capitals.



Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
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Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)

The Saudi Fashion Commission concluded its "Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion" initiative with a special awards ceremony in Riyadh on Sunday.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 vision to promote traditional handcrafts by highlighting Saudi traditional attire, celebrating the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, and supporting local creative talents.

The competition aimed to integrate traditional handcraft techniques into contemporary fashion, creating a bridge between the past and present. Participants engaged in specialized workshops led by fashion experts, exploring ways to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles.

The program provided a holistic experience, teaching not only the techniques of handcrafts but also deepening participants' understanding of their historical and cultural significance.

A total of 235 applicants competed in the initiative, with 25 finalists selected for the final stage. The winning designs were showcased during the Saudi Cup 2025, coinciding with Founding Day celebrations. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising leading figures in fashion, arts, and heritage, selected the top ten designs.

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design.