Fashion Week 2025: New York & Milan Highlights

You know how sometimes the universe just drops a sign in your lap? Like a little, “Here, take this—you deserve it.” Well, that’s exactly what happened to me this year. Picture this: I’m scrolling through my emails, sipping my usual black coffee (naturally), when suddenly… an official invitation arrives. Not just any invitation, but one addressed to me as press for The Bureau Fashion Week New York. Me. Invited. To a Fashion Week.

At first, I couldn’t believe it—I even double-checked to make sure it wasn’t a scam because, honestly, I never saw it coming. But it was real. Finally, the industry was recognizing me as a bona fide media figure in the fashion world.

Then, plot twist: I couldn’t attend.

Yes, the first truly validating moment of my career came, and I couldn’t even take full advantage of it because my current job wouldn’t let me jet off to New York this time around. Frustrated? Sure, a bit. But overwhelmingly grateful, too—because if this invitation came once, it means it can come again. And trust me, next time I’m not going to let the opportunity slip away.

Even though I couldn’t be there in person, I followed every moment very, very closely. In this episode, we’re diving into the trends and standout moments from both the New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, with a special focus on The Bureau Fashion Week—an alternative event that’s steadily carving out its own space in the industry. Two cities, two distinct vibes, unforgettable looks (and some that are best forgotten). Let’s get into it!

🟣 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK (February 7–11, 2025)

Ah, New York in February—bitter cold, the blaring horns of yellow cabs, and the city transformed into a theatrical stage for fashion. This year, designers once again pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to dazzle us. So, what truly defined the Fall/Winter 2025 edition?

Highlights from New York Fashion Week

Calvin Klein: A Triumphant Return - Imagine this: after a six-year hiatus from the New York runways, Calvin Klein makes a grand comeback. And not just any comeback—under the visionary direction of Veronica Leoni, the first woman to helm the brand’s creative team. The collection fused stark minimalism with bold accents: monochromatic dresses splashed with vibrant hues and sleek, clean cuts. All of this unfolded under the watchful eyes of legends like Kate Moss and Christy Turlington, not to mention an 82-year-old Calvin Klein still exuding effortless elegance.

Christopher John Rogers: The Prodigy’s Comeback - After a five-year break, Christopher John Rogers returned to NYFW with “Collection 015: Exhale,” a celebration of joy and self-empowerment. His daring silhouettes and vibrant color palette reminded everyone why he’s seen as one of the most promising talents of his generation.

Coach: An Ode to Self-Expression - Coach transformed the iconic Park Avenue Armory into an intimate space that reimagined the brand’s heritage. With Brooklyn’s indie pop band Nation of Language providing a live soundtrack, the collection was a tribute to individual expression and community—two values the brand holds dear.

Thom Browne: A Theatrical FinaleThom - Browne closed the week with a theatrical presentation featuring two “ornithologists” observing “love-stricken birds” caged on stage. His collection explored looser silhouettes, bold color statements, and creative pattern juxtapositions, injecting fresh energy into the brand’s aesthetic.

Key Trends to Watch

The Return of the Peplum: modern, elegant interpretations of the classic peplum have made a striking comeback, reimagined by designers like Ashlynn Park and Simone Bellotti.
Rich, Warm Hues: “Mocha Mousse,” a deep, inviting tone designated Pantone’s Color of the Year, dominated collections, lending a sophisticated flair to outfits.
Flared Denim: channeling bohemian vibes, flared denim made a stylish return with updated bootcut and bell-bottom designs, perfect for a chic yet relaxed look.
Pastels & ‘Ballerina-Core’: soft pastel shades—especially pale pink—were everywhere, evoking a dreamy “ballerina-core” aesthetic that lightened up the collections.
Structured Tailoring: sharp, meticulously tailored pieces marked a shift towards a more formal, polished look, suitable for professional settings.
Bold Animal Prints: leopard and zebra prints took center stage, used in innovative ways to add a wild, daring twist.
Sophisticated Athleisure: elevated athleisure blended stylish sportswear with refined design, marrying comfort with elegance.

Memorable Moments & Anecdotes

A Spirit Session on the Runway: Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen turned her show into a mystical séance with flickering candles and an enchanting ambiance, creating a truly unique experience.
PETA Protests: activists from PETA made a notable appearance, sparking conversations about ethical fashion and the use of animal-derived materials.
Celebrity Cameos: reality TV star Lisa Rinna ignited the runway at Jane Wade’s show, blurring the lines between fashion and entertainment.
Braving Extreme Weather: despite the biting cold, participants had to innovate on the spot to stay stylish while keeping warm.

In short, New York Fashion Week 2025 was a vivid snapshot of an industry in transformation—a dynamic interplay between heritage and modernity, spiced up with daring innovation. So, which trends will you embrace this season?

🔵 THE BUREAU FASHION WEEK NEW YORK: THE ALTERNATIVE EXPERIENCE

Imagine my shock when I received an official press invitation for The Bureau Fashion Week New York. For someone who usually struggles to secure credentials, this recognition was a monumental moment. Yet, fate had its own plans—I couldn’t attend due to work commitments.

Still, I dug deep into the event’s backstage to bring you all the insider details.

What is The Bureau Fashion Week?Formerly known as The Society Fashion Week, The Bureau Fashion Week is reinventing what it means to experience fashion weeks. Now active in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami, it offers both established and emerging designers a platform to showcase their collections in an innovative, inclusive setting.

The February 2025 New York EditionFrom February 7 to 9, 2025, The Bureau Fashion Week took over New York with a series of groundbreaking events.

Event Highlights:

Diverse Designers: over 60 designers showcased collections spanning a wide array of styles and visions.
Community Engagement: from model workshops and castings to collaborations with sponsors, the event fostered a vibrant community spirit.
Immersive Experience: attendees enjoyed VIP lounges, official after-parties, and product demonstrations, fully immersing themselves in the fashion universe.

Noteworthy Collections:

Krissy King – “Country Club Collection”: on February 7, Krissy King unveiled a chic, timeless collection that merged elegance with modernity—perfect for both on and off the golf course.
Elizabeth Reindart New York: on February 8, Elizabeth Reindart dazzled with a collection blending classic style with modern sophistication, capturing the very essence of urban elegance.
Chung Yuul – A Fusion of Korean Aesthetics and Modern Minimalism: also on February 8, Chung Yuul impressed with designs that seamlessly combined traditional Korean elements with sleek minimalism, creating pieces that were both timeless and refined.

The Bureau Fashion Week stands apart with its inclusive approach and commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Unlike traditional fashion weeks that often cater to a select elite, this event opens its doors to a broader audience, making fashion accessible and exciting for everyone.

Though I couldn’t attend in person, receiving that invitation was a huge validation of my work—and I’m determined to be there next time. Meanwhile, I’ve tracked every detail to bring you the exclusive insights you deserve.

🟢 MILAN FASHION WEEK (February 25 – March 3, 2025)

Ah, Milan—the city where fashion flows through the veins of its people just as surely as espresso fuels their mornings. This year, Milan Fashion Week once again proved why the city is an undisputed fashion capital. Amidst a backdrop of opulence, innovation, and tributes to iconic influences, let’s dive into the standout moments of the Fall/Winter 2025 edition.

Highlights from Milan Fashion Week

Versace: Bold Baroque BrillianceDonatella

Versace delivered a flamboyant spectacle that stayed true to the brand’s DNA. Opulent baroque prints, daring embellishments, striking animal motifs, and metallic knit dresses dominated the runway—a vivid celebration of Versace’s legacy, set in stark contrast to today’s minimalist trends.

Max Mara: An Ode to the Brontë

SistersDrawing inspiration from the moody landscapes of Yorkshire and the timeless allure of the Brontë sisters, Max Mara presented a collection defined by dark, chic silhouettes. Enveloping coats and monochrome ensembles evoked a discreet elegance that spoke to comfort and intimacy.

Prada: Reinventing Femininity

Under the creative duo of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, Prada reimagined what it means to be feminine. The collection featured innovative silhouettes that transformed classic forms into a contemporary vision of elegance—luxurious fabrics and precise tailoring set a new standard for modern femininity.

Gucci: A Nostalgic Retrospective

Without a permanent creative director, Gucci revisited its archives to present a collection that artfully blended elements from different eras. This nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach not only paid homage to the brand’s rich history but also paved the way for its future evolution.

Sportmax: A Futuristic Reinvention

Sportmax took a bold leap into the future with a collection focused on avant-garde functionality. Featuring futuristic designs and sleek, streamlined silhouettes, this “hyper-reinvention” underscored the brand’s commitment to innovation and modernity.

Key Trends to Watch:

The Return of Synthetic Fur: faux fur coats made a striking comeback, celebrated for their luxurious appeal and ethical commitment—especially embraced by a younger, environmentally conscious generation.
Embracing Opulence: while other markets leaned towards minimalism, Milan opted for “more is more,” with designs bursting with intricate details, textures, and vibrant colors.
The ’90s Grunge Revival: elements of ’90s grunge merged with contemporary touches, creating a compelling contrast between refined sophistication and rebellious edge.

Memorable Moments & Anecdotes:

Celebrity Sightings: Milan Fashion Week attracted international stars—Naomi Campbell was even spotted at the Acqua Fiuggi dinner hosted by Vogue Italia, adding an extra layer of glamour.
Literary Tributes: Max Mara paid homage to the Brontë sisters by weaving literary references into its collection, adding a narrative depth that enriched the designs.

In summary, Milan Fashion Week 2025 was a vibrant celebration of creative richness and cultural heritage. Designers skillfully blended tradition with innovation, presenting a diverse palette of styles and visions for the upcoming season. So, which Milan trend will you embrace this autumn?

🟠 CONCLUSION – WHAT THESE FASHION WEEKS TELL US ABOUT THE INDUSTRY IN 2025

So, what do we take away from this season of Fashion Weeks?

On one side, New York—ever true to its reputation—championed diversity and experimentation, offering collections marked by sophisticated athleisure, gender fluidity, and a pragmatic approach to style. On the other side, Milan rejected minimalist restraint to plunge us into a whirlwind of opulence, nostalgia, and unapologetic maximalism.

And in between, The Bureau Fashion Week is emerging as a serious alternative to traditional events, providing a platform for emerging designers who deserve the spotlight. Far from the exclusive circles of institutional luxury, this event opens doors to a more accessible, experimental, and, frankly, sometimes more exhilarating take on fashion.

Trends to Keep an Eye On:

The resurgence of peplums and ultra-structured pieces.
A fashion landscape that remains rooted in practicality—stylish yet wearable.
A stark contrast between ultra-clean minimalism and bold baroque opulence—choose your camp.
The rise of alternative platforms like The Bureau Fashion Week, which could very well redefine industry standards.

So, which of these trends resonates with you the most? Drop a comment or join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and other social channels!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an update.

And speaking of style and trends, don’t forget: my book, "Red Flags & Love Songs,"—an immersive dive into the relentless world of K-pop—is available in both eBook and paperback formats. Plus, a brand-new collection inspired by the book has just dropped in the Cappuccino & Croissant boutique, featuring designs that pay homage to this fascinating musical universe.

Check out the online store and let me know what you think!

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the highs and lows of the fashion world. I’ll be back next week with more deep dives and pop culture insights. Until then, stay stylish and either avoid fashion faux pas—or own them with flair!