New York Fashion Week SS26: A Season of Wearable Glamour and Cultural Revival
New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 opened with a masterstroke of American elegance. Ralph Lauren, ever the maestro of timeless chic, staged his collection a day ahead of the official calendar an off-schedule move that felt more like a curtain-raiser to a season defined by nostalgia, minimalism, and a renewed sense of cultural spectacle. His show, rich in neutral tones, tailored silhouettes, and breezy glamour, set the tone for a week where wearability met theatricality in equal measure.
Prabal Gurung
The official start on September 11 saw Michael Kors deliver a quintessentially New York collection sleek, urban, and polished. His models walked to the rhythm of city life, dressed in tailored separates and breezy dresses that echoed the brand’s enduring appeal. Kors’ shift from his usual closing slot to an early-week debut signaled a recalibration of tradition, much like the city itself.
Minimalism remained the reigning aesthetic, with Khaite once again emerging as the must-see show. Leather, denim, and delicate florals dominated the runway, but it was Kendall Jenner’s surprise appearance that stole headlines. The brand’s signature blend of structure and softness seen in high-shine slicked hair and airy silhouettes embodied the season’s theme of renewal.
Calvin Klein’s return to the runway under creative director Veronica Leoni was one of the most anticipated moments. Her sophomore collection leaned into the brand’s 1990s heritage, exploring the tension between intimacy and exposure. Razor-sharp tailoring, muted palettes, and architectural cuts redefined American minimalism for a new generation. The front row buzzed with names like Lily Collins and Rosalia, underscoring the brand’s cultural relevance.
Los Angeles-based labels brought a more relaxed energy. Area, under new creative director Nicholas Aburn (formerly of Balenciaga), staged a Studio 54-inspired spectacle. Sparkling gowns, Americana motifs, and disco references turned heads, while Christian Siriano’s voluminous looks added drama and grandeur. Valentino Beauty’s revival of Studio 54 with Cher, Adut Akech, and Colman Domingo in attendance was a standout moment, blending fashion with pop culture nostalgia.
Prabal Gurung’s “Kaleidoscope” collection, presented at St. Bartolomew’s Church, was a spiritual and visual feast. Rich in color and symbolism, it reflected Gurung’s continued exploration of identity and emotion through fashion. Meanwhile, Coach reaffirmed its grip on Gen Z with a collection that fused streetwear sensibility with heritage craftsmanship. Loved not only in the U.S. but globally, Coach’s appeal lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Tory Burch closed the week with a collection that felt both joyful and grounded. Emily Ratajkowski’s appearance added effortless cool to a lineup of American classics
