New York Fashion Week AW26: The Best of Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler and More
New York State of Style
The city that never sleeps once again transforms into a runway this month, as New York Fashion Week unfolds in a cascade of textures, tailoring and standout silhouettes. Among the season’s highlights are Rachel Scott’s striking debut at Proenza Schouler, and Michael Kors celebrates 45 years of signature style. Ahead, five shows that prove the Big Apple remains a stage for innovation and style.
Proenza Schouler
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Creative director: Rachel Scott
Venue: Tribeca loft
Highlights of the collection: The debut collection brings a fresh sensibility to modern sophistication, where imperfection feels intentional. Crooked buttons and off-centre openings disrupt relaxed tailoring and elongated silhouettes, creating garments that move with a natural rhythm. Across the collection, night orchids—photographed, reworked and rendered in prints and hand-painted leather—weave a motif of delicate beauty and resilient precision.
Key pieces from the line: Dresses appear lightly rumpled, while skirts twist and fold at the back, suggesting movement and ease. Jackets and trousers in rich wool, matte viscose and Donegal knits sway and settle, structured enough to shape the silhouette yet soft enough to move with the body. Accessories revisit archival forms in mixed materials, while footwear experiments with proportion, from square-toed pumps and sharply elongated kitten heels to satin sandals lined with shearling.
Tory Burch
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Creative director: Tory Burch
Venue: Sotheby’s at The Breuer
Highlights of the collection: Instinct leads the way this season, inspired by American horticulturalist Bunny Mellon. Vivid hues and fine detailing run throughout, from metallic-embroidered cardigans and rounded coats to Shetland wool sweaters and drop-waist dresses with undone seams. Sporty ease keeps the collection grounded in contemporary movement.
Key pieces from the line: Washed knits and silk dresses carry a lived-in finish, while jersey dresses twist and knot playfully around the body. Handbags range from quilted shoulders with the Bunny Knot and soft duffles to the new Charlie satchel and hand-woven raffia pieces. Elsewhere, feminine pumps, cut-out loafers and high-vamp heels carry a signature Bunny Knot twist, with a velvet low pump stitched with pearls standing out.
Coach
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Creative director: Stuart Vevers
Venue: The Cunard Building
Highlights of the collection: Stuart Vevers maps a fresh vision of American style, where Hollywood glamour collides with the grit of suburban skate culture and the nostalgia of varsity uniforms. Tailored sportswear meets evening gowns, while love-worn jerseys mingle with repurposed denim. Heritage hues and Americana brights anchor the collection, with grayscale looks recalling the drama of the silver screen.
Key pieces from the line: Peacoats, shearling and suede coats with faux-fur collars share the runway with varsity jackets reimagined in plush shearling. Evening gowns echo 1930s Hollywood glamour, designed with fitted waists, padded shoulders and sparkling cut-outs. Bags receive subtle updates, as the Kisslock Frame slips beneath the shoulder and the Turnlock Haversack stands slightly taller. On the feet, the laceless Coach Skate Sneaker nods to 1970s skate style, crafted in suede and canvas with signature hardware.
Michael Kors
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Creative director: Michael Kors
Venue: The Metropolitan Opera House
Highlights of the collection: Marking 45 years, Michael Kors returns to the codes that built the house. Layered, tactile fabrics define sharply cut suits and enveloping coats, punctuated by flashes of ruby, raspberry and wine. After dark, sequins, feathers, liquid drapes and floral embroideries shift the mood, bringing cinematic energy to the runway. The collection moves seamlessly from city pavement to evening spotlight, confident, assured and unmistakably New York.
Key pieces from the line: Urban polish defines the mood, with considered layering driving the narrative. Luxe knits sit beneath faux fur coats, while fringed cocktail dresses come styled with leather gloves. Monochromatic suits and sweeping floor-length gowns reinforce the house’s recognisable lines. Statement accessories—from velvet clutches and East-West bags to sculpted leather heels—bring a sleek, contemporary finish.
Ralph Lauren
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Creative director: Ralph Lauren
Venue: Jack Shainman Gallery
Highlights of the collection: Ralph Lauren crafts his latest mix for women who embrace the unexpected, seeking style that surprises as much as it delights. Earthy palettes lift with metallic embroidery, while tailoring experiments with vintage-inspired details, from corsets and chainmail to structured, statement shoulders. With more than fifty custom materials at play—tweeds, velvets, jacquards, embroidery and luxurious leathers—texture becomes the true star of the collection.
Key pieces from the line: Outerwear anchors the line, from double-breasted windowpane wool coats to sweeping pebble-textured leather. Hemlines play with length, belts punctuate waists, and trousers shift from ultra-lean to wide, pleated or barrel-shaped cuts. Statement accessories—riding boots, velvet slippers, the Ralph bag, alongside the mini crossbody and Deco Lock clutch—glint with metallics, chains wrapping the hand like jewellery worn every day.
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