FEBRUARY FASHION WEEK |NYC
Fashion Week February 2025 proved to be bittersweet. What once was a mental retreat—a time when I could lose myself in cool street fashion and runway shows—has slowly morphed into a scripted drama. Models, influencers, and their hired photographers now do everything imaginable to capture the perfect social media shot. Over the past three years, I have increasingly found myself wondering why I attend New York Fashion Week. Beyond networking and promoting my business and sharing the gospel of slow, circular fashion under the sustainable fashion umbrella, I began to question the true purpose of these events. Is it even networking anymore when social climbing has become the ultimate goal, and when one’s number of social media followers seems to determine business opportunities?
A reality check came when, this time, I attended with my husband and children. I found more joy in spending time with them in the city and visiting family in Manhattan than in the hustle of the event itself. I also cherished my hotel stay. Although I usually stay in the Garment District—which has undoubtedly changed since the pandemic—the essence of the area still resonates. I was captivated by the view from my hotel: my window overlooked a garment building where several dedicated garment workers, both women and men, were immersed in their craft. While others might have missed a city view, I loved every minute, even admiring the building’s pitch-black facade when the lights went off after everyone had left for the day.
Shifting focus to the fashion on the streets, it was clear that the baggy, oversized silhouettes of the ‘90s remain highly influential. I noticed an abundance of layered sportswear paired with baseball caps, and in terms of footwear, Adidas sneakers were everywhere. However, the stark contrast between men and women on the runway was striking. Men appeared more tailored and put together, whereas the women presented a more anti-fashion vibe. It felt as if women were rebelling against consumerism by blending elements of high fashion, designer pieces, vintage items, and streetwear—creating a look that was both eclectic and, at times, chaotic. Thankfully, I did not encounter any PVC, which was a relief.
If nothing changes, Fashion Week as we know it might soon become unrecognizable. I definitely miss the days when Lincoln Center was the destination for NYFW; the current settings at the piers and "sidecar" locations feel frantic and soulless. On a positive note, however, there was a strong trend toward suiting separates—particularly suiting jackets and the “power lesbian” look—which emerged as a runway objective for many designers. These tailored jackets and soft, layered outerwear pieces are perfectly timed, as this year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is all about exploring the history of tailoring in culture, especially within Black style. The Met’s curation will showcase the Black dandy figure from the 18th century through to modern-day depictions in fashion and film. Notably, this is the first time since the 2003 “Men In Skirts” theme that the Met Costume Institute has focused solely on menswear. According to Vogue, the exhibition will illustrate how Black people transformed from being enslaved and objectified as luxury items to becoming autonomous, self-fashioning individuals and global trendsetters. Ughh,…Legendary Vogue fashion editor André Leon Talley would have loved this theme.
Overall, the trip was fun, and spending time with my family made it all the more memorable.
-Tempestt
