New York Fashion Week: A Rookie’s Rundown of Memorable Moments

SS25 Looks Clarence Ruth

So then, I took the mindset of what today’s ‘everyday wear’ is–you know, athleisure and walking around in leggings…I wanted to merge the two together to create a unique, new perspective. So this collection is a merge of these two forms of everyday wear in order to create something special. In the collection, you’ll see dresses and gowns paired with leggings and athletic wear underneath as styling.

Another important thing is the color theme. You’ll see spots of red throughout: The red symbolizes the blood of Christ. Everything I do in my work, in my artistry is me showing up in excellence and the light of Christ.”

Suffice it to say, as a fellow Christ-follower and creative, my chat with Mr. Ruth stoked my spirit in ways I can’t describe!

I ain’t gonna hold ya’ll: I am not by nature an animal print girlie. However, between the color, the denim back of the jacket, and the to-scale (pun unintended) replica of a reptiles skin, I’ll make an exception for this suit!

SS25 Looks Kate Barton

Speaking with Barton after the show, she explained that her creativity flows from a naturally organic, almost improvised space.

“I really don’t look for inspiration from a theme or a specific thing. I really start with the fabric and the draping with a very hands-on approach. I start from a very intuitive place: By letting the fabric drape, you start to see the story tell itself, and it’s an exciting process to see it evolve.

I think it’s very important with every single thing I create to have a personal hand in it and really represent the brand’s core DNA in every single piece, whether it’s a tank top, a sweater, or a couture gown.”

Speaking of representation, Barton aspires to create pieces for every body at every stage of life.

“As I was telling my team earlier, we’re all women in our 20s. We’re the fit models, we’re trying the clothes on, we’re seeing what feels good, we live in N.Y.C. It’s kind of cool being the one building this for women around me with an all-women team, [with the collection] representing all kinds of women and people of different heights, shapes, and bodies.”

Showcasing Barton’s signature 4-dimensional flair, this white gown with a crystal belt is everything a couture dress should be: chic and elegant, yet innovative.

SS25 Looks Chuks Collins

“I am grateful for the opportunity to keep creating and expressing myself through my work. This collection means a lot to me, and the homecoming process has been very healing for me,” Collins shared in his release. “The collection is deeply inspired by my African and Western roots, reflecting a blend of cultures and experiences. Having grown up in Africa and Europe, and now living in the US, I have been empowered and nurtured by many women, including my grandmother, who taught me how to sew. This cultural tapestry forms the foundation of ‘Nné,’ infusing each piece with rich narratives and a deep sense of heritage.”

As if that wasn’t dope enough, all the ticket proceeds from this show go directly to a domestic violence initiative in Lagos, helping women with job training and opportunities.

To know and love this Technicolor mermaid, you have to be down with my love of vivid colors. Royal is my favorite shade of my favorite color, and the hood of this gown gives grown and sexy “Little Blue Riding Hood” vibes. Also, as indicated above, I love wearing yellow: It’s bold, and possibly offensive to the eyes, but it absolutely POPS against melanated skin. Hence, this suit makes the perfect corporate chic wear.

Behind the Scenes with Writer Betty Ogburn: