New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 kicked off on February 11th and ran through February 16th. Designers from Alix of Bohemia, Frederick Anderson, Caroline Zimbalist, to Cucculelli Shaheen showcased their creations for audiences to admire and experience the stories they tell. Fashion week is a time of glitz and glamor, and for some, it’s the event of the season. New York is one of the epicenters of fashion, known for its diverse styles, which are evident on the city’s bustling streets. Now that fashion week has ended, here is a breakdown of some of the major trends.
Florals for Winter
Designers brought florals to the runways from embroidery to prints to embellishments, proving that florals can go beyond spring/summer. Through rich color palettes that serve as bold accents, bringing warmth to cooler weather. This is a perfect nod to the long winter we all experienced, with the longing for spring/summer.
Designers took the opportunity to highlight craftsmanship through meticulous embroidery of floral motifs onto fabrics like tulle, silk, chiffon, and denim through intricate multi-colored silk thread work and hints of sequins and gold bullion knot technique.
Other designers subtly integrated florals through lace, giving a vintage classic feel. Miranda Priestly may say that “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking,” but I say florals for fall/winter is the next trend in fashion- wearing the unexpected for the season.
Sheers
The collections introduced a trend in chiffon and lace this season to add lightness to fall/winter dressing. These fabrics add a sense of transparency and fluidity, balancing the collections with heavier materials. Though with a mix of florals, the collections evoked a summery spring aesthetic.
Frederick Anderson F/W 26′ Collection. Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA
There were hints of lace that acted as sheer panels as well as peek-a-boo moments. Both chiffon and lace throughout the collections revealed glimpses of skin or undergarments, adding a sense of transparency. However, the delicacy of the fabrics added a hint of romanticism to the collections.
In addition, the use of transparent sequin fabrics added a sense of eye-catching fluidity, blending glamour with boldness while enhancing movement within the garments.
Sheer fabric was also seen paired with intricate beaded thread work, adding a sense of glamour. It was almost as if the models were covered in a beaded work of art, blending transparency and delicacy.
Dark & Light Shades
This season’s collections was battling with light and dark, with shades such as pitch black, whites, and beiges. These tones were combined amongst the pieces, giving the collections dimension. The interplay between light and dark tones balances structure with fluidity. The juxtaposition of dark and light shades allowed for experimentation with moods, making the collections dramatic.
There is almost a sense that the collections were fighting against each other. Though there was a subtle hint of earthiness that the colors brought.
Cucculelli Shaheen F/W 26′ NYFW Collection. Photos: Cuculinia Shaheen
Fringe
This season seems to have hints of fringes as accents on layered sheer skirts and tops, as well as on the outseams of pant legs and the sleeves of jackets. It further acted as a way to create movement in the garments. Fringes have become a fashion trend, with designers incorporating them into collections to make a bold statement and create visual impact for audiences, elevating looks.
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