PETA Protest and Star-Studded Shows Mark New York Fashion Week Highlights

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New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027: A Stellar Six-Day Runway Recap

New York-After six dynamic days packed with runway shows, presentations, parties, and unexpected moments, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for spring/summer 2027 has wrapped up with remarkable flair. From Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens, designers big and small revealed collections that captured the spirit of the season, while celebrities from Paris Hilton and Gigi Hadid to Viola Davis and Lauryn Hill graced front rows and social events.

One of the most talked-about incidents was a PETA protest that escalated into a physical altercation, igniting conversations about activism and tradition within the fashion elite.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the highlights from the USA TODAY team’s exclusive coverage:

Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards

Emerging designer Waina Chancy of Atelier Ndigo won a $100,000 prize to support her fashion vision at the 19th annual event. The night was an emotional reminder of real progress in fashion, set against a backdrop featuring Tracee Ellis Ross’s vibrant presence.

J.Press

Actor John Slattery appeared front row, channeling his “Mad Men” persona with a sharp gray tweed suit. The menswear brand also made a notable return to womenswear after six decades, presenting A-line taffeta skirts that impressed attendees.

Rachel Comey

Busy Philipps brought her 18-year-old daughter Birdie to the Judson Memorial Church presentation in Greenwich Village, where live guitar and drum performances complemented a runway that felt like a spiritual experience.

Rachel Antonoff x Susan Alexandra Best in Show

The designers’ third annual event blended fashion with animal advocacy, featuring rescue dogs on the runway. Celebrities like Natasha Lyonne, Jenny Slate, and Bebe Neuwirth walked alongside their pups, with Bebe’s dog Biscotti winning “Best in Show.”

Ralph Lauren

Viola Davis praised the collection’s blend of classic and whimsical elements. The show balanced timeless tailoring with rock-inspired feathers and denim, while Cynthia Erivo, Ariana DeBose, and Ella Hunt enjoyed front-row seats alongside Anna Wintour.

Coach

Celebrating 85 years, Coach transformed its spring show into a glittering birthday party, complete with confetti, metallic designs, and iconic bags. Front-row guests included Elle Fanning, Storm Reid, and Troye Sivan, while the after-party featured a neon-lit dance floor and a massive shrimp tower.

Fang NYC

“Perfect Match” star Jimmy Sotos and social media personalities welcomed guests to a gender-expansive collection featuring mint-green dancers and a stunning backless pink gown finale.

Verdavainne

Designer Cyril Verdavainne’s vibrant swimsuits and dresses brought summer warmth to the September show held at Cipriani Wall Street, celebrating confidence and color.

Proenza Schouler

Rachel Scott’s collection featured bold primary colors and playful silhouettes, with front-row favorites Ella Emhoff and Cazzie David appreciating the vibrant designs.

Tommy Hilfiger

The star-studded event at the Plaza Hotel saw Jisoo and Camila Cabello stirring excitement outside, while Kate Moss and New York Knicks players occupied front-row seats. Models Gigi Hadid and Romeo Beckham closed the runway, and a surprise dog finale charmed the crowd.

Rynshu

Billy Porter surprised guests by walking the runway at an outdoor poolside show, drawing enthusiastic reactions and adding star power to the event.

Alice + Olivia

Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, and designer Stacey Bendet posed on a pink-checkered carpet at an immersive “Alice in Wonderland”-themed presentation, complete with pastel cookies and pink champagne.

Loveshackfancy

The cozy cocktail hour at Dante exuded nostalgic glamour with vintage magazines and floral decor, pairing perfectly with the brand’s romantic lingerie-inspired collection.

Christian Siriano

Front-row energy was high with Tiffany Haddish’s lively commentary and appearances by Mena Suvari, Evan Rachel Wood, Billy Porter, and a memorable “Cinderella” reunion featuring Brandy and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tory Burch

Consistently innovative, Tory Burch’s show impressed with fresh, wearable pieces, while celebrities including Lauryn Hill and tennis star Alex Eala added star wattage to the front row.

Public School New York

A cool, casual vibe marked the show, with Swizz Beatz, Slick Rick, Carmelo Anthony, and 21 Savage spotted enjoying the scene.

Simkhai

Venus Williams and Simone Biles shared a charming moment before the show, which featured fringe, lacquered looks, and a lively front row including Tyler Kolek and Jordana Brewster.

Monse

Set against the Brooklyn Bridge backdrop, the sunlit venue highlighted floral sequins and daytime disco vibes, with Tiffany Haddish and Nicky Hilton mingling nearby.

The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards

Held in Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room, the event honored industry changemakers like stylist Law Roach and model Twiggy. Jordyn Woods accepted the Fashion Gamechanger award alongside husband Karl-Anthony Towns.

Monse x Eberjey

This collaboration hosted a chic pajama party with martinis and photo booth fun at the Pearl Box venue.

7 For All Mankind

The denim brand revived Y2K nostalgia on the runway with skinny jeans and micro minis, while front-row guests included Chloë Sevigny and stylist Law Roach.

Anna Sui

The collection, inspired by Howard Gardiner Cushing’s paintings, featured bright greens, baby blues, floral frocks, and exposed bras, with Marc Jacobs spotted nearby showcasing his signature style.

Tibi

Nashville-inspired minimalism came to life with studded jackets, leather accents, and a heartfelt closing to Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” moving attendees to sing along.

KidSuper

Streetwear met block party as the brand’s People’s Runway featured emerging designers on Brooklyn’s Borough Hall steps, culminating in surprise performances by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.

LETTONNE

Inspired by techno and underground club culture, the celebration at The Mulberry included DJ sets, tarot readings, and martinis.

Prabal Gurung

The collection explored themes of freedom and contradiction with flowing gowns accented by jingling silver anklets, while the front row buzzed with Tiffany Haddish, Saweetie, and Jordan Chiles.

COS

A PETA protest interrupted the runway in a tense moment witnessed by Sharon Stone, John Boyega, and Lupita Nyong’o, leading to a statement from CFDA President Steven Kolb and widespread discussion.

Campillo

Sunlit and playful, the collection featured colorful taffeta hot pants, feathers, and branded tees, with guests refreshed by Don Julio cocktails and marigold-lined paths.

Magda Butrym

Demi Moore made a surprise appearance in a floral wonderland runway adorned with rose petals, lingerie-inspired slips, and edgy outerwear.

Sergio Hudson

Nene Leakes drew attention post-show in a collection blending glamour, animal prints, and flowing chiffon gowns.

Ella Mae

The runway evoked a dreamy scene with sand, glitter, and pink draping, showcasing puffy skirts and sheer ruffles.

Zaldy

Featuring brocade suits, striped dresses, and leather, the show’s playful silverware headpieces complemented a festive after-party with homemade food.

Fforme

Minimalist yet striking, the collection offered fringe accents, laser-cut knits, and strong silhouettes in neutral tones.

Tanner Fletcher

The bubblegum pink ballgown and matching suit sparked conversations about celebrity couple style, enriched by bows, Swiss dots, and delicate ruffles.

Dennis Basso

Supermodel Christie Brinkley made a stunning runway return in golden chiffon, walking to Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” in a nostalgic finale.

Ben Doctor

The “Ivory Tower” collection playfully examined party girl culture with silver wigs, neon greens, and glitzy designs.

Retrofête

Returning to NYFW, Retrofête transformed Capitale into an elegant soirée with lace, velvet, fur, and notable attendees like Saweetie and Brigette McHale.

The Blonds

Marking their 20th anniversary, The Blonds presented archival looks with Paris Hilton closing in dazzling style, joined by co-founder Phillipe Blond.

Luar

Designer Raul Lopez staged a bold show at the Unisphere in Queens, blending queerness with tailored disruption, accompanied by a star-studded front row and a soundtrack featuring Nas and Lauryn Hill.

Advisry

The “America, Still” show reflected on the nation’s past and present through bold plaid, lamé, and patriotic motifs, with front-row guests including Wyclef Jean.

Sloan

Designer Julia Sloan’s sun-inspired collection evoked emotion with natural hues and fluid silhouettes, drawing tears as models took their bows.

Andrew Kwon

Set in St. Bartholomew’s Church, the collection’s dramatic gowns shimmered with jewels and delicate beading, leaving attendees breathless.

Sabyasachi

After an 18-year hiatus, Sabyasachi Mukherjee returned with a lavish blend of Indian craftsmanship, British tweed, and Japanese denim. The show included a jewelry collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and featured Christy Turlington as the opener.

One Night in Bangkok

Models descended from an overhead balcony to rock anthems for a showcase featuring Bangkok labels Tarmafia and Landmeé, blending sportswear and hyper-feminine details.

New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2027 season proved to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community, setting the tone for fashion’s future with moments both dazzling and thought-provoking.


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