The Fresh Faces of NYFW 2024: Where Big Names Meet Bold Newcomers

New York Fashion Week 2024 was a blend of established icons and emerging talents, creating a vibrant tapestry of styles that pushed fashion boundaries. From the dazzling runways of fashion giants to the bold debuts of small designers, NYFW this year was a celebration of innovation and diversity in the industry. Here's a look at some standout moments that captured the essence of both the big and small names that made waves on the runway.

September 12. Written by Ryan Packer

KidSuper: Comedy Meets Couture at the Apollo

KidSuper’s show at the iconic Apollo Theater was a delightful fusion of fashion, comedy, and pure joy. Colm Dillane turned the runway into a stand-up set, inviting the audience to not just watch, but to laugh and engage. The collection was a riot of bold prints, oversized silhouettes, and pop-art-inspired pieces that felt like Dillane’s colorful personality splashed across each garment. Imagine an explosion of street art, stand-up comedy, and avant-garde fashion all colliding under the Apollo’s historic lights—this was KidSuper, breaking down barriers and reminding everyone that fashion is, above all, fun. Models walked with an effortless swagger, embracing the playful spirit of the collection, which was packed with streetwear staples reimagined through a lens of whimsical creativity. Dillane’s show was not just a fashion presentation; it was a cultural commentary on the importance of joy, laughter, and the ability to not take oneself too seriously. The fusion of humor with high fashion created a memorable experience that celebrated individuality, pushing the boundaries of what a fashion show can be.

Collina Strada: A Whimsical Eco-Wonderland

Collina Strada transported NYFW to a dreamy, eco-friendly wonderland where sustainability met playful rebellion. Designer Hillary Taymour’s collection was a kaleidoscope of bright tie-dyes, cheeky prints, and imaginative silhouettes, all crafted from upcycled and responsibly sourced materials. Models glided down the runway, sporting butterfly wings, whimsical accessories, and a carefree attitude that made it clear Collina Strada isn’t just about clothes; it’s a lifestyle of self-expression and environmental consciousness. Taymour's commitment to sustainability was evident in every stitch, from the use of deadstock fabrics to the creative upcycling of vintage pieces. The show felt like a vibrant celebration of nature and creativity, as each outfit blended functionality with bold artistic statements. The playful, non-conformist spirit of Collina Strada challenged traditional fashion norms, encouraging audiences to see fashion as a tool for environmental advocacy and personal empowerment.

Jane Wade: Mindful Minimalism in Motion

Jane Wade made her NYFW debut with a serene collection that celebrated minimalism as a mindful art form. With a focus on fluid lines, earthy tones, and understated elegance, Wade’s designs whispered rather than shouted, capturing the beauty of restraint. Each piece was meticulously crafted, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and slow fashion that felt refreshingly intentional in a world of fast trends. Wade's collection emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, showcasing pieces that were meant to be treasured and worn across seasons. The use of natural fibers and a muted palette created a calming aesthetic that stood in stark contrast to the often hectic pace of fashion week. Jane Wade’s designs spoke to a sophisticated audience seeking solace in simplicity, inviting them to slow down and appreciate the beauty in every detail.

Frederick Anderson: Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Cool

Frederick Anderson’s collection at NYFW was a masterclass in blending traditional craftsmanship with a cool, contemporary edge. Anderson’s love for intricate knitwear shone through, with a lineup that featured everything from delicate lace to bold, sculptural sweaters. Each look felt like a wearable work of art, balancing classic techniques with fresh, modern silhouettes that kept the audience captivated. Anderson’s innovative use of texture and fabric manipulation breathed new life into time-honored knitting techniques. He played with transparency, layering, and asymmetry to create pieces that felt both familiar and avant-garde, making a bold statement about the evolution of knitwear. The collection was a dynamic blend of old-world artistry and new-age style, proving that craftsmanship can be both timeless and trendsetting.

Carolina Herrera: Timeless Elegance with a Twist

Carolina Herrera’s latest collection was an ode to timeless elegance with a modern, daring twist. The runway sparkled with opulent fabrics, bold colors, and voluminous silhouettes that were a nod to Herrera’s signature style, but with a fresh, contemporary edge. Picture gowns that float like a dream, blazers that command attention, and prints that pulse with life. Herrera’s designs played with unexpected details, like bold cutouts and asymmetrical hemlines, adding a youthful energy to her classic aesthetic. The collection was a masterful dance between the past and present, with vintage-inspired elements reimagined for the modern woman. Each piece was a testament to Herrera’s belief that elegance is not static but a living, evolving concept that continues to inspire confidence and poise.

Coach: Vintage Vibes Reimagined for the Modern Age

Coach’s NYFW show was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reimagined for today’s urban explorer. Creative Director Stuart Vevers infused the collection with vintage Americana—think leather jackets, oversized varsity sweaters, and playful prints that echoed the brand’s storied past. But this was no mere throwback; Vevers updated these classic styles with contemporary silhouettes, bold pops of color, and a sense of playfulness that made the collection feel fresh and relevant. The show was a celebration of individuality, encouraging mix-and-match styling that felt authentically New York. Vevers’ vision was clear: blend heritage with innovation, creating pieces that are as functional as they are fashionable. From rugged outerwear to reworked denim, Coach’s collection was an ode to those who see fashion as an expression of their personal journey, past, present, and future.

Ulla Johnson: Boho-Chic Meets Artisanal Elegance

Ulla Johnson’s NYFW show was a breathtaking display of bohemian elegance, where artisanal craftsmanship met high fashion. Johnson’s collection was a symphony of rich textures, flowing silhouettes, and earthy hues that transported the audience to a world of handcrafted beauty. Each piece told a story of wanderlust and worldly inspiration, with intricate embroidery, hand-dyed fabrics, and delicate beading that spoke to Johnson’s commitment to artisanal techniques. The collection drew heavily on Johnson’s love of travel and global influences, blending traditional handicrafts with contemporary design elements. The result was a line that felt both nostalgic and fresh, with a sense of storytelling woven into every garment. Johnson’s ability to merge the old with the new, the simple with the complex, created a visual narrative that was both enchanting and deeply personal.

Prabal Gurung: A Vibrant Tribute to Diversity

Prabal Gurung’s NYFW presentation was a vibrant celebration of diversity, individuality, and bold self-expression. The collection was a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and pattern, featuring daring cuts, dramatic silhouettes, and intricate details that demanded attention. Gurung’s designs paid homage to his Nepalese heritage while also reflecting the multicultural tapestry of New York, creating a collection that was as inclusive as it was visually stunning. His runway cast models of all ethnicities, sizes, and genders, reinforcing the message that fashion is for everyone. The vibrant mix of prints, from traditional Nepali motifs to bold florals, created a visual narrative that celebrated global beauty. Gurung’s show was more than just a display of beautiful clothes; it was a powerful statement on the importance of representation and the transformative power of fashion to unite and inspire.

NYFW 2024 showcased an exhilarating blend of established legends and bold newcomers, each contributing their unique flair to the fashion landscape. The season was a testament to the industry’s dynamic evolution, where timeless elegance met modern audacity and classic craftsmanship intersected with contemporary innovation. From KidSuper’s playful blend of comedy and couture to Collina Strada’s eco-friendly whimsy and Prabal Gurung’s vibrant tribute to diversity, this year’s runway was a celebration of creativity and inclusivity. As these designers pushed boundaries and redefined fashion norms, they reminded us that the essence of style lies in the courage to blend tradition with experimentation. NYFW 2024 wasn’t just a showcase of garments; it was a vibrant dialogue on the power of fashion to reflect and shape our world, inspiring us to embrace both our heritage and our future.