On Feb. 7, NYLON kicked off New York Fashion Week with NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition at Jean’s. Presented by Maybelline New York, the after-hours event featured DJ sets by Jake Shore and Charly Jordan (pictured).Photo: BFA for NYLON
The traditionally more toned-down February edition featured 79 shows on the Council of Fashion Designers of America calendar, as compared to 87 shows in September. But that’s not counting the off-calendar and unofficial events.
Several major labels including Proenza Schouler and Helmut Lang were absent from the schedule following the departure of their creative directors, while some brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren decided to skip this season.
One thing that remained was the continued integration of unexpected brands like QDOBA and Hidden Valley Ranch into the biannual event. Keep scrolling to see the activations, parties, presentations, and designer collabs from NYFW fall/winter 2025...
Marc Jacobs hosted an off-schedule show at The New York Public Library ahead of New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs
NYFW: Backstage
WME Fashion hosted the NYFW: Backstage experience, which was open to the public Feb. 7-11 at LUME Studios. Programming included the return of NYFW: The Talks with conversations such as “Beauty is Identity” in partnership with the Ali Forney Center.
Photo: Courtesy of WME Fashion
On Feb. 7, Chasa, a homeware brand by model Chanel Iman, hosted its first-ever activation, with Iman meeting consumers and walking them through the inspiration behind her collection, which features robes, blankets, candles, mugs, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of WME Fashion
Visitors were able to stop by the TRESemmé Style Studios for complimentary styling appointments, a DIY hair accessory station, and a photo moment. The activation also featured the brand's new A-List Collection.
Photo: Courtesy of WME Fashion
Redken’s 24/7 A.B.C Cafe
On Feb. 8 and 9, CNC and Redken teamed up to create the 24/7 A.B.C Cafe, a mobile pop-up coffee experience for New York Fashion Week. It was inspired by brand face Sabrina Carpenter and her hit song “Espresso.” Fans were able to sample Redken’s latest launch, the Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum.
Photo: Courtesy of CNC Agency
NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition
On Feb. 7, NYLON kicked off New York Fashion Week with NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition at Jean’s. Presented by Maybelline New York, the after-hours event featured DJ sets by Jake Shore and Charly Jordan (pictured).
Photo: BFA for NYLON
At the event, Maybelline celebrated the launch of its Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation. Guests were able to find their perfect match at a custom shade-matching station featuring the full 24-shade collection. Performance artists brought to life the foundation’s weightless feel.
Photo: BFA for NYLON
NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition Dinner
Before the after-hours event, NYLON Editor in Chief Lauren McCarthy hosted an intimate dinner with Levi’s at The Penthouse at The Standard, East Village.
Photo: BFA for NYLON
Hidden Valley Ranch x MELKE Collab
At this season’s NYFW, the makers of Hidden Valley Ranch announced their first-ever luxury fashion collaboration with American fashion designer Emma Gage of MELKE. Gage tapped into her Midwestern roots and love for potlucks and supper clubs as inspiration for the unique partnership. The Hidden Valley Ranch x MELKE collaboration includes five pieces: two cardigans, a knit vest, a blouse, and a pair of pants. Gage reinterpreted both the iconic Hidden Valley Ranch bottle to create vibrant geometric patterns and the brand's seasoning packet for a whimsically artistic twist. Pieces from the collection will be available for purchase on HiddenValleyRanch.com, melkenyc.com, and at select retailers nationwide this fall with prices ranging from $240 to $1,000.
Photo: Courtesy of Hidden Valley Ranch
Laura Mercier’s Le Mercier Daily Café
To celebrate the launch of its new Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy, Laura Mercier hosted a pop-up cafe at Soho News International Feb. 7 and 8. Visitors could stop by to receive a free sample of the product and be shade-matched by a Laura Mercier makeup artist.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@lauramercier
The first 100 guests each day also received a Parisian-inspired Laura Mercier tote bag and baguette.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@lauramercier
QDOBA’s Chip Pants
These pants make you look like a snack—literally. Fast-casual Mexican restaurant QDOBA debuted the tasty trousers that come complete with built-in compartments for crispy tortilla chips during NYFW. “At QDOBA, we’re always looking for unexpected ways to connect with consumers and showcase our products in a fresh, fun, and flavorful way,” said Kelsey Kraatz, senior manager of national media at QDOBA, in a statement. “With Chip Pants, we’re combining two passion points of the younger generation—food and fashion—allowing us to engage with this key audience in a fun and memorable way.” Sadly, the Chip Pants aren’t available for purchase.
Photo: Courtesy of QDOBA
MAC Cosmetics
CNC transformed MAC’s SoHo flagship store to celebrate the launch of the makeup brand’s Nudes Collection. Attendees were able to meet top celebs including Martha Stewart, Tiffany Pollard, and Julia Fox (pictured).
Photo: Courtesy of CNC Agency
CASETiFY
For its latest runway collection at NYFW, Eckhaus Latta collaborated with CASETiFY to showcase the tech accessories brand’s mirror case and phone straps as part of models’ looks. "We're excited by the everyday-ness of incorporating phone cases—you walk down the street all the time with your phone in your hand. It's a nice thing to have that blends into the runway, on a styling level. We feel very anti-fantasy,” said Mike Eckhaus, co-founder of Eckhaus Latta, in a statement. “Including CASETiFY and having phones as a styling element is exciting because it brings us back to how much we hold ourselves and our posture in the real world."
Photo: Courtesy of CASETiFY
Dr. Martens
CNC partnered with Dr. Martens for the launch of the brand’s latest Y2K-inspired line, Buzz. Throughout a pop-up activation during NYFW, the agency aimed to generate “buzz” with shoe giveaways, coffee, photo moments, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of CNC Agency
The House of Arches Fashion Show
On Feb.11, McDonald’s hosted the House of Arches runway show. The event marked the culmination of Change of Fashion, a yearlong mentorship program that pairs five rising designers with influential fashion insiders to support their brand-building journeys. Directly following the show, McDonald’s hosted a private after-party where guests enjoyed a set by DJ Mr. Rogers, an open bar, and a complimentary McDonald’s food truck.
Photo: Greg Kessler
The designers included Shareef Mosby (VICTIM15), Nia Thomas (Nia Thomas), Durrell Dupard (Freddie Estelle), Larissa Muehleder (Muehleder), and Heart Roberts (HEARTHROB).
Photo: Sara Kerens for Complex
Blue Jacket Fashion Show
On Feb. 4 at Lavan, Bill Nye made a surprise runway appearance in Thom Browne during the Blue Jacket Fashion Show, which is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and benefits prostate cancer research.
Photo: Getty Images for Blue Jacket
