2026 NYFW: Standout Brands and Notable Trends
To everyone that didn’t have a Valentine this year, New York Fashion Week delivered plenty to fall in love with from hot-new statements to the return of familiar favorites. Getting the first peek at this season’s looks, let’s dive into what to expect; whether you’re here for it or not.
There were a few brands that truly hit it out of the park this week with each look being individually fierce yet cohesive within its collection. One of my favorites this season was 7 For All Mankind’s debut collection with their new Creative Director Nicola Brognano. Traditionally known for their denim, this revived Y2K with a hint of grunge line was unexpected in the best way. Some notable trends from the runway with this brand were big bags, leather gloves, brooches, and studded denim. These trailblazer accessory choices paired with mixed textures, like thick wools and fluid metallics, was stunning.The layering with scarfs, shawls, jackets, and chunky jewelry created a concoction of maximalism indie-sleeze, evoking the rebellious glamour of the early 2000s.
Tory Burch was another brand with an amazing collection this fall/ winter runway season, reworking trends with a modern, chic edge. Leather and animal print once again made an appearance but were reimagined through waxed leather jackets and skirts, while snakeskin-inspired patterns was an elevated take on the go-to prints. These updated design choices on a winter staple and resurging pattern trend strikes a newfound balance between familiarity and innovation. Another projected trend on the runway were brooches, as seen in the 7 For All Mankind collection. Tory has a sardine motif throughout the collection and as a pisces, I’m a fan. Drop-waist dresses, metallics, and pops of red, orange, and purple also stood out to me. Altogether, this line felt both magnetizing and forward-thinking.
Cult Gaia had one of the most compelling collections at NYFW. Of course they had the classic winter pieces and trends with leather jackets, trenches, and metallics, but what drew me in was Creative Director Jasmin Larian Hekmat’s implementation of organic shapes, a nod to the brand’s identity. Their beaded mossy green dress was a personal favorite of mine, with sequins and beading predicated to be on the rise. Aside from the nature-driven motif, the major trends I noticed were fringe, leather gloves, brooches, and character bag charms on the runway. Yes – brooches make their third appearance in this report (clearly my favorite trend of the season). Leather gloves are also coming in hot this winter, along with fringe, and these cute plushie charms are letting us know the influential Labubu craze is nowhere near over.
Watching these iconic American brands launch the Fall/Winter 2026 fashion shows in New York City set an electrifying tone for the season ahead. Next stop: London, Milan, and Paris, where we’ll see which trends build global momentum and which quietly slip away. But if New York proved anything, it’s that there’s already plenty to fall for this season — Valentine or not.