5 Reasons Why Tory Burch's Runway Show Shocked and Awed

Runway models walk in the finale during the Tory Burch spring/summer 2025 show.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the show notes, Tory Burch described her spring/summer 2025 collection as highlighting "the synchronicity of movement and form." Perhaps inspired by the Olympics, athletics were on her mind this season. "This collection began with the essence of sport: power and grace, precision and freedom," Burch stated.

Again proving that she's one of the biggest draws on the New York Fashion Week schedule, Burch outdid herself with a spectacularly chic showcase featuring a surprise runway appearance, the resurrection of an iconic accessory, a striking venue, a celeb-filled front row, and statement-making clothes. Scroll down to delve further into the five reasons why the brand's new show shocked and awed.

1. Alexa Chung's Surprise Runway Appearance

We don't know about you, but an Alexa Chung runway appearance wasn't on our bingo card. Eschewing her typical spot in the front row, Chung surprised the crowd by walking in her first-ever New York Fashion Week show. Chung previously modeled on the runway during London Fashion Week back in 2003 and 2009. Hey, Alexa, can we make this a regular thing?

Alexa Chung walks the runway at the Tory Burch show.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

2. Resurrection of an Icon

For spring/summer 2025, Tory Burch resurrected one of its most iconic pieces: the Reva ballet flats. "Originally launched in 2006, modern updates to the Reva include cutouts, a beveled coin, and a new mule silhouette," the brand explained in a statement. It's only a matter of time before It girls start wearing these Y2K shoes again.

A model wears Tory Burch ballet flats on the runway with trousers.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

3. The Venue

The show was held at Skylight at The Refinery, formerly the Domino Sugar Factory. The Brooklyn venue boasts 30-foot ceilings and striking views of the Williamsburg Bridge. Tory Burch customized the space just for the show with sage-green tiles meant to mimic the look of a swimming pool. To go along with the theme, the collection featured sequined swimsuits and other sporty silhouettes.

A view of the empty runway for the Tory Burch show in New York City.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

A view of the empty runway for the Tory Burch show in New York City.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

4. The Celebrity Attendees

Tory Burch certainly knows how to draw a crowd. Celebrity attendees included Elizabeth Olsen, Mindy Kaling, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jenna Lyons, Maude Apatow, Joey King, Ella Emhoff, Michelle Williams, Lola Tung, and Kiki Layne.

Elizabeth Olsen, Mindy Kaling, and Joey King attend the Tory Burch show.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

Jenna Lyons wears a furry coat with a blue pencil skirt.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

Maude Apatow wears a furry coat to the Tory Burch fashion show.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

Jodie Turner-Smith wears a tweed outfit.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch/Sansho Scott/BFA.com)

5. Premium Prints

The Who What Wear editors who attended the show told us about one of their favorite themes of the collection: the abstract animal prints. Shown on coats, dresses, and pants, the striking patterns are bound to make waves come spring 2025. In particular, we think they'll be a huge hit on the street style scene next year.

A model wears a printed coat on the Tory Burch spring/summer 2025 runway.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

A model walks the runway wearing printed pants with a black tank top.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

A model wears a printed shift dress on the Tory Burch spring/summer 2025 runway.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)
Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.