Your 15-Second Guide to What's Happening at NYFW

Welcome to our S/S 19 runway coverage! From the latest looks walking down the runway to the celebrities sitting front row at the biggest shows, this is your one-stop shop for the most important moments of New York Fashion Week. The best part? With our roundup, you can learn everything you need to know about each of the shows in under 15 seconds.

Whether you're looking forward to spring's coolest trends or want a peek inside fashion's craziest month, we're here to bring you up to speed with the best bite-size insight from the top runway shows, after-parties, and everything in between. Keeping reading for the most important moments of NYFW so far, and be sure to check back as we'll be updating the story as the week continues.

Raf Simons’ is obsessed with Americana. Last season he turned to the heartland for inspiration, but for spring he had his sights set on Hollywood, specifically two films: Jaws and The Graduate. References to both movies were rather straightforward with a shark tee that we can picture adorning the street style savvy next spring, and mortarboards, which we’ll probably leave to the real graduates.

Jeff Goldblum turned out to be everyone's favorite guest, with many celebrities posting selfies with the actor from the show and post-show dinner. 

Flattened shift dresses may have used Mrs. Robinson as a reference point. 

Oscar de la Renta is always a show that stuns the fashion week set, but in its second year since Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia took the helm, the dresses didn’t just provide the ball gown fare we expect from the brand; they demonstrated romantic yet wearable designs for the most special of occasions as well. See scarf-like dresses, piles of fringe, and asymmetric draping.

Yes, that is a birdcage bag Gigi Hadid is holding—and yes, it’s amazing.

Of course the front row was stocked with celebrities—Amber Heard, Kate Beckinsale, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley —but Nicki Minaj and her mother, Carol Maraj, were a standout duo.

Another huge passing-of-the-torch moment this week happened at a brand that’s a New York establishment, Carolina Herrera. Designer Wes Gordon showed his first runway collection at the helm of the brand that was decidedly joyful, sweet, and made use of a beautiful array of colors.

As the show notes stated, the S/S 19 collection served as “a celebration of the moment in a woman’s life when she feels most empowered.” Not only did this equate to the most special, party-ready pieces in her closet, but the collection was also grounded in unique takes on classic shirting, inspiring us to ditch the usual button-down for something with exaggerated sleeves, lace fabric, or a bunched and cropped version.

The gowns—the Carolina Herrera staples—packed a serious punch for S/S 19 with use of ruffles, florals, unapologetically bold colors, and plenty of skirt space for swishing or gliding across a dance floor. If any collection made you impatient for your next formal affair, it was Gordon’s fun, fanciful, modern approach to this iconic brand.

Veronica Beard is consistently one of the most wearable collections to show at NYFW, and that's certainly the case for S/S 19. At its presentation this week, the brand showed plenty of chic printed pieces that could easily go from day to night, but most noteworthy were the pretty power suits that are sure to stand out from the pack.

Who knew a hoodie, plaid blazer, and party pants would make such a good combination?

Pastel suiting feels especially fresh when styled exactly like this.

Rodarte's S/S 19 collection marked its return to NYFW after a two-year break to show in Paris, and designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy held nothing back for their stateside reunion. They chose a marble cemetery setting to debut their latest lineup of ethereal gowns, but this season, they introduced an edginess that felt especially fresh. That said, it was the brand's signature romantic ruffles and lace that really stole the show.

If you want to get married in a Rodarte dress, the S/S 19 collection has you covered. This stunning gown is proof positive.

As you can see, '80s glamour will continue to be a trend next spring, like it or not.

At Tory Burch, the designer's parents—and their travels on steamer ships through the Mediterranean—inspired the show. The clothes and accessories—including casual tailored shirting, vintage scarves, and camera bags—are an ode to pieces that were packed into her parents' suitcases on their treks around the world. What the collection really boils down to is a sense of wanderlust that taps into the sights and colors of a world outside New York.

The seats were lined with famous fans, including Julianne Moore, Katie Holmes, Tiffany Haddish, and more.

The show was punctuated with preppy prints and lines, an aesthetic that has recently been gaining steam again in the fashion world.

Today marked the start of a new chapter for Kate Spade: Not only is it the first show since the tragic loss of its namesake designer, who created a legacy of joy with her eponymous line, but also, the S/S 19 collection was the first for new creative director Nicola Glass. The designs—showcased in a pink-light-bathed room inside the New York Public Library—had the same cheerful spirit the Kate Spade brand is known for but enlisted a vintage feel, bold clashes of colors and patterns, and new It accessories.

The front row was stocked with famous Spade supporters, including Priyanka Chopra, Kate Bosworth, Sookie Waterhouse, and Elizabeth Olsen.

The runway showcased a new capsule collection of handbags designed by Glass, including a woven tote often worn with another, smaller handbag in tow (NYC girls can relate to this move), as well as tons of retro florals, graphic patterns, and lots and lots of lavender and yellow. We’re expecting for these color trends to stay strong through next year.

Gender barriers were torn down for Monse as designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia embraced their first coed runway, something we're seeing more and more of each season. The deconstructed tailoring that's come to be the brand's trademark took on a much softer edge in this collection, where the flowing asymmetric frocks and just-undone-enough striped knits permeated universal appeal.

The show was punctuated by standout front-row moments from #monsegirls like Nicki Minaj, Paris Hilton, and Nicky Hilton Rothschild.

The collection was filled with nautical motifs like rope cords, Marinière stripes, and chain-link necklaces, the latter of which is already proving to be a major new jewelry trend.

Milly's color palettes are like a surge of seratonin—saturated, intense, and generally mood-boosting. This season was certainly no exception, with models styled in head-to-toe highlighter-like tones of pink and orange. As for the clothes themselves, they were a healthy mix of Milly's classic strappy dresses and a nod to the sporty, futuristic aesthetic that's currently on the rise.

The show also offered something fresh-feeling for those with more classic style inclinations, like a bubblegum-pink windbreaker knotted around the waist of a crisp white suit.

There's rarely a fresh take on layering with a simple turtleneck that doesn't do it for us.

For Maxwell's S/S 19 show, the designer returned to his roots in a very real way, creating his collection following a short-term relocation to Texas, his home state. As the saying "everything is bigger in Texas" suggests, Maxwell's show celebrated his home, as well as the artists and residents there who inspire him, in a spectacular fashion through both set design—essentially a massive tailgate—and the joyful, supermodel-packed runway.

Maxwell is known for casting of some of the biggest names in fashion at the moment. For spring, this included Joan Smalls, Gigi and Bella Hadid, a pregnant Lily Aldridge in her first (perhaps only) New York Fashion Week show this season, Cindy Bruna, Dilone, and Imaan Hammam, among other familiar faces. A less recognized face was Maxwell's grandmother, and his muse, who joined him for this finale bow.

Maxwell's designs have always been closely tied to red carpet style, and that didn't change much on the spring runway. However, his clear nods to workwear—overalls suspenders, classic shirting, the use of bandanas, and cowboy hats through a collaboration with milliner Gigi Burris—offered designs we hadn't yet seen from him, in a rich rainbow of colors no less.

While the vast majority of designers showing this NYFW and the rest of fashion month will be focused on the future S/S 19 collections, Mansur Gavriel is part of a new wave of brands shaking things up with a see-now, buy-now collection. For F/W 18, the season we're currently in (and shopping for!), the brand showed both new versions of its famous minimalist accessories as well as a ready-to-wear collection that's truly worthy of buying now. Just look at that coat. Aside from the fashion, the show was also a delight for the senses, catering to both sight and taste with a high tea–like setup and an array of Ladurée pastries for each guest.

Pictured: the aforementioned setup. Guests (including myself) couldn't help themselves from digging into their treats before the show even started. Of course, almost everyone paused first to snap a photo.

This combination of lime green pants and glitter boots was just one of many wow moments from the show.

The Sies Marjan S/S 19 runway show was filled with the one thing you can always count on designer Sander Lak to give us: color. Unique suiting, crocodile-texturized plastics, and a surprising array of casual knitwear were paraded down the runway like one perfectly crafted spring confection after another. This collection broadened even more by showing a handful of traditional menswear looks, including everything from suiting to bowling shirts to oversize cardigans to nautical button-downs. Speaking of menswear…

One of the male models in the show was none other than Presley Gerber wearing an electric red silky bowling shirt and matching shorts. It was clearly a family affair as Kaia walked just a few looks later in a coordinating color palette.

Strong, free-spirited, passionate, and romantic, the Brock Collection woman was reflected in all her glory in this season’s collection through dresses, tops, and outerwear. With the romantic necklines the brand is known for and dreamy prints that transport you to another era, Brock Collection remains one of our favorite lines to support and wear. This season, the lineup played with striking colors and textures like metallics and delicate lace.

This season, Brock also introduced new footwear made in collaboration with Tabitha Simmons. We can’t wait to wear these beauties.

You can always count of Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock to design the prettiest tops, which you can wear as separates with jeans or paired with matching bottoms as shown on the runway above.

Through its theme of Global Getaway, today’s Michael Kors Collection S/S 19 show successfully brought color and sunshine (albeit artificial) to an otherwise gloomy last day of NYFW. From the art-adorned set by Australian artist Christina Zimpel to the bright prints and swim-inspired sets worn by the models, whatever vacation Michael Kors is envisioning is one I’d love to be on. If his star-studded front row could join, even better.

Fellow celebrities Nicole Kidman, Iman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Judith Light, and more were visibly elated at the arrival of funny girl Tiffany Haddish.

Followed closely by her show-closing sister, Gigi, Bella Hadid’s black-and-white beach-inspired suit set was one of the final looks to go down the long, long runway.

Tibi

Known for its easy-to-wear pieces that are a perfect mix of trend and staples, Tibi is always at the top of every fashion girl’s must-attend list. This season, its reputation remains unstained. We saw everything from the new It shoes for spring to the color we’ll all be wearing in the next six months.

Get ready to see (and wear) loads of electric green this spring. 

Flip-flops, but make it fashion, right?

Zimmermann will always win as one of the most Instagrammed runway events in New York. The Australian-based brand sends the dreamiest gowns, wearable florals, and epic separates down the runway. It’s also insanely popular among influencers, so you’re sure to see these pieces on the ’gram once they are available to shop.

Low-rise trousers and statement midriff tops expected for spring. 

It wouldn’t be a Zimmermann collection without beautiful gowns with intricate detailing. 

Theory

Theory can do no wrong when it comes to designing wardrobe classics like the perfect tailored pants and a blazer you’ll want to wear after hours. This season, the brand updated staples like breezy jackets and simple trousers by adding fresh details such as refined hemlines and fresh fabrics. We’re so into it. See our favorite moments from the spring collection below.

So on board for these loose silhouettes and bold colors. 

Meet your new office essentials for spring. 

After two seasons in Paris, Proenza Schouler was welcomed back to New York City for S/S 19. If their Parisian collections were studies in fine craftsmanship, the designers wanted to get a bit more “real” for their hometown return. The sentiment was translated into a lot of denim (who would have thought acid wash denim could be rendered desirable?) and canvas material as well. We were especially intrigued by tall leather boots banded at the ankles and the tie-dye button downs.

Word on the street is baby bags are out. We're excited for the return of the large carryall. 

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung took us on a global adventure for his S/S 19 collection. Above the runway, colorful Tibetan prayer flags were strung up and down while below them, models emerged one by one in athletic-inspired looks (lots of nylon, drawstrings, and anoraks) rendered in bright shades of neon. Most notably walking the show were Joan Smalls, Bella, and Gigi Hadid, and Winnie Harlow.

The ribbed knits were a particular highlight, emerging via multicolored long-sleeve tops and midi dresses.

Menswear looks—a first for the designer—were shown alongside the womenswear, and the unbuttoned shirts and cargo shorts only reinforced the collection's easygoing, outdoorsy motif.

Jonathan Simkhai

Dreamy doesn't even begin to describe Jonathan Simkhai's S/S 19 presentation, where models emerged from a lush background of greenery clad in delicate dresses that felt like a cross between Little House on the Prairie and Westworld. Indeed Simkhai is referencing both a nostalgic past and a tranquil future—we saw utility-inspired cargo pants alongside lace bustier dresses.

It's worth noting the cargo pants once more. The utility style is poised to be a major spring trend.

The presentation venue was filled with street style stars like Erika Boldrin and Charlotte Groeneveld.

Christian Siriano took a vacation—or at least he's seriously dreaming of one. For his S/S 19 collection, exotic locales were clearly an inspiration for the designer, who sent models down the runway in loads of tropical-leaf prints and the occasional sun hat or leather weekender bag. Though this isn't a casual trip—aside from a T-shirt endorsing Cynthia Nixon—the collection remained dressy and nighttime-ready.

While leopard print was everywhere we look this fall, Siriano's imagining the print as a chic swimsuit cover-up—or risqué evening dress—come spring.

Name a more iconic trio—we'll wait. Seriously, though, from Cynthia Nixon to Whoopi Goldberg, Siriano's front row was lively.

Ralph Lauren celebrated its 50th anniversary with an epic show and celebration at the Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. The collection, which was filled with rich autumnal hues and the designer's signature Americana spirit, certainly felt right at home in the early September Central Park atmosphere. The entirety of the show's 111(!) looks, from patchwork coats to long velvet maxi skirts and embroidered jackets, told a story of luxurious bohemia.

Dozens of notable celebs were in attendance, including It couple of the moment Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

Ralph Lauren embraced ultra-luxurious details like brocade and velvet.

Set on the rainy rooftop of a public high school in New York City, Phillip Lim's S/S 19 collection was filled with nomadic vibes, practical footwear, and eye-catching new layering techniques. One, in particular, had the attendees clamoring with intrigue—the bra tops. Coming in a slew of colorways, these little bralettes can be worn on their own, over a dress, under a coat, and so on and so forth.

The front row standout this season was Sofia Richie, who showed up arm in arm with her brother, Miles Richie.

The last few looks of the show were arguably three of the most Instagrammed of the collection. Each was adorned in some version of this '60s-inspired floral print—seen in a dress, bucket hat, and top—which added the festive pop we tend to crave in a spring collection.