Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Showcase: The Best Looks from New York and London

BY GRECIA MGOLOMBANE
Sep 23, 2024
4 min read

This year's spring/summer 2025 fashion shows has once again proven the power of influence and reincarnation, with designers drawing inspiration from English Literature and Afro-Asia diaspora.

The Spring/Summer 2025 fashion shows brought a buzz of excitement to the lively streets of New York and London, where designers unveiled their stunning ready-to-wear collections. The runways were brimming with inspiration and creativity, offering a sneak peek at the trends set to define the upcoming seasons.

This year’s shows are not merely a display of beautiful garments; they embody individual stories woven through fabric that resonate with cultural identities, emotional expressions, and societal narratives. From ground-breaking designs to stunning model appearances, let’s dive into the key highlights from these exhilarating fashion shows.

A-List Model Moments

One cannot overlook the stunning roster of A-list models gracing the runways this season—each bringing their unique flair to the fabric of high fashion. These influential figures not only elevate the brands they represent but also underscore how important model representation is in weaving together narratives around body positivity, diversity, and beauty standards within the industry.

Fashion isn't solely about what's on display on stage; it's equally about who’s watching from the front row—and this season did not disappoint! Celebrities like Rihanna, Naomi Watts, Laura Dern, Gigi Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski were spotted lending their star power at the showcase as they showed support for their favorite designers’ latest works.

Rihanna and Naomi Campbell were A-listers that came to support their favourite designers and made fashion statements themselves. Both Rihanna and Naomi in custom Alaia designer pieces. These appearances not only amplify designer visibility, but also shape public perception—turning runway looks into coveted trends as fans eagerly recreate styles inspired by their idols. Now let's dive into some of the standout collections that have already caught our attention:

The best looks from the top collections:

1. 16Arlington

This season marks a significant turning point for Marco Capaldo's brand, emerging from personal loss to embrace a more vibrant aesthetic filled with yellows, greens, and oranges—the colors of summer ease and joy. The collection features airy silhouettes like shirting and bra tops exuding a playful spirit - while refining signature styles to channel fun.

The blend of structured white silhouette’s signify effortless class and sophistication. Bold patterns that enhance a draping illumination made their debut within the Arlington collection.

2. Ahluwalia

Priya Ahluwalia's collection 'Home Sweet Home' draws inspiration from her transformative trip to Jamaica while reflecting on her Indian-Nigerian heritage. The intricate knitted fabrics symbolize complex emotional ties to identity and homecoming, beautifully blending traditional elements with contemporary design techniques.

The floral embroidery of lace mixed with bold and soft colours was a delicate eye-catching piece. Ahluwalia's collection borrowed pattern’s from her Indian-Nigerian heritage and made a vibrant debut as she did not shy from experimentation. Mixing odd colours and patterns.

3. Nensi Dojaka

After a brief hiatus, Nensi Dojaka returned to London Fashion Week with her much-anticipated collaboration with Calvin Klein. The collection features intimate pieces like sheer camisoles paired with tailored leggings, and airy eveningwear adorned with floral accents—highlighting her signature blend of minimalism infused with femininity.

Dojaka focused on dramatic feminism and floral features, revamping fashion classics like the LBD (little black dress).

4. Erdem

Erdem Moralıoğlu has once again captivated audiences by drawing inspiration from Radclyffe Hall's ‘The Well of Loneliness’. His collection artfully juxtaposes menswear tailoring with feminine silhouettes—challenging gender norms while telling a poignant story through clothing.

Erdem juxtaposes masculine and feminine energy within his collection challenging societal norms and embracing the edginess of tailored and flair. Gugu Mbatha-Raw spotted in Erdem, straight off the runway.

5. JW Anderson

Simplifying his approach this season, JW Anderson focused on materiality by employing a minimalistic palette comprising silk satin, cashmere knitwear, and exquisite leathers, which culminated in new silhouettes that championed modern prettiness.

6. Richard Quinn

Known for his flamboyant style, Richard Quinn showcased his love for maximalism at The Dorchester's ballroom, featuring embellished ballgowns and pastel hues alongside striking wedding dresses—all designed to celebrate life’s significant moments. The black and white pearl drip ball gown exhibs modern reimagined Brigerton.

7. Simone Rocha

Drawing crowds with her innovative presentation at Old Bailey, Simone Rocha's collection featured floral motifs intricately blended into various garments, such as leotards and sheer gowns—infusing whimsy into classic styles while referencing influential choreographers. Rocha challenges the denim for casual norm with this sophisticated one-piece jumpsuit.

8. Roksanda

Roksanda Ilinčić embraced nature versus industrialization through her SS25 collection inspired by environmental artist Agnes Denes—demonstrating how craftsmanship can marry structure with fluidity across each piece presented. The minimalist pink endeavour of chic femininity was a showstopper; adding edge with black gloves.

With New York and London paving the way for an exciting Spring/Summer 2025 season full of groundbreaking talent and captivating designs, anticipation now builds for South Africa and Paris shows.

The narratives spun through textiles continue shifting as global influences meld into unique expressions on future runways—reflecting not just fashion itself but also cultural sentiments threaded through every stitch.

As we observe these trends evolve, one thing remains clear: fashion is an ever-changing canvas where art meets commerce—celebrating individuality while embracing collective stories along its journey forward into a brighter future.