New York Fashion Week returned this September with a renewed sense of purpose, delivering collections that danced between restraint and exuberance, minimalism and ornament. From established American houses to international disruptors, Spring/Summer 2026 revealed more than style itself. The season elicited thought on how we dress, why we dress, and what we wish to declare through the way we dress. Here are the standout shows that defined the season.
Coach
Stuart Vevers continues to imbue Coach with romance and grit. His SS26 collection unfolded like a New York morning – pale light, worn textures, unexpected elegance. Leather was softened to near-suede, tailoring borrowed from workwear yet stayed elevated, and accessories spoke in sculptural whispers. Cylindrical duffels, coin-purse pendants, and tactile layers created a collection that felt cinematic, with equal parts realism and reverie.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors staged his SS26 show in an industrial space washed with natural light, a fitting canvas for a collection rooted in earth tones and effortless polish. Olive greens, sun-baked clay, and sandy neutrals took centrestage, softened by flowing drapery and offset by precise tailoring. Tassel details, pendant necklaces, and long-strapped wallets added utility with flair. It was a collection that felt grounded, elegant, and ready to travel.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch delivered one of the season’s most optimistic collections, embracing imperfection as beauty, though meticulously constructed. Crumpled knits, distressed finishes, and twisted tailoring created a lived-in quality that elevated everyday styles. Saturated hues, piped-edge blazers, and pleated skirts swayed with energy, while accessories sharpened the look. It was a joyful ode to clothes that move, wrinkle, and breathe with their wearer.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren reaffirmed his mastery of timeless American glamour. Presented within the brand’s Manhattan headquarters, the SS26 collection balanced tailored suiting with sweeping gowns and floral dresses. The palette was refined – black, white, and crimson – while details such as raffia hats and sculptural silver jewelry grounded the looks in heritage. It was both a nostalgic reflection and contemporary statement, reminding us why Lauren’s design ethos endures.
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein’s SS26 was a study in restraint. Crisp monochromes like shades of ivory, slate, and black dominated, while scarf motifs and fringe accents introduced subtle fluidity. Tailoring was pared back yet sharp, and the silhouettes were long and lean. In a season peppered with maximalism, Calvin Klein’s vision was refreshing in its clarity: less as more, with precision as the point of view.
COS
COS entered NYFW SS26 as part of the international roster, bringing forward a collection that felt both understated and deeply tactile. Under Karin Gustafsson’s direction, the brand balanced sculptural tailoring with cocooning overcoats, layers of sheer fabric, and textural contrast, including soft leather, shearling, and muted neutrals. It was a display of quiet power: clothes built to move, breathe, and endure.
Proenza Schouler
Proenza Schouler’s SS26 presentation, off-schedule and under the newly appointed Rachel Scott, signaled a meaningful shift. The collection embraced exposed seams, reversed jacquards, and skeletal tailoring, interspersed with vibrant print flashes that aren’t merely decorative. It was a look toward what comes after heritage, with structure reinvented, welcomed imperfection, and softened boundaries.
Explore more fashion stories here.