NYFW AW26: The Designers Embodying The Spirit of The Season With Their Collections
New York Fashion Week is wrapping up, with the last few shows taking place today.
This Autumn/Winter 2026 showcase had its noteworthy moments like 7 for All Mankind’s inaugural fashion show bringing 2000s Gossip Girl-esque styles to the runway. However, it’s worth looking past the viral stories to the labels honoring CFDA’s vision: a future defined by community, creativity, independence, and resilience amidst a volatile political and economic landscape.
Community: Campillo
Mexican designer Patricio Campillo brought both heritage and a political manifesto to the runway. Exploring the theme of restriction, the collection utilized Western equestrian elements—chaps, corsets, and structured jackets—to communicate a sense of being "bound."
This theme also mirrored the room's energy, where guests wore "ICE OUT" pins in a spontaneous show of solidarity to tensions between the US and Latin Americans. As a Latino designer showing in New York, Campillo’s very presence evades the restrictions that the current political landscape has on people that look like him. Through his designs and clientele, Campillo has built up a strong community which he further pours into hiring Hispanic interns and artists for his shows. Doing so creates a pipeline of opportunity in an industry that too often overlooks them.
Courtesy of Vogue Runway
Creativity: Collina Strada
Designer Hillary Taymour’s creative vision for Collina Strada is reaping massive commercial success, evidenced by a new store on NYC’s Canal Street and a staggering 95% increase in Shopify sales. She has also masterfully translated her creative flair into high-profile collaborations with Puma and UGG, effectively scaling her brand to a wider market.
Her AW26 collection built on this momentum with a "Dark Romance" vampire theme. Models graced the stage in feminine, flowy floral dresses sharply contrasted by large sculptural shoulder pads. Black was in no shortage, with many looks sporting lace collars to anchor the Vampire narrative.
This collection stood out from legacy designers like Ralph Lauren who do well commercially, but whose designs are for a clientele who are refined and play it safe. If her recent track record predicts anything, it is that she will not need to sacrifice the bold creativity of this line with generating sales. This is critical for an industry who is trying to find a balance of self-expression with business especially during times of economic downturn.
Courtesy of Vogue Runway
Independence: Public School
Public School’s return led with a powerful call to action. Their collection, titled “Everything Is Now,” channeled a revolutionary spirit, urging the audience to seize the moment in a world where stability has vanished.
The purpose of the collection was less about carpe diem and more about rolling up your own sleeves to achieve the life you want. This idea of rolling up your sleeves was taken quite literally in some of the looks, with one featuring a button-down shirt with rolled-up cuffs. Canadian Tuxedos and work gloves also found their way onto the runway amongst sleek silhouettes that portrayed a sense of grit and strength that defines the Public School man.
Courtesy of Vogue Runway
Resilience: Coach
Last year Coach was revived as an “It” brand for Gen Z. With its latest runway, the brand is continuing to solidify its place in the mind and heart of its youth consumer - and is passing with flying colors. The collection used the customer as its muse, featuring the denim, patchwork, and checkered prints that are being scouted in thrift stores across the country.
Coach also understands that durability and sustainability are of importance to this segment, which is precisely why the decision to create some of the signature pieces from upcycled chinos is brilliant. It communicates that the brand is listening to the concerns of the client and is doing something about it.
Courtesy of Vogue Runway
While fashion is inherently forward-looking, "what’s next" isn't just a style forecast; it is a cultural manifesto. The designers highlighted this season did more than showcase clothing; they built worlds. By weaving community, creativity, independence, and resilience into the fabric of their collections, they’ve created a memorable, purpose-driven narrative that allows the modern consumer to align their values with their aesthetic.