Ruching, trousers, and styling: A new era at NYFW 2025 - Global Fashion Collective

Emerging designers, game-changing styling, and a sneak peek into the future

Global Fashion Collective is a “platform supporting creative designers from around the world” based in Vancouver, Canada. They bring emerging designers into the fashion industry each fashion week in New York, Milan, London, Paris and Tokyo to help this designers reach new audiences and markets.

But for me GFC, it’s also about showcasing culture, innovation and future fashion trends. Sorry in advance if I get too romantic with this, but I enjoy discovering new artists so much, this feeling of being one of the first that knows about something that is about to become really big is amazing, hipsters they called us back in the day.

Sunday, Feb 9th was the day on the oficial NYFW schedule to come together and witness the amazing work of 9 different designers and 5 Open Studio Academy students, from which I have my top 3 designers to watch and I’m going to share with you why, so you can obsess over them too.

The ruching fever

Alex S Yu— I was speechless when I first saw the plaid midi skirt with ruching and asymmetrical volumes created by folding the fabric. For me that’s when the show started. I would separate the collection showed in 3 different groups: First the kids/young clothing with a lot of playful textures and softness, then the dark optimistic looks that played with silhouettes and volume in such a smart way; 3D puffy flowers, layering soft and hard textures and bell-shaped hips that kinda resembled crinoline used in the 1800s but not at all. And finally, the ruching pieces, where everyday basic pieces became statement in a world that it’s craving fun, dopamine and any chance to stand out. From that midi skirt I mentioned before to classic button ups made completely different by adding so much texture it’s hard to think about it as a classic piece, all the way to metallics and sequins to add an extra touch of joy to the runway.

What did we learn from here?
That ruching is the new it texture. And that volume is our best friend.

Making trousers cool again

S. Mu— Let’s talk about how difficult it is to find cooler pants. Serena presented a cohesive collection with blacks, denims and silver metallic fabrics creating strong looks with a bit of sporty hints to some of the looks. But what really caught my eye was the ability to bring excitement into trousers, not by prints or the fabric, but actually creating fashion innovation with new silhouettes, overlapping fabrics to make patterns, playing with the crotch point and waist band or even adding ‘cleavage’ to the legs. It was a fun play between streetwear and something more dressy with accessories and makeup hinting the 80s.

What did we learn from there?
That silver isn't going anywhere. And that we need cooler pants.

Styling of the now

TRIPLEROOT— Being a maximalist lover myself I have a soft spot for the remake of classics. It’s so fun to see how a trench coat can be remade into a modern and fun two piece set without loosing it’s chicness and versatility. Leaning more into the workwear realm for the contemporary women this collection was sophisticated and eloquent but what stood out the most for me was the styling. The choice to send such an elegant outfit with bright yellow socks and sandals or mixing plaid with flowers with an oversized lapel collar was the giveaway for me that this collection was about keepin it classy but thinking in 2025, gen Z, personal style beyond basic pieces and all.

What did we learn from here?
That you can always reinvent something. And that styling is key.

It’s not over

It was an exciting sunday to say the least. Special shout out to the The Open Studio Academy of Art and Design students that presented amazing, over the top, multidimensional pieces, under the name of “Imprints of Time” sharing collectively different aspects of the chinese culture. It was a pleasure to experience that.

Now I’m more than excited to keep discovering new designers and ways to style my looks. The next fashion week is long away but I have keeping my eyes open in this city that was so much to offer so I can bring new recommendations on here.

Tell me, have you find something lately that you can’t stop thinking about? Like me with that Alex S Yu skirt & shirt.

For more fashion talks and personal style you subscribe to my substack can follow me on the other app: @golden_strokes
xo, L