As the city braced itself for another stylish takeover, New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 delivered a spectacular showcase of innovative fashion, unexpected brand collaborations, and dazzling events. From February 6-11, industry heavyweights like Thom Browne, Tory Burch, and Carolina Herrera presented their collections across some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and City Hall.
While this February’s schedule was slightly more compact with 79 official CFDA-listed shows compared to 87 last September it was no less impactful, featuring both on-calendar and off-calendar presentations that kept fashion insiders buzzing.
Yet, while some names were notably absent Proenza Schouler and Helmut Lang took a hiatus after their creative directors’ departures, and Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren skipped this season others seized the opportunity to make a splash. This season’s NYFW saw a continued infusion of unexpected brand partnerships, proving that fashion’s influence stretches far beyond the runway.
Get a Look at the Best Brand Moments From NYFW Fall/Winter 2025, From chip pants to coffee pop-ups, this month’s New York Fashion Week featured clever partnerships, fun parties, and plenty of inspiring designer shows.#nairobifashionhub
— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-02-21T11:47:51.066Z
Hidden Valley Ranch x MELKE: A Whimsical Midwest Twist
The most surprising fashion collaboration of the season came from an unlikely source: Hidden Valley Ranch. The beloved dressing brand teamed up with Emma Gage of MELKE, who took inspiration from her Midwestern roots, potlucks, and supper clubs to create a limited-edition collection. The Hidden Valley Ranch x MELKE line features five bold pieces, including two cardigans, a knit vest, a blouse, and a pair of pants all incorporating vibrant geometric patterns inspired by the brand’s signature bottle and seasoning packet. Priced between $240 and $1,000, the collection will be available at HiddenValleyRanch.com, melkenyc.com, and select retailers nationwide this fall.
QDOBA’s Chip Pants: A Tasty Fashion Statement
Food met fashion once again as QDOBA debuted its cheeky ‘Chip Pants’ during NYFW. Designed for fashion enthusiasts and food lovers alike, these inventive trousers featured built-in compartments to store crispy tortilla chips—a playful yet functional nod to the brand’s Mexican culinary heritage. Kelsey Kraatz, senior manager of national media at QDOBA, emphasized the campaign’s intent: “With Chip Pants, we’re combining two passion points of the younger generation food and fashion allowing us to engage with this key audience in a fun and memorable way.” While these pants aren’t for sale, their viral moment ensured QDOBA’s place among the standout activations of the season.
The traditionally more toned-down February edition featured 79 shows on the Council of Fashion Designers of America calendar, as compared to 87 shows in September.But that’s not counting the off-calendar and unofficial events.
— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-02-21T11:51:09.289Z
Eckhaus Latta x CASETiFY: Tech Meets Runway
Blurring the lines between fashion and technology, cult-favorite label Eckhaus Latta collaborated with CASETiFY to incorporate stylish mirror phone cases and phone straps into their latest collection. For co-founder Mike Eckhaus, the partnership was a natural fit: “You walk down the street all the time with your phone in your hand. It’s exciting to bring that everyday reality into the runway in an elevated way.” The move reinforced the anti-fantasy approach that defines Eckhaus Latta’s aesthetic, proving that practicality can be just as fashionable as avant-garde design.
McDonald’s House of Arches: Fashion’s Golden Touch
Proving that fast food and high fashion are a match made in marketing heaven, McDonald’s took center stage with its House of Arches runway show. The event marked the culmination of Change of Fashion, a mentorship program pairing five rising designers with influential industry insiders to help build their brands. Following the runway showcase, McDonald’s threw an exclusive after-party featuring DJ Mr. Rogers, an open bar, and a McDonald’s food truck—ensuring that guests left not only inspired but also well-fed.
Several major labels including Proenza Schouler and Helmut Lang were absent from the schedule following the departure of their creative directors, while some brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren decided to skip this season.
— Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-02-21T11:53:21.307Z
The Future of Brand Collaborations in Fashion
NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 underscored a growing trend in the industry: the seamless fusion of fashion, food, and tech. From dressing up in ranch-inspired knitwear to carrying mirror phone cases as an intentional styling element, these unconventional partnerships showcased how brands can think outside the box and captivate audiences beyond traditional runway presentations. As NYFW continues to evolve, one thing is certain fashion is no longer just about clothing; it’s about crafting immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team
