Lily Collins Shines at New York Fashion Week: A Glamorous Return to Calvin Klein
On September 12, 2025, Lily Collins made a striking return to New York Fashion Week (NYFW), gracing the front row of the Calvin Klein Spring 2026 show. Known for her role as Emily Cooper in Netflix’s hit series Emily in Paris, Collins brought a refreshing blend of elegance and playfulness to the event, marking her first appearance at NYFW in several years.
A Dazzling Entrance
Collins turned heads in a semi-sheer white co-ord set adorned with shimmering, scale-like sequins. The ensemble featured a cropped spaghetti strap top paired with a knee-length pencil skirt, perfectly complemented by silver strappy heels and a chic white handbag. Her understated makeup, highlighted by a rosy lip and trendy soap nails, added to her sophisticated look. According to In Style, her fashion choices resonated with the essence of Calvin Klein, a brand synonymous with modern minimalism.
Celebrating Calvin Klein’s Legacy
The significance of Collins’ appearance was amplified by her role as the face of Calvin Klein’s Spring 2026 campaign. In a statement earlier this year, she expressed her excitement, stating, “It was a total honor and a dream come true.” Collins reminisced about her childhood, recalling how she would cut out Calvin Klein ads from magazines, emphasizing the brand’s representation of “classic and cool” aesthetics.
Her outfit was a modern homage to Calvin Klein’s iconic ’90s minimalism, a style that has influenced fashion for decades. Collins noted, “I wanted to play with proportion and bring a bit of 2025 into it,” showcasing her ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary trends.
A Full Circle Moment
Reflecting on her return to NYFW, Collins described the experience as a “full circle” moment. She shared, “Having this show and being involved again was even more special than I knew it would be. It felt like I was back in my late teen and early twenties out front of the shows just soaking it all in.” This sentiment highlights the emotional connection many in the fashion industry feel towards NYFW, a platform that has launched countless careers and showcased transformative designs.
Collins praised designer Veronica Leoni’s debut collection for Calvin Klein, describing it as “completely comfortable and utterly chic.” She humorously remarked, “Who wouldn’t want to feel that chic in a bathrobe?” This playful comment underscores the blend of comfort and style that has become increasingly important in modern fashion.
A Year of Transformation
2025 has been a transformative year for Collins, both personally and professionally. In addition to her fashion endeavors, she is currently filming the fifth season of Emily in Paris, which is being shot in picturesque locations across Paris and Italy. Furthermore, Collins embraced motherhood earlier this year, welcoming her daughter via surrogacy in January. She described this new chapter in her life as “utter bliss,” showcasing her ability to balance a demanding career with the joys of parenthood.
With so much on her plate, Collins found NYFW to be a refreshing escape. “I love to have fun and play around with new shapes and silhouettes. Fashion Week is a great place to experiment,” she remarked, emphasizing the creative freedom that the event offers to designers and attendees alike.
The Evolution of Fashion Weeks
New York Fashion Week has long been a cornerstone of the fashion industry, serving as a platform for designers to showcase their latest collections and for celebrities to make bold statements. The event has evolved significantly since its inception in the early 1940s, transitioning from a small gathering of fashion insiders to a global spectacle that attracts attention from around the world.
In recent years, the focus has shifted towards inclusivity and sustainability, with many designers prioritizing eco-friendly materials and diverse models. This evolution reflects broader societal changes, as consumers increasingly demand transparency and responsibility from the brands they support.
Conclusion
Lily Collins’ return to New York Fashion Week not only highlights her personal and professional growth but also underscores the enduring legacy of Calvin Klein in the fashion world. As she navigates the complexities of motherhood and a thriving career, Collins remains a prominent figure in the industry, embodying the spirit of modern fashion. Her appearance at NYFW serves as a reminder of the event’s significance in shaping trends and celebrating creativity, making it a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
