Draped in Desire: Spring 2026 at NYFW
Even though we haven’t even pulled out our winter sweaters yet—and the thermometer is still reading a very real 82 degrees—the fashion world is always a step ahead. That’s the paradox of New York Fashion Week: just as we’re bracing for falling leaves and pumpkin spice, the runways are already blooming with spring.
New York Fashion Week has a way of reminding me that fashion is never just about clothes. It’s about movement, mood, and the way fabric tells its own story when it catches the light. This season, three houses in particular stood out—Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Proenza Schouler. Different in voice, yet united by one theme: draping.
Left to right; S/S 2026 Michael Kors Collection, Porenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors Collection
Ralph Lauren: Romance, Reimagined
Ralph’s runway was a masterclass in how classics can shimmer with new life. A fiery red strapless gown draped with effortless glamour, white column dresses that floated like air, and even tailoring softened by folds that looked casually knotted into perfection.
Then there were the surprises: sequined skirts paired with cropped knits, pinstripes that flowed rather than confined, and that unforgettable wide-brimmed hat framing a scarlet sundress (yes, with pockets). Ralph reminded us that draping can be both grand and grounded—glamour with its feet firmly planted on the city pavement.
S/S 2026 Ralph Lauren www.ralphlauren.com
Michael Kors: The Breeze That Follows
Where Ralph shimmered, Kors exhaled. His exact words for his Collection: Earthy Elegance. His draping moved through fringe that danced like liquid fire, white linen wraps that looked tied on at the beach yet polished enough for Fifth Avenue, and mustard tailoring softened by the way it fell on the body.
The metallic trench was a standout—draping transformed into armor, gleaming and unapologetic. And then came chocolate shirtdresses and black sequined skirts paired with easy tops: proof that draping can be powerful without ever feeling fussy. Kors’ spring was a reminder that the chicest thing isn’t always what you wear—it’s how it falls when you’re already on the move.
Looks from the S/S 2026 Michael Kors Collection www.michaelkors.com
Proenza Schouler: Draping as Art
And then there was Proenza. If Kors was the breeze, Proenza was the gallery opening. A seafoam dress painted with florals pleated into brushstroke-like folds. A slouchy red sweater thrown over a sculptural ivory skirt, speaking in volumes both literal and figurative.
The ivory off-shoulder draped top over black trousers was one of those rare runway moments where I thought: this is how I want to dress forever. And that ribbed scarlet column gown, hugging the body before fluting out in pleated waves at the hem, was draping as conversation—restraint giving way to release.
www.proenzaschouler.com
The Thread That Binds
From Ralph’s gilded Americana, to Kors’ sun-drenched ease, to Proenza’s sculptural artistry, draping was everywhere. Sometimes soft, sometimes sharp, sometimes daring, but always intentional.
And maybe that’s the beauty of it: when fabric is draped, it doesn’t just sit on the body—it lives with it. It moves when you move, it bends when you bend, it tells the story you’re too busy living to put into words.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, spring didn’t stop at draping. Fringe stole the spotlight in every possible interpretation—from delicate whispering feathers to full-bodied sways. Gold proved once again it’s still the metal of the moment, gleaming on coats, dresses, and accessories alike. And the most unexpected joy? A nod to richer, warmer tones—think earthy reds, deep ochres, muted mints and sunlit yellows that brought a grounded vibrancy to the runways.
Spring may still feel far away (especially when it’s 82 degrees outside and we haven’t even reached for our sweaters yet), but isn’t it fun to know what’s ahead.
XO
Missy
Last 2 days of the the NYFW - from www.nyfw.com
