On the runways of New York’s Spring 2026 season, refinement and restraint lived alongside grit and experimentation — often in the same show, and even in the same look. Designers leaned into muted palettes, tactile detail, and grounded silhouettes, while still finding space for collaboration, cultural storytelling, and nostalgic reinvention. A spirit of wearability pervaded the city, but it was rarely at odds with imagination.
One of the strongest examples of this balance came from Tory Burch, whose collection captured luxury at its most approachable. Elegant tailoring and fluid separates hit the rare mark of being refined while still feeling accessible, underscoring her continued ability to speak to both polish and practicality. Jason Wu drew strength from his collaboration with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, weaving the artist’s spirit into a collection that carried painterly richness and conceptual depth.
Khaite reminded us why it has become a New York anchor, presenting a chic and confident lineup that played between sharp leathers and softer sheers — sophistication with an edge of grit. Meanwhile, Michael Kors embraced desert tones and relaxed glamour, offering a wardrobe of ease and polish that felt as much about lifestyle as it did luxury. Ralph Lauren continued his mastery of American elegance with timeless codes reinterpreted for the present, proof that quiet consistency can still land with weight.
Elsewhere, Stuart Vevers’ Coach leaned into lived-in authenticity — worn leathers, grounded silhouettes, and a subtle romance with the city itself. Altuzarra found poise in romantic fluidity edged with structure, while Toteme offered a sharp study in restraint, stripping back to monochrome and letting texture and proportion command attention. The week also saw cultural depth from Campillo, whose intricate knits and woven details highlighted craft as both art and identity.
Here are The Impression’s picks for the best runway shows of the Spring 2026 season in New York as selected by our Editor-in-Chief, Kenneth Richard.
10 – Simkhai
9 – Ralph Lauren
8 – Campillo
7 – Altuzzura
6 – Toteme
5 – Michael Kors Collection
4 – Coach
3 – Khaite
2 – Jason Wu Collection
1 – Tory Burch
