Models walking the runway during the Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2025 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Thom Browne is known for transforming runways into magical landscapes, and his Fall/Winter 2025 showcase was no different. Closing out New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, the designer turned a dimly lit Manhattan theater into a mesmerizing spectacle. Floating above the audience were 2,000 delicate white origami birds, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
A Night of Stars and Style
The event drew an impressive crowd of celebrities and fashion icons. Oscar-nominated actor Adrien Brody sat beside Vogue’s Anna Wintour, while actors Morgan Spector and Rebecca Hall shared the front row. The star-studded guest list also included Cara Delevingne, musician St. Vincent, and actors Cristin Milioti, Alessandro Nivola, and Cole Escola.
Thom Browne Fashion Takes Flight
Browne’s shows are never rushed. Instead of the usual quick runway walk, his presentations unfold like theatrical performances, weaving an intricate narrative. This time, the story centered on two lovebirds trapped in a white cage, longing for freedom. “How wonderful would it be,” they wondered, “to be exactly who we wish to be?”
The show opened with two ornithologists, dressed in Browne’s signature gray uniforms. Sitting at a desk near the caged birds, they observed the parade of fashion taking flight.
Models followed, their lashes adorned with feathery accents, showcasing a collection rich in textures and patterns. Tweeds, checks, plaids, and argyle knits dominated the runway, reimagined with exaggerated shapes and masterful tailoring. The collection featured 64 distinctive looks, each a testament to Browne’s craftsmanship.
Among the standout pieces were voluminous ball skirts, layered petticoats, and coats adorned with striking bird motifs. Satin stitch and gold bullion embroidery brought these avian-inspired designs to life. A nod to collegiate fashion came in the form of a brown varsity jacket marked with “65,” a tribute to Browne’s birth year.
Of course, no Browne show would be complete without statement accessories. His beloved Hector handbag, modeled after his pet dog, made an appearance, alongside other eye-catching pieces.
Designer Thom Browne at Fall/Winter 2025 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
A Valentine’s Tradition
Every February, when Browne presents his collection in New York, he ends the show with a special Valentine’s Day gesture for his partner, Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This time, he stayed true to the theme, emerging at the finale with a bouquet of white flowers—a delicate and heartfelt touch to an already poetic evening.
Browne’s latest collection was more than just fashion; it was a celebration of artistry, storytelling, and the freedom to express oneself.
