Collina Strada returned to New York Fashion Week with a striking Fall/Winter 2025 collection that reinforced the brand’s commitment to sustainability while pushing the boundaries of avant-garde fashion. The collection, presented against a backdrop of surrealist-inspired set pieces, explored themes of transformation, rebellion, and self-expression.

Designer Background and Inspiration

Helmed by Hillary Taymour, Collina Strada has gained a reputation for its unapologetic approach to fashion, blending activism with artistry. Known for championing sustainability and inclusivity, Taymour’s designs often feature upcycled materials, unconventional silhouettes, and a playful, irreverent aesthetic. For Fall/Winter 2025, the collection was inspired by themes of metamorphosis and resilience, reflecting both personal and global transitions in an ever-changing world.

Analysis of Garments

The collection featured an eclectic mix of textures, colors, and silhouettes. Patchwork coats made from repurposed fabrics emphasized the brand’s dedication to sustainability, while asymmetrical dresses with exaggerated ruffles and bold floral prints embodied Collina Strada’s signature eccentricity.

One standout piece was a floor-length, hand-dyed gown in shades of burnt orange and deep indigo, reminiscent of autumnal landscapes. Another highlight was a structured blazer with deconstructed lapels, paired with draped trousers that blurred the lines between formalwear and street style. Layering was a key motif, with sheer mesh tops worn over billowy skirts, creating a dynamic interplay between softness and structure.

Model Presentation

Collina Strada has always embraced diversity, and this season was no exception. The runway featured models of various body types, genders, and ethnic backgrounds, reinforcing the brand’s message of inclusivity. Hair and makeup were equally bold, with neon-painted eyebrows, glitter-drenched cheekbones, and sleek, wet-look hair adding an avant-garde edge to the presentation.

Overall Show Presentation

The show was a sensory experience, featuring an immersive soundscape of electronic beats mixed with nature-inspired audio. Models walked through a set designed to resemble an otherworldly garden, complete with oversized mushrooms and surrealist sculptures. The deliberate pacing allowed each look to be fully appreciated, ensuring the audience could absorb the intricate details of the garments.

The Collection

Courtesy of Collina Strada

Fall-winter 2025/2026 new york – womenswear catwalks

©Launchmetrics/spotlight

Highlights and Lowlights

A major highlight of the collection was the innovative use of texture—hand-woven knits, layered tulle, and recycled denim showcased Taymour’s mastery of material manipulation. However, some critics noted that a few pieces veered into overly experimental territory, making them less practical for everyday wear. While Collina Strada thrives on pushing fashion’s boundaries, a more balanced integration of wearable and conceptual designs could broaden its appeal.

Trends and Innovation

This collection reaffirmed the growing trend of sustainable fashion merging with high-concept design. The use of bold, clashing prints, oversized silhouettes, and androgynous tailoring signaled an evolution in fashion’s embrace of individuality and environmental consciousness.

Personal Impressions

Collina Strada’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection was an audacious display of creative freedom and ecological responsibility. The fusion of repurposed materials with avant-garde silhouettes reinforced the brand’s role as a pioneer in sustainable high fashion. While some elements felt exaggerated for theatrical effect, the overall message of transformation and self-expression was powerfully conveyed.

With this collection, Hillary Taymour once again proved that fashion can be both a statement and a movement. Collina Strada continues to challenge conventional aesthetics while advocating for a more sustainable industry. As the brand evolves, its ability to merge activism with artistry ensures its place at the forefront of contemporary fashion.