Sandy Liang once again captivated audiences at New York Fashion Week with her Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, presented on February 10, 2025. Known for her ability to blend balletcore, schoolgirl aesthetics, and utilitarian elements, Liang’s latest collection reaffirmed her status as a designer redefining nostalgia-infused fashion.

With an audience packed with industry insiders, influencers, and celebrity fans like Olivia Rodrigo, Bella Hadid, and Emma Chamberlain, anticipation was high—and Liang did not disappoint. Her Fall 2025 collection delivered an imaginative mix of delicate details and structured elements, creating a striking contrast that felt fresh and exciting.

A Collection Rooted in Nostalgia and Modernity

Continuing her signature exploration of femininity, Liang reinterpreted classic schoolgirl staples this season with a modern and sophisticated touch. Pleated skirts, oversized collars, and sheer fabrics were reimagined through precise tailoring and unexpected layering. Billowy sheer overlays elegantly floated over structured garments, adding dimension and balance to each look.

One of the standout ensembles featured a deep navy cape with exaggerated lapels, layered over a silk slip dress and finished with chunky Mary Janes. This combination perfectly encapsulated Liang’s ability to take familiar elements and present them with a contemporary twist.

While past collections often highlighted pastel pinks and baby blues, Fall 2025 introduced a darker palette, embracing deep plums and forest greens contrasted with airy creams and muted lilacs. This shift to richer colors created a moody yet playful aesthetic, making the collection ideal for the transition into autumn.

Defining the Tough Balletcore Trend

Sandy Liang has been a key figure in what can now be described as “tough balletcore”—a fusion of delicate tulle and structured durability. This season, she solidified that narrative with chunky moto-style footwear anchoring ethereal dance-inspired pieces.

Backstage, Liang shared her inspiration, explaining, “I’ve always been inspired by movement—the way ballet dancers prepare, the layers they throw on before and after practice. That sense of effortless style, but with a bit of toughness, always influences my work.”

This philosophy translated into a collection that felt both wearable and intentional, perfectly suited for those balancing dreamy femininity with the realities of urban life.

Celebrity and Industry Excitement

Fashion Week attendees were eager to predict which celebrities would be seen in Liang’s latest designs. Emma Chamberlain, a longtime fan of Liang’s eclectic style, was spotted in an oversized collared jacket from the collection, sparking fresh buzz about the trend. Stylists are already forecasting that key elements from the show—particularly exaggerated collars and sheer layering—will be prominent in the coming months.

Critics were quick to praise the collection for its balance of familiarity and innovation. A top editor from WWD noted, “Sandy Liang has found a formula that works, yet she doesn’t let herself become predictable. This season’s darker palette and structured elements show real evolution.”

A Defining Moment for Fall 2025 Fashion

With her Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, Sandy Liang expertly balanced romantic nostalgia with a bold modern attitude. By merging elements of schoolgirl innocence with downtown cool, she reaffirmed her place as one of fashion’s most exciting designers.

As trends lean further into the balletcore-meets-utilitarian aesthetic, Liang’s designs are poised to influence wardrobes this upcoming season. Expect to see oversized collars, sheer layering, and bold yet playful contrasts dominating street style in the months ahead. One thing is certain—Sandy Liang’s fashion-forward vision shows no signs of slowing down.