They say it takes a village to raise a child. But in fashion, it takes an army of creatives to come together and put on a show. On February 14, Asian NYFW was gearing up for a Valentine’s day special of not one, but two runway shows. Represented annually by PR agency The Chi Group, Asian NYFW aims to create a bridge between designers of color from across the world on one runway. Considering the multi-designer showcase takes place in one of the biggest fashion capitals, the event has stood out and gained popularity fast.
In the months leading up to February’s afternoon and evening shows, 13 designers were handpicked to make their runway debut and present their collections to the public. From bold color pathways to striking silhouettes, each featured designer made the experience curated to everyone’s different tastes.
Up bright and early, hair and makeup artists set up their stations ready for whatever the day brought. As models and volunteers started piling in, the room began to feel more like a family gathering (where shouting over the table is highly encouraged). It’s easy to get yourself caught up in the anxiety of a high profile event like fashion week, but every individual handled getting ready like a pro which made all the organized chaos fall into place.
Anticipation heightened as models began to get dressed in their finalized looks and lined up in Lavan Midtown’s corridors for rehearsals. Catching a glimpse of designers like Ingjin San directing backstage, you could feel their dedication and creative juices flowing just from watching them.
From glam work to steaming garments, every person backstage held their ground down as one part of the entire puzzle. Seeing collections like Soak’s up close and personal allowed Team EnVi to be along for the ride, while also secretly wishing it was in our wardrobe too. As influencers, attendees, and press started rolling in, you could feel the excitement building while patiently waiting to see each designer’s vision come to life. Before we knew it, the music was lowered and you could hear a pindrop in the room, which could’ve only meant one thing – it was showtime.
PETORUCHE’S MASQUERADE BALL
Picture the masquerade balls featured in 2000s shows like The Vampire Diaries or Gossip Girl. The big dresses, tailored suits, and disguises that were larger than life. For one night only, every guest was enamored to take up a new identity and become whoever they wanted to be. No boundaries, no rules, just a playground for mischief and drama to unleash.
Petoruche’s newest collection captured the same appeal, but with a fresh and modernized take. Founded by Yasunari Onodera, Petoruche’s designs are heavily inspired by his Japanese heritage, minimalism, and deconstructed silhouettes. With Petoruche’s elegant script logo in the background, each model slowed down their stride as they made a quiet but dramatic entrance across the runway.
While you’d expect to see each look at fashion week accompanied by full face glam, Petoruche delivered the opposite. Almost every model walked out wearing a mask or dark accessory covering a majority of their facial features, but it played to their strengths. It drew viewers’ focus even further into the garments, immersing everyone into the dark fantasy of Petoruche’s world. Bold glamour was replaced with even bolder mystery, and it absolutely worked.
Several collared button-up shirts were spotted, but the number of ways you could wear them was certainly put to the test. Paired with a pleated asymmetrical skirt, the delicate black and white layers gave a sophisticated flair to its form. Layering is essential for colder seasons, but at the same time a technique most of us can only hope to master one day. Luckily, Onodera gave us an idea or two. For a more fitted look, a cropped vest on top of a button-up will do. But if you prefer a longer and comfortable fit, wear a blazer instead.
Every look’s professional and sultry essence was carefully watched by guests in attendance. The versatility of Petoruche’s black and white color palette showed neutrals truly never go out of style. Onodera’s debut collection perfectly balanced the theatrics of elegant costume masks with practical pieces made for everyday wear.
SOAK ON SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPERFECT CREATION
Headed by Ecuadorian born designer, Kimberly Ortega, SOAK walked the runway with their collection, “The Art of the Unwanted.” Having grown up against the backdrop of her father’s used autoparts store, Ortega’s work applies the philosophy of the value in parts and fragments. In this collection, SOAK utilizes secondhand materials and deadstock fabrics to create experimental, unisex pieces. The focal point is the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat, reimagined in winding shapes and Dali-esque surrealist amalgamations.
The play on shapes is heightened by the reworking and recycling of discarded fabrics, seen through the detailing of button-down plackets used as sleeves and waistband elastics as crop top hems. Ripped and asymmetrical fabrics give a daring edge to the grounded feel of the earthy, cream color palette.
SOAK asserts that fashion innovation is not defined by striving towards perfection, instead through the process, experimentation, and mistakes. The brand’s core mission is about sustainability in ways that not only extends towards the betterment of the future, but of the past, history, and what gets left behind.
URVI SELARKA’S SIREN SILHOUETTES
Closing out the 3PM show, Indian womenswear designer Urvi Selarka gave the audience a masterclass in geometry and draping. Born and raised in Mumbai, Selarka often finds her design inspirations within nature and other shapes of the world.
Graduating from FIT’s rigorous Fashion Design MFA program in 2024, her showcase made it clear she’s already becoming one of her own in the industry. Selarka’s designs have been established as fusions of “structure and fluidity,” making her a rising talent who knows how to think outside of the box.
Opting for an all black color scheme this season, guests were enchanted and intrigued by every dramatic silhouette. Selarka’s opening look was nothing short of a fiery showstopper, with dress sleeves taking the shape of two flames side by side. In contrast, another model wore sleeves of the same shape but with lace mesh lining instead. Either way, you could easily picture iconic female villains like Maleficent having any and every piece from the collection in their wardrobes.
From every twist and turn on the runway, Urvi Selarka’s was one that had everyone at the edge of their seats. The spiky edges and siren glam on each model felt like fashion from the apocalypse, but in the best way possible. This was a collection that didn’t just ask for the crowd’s attention – it commanded it.
Ardea takes over New York
From Los Angeles, California, ARDEA showcased its first New York Fashion Week collection this past February 14 at 6PM. Titled ARDEA: NOVA, the collection lived up to its title, “Quality Without Compromise.” Founders Ren Foster and Anthony Perez debuted nine looks in total, presenting a lineup that felt sustainable and designed to be natural and well-constructed.
ARDEA showcased a mix of neutral colorways and denim-inspired materials. From baseball caps featuring the brand’s signature logo to bomber jackets finished with in-house washes, the collection reflected the label’s vision and commitment to craftsmanship. Their first but not last runway show, ARDEA, came to New York to prove that Los Angeles knows fashion as well.
KARINA NASYWA BAKRI BRINGS COLOR TO THE RUNWAY
Among the myriad of neutral runway shows came a splash of color, and that was no other than designer Karina Nasywa Bakri. Inspired by her father, who is an architect, and directors such as Stan Brakhage, Karina’s collections are defined by sculptural explorations of colors, and movement. Her womenswear FW26 collection consisted of 10 looks and a mix of purples, pinks, and pastel blues — bringing textiles to different shapes and cuts.
Among the looks on the runway were multicolored tights styled with an oversized hoodie featuring shoulder cutouts, along with blazers adorned with reimagined tulle that created the illusion of voluminous sleeves and cascading ruffles down the back. Alongside her garments, the collection featured distinctively styled headwear, including a giant hot pink bow and a uniquely tied hat that only Karina could execute. Known for incorporating deadstock and discarded materials into her collections, Karina stands as a proud example that sustainability will always have its place in the fashion industry.
YANG YANG XU X LIU YU PARTNER UP
This daring collection was the culmination of two Chinese designers who demonstrate the new wave of bold and experimental Asian creativity.
Yangyang, who has a background in print design, is known for playing with the intersection between fashion and immersive art. This approach could be seen in her collaboration with Liu Yu, as the collection dolled out pieces with three dimensional detailing, halftone textures, and translucent layering. Watercolor-esque print across various pieces gave a dreamy effect to the avant-garde theme.
Black and neon green were the stars of the color palette. The contrast of these colors is attributed to both a hyperpop, futuristic, garage rave look as well as sleek suits and long dresses with a cheeky, translucent edge. Bodysuits with long sleeve gloves and knee high boots accentuated sharp lines and silhouettes. Accessories pulled the pieces together, ranging from feathers, glossy leather gloves, and oversized band sunglasses.
Together, this collaboration acted not only as a statement to be interpreted, but as an open invitation to step into a space where fashion envelops the senses and transforms the runway into an immersive experience of movement, texture, and emotion.
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF FASHION TOGETHER
With the culmination of two runway slots, it was safe to say the Asian NYFW team had their hands full. But by the end of the night, the showcase succeeded in what it was determined to do best: spotlight designers of color at the forefront of fashion. The ideation and craftsmanship in fashion is what captivates so many designers, but we often forget community is a large part of that life too. That desire to have your art seen, interpreted, and shared through conversations offline or online fuels the industry in its entirety more times than you can count.
There’s truly no other stage like it, where culture meets innovation from any place on the map. Your heritage may be something deeply personal to your inner circle, but Asian NYFW made something pretty clear this season. No matter your nationality, gender, or wardrobe choice – you can and will always be a part of the narrative.
Want to find more global talent in fashion? Check out EnVi’s recap on JASPER’s latest collection.
