Inside Frolov’s Sultry New York Fashion Week Debut

Couture-to-Wear fashion brand Frolov hosted its first-ever New York Fashion Week (NYFW) showcase on September 8. Held at the historic Academy Mansion, the event was a two-part exhibit and cocktail party to debut the Spring 2025 collection. Titled “Ivasyk,” the collection took inspiration from love found, love lost and, above all else, temptation.

Below, EnVi walks you through the grandiose evening from the POV of fashion writer Valentina Reni, who (alongside photographer Miko Fusco) was on-site at Frolov’s Spring 2025 presentation.

7:30 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., Miko and I rendezvoused outside the Academy Mansion on 2 E 63rd Street to orchestrate our game plan. Tonight’s event was an interesting combination: collection showcase and cocktail party. After discussing what type of social content we wanted to collect throughout the night, we ventured inside with our invitations.

7:35 p.m.

Immediately, we were politely — but firmly — asked to wait outside until the 8:00 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. window. As the first to arrive, we were happy to huddle beside the front doors and chat about our hectic weekend so far — the NYFW grind kept our company Slack active at all hours of the day and night! While we waited, we befriended Olympic rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas, who was wearing the iconic Olympic rings pendant. Miko also took a picture with musician Juliet Ivy, who he previously photographed at one of her concerts. She was wearing a sleek black ensemble à la Frolov, of course. 

8:10 p.m.

When the doors opened at 8:10 p.m., we joined the hubbub that had formed in front of the entrance. We were ushered into the building in an organized fashion, and received a wrist stamp of Frolov’s logo to mark our entrance. Across from the check-in desk was a small clothing rack with a few items from the Frolovheart charity collection on display. (All proceeds of the collection’s sales are directed to The Ukrainian Museum’s SAFE program for preservation of art in Ukraine’s most dangerous hotspots.)

A photographer took photos of every attendee as they walked in — including us. The night’s dress code, officially a “cocktail party,” was interpreted uniquely by every attendee: some wore full-length dresses, while others sported structured corsets or baggy denim.

Miko and I began our evening in the first showcase room, where two mannequins displayed items from the new collection. This was our first taste of Frolov’s Spring 2025 pieces — raunchy and avant-garde.

8:30 p.m.

As we walked across the courtyard, where a bartender was serving various beverages, we noticed someone posing beneath a winding staircase. Upon further inspection, it became clear that it was a model showcasing one of the brand’s new pieces. Another model came down the staircase to replace him, and the pattern repeated indefinitely. That is to say, after watching and photographing for a few minutes, we wandered into the next section of the exhibition.  

8:45 p.m.

A different set of outfits was displayed in a room that mirrored the first space. A gorgeous floor-length gown constructed from pastel-colored tulle immediately captured our attention. Models debuted additional Spring 2025 items as they posed on a platform in the center of the room. On the far wall, a velvet sweat-set stood next to a dress decorated with mirror panels.

9:00 p.m.

The final space featured a large screen playing a runway video. Here, we weren’t allowed to film content for public upload — someone was present to remind camera-ready influencers to respect the night’s rules. Though Miko and I (and, according to my eavesdropping, several other passersby) were originally a bit confused by the film’s content, after some reflection it became clear that it told the collection’s story. We saw a chase, a rebirth of sorts and the complexities of love, as indicated by the event’s Libretto — a short story we received alongside our invitations.

Ivasyk

Ahead of the brand’s NYFW debut, Frolov partnered with theater Director Ivan Uryvskyi to stage a performance at the techno nightclub K41 in Kyiv. Frolov took the essence of this performance to New York Fashion Week.

As per Frolov’s custom, “Ivasyk” walks the line between boldly provocative and expertly crafted. The collection, which found inspiration in the Ukrainian folk tale Ivasyk-Telesyk, featured sheer fabrics and dramatic cut-outs adding a classic Frolov edge to the designs. 

Seeing the Spring 2025 collection so creatively presented was undeniably the highlight of the night. Frolov’s take on femininity incorporated hints of classic elements into contemporary fabrics and silhouettes. A range of pastel colors dominated the night’s looks, painting a soft picture. Trailing details on items such as skirts added complexity to wearable and familiar pieces. Frolov staples, including structured corsets and hints of Y2K-inspired graphics, made a comeback in the Spring 2025 collection as well.

Reflecting the commitment to showcasing Ukrainian savoir-faire, the collection also featured details such as buttons, earrings and pendants, crafted from hand-blown glass from Lviv. One of the most notable pieces was a statement necklace shaped like swimming goggles — a nod to Ivan Frolov’s love for swimming aesthetics. 

About Frolov

Frolov, named after founder Ivan Frolov, is a purpose-driven fashion label. Born out of Kyiv, the Ukrainian label has received increasing attention over the last couple of years. If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because the brand often outfits Sabrina Carpenter. The American singer-songwriter usually sports custom Frolov outfits on stage. Earlier this year, the pastel yellow mini dress Carpenter wore at Governors Ball went viral online. Frolov also has designed for other celebrities, including Madison Beer, Beyoncé, Lisa and Danielle Marcan, creating feminine and edgy pieces.

Beyond garments, however, Frolov champions authenticity, meaningful relationships and committed advocacy. Since its founding, the brand has explored the relatively risqué subcultures of BDSM and fetishism. In addition, Frolov has long been an open advocate for diverse representation and the broader LGBTQ+ movement. The brand’s heart motif, now its representative symbol, reflects its mission to infuse love into every piece.

Frolov is approaching its decennial anniversary with up-tempo pacing. Its increasing roster of A-list clients and highly successful NYFW debut prove that the Spring 2025 season is just the beginning for the Ukrainian powerhouse.

Interested in more fashion content? Check out the best fashion moments at the Venice Film Festival here.