Visual Editor: Ruben Ramos
Adachi Pimentel, @adachiphoto
It was the Philadelphia-based, New York–born photographer Adachi’s birthday on Afropunk’s first day, which in some ways contributed to her slightly holographic, breezy look. “I think that subconsciously I wanted to start my year off light,” she says. “I wanted to wear light colors and feel light.”
Jamar Robinson, @its_jamar; Lamar Dobbins, @dospapis; and Julian Gonzalez, @jgonzoo
These three teenaged skaters went against the grain a bit by eschewing the festival’s unofficial dress code that tends towards extravagance. As Lamar Dobbins explains, “It’s Afropunk so no one’s really going to judge what you’re wearing. I just put on regular attire, what I wear every day.”
Grace
Grace traveled all the way from the U.K. for the Brooklyn edition of Afropunk, and she described her chic look as “an amalgamation of everything I like,” from some ’70s influences to Afro-inspired makeup, all topped off with a nod to Paris in her red beret. She says that Afropunk’s focus on community is more important now than it has ever been before, as “there’s a wider movement of defiance almost and just not accepting what we’re told is the norm,” acknowledging that the only antidote is, “inclusion in every sense.”
Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin
The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”
COTERIE New York collaborated with fashion stylist Caitlin Burke to interpret this season's irresistible trends.
LOGO HERE
ILLUSIONS
AND
INTRIGUE
Prepare to be inspired. “Illusions and Intrigue” features a kaleidoscope of contemporary and advanced contemporary women’s wear brands from the FW25/26 edition of COTERIE New York. This photoshoot was expertly styled by renowned fashion stylist, Caitlin Burke, to showcase three of the top trends for FW25/26—Artistic Muse, Cozy Opulence, and Classic Intrigue—from MMGNET’s Women’s Contemporary and Advanced Contemporary Buyer’s Guides. Highlighted brands and products from this photoshoot were all featured at the February 2025 edition of COTERIE New York. Discover how COTERIE New York curates a global assortment of brands that align to the upcoming buying season’s most anticipated trends.
Read on to learn how these trends — and product from brands at COTERIE New York— offer endless creative possibilities.
ARTISTIC MUSE
The Artistic Muse centers on nostalgia and heritage. As per MMGNET’s Contemporary Buyer’s Guide, “a focus on folk craftsmanship lends to an influential knitwear assortment, while accessories also illustrate artisan tradition”. “Artistic Muse appears throughout the editorial,” explains Burke. “The featured model was the artistic muse, and everything looked like a work of art. We looked for pieces that were really special and interesting and pieces that had a luxurious, almost couture-like quality to them which was really fun to discover at COTERIE New York. We made contemporary and advanced contemporary styles look super luxurious,” says the celebrated stylist.
For a look that deftly blends Artistic Muse and Cozy Opulence, Burke wrapped a knit Lanhtropy shawl around the model’s waist, paired with a knit sweater by the same brand, to create the effect of a dress. Finally, for one of Burke’s favorite looks of the photo shoot, she chose a cardigan and skirt from the resort brand, My Beachy Side, styling the cardigan backwards to highlight its texture — a look that nods to the luxury fashion house Alaïa. Burke completed the look with a hat flipped upside down to invite viewers of the editorial to take another look and hold their gazes for just a little longer.
.
Jacket by Meilleur moment; Mini Skirt by ELIF CIGIZOGLU
cozy opulence
According to MMGNET’s FW25/26 Advanced Contemporary Buyer’s Guide, Cozy Opulence is all about sumptuous textures and fabulous layers that offer a sense of power and drama. As such, Burke went straight to Tosato to pull a beautiful fur jacket for the photo shoot. The stylist explains that both faux and real fur are major trends for FW25/26, with the latter largely being shearling, an ethical option comprised of excess fur. Puffy outerwear material and interesting chunky knits are also big for the season. Burke decided to play with another theme, ladylike dressing, selecting a Meilleur Moment puffer jacket with a demure silhouette, then pairing it with a mini skirt.
Shop a global curation of brands and trends across contemporary and advanced contemporary women's wear at the SS26 edition of COTERIE New York: September 14-16, 2025.
Studio Production Credits:
Producers: Gauge Theory Creative Stylist: CAITLIN BURKE; Photographers: brittany Alyse & reiner carlos
Assistant Stylists: tyler lee sparling & marina lazakovich Lighting Tech: brandon jones; Lighting Assistant: alonso ayala; Hair & Makeup: morningstar jackson
Model: aYAK VERONICA, One management
Jamar Robinson, @its_jamar; Lamar Dobbins, @dospapis; and Julian Gonzalez, @jgonzoo
These three teenaged skaters went against the grain a bit by eschewing the festival’s unofficial dress code that tends towards extravagance. As Lamar Dobbins explains, “It’s Afropunk so no one’s really going to judge what you’re wearing. I just put on regular attire, what I wear every day.”
Left & Right: Matching Set by My beachy side; Hat by shan; Middle: Shawl and Top by lanhtropy; Pants by Eunoia
Classic intrigue
MMGNET’s FW25/26 Advanced Contemporary Buyer’s Guide describes Classic Intrigue as a merging of the past and the future with a touch of Schiaparelli-inspired surrealism. “For the FW25/26 season, classic styles take on a new depth through surreal elements. These are not just time-tested silhouettes — they are reimagined with unexpected proportions, layering, and innovative textures. A structured blazer, for example, may feature exaggerated shoulders or curved lines, creating an optical illusion effect. Materials play a crucial role: lacquered finishes, metallic fabrics, and holographic effects add a sense of timelessness. This is a style for the modern woman who dares to combine eternal elegance with artistic expression,” says the founder of MBocharova, Mariana Bocharova.
.
Dress by Zhanna Aleshin, NEXT Gen at COTERIE Student Designer
Left & Right: Shirt by the ladymaker; Skirt by hAleia; Middle: Jacket by mbacharova
Left & Right: Sweater Vest by Kero design; Skirt by Graciano's handmade leather; Bag/Hat by justmine; Middle: Earrings by nadia gimenes
Published April 2025
Blazer by asparagus
The exceptional craftmanship Burke witnessed across the COTERIE New York event floor is a reflection of the desires of today’s advanced contemporary shoppers. “I believe there is a wariness at play for a certain type of discerning consumer, who realizes the value in curating an enduring wardrobe built for her lifestyle and individual preferences,” says Ifeyinwa Azubike, creative director of The Ladymaker. “This serves as a foundation upon which her style is continually refreshed. Luxury must now be synonymous with quality and craft — products designed and built to serve and last, but essentially, with a strong dose of joy and creativity that only considered design can bring.”
As for odes to the past, “For FW25/26, ‘70s-inspired fashion is making a strong comeback, driven by a cultural desire for individuality and nostalgia,” says Elif Cığızoğlu, owner of her namesake brand. “The era’s bold colors, rich textures like velvet and suede, and free-spirited silhouettes like wide-leg pants and oversized blazers are making a comeback, reinterpreted with a modern twist. Designers are incorporating sustainable practices, upcycling vintage pieces, and focusing on comfort, reflecting the social and cultural mood of today. This revival channels the iconic glamour and rebellious energy of the ‘70s, blending it with contemporary sensibilities to create a fresh, bold aesthetic for the season.”
For one Artistic Muse look, Burke styled a My Beachy Side textured miniskirt over a long Maria Pavan textured skirt. A pink Edward Achour Paris blouse and a pink Lack of Color hat completed the look; the skirts’ gold fibers and the top’s gold buttons pulling everything together. Burke describes it as a “great mix of textures showing how you can play with fashion and layer pieces you wouldn’t think could go together”. In another look, a surprise find by a talented Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) student caught Burke’s eye. Zhanna Aleshina’s dramatic, textured dress features incredible craftsmanship, including a fringed neckline and hem, that culminates into a surreal silhouette. Next Gen at COTERIE - the Future of Fashion Exhibition is a collaboration between COTERIE New York and FIT that spotlights student-designed garments in a special, curated display to celebrate the next generation of emerging designers while supporting their journeys with a prominent platform.
Hats were featured throughout the editorial as a nod to Classic Intrigue. Burke describes the accessories as a major trend for FW25/26. Lea Lee is senior director of business development and sales at 8thStory Showroom, representatives of the hat brand Lack of Color. She says, “Vintage-inspired hats are making a comeback, blending classic craftsmanship with modern styling. Cloche hats, structured berets, and wide brims add timeless elegance while aligning with the push for sustainable, heirloom-quality fashion.”
Burke had fun bringing the elevated Classic Intrigue looks to life. For instance, she styled a voluminous Asparagus blazer that has an exaggerated, dropped shoulder and a long back to appear as if the model was wearing an oversized blazer with a skirt (rather than a single garment). Another look featured a Justmine bag styled as a hat, paired with a textured chunky knit Kero Design sweater (ethically crafted by women in prison reform programs) and a luxe, leather Graciano’s Handmade Leather skirt featuring impressive intrecciato craftsmanship. In another look, Burke even featured the classic trench “spun on its head” in a high-impact red patent fabric.
.
“For FW25/26, classic styles evolve with surreal elements — bold proportions, intricate craftsmanship, and unexpected materials. The blue glass earrings [featured in this photo shoot] embody this fusion, blending timeless elegance with an artistic, dreamlike touch — exactly the vision intended by designer Nadia Gimenes,” shares the accessory brand’s International Fashion Consultant, Simone Jordão. Classic Intrigue is also a reflection of consumers’ evolving tastes. “We’re seeing a shift towards intentionality in shopping habits,” explains Azubike. “At The Ladymaker, we see this reflected in our community — women are increasingly drawn to pieces that feel both familiar and new, designs that honor classic codes while offering fresh perspectives”.
.
Top by edward achour paris; Mini Skirt by my beachy side; Maxi Skirt by maria pavan; Hat by lack of color
Jacket by tOSATO
LEARN MORE
Join the COTERIE New York community at the SS26 edition September 14-16, 2025
FW25/25 WOMEN'S ADVANCED CONTEMPORARY BUYER'S GUIDE
Discover key concepts, trends, products, and brands to shop at COTERIE New York in our FW25/26 Women's Advanced Contemporary Buyer's Guide.
READ NOW
FW25/25 FOOTWEAR BUYER'S GUIDE
Discover key concepts, trends, products, and brands to shop at COTERIE New York in our FW25/26 Footwear Buyer's Guide.
READ NOW
FW25/25 WOMEN'S CONTEMPORARY BUYER'S GUIDE
Discover key concepts, trends, products, and brands to shop at COTERIE New York in our FW25/26 Women's Contemporary Buyer's Guide.
READ NOW
ReGISTER HERE
related content
Interested in showcasing your latest collection to an audience of highly engaged fashion buyers, influential industry professionals, and press at an upcoming event?
LEARN MORE