New York Fashion Week Showcases Clothes Women Actually Want to Wear

Female designers stand out with beautiful, wearable designs that cater to women's needs and desires, not the male gaze.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Much of the fashion world has been rocked by revelations about the misdeeds of powerful men, but at New York Fashion Week, a group of female designers offered a refreshing contrast. Rather than creating fantastical runway shows to drive handbag and perfume sales, these designers are focused on making clothes that real women actually want to wear - beautifully tailored, ravishing, and versatile pieces that seamlessly fit into a modern woman's life. Brands like Collina Strada, Diotima, and Ashlyn are eschewing male-dominated luxury houses to cater directly to their female customers as the true muse.

Why it matters

The rise of these female-led fashion brands represents a meaningful contrast to the male-dominated creative leadership at many of the biggest European luxury houses. These designers are prioritizing what women want to wear over performative runway theatrics, offering a refreshing alternative in an industry that has long catered to the male gaze.

The details

Designers like Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Rachel Scott of Diotima, and Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn are creating pieces that women can't wait to throw on - sensual slip dresses, sharp suiting, and distinctive blouses that make getting dressed for the office or a night out an exciting prospect. Rather than dressing women as 'their woman,' these designers see their female customers as the true muse, designing to cater to their needs and desires. Brands like Tory Burch and Anna Sui, which have remained independent and women-led for decades, are also experiencing a renaissance as women seek out clothes that allow them to indulge in fantasy while still meeting the pragmatic demands of modern life.

  • New York Fashion Week wrapped up on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Hillary Taymour

The designer behind the Collina Strada brand, known for creating sultry but funky slip dresses that are bestsellers in her Chinatown store.

Rachel Scott

The Jamaican-born designer behind the Diotima brand, which she describes as an "anti-imperialist" label that explores the works of Afro-Cuban painter Wifredo Lam.

Ashlynn Park

The designer behind the Ashlyn brand, known for creating nubby skirt suits and distinctive blouses that are unusually appealing to customers.

Tory Burch

The designer behind the Tory Burch brand, which has remained independent and women-led for decades and is currently experiencing a renaissance.

Anna Sui

The designer behind the Anna Sui brand, known for her fantastical collections that women pore over for inspiration, from fashion to music and movies.

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What they’re saying

“I really feel there's more and more male dominant forces at the biggest brands – there's only men dressing women. So I wanted to say, Hey, this is sexy.”

— Hillary Taymour, Designer, Collina Strada (CNN)

“The customer as the muse is how I think of it, rather than turning her into 'my woman.'”

— Daniella Kallmeyer, Designer, Kallmeyer (CNN)

“I started my company because I wanted to help women. I think women are very much the answer for what's happening in our world today.”

— Tory Burch (CNN)

“What I love about fashion is that discovery. This is what I love about going to flea markets and finding something I've never seen before – being able to show it off. I think there's that quality of me wanting everybody else to get the message.”

— Anna Sui (CNN)

What’s next

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is continuing its partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union to support the ICE OUT campaign, with more designers expected to show their support at upcoming fashion events.

The takeaway

The rise of these female-led fashion brands represents a meaningful shift away from the male-dominated luxury houses that have long dictated what women should wear. By prioritizing what women actually want to wear, these designers are offering a refreshing alternative that celebrates the female gaze and empowers women to dress for themselves, not for the male fantasy.