New York Fashion Week Through the Lens of a Nepali Photojournalist

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events, wrapped up yesterday in the heart of the fashion capital, New York City. Originally launched in 1943 as Press Week, NYFW has grown into a global fashion marathon, held twice a year—February for Fall/Winter collections and September for Spring/Summer.

This season’s event, which took place from February 6 to 11, featured more than 120 designers from 16 countries, unveiling their latest collections at multiple venues across Manhattan. One of the main highlights of the runway shows unfolded at Sony Hall in Times Square, where industry professionals, media, and photographers gathered over five days to witness some of the most defining moments of the season.

Esteemed Nepali-American designer Prabal Gurung captivated audiences with his Fall 2025-26 ready-to-wear collection at the historic Surrogate’s Court in Manhattan. Inspired by his upcoming memoir Walk Like a Girl, set for release in May, the collection featured an elegant fusion of soft pastels, bold hues, sheer fabrics, feathers, and leather.

Gurung’s designs stood out for their versatility, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. Another highlight of the week was the Made in India showcase, culminating in a breathtaking collection by designer Naeem Khan, who paid tribute to India’s rich textile heritage through modern silhouettes and intricate craftsmanship.

The runways struck a perfect balance between timeless sophistication and contemporary innovation. Michael Kors redefined power dressing with his “throwaway chic” collection, showcasing draped wool coats, leather dresses, and silk blouses. Carolina Herrera’s Wes Gordon drew inspiration from the classic film Being There, blending floral motifs with striking silhouettes.

Tory Burch impressed with her fusion of twisted yarns, oversized jackets, and playful prints, merging sportswear with high fashion. Brandon Maxwell’s bold yet refined collection attracted high-profile guests, including actress Keke Palmer. Tommy Hilfiger brought a fresh perspective to American heritage, while Willy Chavarria continued to challenge menswear conventions with his daring silhouettes and unconventional designs.

The front row was just as dazzling as the runway, with a star-studded lineup of celebrities and fashion icons in attendance. Kendall Jenner was spotted at multiple shows, making appearances at Calvin Klein and Carolina Herrera. Supermodel Kate Moss made a rare but impactful front-row appearance, while Chloë Sevigny showcased her signature edgy style.

Legendary shoe designer Jimmy Choo was seen networking with top industry figures, while music icon Patti Smith added a touch of rock-and-roll glamour. Models Precious Lee and Emily Ratajkowski captivated audiences with their commanding presence and bold fashion choices. Hollywood stars Amanda Seyfried, Martha Stewart, and Jodie Turner-Smith brought elegance to the event, while Ciara turned heads with her flawless blend of high fashion and streetwear.

This year’s NYFW emphasized both comfort and statement-making fashion. Runways were filled with relaxed tailoring, flat shoes, and fluid silhouettes, while jewel tones, floral patterns, and textured fabrics added a sense of drama. Designers balanced minimalism with bold accents, reflecting an evolving fashion landscape that merges practicality with artistic expression.

Nepali photojournalist Rajan Kafle has captured these defining moments with his expert lens, documenting the energy, glamour, and behind-the-scenes intensity of NYFW 2025. Kafle is an accomplished photojournalist, visual storyteller, and educator who began his career in video journalism during Nepal’s historic democratic movement in 2006.

With years of experience in videography before transitioning to photography, Kafle has worked with esteemed media outlets such as Nepal Television, Channel Nepal, and Kantipur Television. His career has spanned diverse fields, including arts, sports, and political photography. Notably, he served as the official photographer for Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office from 2019 to 2021 under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

His vast experience, which includes documenting Nepal’s political transformations, beauty pageants, and sports journeys, allows him to bring depth and storytelling to his fashion photography. His contributions to visual journalism have earned him numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Youth Photojournalism Award 2079 by Reporters Club Nepal and the Entertainment Photojournalism Award (2018).

By bringing his expertise to one of the world’s most significant fashion events, Rajan Kafle is not only representing Nepali photographers on an international stage but also inspiring a new generation of Nepali visual storytellers to explore global opportunities in photography and journalism.

Here are some photos of New York Fashion Week through Rajan Kafle’s lens: