A Hamptons View of New York Fashion Week
By Katlean de Monchy–
There is a reason I’m taking a look at New York’s Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Week from a Hamptons’ perspective. People who live here and vacation here need fashion casual clothes and finery for cocktail parties and galas.
I went to under-the-radar shows that offered both at reasonable prices, and yet had the variety and sophistication required. And I saw our local fashionista, Jean Shafiroff, at several of the shows. (Alex Vinash, who opened a much heralded shop in Southampton, didn’t do a Spring-Summer 2025 show in New York this year.)
Jean Shafiroff with Amy Fine Collins at the Dennis Basso show (Photo by Andrew Werner)
Linen was everywhere, of course. The colors were restrained, with a lot of white, pink and a beige that was almost flesh-colored. Necklines offered numerous options with scarves, drapes, and capes that were thoughtful for women of a certain age. Of course there were strapless and spaghetti-strap, body-con dresses for the young. Designers also put out some fresh looks for men, who apparently are going to be wearing shorts.
Here’s are some looks from what I thought were standout shows.
Dennis Basso
Dennis Basso: Age of Possibility
On the surface, conservative, but with a bit of glitz. (Courtesy Dennis Basso)
It was all about effortless elegance. With rich fabrics like silk jacquard, embroidered lace, and chiffon, the collection was a stunning mix of classic and modern sophistication. Tailored jackets, pleated chiffon gowns, and fluid silhouettes dominated the runway, each piece oozing luxury and glamour. I noted that even his most conservative skirt-and-jacket looks threw in a bit a glitter, just to wake things up.
There were looks for young. (Courtesy Dennis Basso)
A look that could appeal to young or old (Photo by Andrew Werner)
And an opportunity for coverup (Courtesy Dennis Basso)
Basso’s collaboration with QVC’s Q50 Collective celebrated women over 50. This multi-generational focus was a refreshing nod to the timeless nature of fashion, demonstrating that age should never dictate style.
Instead of fur, faux and feathers (Courtesy Dennis Basso)
Basso once was known as a fur designer, but he has pivoted and, in my opinion, showed his best clothing collection ever.
Dennis Basso with Susan Lucci (Courtesy Dennis Basso)
Basso’s finale featured Susan Lucci, who made a breathtaking appearance in a couture gown, reminding the audience that elegance transcends time.
Nabys Vielman
Nabys Vielman: American Beauty Denim Couture
The Venezuelan designer Nabys Vielman showcased his American Beauty Denim Couture collection at the furniture store Eichholtz New York, infusing classic American fashion staples with an edgy sophistication. That said, his designs are not for the meek or the conformist, He plays with denim in unexpected ways, elevating the fabric from casual wear to couture. The furniture in the showroom, especially chandeliers, provided an intimate setting.
(Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA)
His designs reflect an awareness of contemporary trends while adhering to classic fashion principles. The collection is made of denim, cotton and silk in a minimalist style, and made with precise cuts. Some of the clothes look architectural.
Those sleeves! And note the hat. (Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA))
Some of his architectural bent was expressed in his insistence on oblique headgear. The collection was functional and sophisticated. In fact, Vielman ways of using denim often made it hard to detect. The collection consisted of only 18 looks for women and eight for men.
(Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA)
Vielman paid tribute to Niki Cheng for her curation of the event space. The socialite Jean Shafiroff and singer Pamela Morgan were in attendance, wearing his designs.
Nabys Velman taking a bow (Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA)
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright presented Vielman with a Proclamation of Service Award, honoring his contributions to fashion.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren: A Hamptons Soirée As we reported earlier, Ralph Lauren transported guests to the Hamptons for one of the most exclusive events of NYFW. With a guest list that included First Lady Jill Biden, Usher, Tom Hiddleston, and Kacey Musgraves, the intimate gathering exuded luxury. Lauren’s collection stayed true to his timeless aesthetic, combining classic American elegance with modern sensibilities.
There were sleek casual fashions. (Courtesy Ralph Lauren)
The setting was as important as the fashion itself, blending the worlds of food, festivities, and high fashion. Ralph Lauren remains a master of creating not just clothing, but moments—moments that evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty. He has added a line of high-couture fashions hand-made in Italy, extending his brand into another direction.
The dress was a stunner. Everyone is going to want it. Geographic distribution? (Courtesy Ralph Lauren)
His collection stood out as one of the week’s highlights, reaffirming his place as an icon in the fashion world.
This three-quarter coat of many colors is going to be seen everywhere. (Courtesy of Ralph Lauren)
It also left people in the fashion world humming “Sailing” by Christopher Cross long afterward. It was the song that played while the models walked the runway.
Malan Breton
Malan Breton: Tales of Betrayal and Hope The Taiwan-born designer Malan Breton delivered a show that felt like a journey into the future. Or perhaps it was drawing inspiration from fairytales of the past. His collection had dramatic lines and whimsical shapes that were made with silk, pink leather and wool. Some of the garments felt like pieces of art.
Yes, this could be Matisse (Courtesy Malan Breton)
And this is a daring ballgown (Courtesy Malan Breton)
The hairstyling by Marco Maranghello and makeup by Emmy-nominated Vincenza Carovillano added to the look of the show.
Beam me up. (Courtesy Malan Breton)
The celebrities Priyanka Chopra and Vivica A. Fox have worn Breton’s designs. The show’s finale, featuring Elton Ilirjani in a striking yellow couture garment, was spectacular.
The finale, with the designer, center at back, taking a bow (Courtesy Malan Breton)
This year’s New York Fashion Week felt like a celebration of possibility and transformation, not only in fashion but also in the way the industry is evolving to be more inclusive and forward-thinking. Designers like Dennis Basso and Nabys Vielman redefined what it means to create for diverse audiences, while Ralph Lauren and Malan Breton reminded us that true luxury is found in both innovation and timelessness.
As these designers continue to push boundaries, one thing is certain: the future of fashion is brighter—and more inclusive—than ever.
Addendum: ATELIER NDIGO
I’m adding an online shopping site here, just for fun. One person who shops here is June Ambrose, who has been the stylist for Jay Z and Missy Elliott. Prices are steep. The designer, Waina Chancy, is Haitian and her dresses are inspired by the shape and colors of hibiscus and other tropical flowers. To look good in these clothes, it’s best to be almost six feet tall and very fit and thin.
So, you’ve been alerted to the possibilities.
At least you will not see yourself coming and going if you shop Atelier Ndigo, and these clothes look just right for clubs and the younger galas Out East.
One of my favorite came out in her Spring/Summer 2023 line, and it is sold out in every size. (She goes up to large.)
The Habibi sculptural stretch peau de soie mini dress was $1,495. Alas, sold out. (Courtesy Atelier Ndigo)
Good news is that many of her outfits sell as separates. So the outfits can break down to $600 or so for each piece. Do note that many of her pieces have cut outs, and that she also sells statement jewelry.
(Courtesy Atelier NDigo Instagram)
Only celebrities and stylists get to paw through the collection. And as far as I know she has not done the New York fashion shows. Maybe she needs to come to the Hamptons for a trunk show. Until then, let your fingers do the shopping.
Her colors look like a fruit salad. (Courtesy Atelier Ndigo)
