New York women know how to dress—with an air of chic minimalism and inherent nonchalance—and no one knows this better than New York designers. Many of the most exciting brands in the city right now are run by women, a continued rarity in the larger luxury sphere, making the scene all the more interesting. Here, six you need to know.
Veronica Leoni
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein fall/winter 2025.
When Veronica Leoni took over at Calvin Klein in 2024, she had the daunting task of bringing the iconic New York brand back to the runway after a six-year absence, making her debut as the label’s first female creative director all the more anticipated. Leoni, who was encouraged by Klein himself to transform the line into her own, touts a strong resume, having held positions at Jil Sander, Celine (under Phoebe Philo), and most notably, The Row—all brands that share a similar ethos to Klein’s ’90s minimalism. Her fall/winter 2025 collection was a reflection of that experience: It was confident and streamlined, immediately calling to mind the best-dressed woman you know.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch
Tory Burch fall/winter 2025.
Tory Burch has always remained a steadfast name on the New York Fashion Week schedule; however, in the last few years, Burch has tapped into a different aspect of her design DNA that’s made her all the more successful. From every iteration of the hit pierced shoes to the viral mirror-embroidered dresses, the brand has aptly captured the next generation of New York women. And Burch is well aware of her resonance within the current fashion creator landscape, often inviting some of the biggest It girls—like Love Island winner Serena Page, Alix Earle, or Alexa Chung—to her shows.
Rachel Scott
Diotima, Proenza Schouler
Diotima fall/winter 2025.
The 2024 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year and the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Ready-to-Wear Winner, Rachel Scott, has firmly cemented herself within the New York fashion industry—and for good reason. The Jamaican-born, New York-based designer is known for her bright color play and more subtle fabric techniques, like crochet, bucking against the signature minimalist uniform of many women. Most recently, Scott was appointed as the creative director of Proenza Schouler—the first-ever to hold the position since the founders’ departure, giving her a welcome opportunity to bring a woman’s touch to an iconic New York brand.
Catherine Holstein
Khaite
Khaite fall/winter 2025.
Catherine Holstein founded Khaite in 2016, and the fashion industry has been rapt with attention ever since. Holstein’s stealth-wealth-with-a-twist collections offer a distinct perspective in a wider landscape of quiet luxury. Even as fashion moves away from the trend, Khaite remains a go-to for many of the city’s best-dressed. From the Elena bag to the Danielle jeans, Holstein has created a number of covetable items for New Yorkers to wear.
Trish Wescoat Pound
TWP
TWP fall/winter 2025.
Trish Wescoat Pound is all about classic American sportswear that cuts through the noise. Founded in 2021 from her SoHo apartment, Pound set out to blend her Midwestern upbringing with heritage menswear, all in pursuit of crafting the perfect white button-down. Now, the New York-based label has defined itself through well-crafted, thoughtfully designed staples. Pound also runs her brand with her daughter and stylist, Jillian, creating a legacy of design that can reach across generations.
Daniella Kallmeyer
Kallmeyer
Kallmeyer fall/winter 2025.
South African-born, New York-based Daniella Kallmeyer may have started with a niche, designing relaxed-yet-chic clothes for downtown women (also the site of her brand’s first boutique), but her universal appeal has permeated the city. The designer is known for her softly draped silhouettes, slim-fit cigarette trousers, and ultra-cozy knits, making the brand a wardrobe staple for its fans. Kallmeyer’s influence is spreading, too. Earlier in the summer, the brand celebrated its first uptown boutique with a star-studded opening—attendees included Chloe Fineman and Busy Philipps—on Madison Avenue.
Alexandra Hildreth is the Fashion News Editor at ELLE. She is fascinated by style trends, industry news, shake-ups, and The Real Housewives. Previously, she attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Following graduation, she moved back to New York City and worked as a freelance journalist and producer.
