UPDATE: New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2026 season has just concluded, revealing how crucial music is in shaping the runway experience. The event, held in September 2023, showcased designers using soundtracks to evoke deep emotional responses and amplify their creative visions.
Fashion shows are more than just visual spectacles; they are immersive experiences where music plays a pivotal role in conveying the designer’s message. At the show for the Mexican brand Campillo, titled “Repetición,” an original soundtrack featuring a poem by philosopher Nezahualcóyotl set the tone. The collaboration with composer Ruzzi created a “roller coaster of emotions,” according to designer Patricio Campillo, transporting attendees to a space that felt both dreamlike and reflective.
KEY FACT: The soundtrack included classics like “Perfume de Gardenias” and a unique Spanish cover of Daft Punk’s “Something About Us.” Campillo emphasized that music, alongside casting and clothing, is vital for capturing the audience’s attention.
Eckhaus Latta’s show also made waves with its poetic opening, “God has a plan / We are all waitresses / In his sick little restaurant.” The show, held on a sweltering top floor of a Brooklyn warehouse, featured a live soundtrack created by DJ Galcher Lustwerk, who delivered a high-energy mix reflecting New York’s vibrant culture.
Notably, the atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of infants in the front row, adding a unique layer of life to the experience. Lustwerk’s original tracks, crafted just weeks before the show, echoed the layered complexity of the designs, with male models showcasing bold styles that matched the music’s rhythm.
Another standout was Diotima’s “Bacchanal,” where the soundtrack intensified the visual impact of Rachel Scott’s collection, transporting the audience to a Carnival-like atmosphere. DJ Jordss crafted a soundscape that mirrored the collection’s vibrant energy, celebrating cultural resilience.
IMPORTANT DETAILS: Annua Sui’s show paid homage to artistic history, featuring music from the late ’80s and ’90s while models donned nostalgic prairie silhouettes. The show took place at the iconic Chelsea Hotel, adding to its allure.
At Khaite, a spectral soundtrack complemented the collection’s dramatic pieces, creating a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere. The music ranged from Blur to Chopin, enhancing the emotional weight of the designs.
The Collina Strada show, led by Hillary Taymour, explored complex themes with a provocative soundtrack designed in collaboration with New York artist TT Britt. Taymour discussed the show’s underlying message about questioning societal norms, which resonated deeply with audiences.
As the final show closed with an operatic rendition of Smash Mouth’s “All Star,” designers and attendees alike reflected on the power of music in fashion. The combination of sound and visuals left a lasting impact, making this New York Fashion Week one to remember.
WHAT’S NEXT: Fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders will continue to analyze how these musical choices impact future shows and designer reputations. The integration of sound in fashion is likely to evolve, setting new standards for emotional engagement in runway presentations.
Stay tuned for more updates as New York Fashion Week continues to shape the global fashion landscape.
