New York fashion week day 5 blends fantasy, function and fall drama
TOI GLOBAL | Feb 16, 2026, 21:07 IST
Day five of New York Fashion Week showcased a balance between wearable fall layering and imaginative design. Cult Gaia emphasized sculptural elegance and neutral tones suited for everyday luxury, while Sandy Liang presented a whimsical collection inspired by historical grandeur, animation and personal memory. Across the runway, outerwear, texture and storytelling emerged as defining trends, highlighting fashion’s shift toward timeless practicality blended with emotional creativity.Day five of New York Fashion Week showcased a balance between wearable fall layering and imaginative design. Cult Gaia emphasized sculptural elegance and neutral tones suited for everyday luxury, while Sandy Liang presented a whimsical collection inspired by historical grandeur, animation and personal memory. Across the runway, outerwear, texture and storytelling emerged as defining trends, highlighting fashion’s shift toward timeless practicality blended with emotional creativity.
Day five of New York Fashion Week showcased a striking blend of creativity and practicality as designers revealed their fall and winter 2026 collections. These collections mixed wearable layers with theatrical storytelling. The runways on Feb. 15 featured a variety of artistic visions, with brands like Sandy Liang and Cult Gaia presenting two of the most talked-about shows of the day.
Cult Gaia kicked off the visual display with sculptural shapes and elegant neutral colors that emphasized understated luxury. Flowing fabrics, structured outerwear, and softly draped textures pointed towards a season focused on versatility and confidence. Instead of bold colors, the collection highlighted craftsmanship and form, presenting outfits meant to transition smoothly from day to night. This approach mirrored a growing trend in the industry towards timeless pieces rather than fast-changing trends.
In contrast, Sandy Liang embraced playfulness and nostalgia. She transformed the runway into a dreamlike scene filled with layered references. The designer drew inspiration from the historical richness associated with Marie Antoinette and combined it with the gentle fantasy of the animated film Kiki's Delivery Service. Influences from Liang’s own childhood also shaped the collection, resulting in pieces that felt both personal and dramatic.
The lineup included voluminous skirts, delicate textures, and playful proportions along with practical winter layers. Coats, knitwear, and soft tailoring ensured the outfits remained practical for everyday wear despite their imaginative roots. This blend of fantasy and function reflected a wider theme throughout the week: designers increasingly combine storytelling with everyday clothing to evoke emotions without sacrificing comfort.
On Day 5, outerwear emerged as a key focus. From sharply tailored coats to oversized designs, designers showcased layering as a main design element rather than just a way to stay warm. Neutral colors dominated many collections, signaling a shift towards long-lasting, sustainable fashion. By emphasizing adaptable pieces, brands seem to respond to consumers who are looking for durability and value in uncertain times.
At the same time, theatrical influences remained vital to the essence of Fashion Week. Dramatic styling, textured fabrics, and narrative-driven shows reminded everyone that runway displays still serve as spaces for artistic exploration. The mix of spectacle and practicality showed how the fashion industry continues to redefine luxury for today’s audience, which values both emotional expression and everyday usability.
As New York Fashion Week continues, the conversation between fantasy and function is likely to shape future collections. Day five revealed that contemporary fashion no longer sees practicality and creativity as opposites. Instead, designers are blending them, creating wardrobes that invite storytelling while staying grounded in real life.
Cult Gaia kicked off the visual display with sculptural shapes and elegant neutral colors that emphasized understated luxury. Flowing fabrics, structured outerwear, and softly draped textures pointed towards a season focused on versatility and confidence. Instead of bold colors, the collection highlighted craftsmanship and form, presenting outfits meant to transition smoothly from day to night. This approach mirrored a growing trend in the industry towards timeless pieces rather than fast-changing trends.
In contrast, Sandy Liang embraced playfulness and nostalgia. She transformed the runway into a dreamlike scene filled with layered references. The designer drew inspiration from the historical richness associated with Marie Antoinette and combined it with the gentle fantasy of the animated film Kiki's Delivery Service. Influences from Liang’s own childhood also shaped the collection, resulting in pieces that felt both personal and dramatic.
The lineup included voluminous skirts, delicate textures, and playful proportions along with practical winter layers. Coats, knitwear, and soft tailoring ensured the outfits remained practical for everyday wear despite their imaginative roots. This blend of fantasy and function reflected a wider theme throughout the week: designers increasingly combine storytelling with everyday clothing to evoke emotions without sacrificing comfort.
On Day 5, outerwear emerged as a key focus. From sharply tailored coats to oversized designs, designers showcased layering as a main design element rather than just a way to stay warm. Neutral colors dominated many collections, signaling a shift towards long-lasting, sustainable fashion. By emphasizing adaptable pieces, brands seem to respond to consumers who are looking for durability and value in uncertain times.
At the same time, theatrical influences remained vital to the essence of Fashion Week. Dramatic styling, textured fabrics, and narrative-driven shows reminded everyone that runway displays still serve as spaces for artistic exploration. The mix of spectacle and practicality showed how the fashion industry continues to redefine luxury for today’s audience, which values both emotional expression and everyday usability.
As New York Fashion Week continues, the conversation between fantasy and function is likely to shape future collections. Day five revealed that contemporary fashion no longer sees practicality and creativity as opposites. Instead, designers are blending them, creating wardrobes that invite storytelling while staying grounded in real life.