New York Fashion Week has wrapped for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, but the lasting impression belongs to Latin stars and designers who brought representation, culture, and bold style to the city’s biggest runways.
From special milestone celebrations and debuts to front-row takeovers, Latin talent didn’t just participate in NYFW, they helped define it. This season underscored the undeniable influence of Latin America in shaping global fashion’s future.
Young Miko celebrates a milestone:
The week began with a milestone: Young Miko was named the first Puerto Rican ambassador of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The rapper, who continues to merge music and fashion with fearless authenticity, celebrated the appointment alongside industry leaders.
Sheynnis Palacios brings Miss Universe glamour:
Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios turned heads at the Alice + Olivia presentation. She wore a cropped floral jacket with structured shoulders and bow detailing, paired with black leather pants that added edge to the romantic top. A metallic clutch and pointed heels completed the look, striking a balance between elegance and boldness.
Valentina Ferrer showcases her flawless style:
Valentina Ferrer was also spotted supporting the week’s biggest shows, taking her seat at Tory Burch in a cream textured blouse and relaxed black trousers, accessorized with sleek sunglasses and a shoulder bag.
Star power in attendance:
Peso Pluma and Kenia OS lit up the front rows, making appearances at Off-White™, Willy Chavarria, and LUAR. Paloma Mami also joined the front row at Elena Velez, bringing her signature edge to one of the season’s buzziest shows.
Designers taking center stage:
Willy Chavarria, fresh off a Paris debut, brought his Spring/Summer 2026 collection to New York for a second showing, proving once again why his vision of tailoring and subculture resonates globally. Meanwhile, LUAR and Campillo pushed forward with collections rooted in Latin American culture, merging tradition with modern innovation.
Latin representation:
The Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) returned with force, welcoming four emerging Latin American designers to host runways during NYFW. Their inclusion cemented the growing influence of LATAM creatives within the week’s official calendar.
Carolina Herrera takes over Madrid during NYFW:
Carolina Herrera left New York behind this season, staging its Spring/Summer 2026 show in Madrid’s historic Plaza Mayor. The house’s first major runway outside its longtime home base. With 800 guests, over 70 looks, and a nearly kilometer-long pale pink runway cutting across the plaza, it was more than a show, and more of a cultural spectacle.
Creative director Wes Gordon called it “a love letter to Madrid,” weaving local influence into the collection with matador-inspired jackets, mantilla textures, and carnation embroidery. Spanish icons like Pedro Almodóvar and Nieves Álvarez joined global names including Olivia Palermo, Alexa Chung, Becky G, and Sebastián Yatra in the front row, while Spanish artisans collaborated on details from capes to jewelry.