Lily Collins made a spectacular return to New York Fashion Week on September 12, 2025, marking her first appearance at the prestigious event since 2009. The Emily in Paris star chose Calvin Klein for her highly anticipated comeback, dazzling in a custom iridescent two-piece set that perfectly embodied the brand’s signature ’90s minimalism with a contemporary maximalist twist.
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Lily Collins’ Show-Stopping Calvin Klein Ensemble
Lily Collins commanded attention at Calvin Klein’s Spring 2026 show wearing a breathtaking custom creation by creative director Veronica Leoni.
The 36-year-old actress showcased her impeccable style in a cropped spaghetti-strap top paired with a matching midi skirt, both adorned with shimmering opalescent scales that caught the light from every angle.
Outfit Details and Styling
| Garment | Description | Design Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Cropped spaghetti-strap camisole | Iridescent scales, body-hugging fit |
| Skirt | High-waisted midi length | Matching scale pattern, semi-sheer fabric |
| Footwear | Metallic silver strappy heels | Delicate ankle straps, anti-autumn aesthetic |
| Accessories | White handbag, silver rings | Minimalist approach to complement the outfit |
The look was described by Lily Collins herself as “a custom version” of one of her “favorite looks from Veronica’s debut collection,” highlighting her personal connection to the Calvin Klein brand and creative director’s vision.
The Significance of Lily Collins’ Fashion Week Return
Lily Collins’ presence at the Calvin Klein show was particularly noteworthy given her 15-year absence from New York Fashion Week’s front rows. Since 2009, she had only made selective appearances at fashion events, including Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2023 show in Los Angeles and a Cartier-sponsored party in 2019.
Timeline of Lily Collins’ Fashion Week Appearances
| Year | Event | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Last NYFW appearance | New York | Final appearance before hiatus |
| 2019 | Cartier party | New York | Limited fashion event attendance |
| 2022 | Ralph Lauren Spring 2023 | Los Angeles | First major fashion show in years |
| 2025 | Calvin Klein Spring 2026 | New York | Triumphant return to NYFW |
The strategic choice of Calvin Klein for her return speaks volumes about Lily Collins’ fashion sensibilities and her alignment with the brand’s aesthetic philosophy.
Calvin Klein’s ’90s Minimalism Revival Under Veronica Leoni
Creative director Veronica Leoni’s sophomore collection for Calvin Klein perfectly captured the essence of ’90s minimalism while incorporating contemporary elements that resonated with modern audiences. Lily Collins’ ensemble exemplified this fusion, combining the brand’s classic understated elegance with eye-catching textural details.
The collection showcased Leoni’s signature approach of “sensual minimalism,” featuring predominantly monochromatic pieces in black, white, and beige, enhanced with luxurious textures and subtle yet impactful details. Lily Collins’ custom piece stood out as a perfect representation of this design philosophy.
Lily Collins and Calvin Klein: A Perfect Brand Partnership
Lily Collins’ relationship with Calvin Klein extends beyond this single appearance. The actress has been named the face of Calvin Klein’s Spring 2026 campaign, representing a natural evolution of her long-standing admiration for the brand.
In interviews, Lily Collins revealed her deep connection to Calvin Klein, sharing that she used to cut out Calvin Klein advertisements as a young girl. She described the brand as always representing “what is classic and cool,” making her current partnership feel like a full-circle moment.
Brand Ambassador Role
As the face of Calvin Klein’s Spring 2026 campaign, Lily Collins embodies the brand’s core values:
- Timeless elegance with contemporary edge
- Minimalist aesthetic with maximum impact
- American simplicity with global appeal
- Classic coolness with modern sophistication
Star-Studded Front Row at Calvin Klein
Lily Collins wasn’t the only A-list celebrity to grace the Calvin Klein front row. The show attracted an impressive roster of stars, creating one of the most talked-about audiences of New York Fashion Week.
Notable Attendees
| Celebrity | Outfit Choice | Connection to Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Rosalía | Autumn-ready ensemble | Face of Fall 2025 underwear campaign |
| Emily Ratajkowski | Look 60 turtleneck maxi dress | Long-time brand supporter |
| Gwyneth Paltrow | Fall-appropriate styling | Fashion icon status |
| Priyanka Chopra | Seasonal colors | Global brand ambassador appeal |
| Jungkook (BTS) | Front row appearance | Calvin Klein Global Brand Ambassador |
The diverse and high-profile guest list demonstrated Calvin Klein’s broad appeal across different demographics and entertainment sectors.
Fashion Critics’ Response to Lily Collins’ Look
Fashion industry insiders praised Lily Collins’ choice to wear Calvin Klein, noting how perfectly the ensemble aligned with her personal style and her Emily in Paris character’s fashion-forward approach. The outfit struck an ideal balance between the brand’s minimalist DNA and the maximalist tendencies that have defined her on-screen persona.
Critics particularly appreciated how Lily Collins managed to stand out while respecting the Calvin Klein aesthetic, proving that the brand’s ’90s minimalism could be successfully updated for contemporary tastes without losing its essential character.
The Emily in Paris Connection
Lily Collins’ fashion choices at Calvin Klein drew inevitable comparisons to her iconic character Emily Cooper from the hit Netflix series “Emily in Paris.” While her TV character is known for bold, pattern-mixing outfits, her Calvin Klein look demonstrated a more refined approach while maintaining the confidence and style sensibilities that make Emily so compelling.
The choice to wear a “maximalist-friendly finish” with iridescent scales showed how Lily Collins could channel her character’s bold fashion sense while embracing Calvin Klein’s more restrained aesthetic philosophy.
Current Projects and Personal Life
Lily Collins’ appearance at Calvin Klein comes during an exciting period in her personal and professional life. She is currently filming the fifth season of “Emily in Paris,” with production taking place in both Paris and Italy, expanding the show’s European footprint.
Additionally, Lily Collins recently embraced motherhood, welcoming a daughter via surrogacy in January 2025. She has described this new chapter as one of “utter bliss,” adding another dimension to her public persona as she balances her career with her growing family.
The Impact on Calvin Klein’s Brand Image
Lily Collins’ endorsement through her campaign role and high-profile appearance has significant implications for Calvin Klein’s brand positioning. Her association brings several key benefits:
- Connection to younger demographics through “Emily in Paris” fanbase
- International appeal through the show’s global success
- Fashion credibility through her established style icon status
- Authentic brand storytelling through her genuine brand affinity
Looking Ahead: Fashion Week Influence
Lily Collins’ triumphant return to New York Fashion Week at Calvin Klein sets the stage for potential future fashion collaborations and appearances. Her successful integration of the brand’s aesthetic with her personal style creates a template for how celebrity partnerships can enhance rather than overshadow brand identity.
The positive reception of her Calvin Klein appearance suggests we may see more of Lily Collins at major fashion events, potentially expanding her influence in the fashion world beyond her entertainment career.
FAQs
When did Lily Collins last attend New York Fashion Week before 2025?
Lily Collins last attended New York Fashion Week in 2009, making her 2025 Calvin Klein appearance her first NYFW return in 15 years.
What did Lily Collins wear to the Calvin Klein show?
She wore a custom two-piece set featuring a cropped spaghetti-strap top and matching midi skirt, both covered in iridescent opalescent scales, paired with metallic silver heels.
Is Lily Collins a Calvin Klein brand ambassador?
Yes, Lily Collins is the face of Calvin Klein’s Spring 2026 campaign and has expressed long-term admiration for the brand since her youth.
Who designed Lily Collins’ Calvin Klein outfit?
The custom ensemble was designed by Veronica Leoni, Calvin Klein’s creative director, specifically for Collins’ appearance at the Spring 2026 show.
What other celebrities attended the Calvin Klein show?
Notable attendees included Rosalía, Emily Ratajkowski, Gwyneth Paltrow, Priyanka Chopra, Jungkook from BTS, and Christopher Briney, creating one of NYFW’s most star-studded front rows.
