Welcome to Runway Matters, where we're delivering notes straight from the runway so you can quickly digest the most important trends and noteworthy moments from the F/W 18 shows.
Alexander Wang loves a theme. In past seasons, I have enjoyed epic #WangFest after-parties with 7-Eleven, strip club, and inflatables themes. For his very last NYFW show, he gave the runway show itself a theme, and a very New York fashion industry theme at that. The invitation directed me to report to the Wang Inc. office, cubicle F. Just where was this office? None other than the old Condé Nast building. In fact, Wang was once an intern for Teen Vogue and Vogue in that building.
After settling into my “cubicle,” the harsh lighting started to flicker on and off, and a soundtrack of increasingly frantic heels clicking came on. I immediately thought of the scene in The Devil Wears Prada where Andi Dorman describes the “clackers.” The lights flash on, and models stomp down the runway dressed as futuristic fashion bosses—in an alternate world where a bodycon mini dress is HR-approved, that is. Keep reading for a rundown of the top four things to know.
Matrix Was the Move
Matrix references were strong throughout, with micro glasses and sleek patent trench coats. Coincidentally, show guest Eva Chen posted a very Matrix-like outfit to Instagram just hours before the show. Maybe she had a sneak preview of the collection, but we like to think she’s just that on top of trends.
The Best Front Row Moment: Cardi B + Anna Wintour
This photo speaks for itself.
The Fuchsia Case Builds
Fuchsia is fast dethroning Millennial Pink as the rose shade du jour. It was the only color Wang showed beyond gray, white, and black.
The Triple Threat Shoe
Furry, rhinestone, plastic shoes. To some, this combination would seem in poor taste. Meanwhile, I’m placing a pre-order ASAP. Making low-brow items high-brow is a broader fashion trend that’s been going on for several seasons, and I love how that’s manifesting in these outfit-making heels.
-
Michael Rider Brings a French American Take on Preppy-Bourgeois Style to His Stellar Celine DebutInside the spring 2026 collection.
-
6 Fall 2025 Runway Trends I Already Found at Zara, H&M, and MangoAffordability's never looked so good.
-
From Prada to COS—Here's Everything I Packed and Wore for Milan Fashion WeekA full breakdown.
-
Alix Earle Takes Fashion Risks for Miu Miu (Yes, That Includes Socks With Heels)Anything for Mrs. Prada.
-
Ruby Lyn Is Channeling Her Inner Chanel Girl at Paris Fashion WeekGet ready with the Gen Z icon for Paris Fashion Week.
-
Inside a Parisian Train Station, Louis Vuitton Presents a Collection of Traveling CharactersAll aboard.
-
In Valentino's Powder Room, Maximalism Reigned, Vans Debuted, and Furry Details Proved Their WorthOh my!
-
From Victorian Collars to Aughts Skull Scarves: 5 Takeaways From McQueen's F/W 25 ShowAnd don't forget the boots!
