5 Reasons Why Tory Burch's Runway Show Shocked and Awed


In the show notes, Tory Burch described her spring/summer 2025 collection as highlighting "the synchronicity of movement and form." Perhaps inspired by the Olympics, athletics were on her mind this season. "This collection began with the essence of sport: power and grace, precision and freedom," Burch stated.
Again proving that she's one of the biggest draws on the New York Fashion Week schedule, Burch outdid herself with a spectacularly chic showcase featuring a surprise runway appearance, the resurrection of an iconic accessory, a striking venue, a celeb-filled front row, and statement-making clothes. Scroll down to delve further into the five reasons why the brand's new show shocked and awed.
1. Alexa Chung's Surprise Runway Appearance
We don't know about you, but an Alexa Chung runway appearance wasn't on our bingo card. Eschewing her typical spot in the front row, Chung surprised the crowd by walking in her first-ever New York Fashion Week show. Chung previously modeled on the runway during London Fashion Week back in 2003 and 2009. Hey, Alexa, can we make this a regular thing?
2. Resurrection of an Icon
For spring/summer 2025, Tory Burch resurrected one of its most iconic pieces: the Reva ballet flats. "Originally launched in 2006, modern updates to the Reva include cutouts, a beveled coin, and a new mule silhouette," the brand explained in a statement. It's only a matter of time before It girls start wearing these Y2K shoes again.
3. The Venue
The show was held at Skylight at The Refinery, formerly the Domino Sugar Factory. The Brooklyn venue boasts 30-foot ceilings and striking views of the Williamsburg Bridge. Tory Burch customized the space just for the show with sage-green tiles meant to mimic the look of a swimming pool. To go along with the theme, the collection featured sequined swimsuits and other sporty silhouettes.
4. The Celebrity Attendees
Tory Burch certainly knows how to draw a crowd. Celebrity attendees included Elizabeth Olsen, Mindy Kaling, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jenna Lyons, Maude Apatow, Joey King, Ella Emhoff, Michelle Williams, Lola Tung, and Kiki Layne.
5. Premium Prints
The Who What Wear editors who attended the show told us about one of their favorite themes of the collection: the abstract animal prints. Shown on coats, dresses, and pants, the striking patterns are bound to make waves come spring 2025. In particular, we think they'll be a huge hit on the street style scene next year.

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.