Who hasn’t heard of New York Fashion Week? As one of the Big Four fashion weeks globally, NYFW is the ultimate stage for innovation, the trendsetter of the industry, and a dream launchpad for emerging designers. It's also a goldmine of opportunity. This year, GAAC once again led a group of seven distinctive and talented high school designers to New York for their very own exclusive show!
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Backstory｜What is NYFW?
As one of Green Apple Art Center’s flagship programs, the New York Fashion Week project isn’t just a platform for showcasing creativity — it’s a career-launching experience. Under the guidance of two professional instructors, this year’s cohort of seven students dazzled the runway.
Top-tier mentorship combined with global craftsmanship creates a rich, diverse learning environment, allowing students to step confidently into the world of fashion. Access to elite resources and networks puts them squarely on the shoulders of industry giants.
As you may know, NYFW occurs twice a year — in September (Spring/Summer collections for the following year) and February (Fall/Winter of the current year). Let’s dive into the bold Spring/Summer 2025 collections our students have brought to life!
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Meet the Designers｜Spring/Summer 2025
This year’s seven designers from GAAC each brought five unique looks to the NYFW runway. Their bold, fresh perspectives continue to redefine how we interpret fashion and reflect the extraordinary potential of the next generation of designers.
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Exclusive Highlights
▶ Times Square Spotlight
Our show received major attention this year — including prime-time ad space on the iconic Times Square big screens!
▶ Casting & Fittings
An essential step in preparing for the runway, designers worked closely with models to fit and adjust each garment, ensuring every detail aligned with their creative vision. Meticulous photo documentation also helped streamline the backstage process on show day.
▶ Backstage Interviews
Each student designer was interviewed by leading media outlets backstage, sharing their inspirations and design concepts alongside their models. Their charisma shone both behind the scenes and under the spotlight, with images and video clips quickly spreading across major platforms.
▶ Runway Show
This year’s show followed the traditional T-stage format, with guests seated museum-style to admire each piece up close. As meticulously crafted garments emerged from backstage and models strutted down the runway, the audience experienced fashion as a living, breathing art form — far beyond the lines of a sketch.
▶ Confidence in Motion
They say youth fears nothing — and our seven students proved just that. As high schoolers, they bravely stepped onto an international stage, sharing their vision with the world. Whether receiving praise or critique, they embraced every response as fuel for growth. NYFW wasn’t just a fashion milestone — it was a celebration of courage, creativity, and unshakable dreams.
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About the Program｜More Than Just a Runway
The NYFW project is more than a show — it’s a real-world learning lab for students interested in fashion business and management. With fashion management courses gaining popularity, students are now offered a unique deep dive into every aspect of the industry — from branding and marketing to retail operations and consumer psychology.
Through this immersive experience, students gain firsthand knowledge of how designers launch collections, craft brand strategies, engage with influencers, and optimize media exposure. NYFW serves as a living case study, offering unparalleled networking opportunities with industry professionals, potential clients, and fellow creatives.
In short, NYFW is not only a spectacular fashion event — it’s an educational goldmine for anyone aspiring to enter the fashion world with both creative flair and business acumen.
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Calling the Next Class of Designers｜SS26 Applications Open
The Spring/Summer 2026 NYFW showcase will be held in New York in September 2025. This six-month program offers students an immersive journey through the fashion world, stepping into the shoes of both designer and brand founder.
At GAAC, we believe fashion is the expression of one’s soul — and we’re looking for students ready to shape their visions into something extraordinary.
Founded in 2015, Green Apple Art Center (GAAC) helped launch Vitruvius, the world’s first student-led high school fashion brand, and has since taken students aged 15–18 to NYFW every year. Over time, our [NYFW Program] has evolved into a premier incubator for young designers and a standout achievement for students applying to top universities.
Each year, Vitruvius receives glowing attention from local and international media, while students gain endorsements from leading industry experts. Their collections and NYFW experience have become invaluable assets in university applications and professional portfolios.
The next chapter of fashion begins now — and we can’t wait to see who joins us on the runway.
