Fashion

Christian Cowan's FW25 Showcase Was a Tribute to the Avant-Garde

Celebrating childhood creativity and experimentation, inspired by Cowan’s late friend and investor, Abbie McLaughlin.

14.3K

Christian Cowan's FW25 Showcase Was a Tribute to the Avant-Garde

Celebrating childhood creativity and experimentation, inspired by Cowan’s late friend and investor, Abbie McLaughlin.

Christian Cowan presented its Fall/Winter 2025 collection during New York Fashion Week, set against a backdrop of the NYC skyline. The collection was a tribute to Cowan’s long-time muse Abbie (McLaughlin), who sadly died last year. In tribute to her playful spirit and unique quirks, the collection centered around a theme of childhood creativity and exploration, tapping into “pure fashion enjoyment.”

“Abbie was a true fashion lover who wore larger-than-life looks daily, always leaving us in awe. She was my greatest supporter, constantly championing me and my team to push boundaries, break norms, grow, and, most importantly, have a fabulous time doing so. Abbie will forever be a muse to me,” Cowan explained in the collection’s show notes.

Read on for Hypebae’s review of Christian Cowan FW25. While you’re here, check out what went down at Sandy Liang FW25.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HYPEBEAST (@hypebeast)

WHERE: This season’s runway show took place at the Glasshouse in New York City, treating guests to an impressive city skyline.

WHO: The likes of Sam Smith, Kesha and Anna Delvey were in attendance at the showcase, along with Cole Escola, King Princess, Meredith Marks, Ubah Hassan, Coco Rocha, Susanne Bartsch, Crystal Waters, Jessel Taank, Bronwyn Newport, Ari Lennox, Yailin La Más Viral, Alice Chater, Ashley Gill, Grant Gibbs and Emira D’Spain.

SEE: Sexy, campy, ’60s alien vibes dominated the showcase, with beauty looks taking inspiration from “Mars attacks” and retro ’60s hairstyles. Blue eyeshadow, skirts made of heels and undergarments and polka dots blended playful touches with vintage silhouettes, while Cowan’s direction instructed models to “purposely stumble” and have fun on the runway.

TOUCH: Leather, mesh and metallics brought the brand’s ’60s alien dream to life, along with tongue-in-cheek fabric experiments like dresses made of heels and silicone gum (teased via Julia Fox.) Elsewhere, feathers added extra texture.

HEAR: Cowan’s unique showcase was soundtracked by a chaotic acid trip remix: merging opera on top of Britney’s “Toxic” before transitioning to a fusion of classical music and hyper pop.

TASTE: Futuristic galaxy queens are one to keep an eye out for this next season, with Cowan’s trippy alien baddie convention signaling a shift towards galactic-inspired fashion and retro-space makeup.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

A Roege Hove FW25 Was a Masterclass in Sculptural Silhouettes
Fashion

A Roege Hove FW25 Was a Masterclass in Sculptural Silhouettes

The brand’s signature fabric manipulations made a welcome return to the runway.

Marine Serre's FW25 Show Was Right on the Money
Fashion

Marine Serre's FW25 Show Was Right on the Money

Presenting a celebratory collection filled with couture looks crafted from upcycled coins, antique watches and more.

The Sandy Liang Girl Is All Grown up for FW25
Fashion

The Sandy Liang Girl Is All Grown up for FW25

Drawing inspiration from the designer’s own adolescence.


Han Kjobenhavn FW25 Was All About the Shoulders
Fashion

Han Kjobenhavn FW25 Was All About the Shoulders

Influenced by artistic director Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen’s Danish upbringing.

Nike’s Powerful New Brand Anthem – “So Win” – Is All About Being the Best
Sports

Nike’s Powerful New Brand Anthem – “So Win” – Is All About Being the Best

Starring Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Sha’Carri Richardson, A’ja Wilson, Sophia Wilson and voiced by Doechii.

MAC's Romero Jennings Opts for "It-Girl" Glam at Kim Shui FW25
Beauty

MAC's Romero Jennings Opts for "It-Girl" Glam at Kim Shui FW25

Lived-in hair, icy eyes and pierced nails dominated the runway.

Jacquemus Is Entering the Beauty Chat
Beauty

Jacquemus Is Entering the Beauty Chat

The designer is signing an exclusive multi-year partnership with the L’Oréal Groupe.

Rema Finally Releases Sade Cover, "Baby (Is It A Crime)"
Music

Rema Finally Releases Sade Cover, "Baby (Is It A Crime)"

Excuse us while we scream.

Why Medieval Hair Is the Internet’s New Obsession
Beauty

Why Medieval Hair Is the Internet’s New Obsession

Here’s how you can achieve the elaborate looks that were 700 years ahead of their time.

NewJeans Is Rebranding, Here's Everything You Need to Know
Music

NewJeans Is Rebranding, Here's Everything You Need to Know

NJZ is “going to be very different,” according to Hanni.

Thea Hughes on Creating Warm, Welcoming Spaces for Women in Wellness
Sports

Thea Hughes on Creating Warm, Welcoming Spaces for Women in Wellness

The Nike Well Collective strength coach, wellness consultant and movement director has built a thriving community for women in NYC, focused on fitness, female empowerment and connection.

Jordan Brand Teams up With Free the Youth To Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary
Fashion

Jordan Brand Teams up With Free the Youth To Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary

Marking four decades of cultural fusion, community development and greatness.

The Best Beauty and Wellness Gifts That'll Sweep Your Valentine Off Their Feet
Beauty

The Best Beauty and Wellness Gifts That'll Sweep Your Valentine Off Their Feet

From Phlur’s “Missing Person” Body Oil to Violette FR’s ”Bisou Jelly” Lipstick.

Collina Strada FW25 Turned NYC Into Its "Fempire"
Fashion

Collina Strada FW25 Turned NYC Into Its "Fempire"

Featuring differently-abled models, bridal looks and a PUMA collaboration.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.