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.
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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.
