Jonathan Simkhai, the Los Angeles-based designer behind the Simkhai label, has done it again. His Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, unveiled on February 7, 2025, at New York Fashion Week, is a love letter to vintage charm wrapped in contemporary cool. Staged on the 37th floor of 10 Hudson Yards with Manhattan’s skyline twinkling in the background, the runway was a celebration of textured elegance, personal storytelling, and wearable art. From antique-inspired embellishments to the debut of menswear, Simkhai’s latest offering is sparking buzz for all the right reasons.
The inspiration for Fall 2025 hit Simkhai like a bolt of lightning at the Rose Bowl flea market in Los Angeles. An antique 1920s brooch, weathered by time and tales, caught his eye, sparking visions of the hands and lives it had touched over decades. “I imagined its journey,” Simkhai shared backstage, his excitement palpable. That single find became the heartbeat of the collection, infusing it with a vintage soul that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Add to that a personal touch—his grandfather’s 1970s lace and embroidery mill in Iran—and you’ve got a lineup that’s as sentimental as it is stylish.
The runway was a feast of textures and details. Picture liquid-like satin dresses that glide over the body, their sheen catching the light like molten metal. Then came the showstoppers: pieces adorned with intricate lace and embroidery, a nod to Simkhai’s heritage. A strapless finale dress, with cage-like embroidery inspired by floral X-rays, was a jaw-dropper, blending delicate craftsmanship with bold structure. Another standout was a semi-sheer skirt with petal-vein embellishments, evoking a romantic yet modern vibe. “I love giving pieces that extra detail, something to make them stand out,” Simkhai said, and he delivered.
Menswear made its runway debut, a bold move for the brand, and it didn’t disappoint. Chunky knits with a worn-in feel, relaxed suiting, and coats with exposed seams mirrored the women’s collection while carving their own path. A roomy cashmere-blend jacket and matching trousers, worn by Simkhai himself during fittings, screamed effortless cool. “It’s about empowering everyone to feel good,” he noted, and the menswear felt like a natural extension of that ethos.
Footwear, Simkhai’s fastest-growing category since launching in 2022, was a highlight. Vintage-inspired motorcycle boots and distressed leather slingback mules strutted down the runway, adding grit to the collection’s polish. “Boots are killing it for us,” Simkhai told Footwear News, noting their popularity at retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks. A point-toe dress boot and a round-toe day boot stood out, proving that practicality can be chic.
Simkhai’s knack for balancing innovation with wearability shone through. A leather dress with 3-D floral cutouts was both artistic and approachable, while a bright orange knit dress overlaid with butterfly motifs—honoring his grandmother’s love for the creatures—felt personal yet universal. Even the knits, like a pleated maxi dress with visible darts, played with deconstruction, turning seams into statements. “I’m obsessed with hiding seams, but this time I let them show,” Simkhai admitted, embracing a raw, modern edge.
The setting amplified the collection’s urban sophistication. High above New York City, with panoramic views of skyscrapers and the Hudson River, the venue screamed big-city ambition. Models moved with purpose, their looks tailored for the Manhattanite—or any city dweller—who wants to stand out without trying too hard. From daytime separates to knockout eveningwear, every piece felt like it belonged in a bustling, stylish life.
Simkhai’s evolution is evident. Since rebranding in 2023—dropping “Jonathan” from the label to reflect his team’s collaborative spirit—the brand has grown bolder. With shop-in-shops at Selfridges and Rubaiyat, new stores in Thailand, and plans for more, Simkhai is eyeing global markets while staying true to his roots. “We’re 100% privately owned, so every move is strategic,” he told Forbes, highlighting the challenge of scaling without external funding. Yet, his customer remains at the heart of it all. “We dress the mother, the daughter, the prom-goer, the bride,” he said, proud of the brand’s multigenerational appeal.
Fans on X couldn’t get enough, with one user raving, “Simkhai’s Fall 2025 is giving vintage glamour with a 2025 twist—obsessed!” Another posted, “Those boots and that finale dress? Simkhai’s out here winning NYFW!” The collection’s blend of romance and edge has also drawn high-profile fans like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Michelle Obama, cementing Simkhai’s status as a go-to for empowered style.
From a flea market find to a runway triumph, Simkhai’s Fall 2025 collection is a masterclass in storytelling through fashion. It’s for the dreamer who loves a touch of history, the go-getter who owns the room, and the style lover who wants clothes that feel like art. As Simkhai continues to push boundaries—expanding into menswear, shoes, and handbags—this collection proves he’s not just keeping up; he’s setting the pace. Here’s to a season that’s as unforgettable as that 1920s brooch.