Highlights from Boston Fashion Week: The Emerging Creatives of House of Fashion

Boston, more commonly known for its baseball and accents, is becoming an underdog in the high-end fashion scene. While not exactly comparable in popularity to New York or Paris, Boston Fashion Week—officially established in 1995—makes up for its lack of experience with energy and craftsmanship.

The 30th annual event saw the addition of House Fashion Week, a platform for rising and established designers and models to offer fresh perspectives. Held from October 13-19, it marked a historic moment for Boston.

I navigated the brightly lit warehouse corridors and found myself in a room filled with well-dressed guests, a bubbly Brazilian DJ, and a bartender serving colorful drinks. The large windows framed Boston’s red October leaves as if they were intentionally staged to be part of the exhibit. As I sat next to a Boston Globe reporter, the event felt both innovative and intimate.

Lun Urai x Honile

The collaboration between Lun Urai and Honile made for a graceful entrance to the show, blending Eastern and Western influences. The delightfully feminine collection featured soft florals, lace, pearls, and a color palette of blues, pinks, and lilacs. Each piece embodied a casual luxury for the everyday woman who appreciates infusions of art with her fashion. The show felt like a visual ode to decadent youth, with butterfly motifs and delicate accessories capturing the spirit of freedom and femininity.

Highlights:

• Lacy Miss Lace! The intricate lacework in a powder-blue dress felt perfect for a sunrise run through a prairie field.

Renverre by Chaejin Yoon

Making its Boston debut, Renverre—led by emerging designer Chaejin Yoon, a Parsons School of Design graduate—presented a collection inspired by Swarovski and Miu Miu. Elegant designs mixed work-chic silhouettes with threads, zippers, and structured shapes reminiscent of an “Old Money” Pinterest board. Styled like New York’s off-runway models, the collection featured subtle East-West sensibilities. The sweetest part? The young designer’s family members from South Korea who flew in to support her.

Highlights:

• Two-piece catsuits in lilac. Where do I sign up for one in every color? Modern, timeless, and impossible to ignore.

Cycld by Alessia Aucoin

Cycld’s collection stood out for its commitment to sustainability and focus on upcycled materials. By integrating zero-waste production with inspiration from North and South Pole exploration, the designers incorporated thrifted or donated materials like fanny packs, Ziploc bags, and camping tents into their pieces. Cycld borrowed elements from traditional climbing and hiking gear, reflecting the designer’s Canadian roots. Rugged yet couture, outdoorsy yet elegant—it felt like another planet’s version of ready-to-wear, where fashion choices are much more thoughtful and experiential. It was playful and responsible, a show that made sustainability stylish.

Highlights:

• Sheer socks adorned with flowers! One of the simplest yet most enchanting runway moments, as if the models were floating… In a sky of grass.

Vo StewartBaxter by Victoria Stewart Baxter

This punk-glam couture brought a unique aesthetic to the runway. Local designer Victoria Stewart Baxter, known for her work with drag, burlesque, and performance artists, delivered theatrical designs that shone through. The collection featured sharp shapes, safety pins, sequins, and satin cones, creating a bold and avant-garde atmosphere. Drawing influences from Alice in Wonderland and goth culture, the show celebrated cinema, performance art, and individual expression. The models wore their own worn-down sneakers, proving that simplicity is merely the freedom to reinterpret.

Highlights:

• Vintage B-movie tees paired with heels, skirts, and feathered headpieces. The world is her stage.

Zonya Campbell

The shift to Zonya Campbell was marked by gowns—prom dresses, bridal wear, and red-carpet-worthy looks. But that’s not all she does. Originally a statement jewelry designer, Campbell’s brand has expanded to capture confidence and sophistication through classic materials like satin, lace, and sequins. Her solo runway walk was a memorable moment, ending the show on a high note.

Highlights:

• A black and gold sequined gown that felt regal and managed to avoid any bee-like associations by delivering a mesmerizing blend of colors.

Trends & Takeaways

This year’s House of Fashion event at Boston Fashion Week highlighted several notable trends shaping the emerging scene:

• Sustainability: Cycld pushed boundaries with upcycled materials and zero-waste production, setting a new standard in design.

• Cultural Showcase: Lun Urai x Honilé’s blend of Eastern and Western elements reminded us of the beauty in celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Authenticity: Vo Stewart Baxter and Renverre emphasized individual expression with bold, personal designs, whether punk, goth, or “casual chic.”

Boston Fashion Week’s 30th edition marked a significant chapter for the city’s growing influence in the fashion world. It was a delightful showcase of local talent and an absolute must-see for anyone eager to witness the intersection of history and art.