Effortless, Ethereal, and Unexpected: Lilly Sisto’s NYFW
Every iconic Fashion Week look starts with a vision. For the FW25 Tory Burch show at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), I wanted something that felt bold yet effortlessly elegant, blending movement, structure, and texture—perfectly in sync with the brand’s signature sophistication. Tory’s designs have always embodied timeless yet forward-thinking fashion, and this collection was no exception.
For my look, I chose the Jellyfish Jersey Dress, a fluid, nature-inspired print that felt both modern and timeless, paired with Western Tall Boots for a sleek, unexpected edge. To complete the look, I layered on the Textured Viscose Coat in a deep red hue, adding the perfect pop of contrast against the ethereal dress. The combination was a mix of vintage inspiration and contemporary polish—exactly how I love to style my Fashion Week looks.
Of course, no NYFW outfit is complete without the right glam team, and I had the best of the best. Kasey Spickard worked his magic on my makeup, giving me the perfect “natural cool girl” look—fresh, radiant skin with an effortless, barely-there feel, plus a subtle flush for that just-touched-by-the-runway glow. Davey Matthew styled my hair, bringing my vision of a deconstructed French twist to life—chic yet slightly undone, with just the right amount of movement to match the elegance of the evening. The final details? Statement gold jewelry and a Tory Burch Kira bag to tie everything together.
Stepping into MoMA for the Tory Burch show was nothing short of surreal. The venue—a beacon of modern art and innovation—set the perfect stage for a collection that blended structured silhouettes with fluid fabrics, unexpected color pairings, and an air of effortless sophistication.
From the front row, I watched as models glided down the runway, each look telling a story of empowerment and reinvention. The collection felt fresh yet rooted in Tory’s timeless elegance. Sharp tailoring was softened by delicate layering, while unexpected fabric combinations added dimension and intrigue. It was a perfect reflection of what NYFW stands for: honoring the past while looking toward the future.
As the finale walked, I felt that familiar NYFW rush—that instant inspiration, the creative energy that lingers long after the show ends. There’s something about seeing a designer’s vision come to life that reminds me why I fell in love with fashion in the first place.
While the Tory Burch show was a highlight, it was just one piece of the NYFW puzzle. The week was filled with unforgettable shows, events, and the kind of chance encounters that only happen in NYC. Some of my favourite moments included the Sandy Liang show, a masterclass in effortlessly cool, feminine tailoring with a downtown edge; a Stella McCartney celebration for their latest Adidas collaboration; Ulla Johnson’s dreamy textures and silhouettes set against an elegant backdrop; a cocktail party at the Prada store in SoHo, celebrating fashion and creativity with some of the most stylish people in the industry; and breakfast with Jimmy Choo, the perfect way to start the day—great company and even better shoes.
One of the most special moments was attending the AREA event. I’m so proud of my cousin - the founder - for continuously pushing the boundaries of fashion with bold, sculptural designs that are pure artistry.
And, of course, no NYFW is complete without a rooftop after-party. There’s something about New York’s skyline twinkling in the background, the post-show adrenaline still buzzing, and the mix of fashion insiders, creatives, and longtime friends all in one place. It’s in these moments—the ones that aren’t planned or curated—that NYFW feels the most alive.
As someone who grew up immersed in both the worlds of fashion and art, NYFW has always held a special place in my heart. It’s more than just beautiful clothes—it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and culture. This season, I was particularly struck by how the shows blended high fashion with accessibility, inviting audiences to rethink what luxury means in a modern world.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, NYFW is a reminder of fashion’s power to inspire, connect, and transform. It’s the designers crafting a story through fabric, the editors and buyers shaping the season’s trends, and the street style moments that become their own kind of art. It’s about pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and celebrating the energy that makes fashion an ever-evolving force.
It’s also about the little moments in between—supporting designers I’ve admired for years, discovering new favorites, reuniting with friends for much-needed catch-ups in between shows, and exchanging knowing glances with seat neighbors when a particularly stunning look hits the runway. Those are the moments that make Fashion Week feel personal.
As the final show wrapped and the city settled back into its usual rhythm, I left NYFW feeling inspired, energized, and grateful for the experience. Whether it was front-row moments at Tory Burch, celebrating my cousin at AREA, or intimate industry events, this season was one for the books.
And while the runway lights may be dimmed for now, the inspiration lingers—in the color palettes, textures, and silhouettes that will shape the coming months, in the conversations that sparked new ideas, and in the collective creative energy that makes fashion so much more than just clothes.
