Fun and Flirty on the Heels of Fashion: DSW x Christian Cowan FW25 at New York Fashion Week
Photos by Alpine Baek and Eunjoo Jeong (Backstage) / VRAI Magazine
After a successful collaboration between DSW and Christian Cowan last September 2024 at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the two teamed up once again to unveil a FW25 — Fall/Winter 2025 — collection featuring DSW footwear in every look on the runways of NYFW, February 7, 2025. In addition to DSW footwear, DSW shoes were incorporated directly into six exclusive Christian Cowan creations — literally elevating footwear to a whole new level on the runways of NYFW. How often do you see shoes as strategic “bra tops” and even skirts?
“I enjoyed working with DSW so much last season, that I was inspired to create pieces of my collection entirely out of DSW shoes. With the looks incorporating the DSW shoes, I’ve tried to hit different avenues. Like, we’ve got our downtown cool girl mini party dress that’s quite avant-garde, but then we’ve also got like a Cannes film festival gown, but also there is my version of a workwear suiting moment. And just really showing different types of women in this make-believe world where they were like I’m just going to wear these shoes all over my body.” ~ Christian Cowan
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DSW x Christian Cowan FW25 at New York Fashion Week
Cowan continues to deliver vibrant and playful creations and this season was no exception. While DSW shoes were the main accessory featured in the collection, circle motifs, feathers, lingerie, and even chewed bubble gum (or was it Play-Doh?) in the opening look were all design elements adding bold, whimsical touches. And when each look is topped off with wigs similar to the the Martian girl from the movie “Mars Attacks” — it’s a collection one doesn’t easily forget.
While the collection centered around vibrant hues, one standout for this editor was the white creation representative of a look in the early stages of creation. Hand-drawn notes, sketches, unfinished edges, and color swatches adorned the “conceptual dress” which beautifully stood out from the collection. Brilliant!
Cowan reminds us to take life by the heels and have fun with what we’re given in this world. He certainly did so with this successful collaboration with DSW.
DSW x Christian Cowan FW25 at New York Fashion Week: Backstage
Enjoy backstage moments during hair and makeup, rehearsals and first looks captured before the runway event.
See our ongoing coverage of New York Fashion Week, February 2025.
