Ronald van der Kemp’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, presented during New York Fashion Week, is an evocative homage to the city itself. Photographer Katie Borrazzo captured backstage moments at the Ronald van der Kemp Spring Summer 25 show, exclusively for DSCENE Magazine. Drawing inspiration from New York’s iconic landmarks, the collection juxtaposes heavily embellished pieces with more grounded, symbolic items. Highlights include multi-textured coats and three-dimensional draped dresses, which subtly nod to the diversity of the city’s architectural marvels, like the Statue of Liberty and the American flag.
BACKSTAGE
The show had a distinct narrative that culminated in a dramatic finale. On the morning of September 11th, the models shed their couture pieces in favor of simple T-shirts and jeans with patriotic stars and stripes. This moment referenced the resilience of the city but also emphasized the collection’s underlying message of strength and unity. Van der Kemp himself joined the models, walking down the runway amidst the applause.
In terms of design, van der Kemp leaned heavily into texture and structure. The collection’s coats and jackets, often with intricate detailing, brought forward a sense of urban toughness balanced by a refined silhouette. Meanwhile, dresses in the collection took on a more fluid and layered approach, echoing the complexity of New York’s skyline with cascading fabrics that felt both sculptural and dynamic.
The collection also maintained Ronald van der Kemp’s longstanding commitment to sustainability. Known for his use of upcycled materials, van der Kemp continued this practice in SS25, incorporating reworked textiles into the collection. Take a closer look at the backstage moments at Ronald van der Kemp Spring Summer 25 show in the gallery below:
