Frederick Anderson Spring/Summer 25
A distinct cloud of Baccarat Rouge, hairspray, and nail polish remover envelops you the moment you step backstage at Frederick Anderson’s Spring/Summer 2025 Collection. Acclaimed designer Frederick Anderson’s New York Fashion Week show inspired by his travels through Northern Africa, was presented at the Dimenna Center in Manhattan on September 11, 2024.
Backstage, the atmosphere buzzes with energy and precision. Hair, makeup, and nail artists work tirelessly to perfect the looks while content creators and photographers swarm the beauty stations, seeking the perfect shot. As I step backstage, to my left I’m greeted by a row of models sitting perfectly still as their hair is intricately braided and styled into elegant buns and updos. To my right, makeup artists deftly apply Smokey eyes and bold cat-eye liner, complimenting the sultry allure of the collection. Amid the whirlwind, a nail artist meticulously applies a fresh set of nails to a model, who remains unbothered despite a small dog strapped into a baby carrier on the chest of the nail artist. The dog sits composed, unfazed by the backstage chaos.
The show itself was a sensory journey, with upbeat music transporting the audience straight to Northern Africa. The collection’s pieces were a harmonious blend of culture and glamour, featuring lightweight fabrics, deep V-necklines, animal print, dramatic laces, high leg slits, intricate beading, earthy tones, culturally inspired patterns, and fringes that felt as though they danced with the music.
The designs embodied the spirit of a sexy night out fused with the adventurous allure of an African safari. Seductive looks with shimmering beadwork, sheer fabrics, plunging necklines, and lace details were seamlessly balanced with cultural influences, including intricate patterns, crocheted elements, topped off with beaded necklaces, belts and sashes. The collection felt equally wearable on and off the runway, thanks to its breathable fabrics and neutral earth-tone palette, which flattered every model’s skin tone. Much like Anderson’s past collections, beneath the modern and fresh designs lay a deep homage to heritage and tradition. Each look carried the essence of Northern Africa, evident in the beadwork, patterns, and expertly crafted and inspired silhouettes.
Two standout looks in particular had me leaving the show feeling inspired. The first was a low-cut, sheer black gown adorned with intricate beadwork that evoked baroque or floral patterns on the chest leading into embellishment that fell below the belt line of the dress like droplets of water. Paired with a voluminous black coat that draped effortlessly from the model’s arms, the look was both striking and elegant, with the coat accentuating the gown’s beaded detail. My second favorite was a black gown with a plunging neckline where a tie wrapped around the neck falls down the open front of the dress the way a statement necklace would. The dress had a high leg slit and is adorned with a gold embellished sash around the dropped waist of the dress. The design of the gold embellished fabric felt like a reference to the geometric designs that appear in many Northern African countries. The dress’s flowing yet form-fitting fabric struck the perfect balance between ease and sophistication, making it the perfect choice to bring for a glamorous night out on your next exotic vacation.
Frederick Anderson’s Spring/Summer 2025 Collection was an inspired celebration of culture and couture, seamlessly blending tradition with modern sensuality. I walked out of the show feeling the inspiration that Anderson felt during his travels through Marrakech and Tangier. As always, Frederick Anderson has cultivated a stunning show that brings together modern style and tradition to create a touching and inspirational collection that lingers in the attendees minds for days after the show.
