Sequins in the Sidewalks: How Anne Hathaway's Ralph Lauren Moment Signals a New York Microtrend

New York, April 17, 2025 – At Ralph Lauren’s intimate fall 2025 presentation in the heart of Manhattan, all eyes may have been on the runway—but fashion insiders were equally captivated by Anne Hathaway’s unexpected sartorial twist. Her sequined, distressed trousers, equal parts grunge and glamour, weren’t just a personal statement. According to trend analyst Rachelle Fontana, “It was a signal. Sequins are shifting from red carpet to real life.”

Hathaway paired the glimmering, torn trousers with a minimalist white tank and trench, creating a grounded contrast that drew applause from fashion editors. The look, while unorthodox, reflects a growing New York trend Lila Moreau calls “Refined Ruin.”

Anne in RL. Photo by IL MODA EDIT Team NYC

“It’s post-pandemic grit with a glint,” says Moreau. “New Yorkers are blending embellishment and decay—sequins on slashed denim, distressed metallics, even ripped silk. It’s a fashion metaphor for the city itself.”

Brooklyn stylist Imani Cruz notes her Gen Z clients are requesting more ‘contradiction pieces’—items that sparkle but still feel street. “They want to be seen, but also real,” Cruz explains. “Sequins used to mean party. Now they mean power.”

Lauren’s show itself also leaned heavily into dualities—classic tailoring meets undone textures, soft hues interrupted by military-inspired pieces. Hathaway’s outfit didn’t clash with the show. It crystallized it.

As Soho windows begin to reflect more glitter in daylight, the question becomes: are we ready to make sparkle a staple?

Spoiler: New York already has.

— By Lila Moreau, Trend Forecaster, IL MODA EDIT