Cynthia Rowley’s 100th NYFW Show: A Bold Celebration of Sleek Designs and Automotive Inspiration

Each September, Cynthia Rowley transforms the New York City runway with dynamic outdoor shows that bring fashion to life, enhanced by the natural elements. This year, marking her 100th show on September 10, Rowley took things up a notch by hosting the event at the Classic Car Club at Pier 76. Against a backdrop of gleaming Cadillacs and reflective surfaces, the Spring/Summer 2025 collection delivered a fusion of sporty elegance and rebellious style, using the shimmer of car headlights as a muse.

Photo byPHOTO CREDIT: Mark Grgurich/Stila Cosmetics

Rowley’s collection embraced contrasts—sleek, structured silhouettes intertwined with fluid, flirty dresses. The collection’s tough-girl chic aesthetic, with its metallic accents and reflective fabrics, caught the eye of attendees as models moved effortlessly around the automotive showcase.

Behind the stunning makeup looks was Stila Cosmetics Global Beauty Director Charlie Riddle, who drew inspiration from the chrome reflections of the Cadillacs. Riddle crafted a futuristic and effortless beauty look centered on the eyes, using metallic tones to mimic the glint of car paint. He layered shades of gold, platinum, and cypress green for a chrome-like effect on the lids, with the lips kept soft and nude, adding a hint of a natural “just-bitten” finish, according to a press release. The absence of mascara added to the modern, polished feel of the collection, allowing the metallic eye looks to take center stage.

“The focus is all in the eye with an effortless, almost abstract application of chrome and metallic shades finished with a clean lash, no mascara, and a brushed-up natural eyebrow,” Riddle said, explaining the vision behind the beauty look.

How to Recreate the Look:

For fashion enthusiasts eager to recreate the runway glamour, Stila provides a breakdown of the products used:

1. All About The Blur Blurring & Smoothing Primer - to create a smooth canvas.
2. Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette - for flawless, satin-like skin.
3. Blush & Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo - to sculpt the cheeks and add definition.
4. Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner in Cypress - for a metallic green eye look.
5. Stay All Day Artistix in Disco and Charleston - for platinum and gold accents.
6. Calligraphy Lip Stain in Elizabeth and Malala - for the signature soft, nude lips.
7. Heaven's Dew Gel Lip Oil in Raindrop - to hydrate and add a glossy finish to the lips.

Each product was carefully chosen to enhance the show’s overall aesthetic, highlighting the models' features without overpowering the sleekness of the collection.

The Reflection of Fashion and Art

Rowley’s 100th show was not just a celebration of fashion but an exploration of how art, movement, and design converge. The reflective materials used in the collection captured the essence of motion and light, while Stila's beauty approach mirrored that same vibrancy and fluidity.

As Rowley continues to push boundaries, blending bold aesthetics with practical wearability, her 100th show will undoubtedly be remembered as a high point in her career, merging the elegance of automotive design with the creativity of fashion.

For those interested in trying out these iconic beauty products, Stila Cosmetics offers all of them through their website and social media channels. The fusion of beauty and fashion in this landmark show is sure to inspire many as they explore fresh trends for the upcoming season.

Cynthia Rowley SS25 Runway Show
Date: September 10, 2024
Location: Classic Car Club, Pier 76, New York City
Photo Credit: Mark Grgurich/Stila Cosmetics