Kate Barton Channeled a Viral Bag Into a Goldfish Sponsorship for Her NYFW Debut

The Citizen

1 year ago

This season, New York Fashion Week has seen a list of momentous anniversaries (Nanushka and 3.1 Phillip Lim), grand returns (Theophilio) and first-timers (Off-White, Campillo and Toteme). Kate Barton, a 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, officially joined the latter club, as she presented her debut runway show on Tuesday at AG Studios in lower Manhattan.

Since launching her brand in 2022, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) graduate has already established an expertise in technical material manipulation and innovative sculpting techniques. For Spring 2025, she put these strengths on full display: Many pieces were crafted with her signature molded draping technique, while others showcased a sculptural motif among a handful of necklines, belts and waistbands.

“I never really start from a specific theme or inspiration,” Barton told Fashionista at the show. “It really is an intuitive process of the brand’s core draping and sculpting techniques. I really wanted to expand this season into a broader range of products that are more accessible, but still really hold that brand DNA and innovative spirit. I started noticing that the brand’s DNA was becoming identifiable to our audience, so I felt confident to push that further and show how these sculpting techniques can be used in something like a denim pant and also a couture gown.”

What was new territory for Barton was defining the brand’s core girl: She was intentional with her casting, finding models that “embodied all the cool New York girls, not just one style or one girl.”

On the runway, this helped show how the garments span diverse aesthetics. Some leaned into swag, like the steel-blue matching crop vest and baggy gathered pants. Others felt sexy, such as the sculpturally cinched lilac mini, while others felt more couture — mainly the final white maxi gown (worn by Winnie Harlow).

The most exciting pieces were those accessorized with floating goldfish bags, one of Kate Barton’s best-known designs that went viral after being worn by Heidi Klum. It should then come as no surprise that the brand came to “a really organic partnership” with Goldfish (yes, the crackers).

“I want people to smile,” Barton said. “I’m always trying to add a playfulness to [the collection] and I think the collaboration with Goldfish played a big part in that this season… I want to make beautiful sculpted garments that showcase my technique, but I want people to be excited and have fun.”

See all the looks from Kate Barton Spring 2025 below.