NYFW SS25 wrapped up today, and one trend has already emerged as the strongest of the season: punctuality. It is no longer fashionable to be fashionably late. During New York Fashion Week, three key moments signalled the end of lateness as a symbol of charm—and, let’s be honest, ego. Meanwhile, punctuality has ascended to the status of a cool virtue. Let’s explore who was late at New York Fashion Week shows and how the punctuality trend became hot this season.
Anna Wintour and Punctuality
@Shutterstock
At an award presentation during NYFW SS25, Dame Anna Wintour, the Queen of American Vogue, publicly chastised Naomi Campbell for her tardiness. “I am a very punctual person, and I have the honour of presenting tonight to someone who is often late,” Wintour observed, with a touch of irony.
It appears that the supermodel is renowned for her epic lateness. Campbell adheres to what’s known as “Cuban Standard Time,” which translates to three hours past the scheduled time.
With this public rebuke, Anna Wintour made it clear that the rules of etiquette have shifted: punctuality is now in vogue.
Madonna and Lil’ Kim’s Faux Pas
@Raph_PH via Commons Wikimedia
Madonna arrived late and stumbled onto the runway at Luar’s Spring 2025 show—a blunder that only reinforced the notion that it might be time for the singer to retire.
Rapper Lil’ Kim also made a late entrance, arriving midway through Christian Siriano’s show and tiptoeing to her seat next to Tiffany Haddish, Christina Hendricks, Selma Blair, and Cyndi Lauper—all of whom arrived on time. While Lil’ Kim’s fans might see her tardiness as a ‘Diva’ move, in truth, it came across as childish and foolish.
Punctuality Is So Badass
Punctuality is a virtue. The idea stems from the belief that we cannot recover lost time because time doesn’t come back. Respecting schedules also means respecting other people’s time. Being punctual demonstrates good manners and reflects your character, showing that you care about others.
Like many virtues, punctuality strengthens our character, helps us perform our tasks more effectively, and enhances our social relationships.
The Devil and Saints on Punctuality
Anna Wintour, aka The Devil Wears Prada, emphasises punctuality, but so do the saints. In the book Christ Is Passing By, Saint Josemaría Escrivá writes, “He who is faithful in small matters is also faithful in great ones, and he who is unjust in small matters is also unjust in great ones. It is as if God is reminding us: fight at every moment in those details that may seem small but are great in My eyes; fulfil your duties punctually; smile at those who need it, even if your soul is in pain; dedicate the necessary time to prayer without hesitation; come to the aid of those who seek your help; practise justice, extending it with the grace of charity.”
Who would have thought that New York Fashion Week would bring such significant value into the fashion conversation—like the power of small actions to elevate our souls? As we step into the new season, let’s embrace punctuality, along with conscious consumption and less vanity.