Black-and-White Front Row Magic: Dove Cameron, Emmy Rossum & Nicole Scherzinger Lead Carolina Herrera’s Chic NYFW Moment

This year’s Fashion Week front rows have been dominated by black-and-white ensembles. During Paris Fashion Week, Chanel and Dior front-row guests wore the classic color pairing. New York Fashion Week was no different, as more stars graced the coveted front row in black and white.

This recurring black-and-white trend is a refreshing nod to timeless elegance, making a statement across major fashion capitals. At New York Fashion Week, this classic pairing continued its dominance, with Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2025 presentation offering a fresh take on the theme.

Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2025 presentation showcased a stunning array of designs, from minimalist gowns to intricately embroidered floral pieces, along with sophisticated knitwear and impeccably tailored suits. Under the creative direction of Wes Gordon, the collection reimagined Herrera’s signature feminine silhouettes with a bold, ’70s-inspired edge. His expert use of both spring and autumnal hues beautifully captured the fleeting transition between seasons.

While the runway featured a dynamic mix of textures and styles, the front-row attendees embraced their own interpretations of monochrome elegance. Dove Cameron, Emmy Rossum, and Nicole Scherzinger each brought their distinctive fashion sensibilities to the event, proving that black-and-white styling remains endlessly versatile.

Though statement heels could have added an extra layer of personality, their choice of monochrome footwear still made an impact. The refined details and subtle contrasts elevated their looks, offering a fresh take on classic elegance without relying on the standard black pump.

Dove Cameron, Nicole Scherzinger, and Emmy Rossum brought monochrome glamour to the Carolina Herrera Fall 2025 show at New York Fashion Week — each interpreting black-and-white elegance in their own way, from Dove’s spool-heeled pumps to Nicole’s chic cap-toe heels and Emmy’s retro houndstooth strap-pumps on February 10, 2025 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

1. Dove Cameron Channels Soft-Girl Glam in Carolina Herrera’s Monochrome Set & Spool-Heeled Pumps

I adore Dove Cameron’s sense of style, which is often edgy yet feminine. She showcased her signature aesthetic at the Carolina Herrera fashion show, fusing the high-fashion edge of the black-and-white combo with the soft-girl vibe.

Cameron wore shiny black patent leather pumps with a classic pointed toe. The spool heels, however, injected modern flair into the rather typical pump silhouette.

I suspect her sleek black pumps are by Carolina Herrera, given the brand’s recent focus on sculptural spool heels that merge timeless design with a touch of modern playfulness. Staying loyal to the label, Dove finished her look with oversized Carolina Herrera sunglasses featuring white temples and a black patent leather Continental pouch — a polished mix of classic sophistication and New York edge.

Dove Cameron displays her tattooed feet in a pair of black patent pointed-toe pumps with spool heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Dove Cameron’s Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2025 Look: Romantic Broderie Anglaise Bralette, Bow Details & Voluminous Midi Skirt

Cameron wore an ensemble from Herrera’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection. Showcasing her cleavage and toned abs, she wore a white bralette with a low square neckline and a cropped silhouette. It’s made from strips of intricate broderie anglaise cotton that give it a lacy brocade texture, while the black bow accent on either side enhances its feminine and romantic appeal.

I love how the simplicity of the white color contrasts with the intricate texture, adding visual depth to the bralette.

She complemented it with a black midi skirt that matched her top’s bow appliques and floral brocade texture. I love how the voluminous silhouette enhanced the overall appearance!

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the entire design of her top as she draped a black cape over her shoulders outside the Solow Building. But I appreciate how it made her look more elegant and cozy.

Dove Cameron embraces a soft-girl aesthetic in a white broderie anglaise cotton bralette with black bow accents, a voluminous black midi skirt, and a cape (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

The Spool Heel Revival: Hourglass Heels Take Over Celebrity Fashion

Dove’s footwear choice wasn’t just elegant—it was part of a growing trend. Spool heels, characterized by their distinctive hourglass shape, have made a notable resurgence in the fashion world.

Celebrities are embracing this elegant heel style, seamlessly incorporating it into their ensembles. Here are some standout moments:

However, not all celebrities opted for this trend—some, like Nicole Scherzinger, turned to another footwear classic: cap-toe pumps.

2. Nicole Scherzinger Masters Monochrome Elegance in Cap-Toe Pumps & a Plunging Jumpsuit

Bold yet glamorous, Nicole Scherzinger demonstrated her signature style as she arrived in the front row wearing black pumps.

She wore the $760 Carolina Herrera “Classic” Spring 2024 leather pumps with whimsical pointed cap toes. They’re set on 3.1-inch heels, enough to add a few inches to Scherzinger’s 5’5” stature.

I like the timelessness of the color combination, with the white cap toes adding a unique and bold touch to its design. The striking contrast draws attention to the shoes and adds a distinctive touch to the otherwise classic silhouette.

Nicole Scherzinger opts for Carolina Herrera’s Classic black pumps with white toe caps, adding a whimsical element to the classic silhouette (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Nicole Scherzinger’s Carolina Herrera Look: Plunging Strapless Jumpsuit, Dramatic Sleeves & Classic Cap-Toe Pumps

The former Pussycat Dolls member put on a busty display in a black jumpsuit with a ruched bodice and a plunging strapless neckline. It also features voluminous bishop sleeves, which appear detachable and have been added for a dramatic touch.

It was cinched at the waist with a wide, embellished black belt, accentuating her hourglass figure. However, it wasn’t particularly noticeable as she wore a long white coat, also from the Venezuelan fashion designer, to remain warm outside the venue.

The lower portion of the ensemble consists of fitted pants cropped to her midcalf, which I appreciate because they don’t cover her shoes.

Scherzinger smartly skipped a necklace in favor of large pearl teardrop earrings, which enhanced her ensemble’s elegance. Adding extra star power to the look, she covered her eyes behind oversized ombre sunglasses and carried her essentials in a black clutch by Carolina Herrera.

Nicole Scherzinger puts on a busty display in a black plunging jumpsuit with dramatic bishop sleeves and a white coat (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

The Cap-Toe Comeback: Celebrities Reinvent a Timeless Classic

Cap-toe pumps have long been a staple in fashion, offering a blend of classic elegance and modern flair. Many celebrities have embraced this trend, showcasing their unique takes on this timeless footwear. Here are some standout moments:

These instances highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of cap-toe pumps, as celebrities continue to incorporate them into both classic and contemporary fashion statements.

3. Emmy Rossum Goes Retro-Chic in Carolina Herrera Houndstooth Pumps & Mini Dress

Going full-on retro, Emmy Rossum donned a head-to-toe black-and-white houndstooth-patterned ensemble. The pattern, often used to create a retro-chic vibe, gained popularity in the mid-20th century and continues to be worn today.

Rossum’s Carolina Herrera houndstooth pumps are my favorite! The striking pattern combined with the pump’s sleek and sophisticated silhouette makes for a statement-making look guaranteed to draw attention.

Her strappy houndstooth pumps feature pointed toes and two buckled straps: one wraps around the ankles and crosses at the front, while the other is slung around the back of the foot and fastened at the heel.

Emmy Rossum goes retro-chic, wearing a pair of houndstooth-patterned pumps with double ankle straps (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Emmy Rossum’s Carolina Herrera Houndstooth Look: Strapless Mini Dress, Peplum Waist & Retro Glam Accessories

She paired her striking heels with the designer’s houndstooth mini-dress, featuring a strapless bodice and a thigh-skimming hem. I adore how eye-catching this looks, especially with the peplum waist and 3D rosette accent that gives the classic design a whimsical and feminine touch.

Rossum’s love of the houndstooth pattern continued beyond her dress and shoes. She carried a houndstooth clutch and wore a coat of the same pattern over her shoulders to stay warm.

Emmy completed her look with black tights, a bold red lip, and voluminous curls, her retro glam perfected by hairstylist Jacob Rozenberg and makeup artist Fulvia Farolfi.

Emmy Rossum completes a head-to-toe houndstooth look with a coat and a strapless mini-dress featuring a 3D rosette and a peplum detail (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Houndstooth, a classic pattern characterized by its broken check design, has been a fashion staple for decades. Celebrities continue to embrace this timeless print, incorporating it into their wardrobes in various stylish ways. Here are some notable instances:

The Houndstooth Effect: Celebrities Revive This Retro Pattern