TOMS x AREA Brings Crystal-Covered Alpargatas to the NYFW Runway
The forthcoming collaboration made its first runway appearance at AREA’s Spring/Summer 2027 presentation, previewing a collection that merges TOMS’ iconic silhouettes with AREA’s signature maximalism.
A First Look at the Collaboration
At AREA’s Spring/Summer 2027 presentation during New York Fashion Week on September 13, three runway looks offered an early glimpse of the forthcoming TOMS x AREA collaboration.
Co-created with AREA Creative Director Nicholas Aburn, the partnership reimagines TOMS’ recognizable footwear through the New York label’s crystal-focused aesthetic. The full collection is scheduled to arrive in November 2026.
Two of the runway looks featured white Alpargatas detailed with AREA’s signature crystal slit, while a third introduced an Alpargata finished with a dramatic sculptural accent.
From Everyday Icon to Crystal Statement
The upcoming collection expands beyond the styles seen on the runway. The November release will include a black crystal slit Alpargata, a ballet flat inspired by AREA’s Allover Crystal Fabric, and another ballet flat finished with AREA’s signature crystal-knot shoelace bows.
The collaboration brings together TOMS’ established Alpargata silhouette and AREA’s approach to embellishment, transforming an everyday footwear icon into a more expressive fashion statement.
“There’s always something special about seeing our most iconic silhouettes reimagined through a high fashion lens,” said Heather Altomare, Head of Product at TOMS. “AREA brought a level of sparkle and maximalism that we paired with the comfort and craftsmanship TOMS is known for.”
Nicholas Aburn’s AREA Universe
For Aburn, the collaboration continues AREA’s interest in elevating familiar wardrobe archetypes through unexpected details.
“I love to reinterpret archetypal classics like jeans and a t-shirt, connecting the quotidian with sparkle and pop elements,” Aburn said. He described the TOMS Alpargata as “exactly the kind of iconic piece” that inspires him, adding that he was excited to bring it into the glamour of the AREA universe.
The runway appearance functions as a preview rather than the complete collection, with additional details expected ahead of the official November 2026 launch.
