New York Fashion Week returns this Friday, kicking off a six‑day schedule packed with more than a hundred runway moments. The event brings together veterans like Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu, along with newer voices such as Patricia Voto, and surprising names like Tommy Hilfiger and COS.
The first day opens with Proenza Schouler marking its twentieth anniversary, and the week culminates on Wednesday, September 14, when Tom Ford closes the calendar. Ford has led the U.S. Council of Fashion Designers during the pandemic era and is a longtime advocate for inclusion and sustainability in the industry.
Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger operate with a different tempo. Rather than long lead times typical of fashion releases, their collection debuts with an immediate shopping window, including a show inspired by Andy Warhol’s Factory that will be accessible in real time and later in the metaverse.
Two major Italian names also make a bold entrance. Marni unveils a New York spectacle as part of a global tour to celebrate the twenty‑fifth anniversary of the Baguette bag, highlighted by contributions from model Linda Evangelista. Fendi has largely stayed out of the spotlight following a cosmetic setback, but its return signals renewed momentum on this stage.
Multiple houses choose to anchor their presence in New York, ranging from established houses to rising labels. Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Cristian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Coach, Tory Burch, and Willy Chavarria regularly see their designs grace red carpets and high‑end events, reinforcing New York’s position as a fashion capital.
Among the brands usually aligned with haute couture or major galas, one notable exception stands out: the Swedish budget label H&M presents a minimalist collection from COS, underscoring a clear interest in the American market through an approach focused on accessible design.
The week also shines a light on emerging designers, some with a strong sustainability ethos. Gabriela Hearst, a Chloé alumnus with her own line, Patricia Voto, who reuses leftover fabrics from other houses, and Alejandra Alonso Rojas, who emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, illustrate this trend.
Not every designer sticks to a strict schedule. Some, like Ralph Lauren, opt for landmark moments outside the usual grounds — Lauren presented a new collection at the Museum of Modern Art in March, while Marc Jacobs showcased his work at the Public Library in June.
To reflect contemporary practice, fashion shows now unfold across the city, sometimes in private or unexpected venues that draw new local audiences. The Plaza Hotel beside Central Park and Cipriani on Wall Street, venues favored by celebrities and executives, illustrate this shift from conventional catwalks to immersive experiences.
Certain presentations are linked to broader social initiatives, such as a planned show at the United Nations headquarters square for Prabal Gurung, the designer and advocate for immigrants and women’s rights.
Around the official calendar, a number of catwalks feature fashion from other nations and cultures. Platforms like Latin American Designers and Rise NYFW host several Canadian Indigenous designers, broadening the cross‑cultural dialogue on the runways.
Yet Fashion Week is more than a string of parades. It attracts a diverse mix of visitors, including tourists and business delegates, and accompanies talks, exhibitions, and curated displays. The Fairchild Fashion Museum, for instance, stages photographs that capture pivotal moments in fashion history, enriching the experience with context and scholarship.