New York Fashion Week (NYFW) officially begins this Friday, but the highlight of the event isn’t a runway show—it’s a rally. The “Fashion For Our Future” procession, set to march from Macy’s to Bryant Park, aims to promote voter participation and civic engagement.
The festivities start early this year with a series of exclusive events featuring major international brands. Uniqlo will host a cocktail event to introduce its new creative director, Clare Waight Keller. Armani will unveil a collaboration with Kith, while Sacai and Jacquemus will open new department store locations at Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom, respectively. Villa Zegna will hold a high-profile dinner near the Guggenheim Museum.
The week’s major attractions include shows by American fashion icons Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Lauren will present his Fall-Winter 2024/2025 collection at a secret Hamptons location on Thursday, marking a return to his signature blend of high fashion and Americana. Hilfiger’s show will take place on the MV John F. Kennedy, a retired Staten Island ferry, docked at Pier 17 on the East River.
NYFW will also feature shows in a variety of unconventional venues across the city, from Chelsea art galleries to a Lower East Side cemetery. Despite a challenging year for fashion, the American season remains a magnet for international brands. Paris-based Alaïa will present its collection in Manhattan, while Sweden’s Cos and Holland’s Ronald Van Der Kemp, known for his commitment to sustainability, will also showcase their designs in New York.
Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), emphasized New York’s role as a global design hub. “NYFW embodies ‘Innovation Meets Influence’ with five international brands alongside American giants like Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. The event highlights the creative and business strength of NYFW, with 98 brands on the calendar.”
Kolb will participate in the “Fashion For Our Future” march, which aims to unite over 1,000 industry professionals to advocate for voter turnout and societal change. The CFDA is also collaborating with Rockefeller Center to provide live and recorded runway show screenings from September 6 to 11, accessible to the public at the Rink.
In an effort to streamline the experience, the CFDA is introducing a shuttle service for industry professionals between shows—a first for the organization. “This initiative, supported by our partner Shop with Google, will assist editors and buyers with transportation across boroughs,” Kolb explained.
Despite a recent trend of shows in outer boroughs, Manhattan remains a central venue for many designers. Tory Burch will showcase her collection at The Refinery in Brooklyn, while Cos and Off-White will present their collections in nearby locations.
The CFDA also highlights emerging talent, including several designers from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and participants in the Supima Annual Design Competition. These up-and-coming designers represent the future of American fashion, showcasing their work at the Prince George Ballroom.
This year’s NYFW promises to blend high fashion with a powerful call for civic engagement, reaffirming New York’s status as a leading fashion capital.
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