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NEW YORK—The spring/summer 2023 iteration of New York Fashion Week (NYFW): The Shows took place Sept. 9-14 this year and lived up to its reputation for being the Big Apple’s most fashionable week. As per usual, there was no shortage of trend-setting runway shows, star-studded parties, and over-the-top to-dos during the six-day fashion-forward extravaganza.
And coming off of a virtual- and hybrid-heavy two years of events (in 2020, livestreamed shows were de rigueur and in 2021, Metaverse Fashion Week strutted to the forefront), this year’s NYFW—which was organized by global sports, events, and talent management company IMG—boomed with events and activations.
This year, according to the official Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) calendar, more than 100 designers presented collections. Household names included Christian Siriano, who put on a timeless presentation in Elizabeth Taylor’s former midtown Manhattan townhouse; Omar Salam, the designer behind SUKEINA; Tommy Hilfiger, who leveled up his namesake’s NYFW presentation with the help of Web3; and so many more.
In addition, brands that don’t even sell clothing flocked to the U.S. fashion capital to get in on the action. FOX, for example, launched a retail pop-up to promote the country music drama series MONARCH, which debuted on the network on Sept. 11, and Kiehl’s took advantage of NYFW’s buzz to launch its newly renovated flagship store in the East Village.
NYFW’s action-packed programming is seemingly impossible to keep a pulse on (we get it!), so BizBash rounded up the top 15 to-dos that caught our eye…
boohoo’s NYFW Runway Show
Global e-retailer boohoo debuted its spring/summer 2023 collection—which was created in collaboration with Kourtney Kardashian Barker, the brand’s newest sustainability ambassador—with a runway show at The Highline on Sept. 13. The collection consists of 45 pieces of clothing, ranging from $6-$100, and showcases boohoo’s commitment to a more sustainable future. Forty-one of the pieces contain recycled fibers, 12 styles are made in U.K., including boohoo’s own British factory, and two are made from cotton connect courtesy of farmers trained in sustainable cotton production.
Photo: Dan Lecca for BFA
Kardashian Barker attended the runway show with husband Travis Barker.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn for BFA
FOX’s ‘MONARCH’ Pop-Up Retail Store
In an ode to its newest country drama series, FOX hosted a MONARCH-clad retail pop-up in SoHo Sept. 8-11. The store was open to the public for four days, welcoming thousands of fans—and even crowdsourcing passersby thanks to “brand ambassadors with handouts and signage, live music, and roping demonstrations,” explained Jill Hudson, the senior vice president of publicity at FOX Entertainment.
“This was FOX’s first event timed to NYFW,” Hudson said, adding that the timing served as the perfect opportunity “to tap into this audience and be part of the buzz around NYFW.”
“This was FOX’s first event timed to NYFW,” Hudson said, adding that the timing served as the perfect opportunity “to tap into this audience and be part of the buzz around NYFW.”
Photo: Courtesy of FOX
Hudson noted that “designing a space that felt authentic to the show” while remaining “accessible and interesting for a broader audience” was the greatest challenge in putting on the pop-up. Thus, “once inside, consumers could stop by designated areas within the store,” which each housed retailers—Allen’s Boots, Fret Zealot, The MONARCH Collection, Truthteller 1839 Bourbon, and Union Western, to name a few—that each nodded to the show’s western motif.
FOX tapped experiential agency Creative Riff as a production partner in creating the pop-up store.
FOX tapped experiential agency Creative Riff as a production partner in creating the pop-up store.
Photo: Courtesy of FOX
One corner of the MONARCH pop-up was outfitted with what Hudson referred to as “our ‘Queens of Country’ throne photo op.” Here, fans could snap a takeaway picture in front of a guitar-clad backdrop. In another fun touchpoint, guests “could also stop by the customization station to create their own MONARCH bandana or tucker hat,” Hudson explained.
Photo: Courtesy of FOX
La Bodega Baque by UPS and Awake
UPS and NY-based clothing brand Awake collaborated for a Latinx collection that debuted at La Bodega Baque, an experience that capitalized on beloved NYC bodegas to uplift Latinx creators and the small business community.
From Sept. 10-12, patrons could make a reservation and visit the SoHo storefront, which boasted a mural designed by Latinx contemporary artist Cristina Martinez.
From Sept. 10-12, patrons could make a reservation and visit the SoHo storefront, which boasted a mural designed by Latinx contemporary artist Cristina Martinez.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Inside, a floral mural designed by Latina-owned floral design studio Flower Bodega welcomed guests into the space. Also on display—UPS and Awake’s limited-edition “Unidos Para Siempre“ (United Forever) collection, as well as other designer apparel, goods, and products by small businesses.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
While La Bodega Baque was in full effect, a custom UPS truck made its way around Manhattan to promote the Unidos Para Siempre line, which includes a jacket, hoodie, bucket hat, and t-shirt.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Made to #ExpressYou Styling Hub
Express tapped celebrity stylists Allison Bornstein, Brandon Williams, Zerina Akers, and Sam Spector to celebrate NYFW with a mobile styling hub. Dubbed the “Made to #ExpressYou Styling Hub,” from Sept. 9-10, consumers were encouraged to sign up for styling appointments and swing by the fashion-forward activation, which strategically popped up in NYC’s fashion-forward Flatiron and Meatpacking District neighborhoods.
Upon attending their appointment, guests were given first-class treatment, including complimentary “Expresso” cookies by Wandel and one-on-one time with a celebrity stylist. And upon leaving the styling hub, guests were dressed to impress in a head-to-toe Express look. Jamie D’Attoma, the executive vice president of SHADOW, the creative marketing agency behind the pop-up, noted that the greatest success of the styling hub, “aside from seeing how confident and excited customers were leaving the hub, [was] surpassing our benchmark in stylist appointments in pre-scheduled bookings and welcoming walk-ins!”
Upon attending their appointment, guests were given first-class treatment, including complimentary “Expresso” cookies by Wandel and one-on-one time with a celebrity stylist. And upon leaving the styling hub, guests were dressed to impress in a head-to-toe Express look. Jamie D’Attoma, the executive vice president of SHADOW, the creative marketing agency behind the pop-up, noted that the greatest success of the styling hub, “aside from seeing how confident and excited customers were leaving the hub, [was] surpassing our benchmark in stylist appointments in pre-scheduled bookings and welcoming walk-ins!”
Photo: Courtesy of SHADOW
The styling hub was hosted by TikTok sensation Chris Olsen (pictured right with Brandon Williams). Over the course of the two-day activation, stylists had 60 appointments.
Photo: Courtesy of SHADOW
KidSuper Spring/Summer 2023 Gallery
More than 800 guests stopped by NYC’s Black Wall Street Gallery on Sept. 10 for the presentation of KidSuper’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection. In a nod to the art gallery venue, 23 oil paintings corresponded with 23 looks. Founder of KidSuper Colm Dillane said that “just like the collection, the guest experience mixed fashion with art.” He added that once “inside the gallery, guests could view the paintings and looks side-by-side while meeting new people and sipping on Jägermeister (the event’s production partner).”
The goal of the day-long showcase? To “create an event that allowed people who wouldn’t necessarily be able to experience NYFW otherwise to have access to my work and, of course, have a great night,” Dillane said. “NYFW isn’t usually accessible to regular people, and even to many up-and-coming designers and artists.” In an effort to make this week even more accessible to all walks of the fashion world, he noted that “sitting front row at Fashion Week should happen because you’re genuinely interested in a designer’s work, not because you have a lot of social media followers.”
The goal of the day-long showcase? To “create an event that allowed people who wouldn’t necessarily be able to experience NYFW otherwise to have access to my work and, of course, have a great night,” Dillane said. “NYFW isn’t usually accessible to regular people, and even to many up-and-coming designers and artists.” In an effort to make this week even more accessible to all walks of the fashion world, he noted that “sitting front row at Fashion Week should happen because you’re genuinely interested in a designer’s work, not because you have a lot of social media followers.”
Photo: Jason Crowley for BFA
Bloomingdale’s 150 X BAZAAR ICONS
To kick off NYFW, fashion magazine Harper’s BAZAAR celebrated its annual global ICONS portfolio by teaming up with luxury retail giant Bloomingdale’s, which was also celebrating its 150th anniversary. To mark the milestone, an invite-only to-do on Sept. 9 took over two floors of Bloomingdale’s 59th Street outpost in NYC. There was a slew of interactive experiences for attendees to engage with, “including a vintage-inspired arcade featuring old-school games mixed with custom Bloomingdale’s 150th games and prizes,” explained Karen Mendolia, the executive events director at Hearst Luxury Collection (Hearst publishes the monthly magazine).
And in a nod to the home city of the two hosting brands, Mendolia told BizBash there was also “a New York-inspired newsstand [with] complimentary copies of the Harper’s BAZAAR September ICONS issue.”
And in a nod to the home city of the two hosting brands, Mendolia told BizBash there was also “a New York-inspired newsstand [with] complimentary copies of the Harper’s BAZAAR September ICONS issue.”
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Exclusive Bloomingdale’s merchandise was on display to mark the milestone anniversary. Mendolia attributed the success of the night to the partnership between the luxury retailer and Harper’s BAZAAR. “We’re proud to … bring together some of the biggest names in style and culture while paying homage to the nostalgia of New York City,” she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
On the main stage, Jack Harlow put on a special performance for the 1,000 VIPs on the star-studded guest list. And between programming—and munching on savory bites courtesy of Catering by Olivier Cheng and sweet treats from Forty Carrots, Magnolia Bakery, Russ and Daughters, and NYC Pizza—attendees were invited to pose for a photo in a branded photo booth.
INCA handled production for the night, while Ready Set was tapped for set fabrication.
INCA handled production for the night, while Ready Set was tapped for set fabrication.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
DIESEL X The Webster’s Brooklyn Rave
DIESEL sought to set the mood for NYFW with a rave-style launch party on Sept. 7 in Brooklyn, produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions, Inc. The event celebrated the release of DIESEL's all-pink capsule collection. Designed by Glenn Martens, the 16 pieces in the limited-edition collection will be sold exclusively at luxury retailer, The Webster.
The star-studded soiree kicked off at 10 p.m., and guests danced among two larger-than-life, NSFW inflatables—that were flown in from a previous DIESEL event that took place in Milan—through the early hours of the morning. In a further nod to the rosy line, the space was bathed in pink lighting, making the space a sexy backdrop for guests’ photo ops.
The star-studded soiree kicked off at 10 p.m., and guests danced among two larger-than-life, NSFW inflatables—that were flown in from a previous DIESEL event that took place in Milan—through the early hours of the morning. In a further nod to the rosy line, the space was bathed in pink lighting, making the space a sexy backdrop for guests’ photo ops.
Photo: Sansho Scott for BFA
Tommy Hilfiger’s "Tommy Factory" Multiverse Experience
On a rainy Sept. 11, Tommy Hilfiger showcased the NYC mindset that “the show must go on.” The Tommy Factory runway show took place despite the weather, and delivered a unique take on preppy clothing of 2022 with a multiverse experience that blurred the lines between digital and reality.
The “phygital” event took place on Roblox. As an IRL runway show took place in Brooklyn with the city skyline as the backdrop, a livestream reaching Roblox’s 52 million-plus daily active users morphed catwalk models into avatars from Superplastic, a creator of animated celebrities and digital collectibles. Following the show, virtual attendees could explore “Tommy Play,” a metaverse-based community where users could explore an NYC map, plus win or purchase exclusive digital items, including the Tommy Factory NFT that was available courtesy of Rove.
The “phygital” event took place on Roblox. As an IRL runway show took place in Brooklyn with the city skyline as the backdrop, a livestream reaching Roblox’s 52 million-plus daily active users morphed catwalk models into avatars from Superplastic, a creator of animated celebrities and digital collectibles. Following the show, virtual attendees could explore “Tommy Play,” a metaverse-based community where users could explore an NYC map, plus win or purchase exclusive digital items, including the Tommy Factory NFT that was available courtesy of Rove.
Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Factory sought to build on renowned artist Andy Warhol’s legacy, including his iconic factory in the Big Apple. During the show, Hilfiger debuted a new “TH” monogram in efforts to celebrate pop culture and creative expression, just as Warhol did.
Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger
SUKEINA’s Presentation
On Sept. 13, CFDA designer Omar Salam, the mastermind behind SUKEINA, hosted the brand’s NYFW presentation at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad hotel. Posed mannequins in the colorful garb took over the property’s ballroom, and invited more than 300 VIPs and tastemakers in the industry—including supermodel Coco Rocha and Jay Manuel of America’s Next Top Model—to peruse the space.
Salam told BizBash that the collection was “inspired by the cardinal and all its symbolism.” He also gave a shoutout to “Anna Wintour of Vogue and Condé Nast, as well as Steven Kolb and Cassandra Diggs of CFDA” for their “incredible support.” He added: “It has resulted in what I consider the clearest expression of the brand to date.”
Salam told BizBash that the collection was “inspired by the cardinal and all its symbolism.” He also gave a shoutout to “Anna Wintour of Vogue and Condé Nast, as well as Steven Kolb and Cassandra Diggs of CFDA” for their “incredible support.” He added: “It has resulted in what I consider the clearest expression of the brand to date.”
Photo: Courtesy of SUKEINA
Kiehl’s Flagship Store Opening
On Sept. 15, Kiehl’s celebrated the opening of its renovated and expanded flagship store in Manhattan’s East Village. In the perfect end to NYFW, the skincare brand invited guests—alongside Brooklyn Beckham and fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencers Meredith Duxbury, Sophie Turner, and Ella Medelsohn—into a space fit for a post-fashion week recharge. There were tasty bites courtesy of Momofuku and Lil’ Frankies, cocktails, and skincare treatments. Plus, attendees could sit down for one-on-one consultations with skin experts in an area reminiscent of an elevated dermatologist’s office, complete with signage that read “treat your skin” and a human skeleton model donning a lab coat and glasses.
Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss
In a fun nod to the city, the Kiehl’s store featured an interactive, branded subway station vendetta during the event. It paid homage to the fact that Kiehl’s is a New York City-based brand that’s had roots in the East Village since 1851.
And as if on-site skincare treatments weren’t enough, DJ Isaac Likes was in attendance spinning tracks while a digital sketch artist sent attendees home with fun drawings of themselves.
And as if on-site skincare treatments weren’t enough, DJ Isaac Likes was in attendance spinning tracks while a digital sketch artist sent attendees home with fun drawings of themselves.
Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss
Christian Siriano's Star-Studded Dinner
Following a timeless runway show in Elizabeth Taylor’s former townhouse, famed designer Christian Siriano hosted a VIP dinner at the venue and invited the likes of Janet Jackson, Alicia Silverstone, and Maye Musk. Twenty two guests gathered to celebrate the NYFW season, and were accompanied by glasses of Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Heritage Sauvignon Blanc, as well as fare courtesy of the Les Trois Chevaux team and the restaurant’s owner, chef Angie Mar.
Siriano told BizBash: “It was so nice to sit and celebrate with my friends and family with amazing food and wine at the end of the night. Janet Jackson loved the wine so much she asked for a case to take home!”
Siriano told BizBash: “It was so nice to sit and celebrate with my friends and family with amazing food and wine at the end of the night. Janet Jackson loved the wine so much she asked for a case to take home!”
Photo: Sara Kerens
REVOLVE Gallery
REVOLVE Gallery was a multi-brand installation for VIPs (including supermodel Alexis Ren, pictured) that took place on Sept. 8, and for the public Sept. 9-11. Over the course of the four days, 9,000 guests were welcomed into the space by a step and repeat, an “oversized ‘R’ mirror, [and] a lounge of soft, neutral tones,” explained REVOLVE’s chief brand officer Raissa Gerona. But it was just “the first of many photo ops” she added, noting the “accents of abundant fall foliage encompassing the space, which was anchored by a living tree.”
Photo: Darian DiCianno for BFA
Each designer helmed a gallery space, such as this one, which was notable for its opulent gallery wall and striking black, red, and gold color palette. “It’s all about being able to bring the most innovative and fun concepts to our consumers,” Gerona said of the event. “This year was special because we introduced new brands and collaborations, with appearances from their namesakes, including Remi Bader for REMI x REVOLVE, music artist Ciara for Lita by Ciara, and HELSA by model and entrepreneur Elsa Hosk,” she added.
Photo: Darian DiCianno for BFA
There were also mini bars and activations throughout the space courtesy of REVOLVE partners. Take the red-washed room that brought Shay Mitchell’s Onda Tequila Seltzer can to life, for example. Other beverage partners in attendance included LaCroix, Celsius, and 818 Tequila.
Photo: Artuo Holmes for Getty Images
On Sept. 6, just before the debut of the REVOLVE Gallery, the retailer announced a collaboration with Bolt—a leading checkout technology—for the debut of Checkout Links, which allows for a single-click checkout driven by a “see now, buy now” experience. The partnership materialized IRL at the REVOLVE Gallery with a Bolt-powered pop-up shop at the end of a guest’s journey through the space. Here, guests could purchase the looks that caught their eye.
Photo: Artuo Holmes for Getty Images
Puma Futrograde’s “After” Afterparty
On Sept. 13, Puma returned to NYFW with “Futrograde,” a runway show that aimed to capture the past, present, and future of the apparel brand. After models walked the catwalk in retro-style clothing that featured a new collaboration with Vogue, nightlife entrepreneur Richie Akiva hosted an afterparty, and then an “after” afterparty at a new NYC hotel, The Ned NoMad.
Akiva, The Ned’s director of programming, garnered a star-studded guest list that boasted the likes of Jared Leto, G Eazy, Imaan, Winnie Harlow, Josie Cansecco, and many more.
Akiva, The Ned’s director of programming, garnered a star-studded guest list that boasted the likes of Jared Leto, G Eazy, Imaan, Winnie Harlow, Josie Cansecco, and many more.
Photo: Courtesy of BFA
NYFW Web3 Edition by The Nolcha Shows
For its 14th year participating in NYFW, The Nolcha Shows presented “NYFW Web3 Edition,” a two-day event that took place 69 floors in the air at 3 World Trade Center on Sept. 13 and 14. More than 1,200 guests attended the event, which went beyond the usual runway show and offered ticketed education programming and panel discussions, as well as augmented reality-powered experiences and an on-site NFT gallery.
Arthur Mandel, a co-founder of The Nolcha Shows, noted the difficulty in “combining two different industries—fashion and Web3—into one seamless attendee experience.” The result? Mandel brought together creators, investors, founders, and industry leaders in both sectors to “speak about the future of Web3 across fashion.”
Arthur Mandel, a co-founder of The Nolcha Shows, noted the difficulty in “combining two different industries—fashion and Web3—into one seamless attendee experience.” The result? Mandel brought together creators, investors, founders, and industry leaders in both sectors to “speak about the future of Web3 across fashion.”
Photo: Courtesy of Nolcha Shows
And to truly marry the two trailblazing industries, The Nolcha Shows flanked panel discussions with a total of 12 runway shows. Featured collections included The Tailory, Maya Seyferth, Host and Var, Oh Polly, Chainguardians (pictured), and more.
Luminae handled tech buildout for The Nolcha Shows, and MF Events provided catering.
Luminae handled tech buildout for The Nolcha Shows, and MF Events provided catering.
Photo: Courtesy of Nolcha Shows
Flor de Liz Guior’s NYFW Debut
Latin-founded ready-to-wear and accessory brand Flor de Liz Guior hosted its inaugural NYFW show with Flying Solo on Sept. 10. CEO of the brand Flor de Liz Guior and CMO, Jack-Peter Guior, told BizBash that landing a NYFW show was quite the milestone, as “it’s such a huge platform” that allows for “such a large, new audience to become aware of our brand.”
The co-founders said that the collection was inspired by “the Wild West,” adding that “freedom is a huge factor in Flor de Liz Guior and our designs.” To the couple, “the Wild West is, in a way, the definition of freedom.” The result? A collection that boasts refined masculine silhouettes, coats, ponchos, scarves, lighter-weight fabrics like silks and soft denims, and other accessories traditionally “used to block out and insulate heat in the desert.”
The co-founders said that the collection was inspired by “the Wild West,” adding that “freedom is a huge factor in Flor de Liz Guior and our designs.” To the couple, “the Wild West is, in a way, the definition of freedom.” The result? A collection that boasts refined masculine silhouettes, coats, ponchos, scarves, lighter-weight fabrics like silks and soft denims, and other accessories traditionally “used to block out and insulate heat in the desert.”
Photo: Courtesy of Flor de Liz Guior
