1. New York Fashion Week: The Shows

New York Fashion Week: The Shows
Twice a year, the fashion-focused eyes of the world set their sights on New York Fashion Week, where dozens of top designers showcase their upcoming collections. While 50,000 guests sit on the sidelines of the official shows, more than 100,000 style-savvy attendees participate in offsite parties, runway shows, brand activations, and other programming that supplements the main event. As always, the February 2020 shows, headquartered at Spring Studios, were filled with memorable moments, including Miley Cyrus walking in the Marc Jacobs show, Debbie Harry performing at the Coach presentation, and Nike’s tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Next: September 2020
See more: How Badgley Mischka Engages Runway Show Attendees Through Technology
Twice a year, the fashion-focused eyes of the world set their sights on New York Fashion Week, where dozens of top designers showcase their upcoming collections. While 50,000 guests sit on the sidelines of the official shows, more than 100,000 style-savvy attendees participate in offsite parties, runway shows, brand activations, and other programming that supplements the main event. As always, the February 2020 shows, headquartered at Spring Studios, were filled with memorable moments, including Miley Cyrus walking in the Marc Jacobs show, Debbie Harry performing at the Coach presentation, and Nike’s tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Next: September 2020
See more: How Badgley Mischka Engages Runway Show Attendees Through Technology
Photo: Courtesy of IMG
2. C.F.D.A. Fashion Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America’s annual Fashion Awards returned to the Brooklyn Museum in 2019, which marked Tom Ford’s first year as chairman of the 500-member organization. The evening’s honored visionaries included Fashion Icon Award recipient Jennifer Lopez, Womenswear Designer of the Year Brandon Maxwell, Menswear Designer of the Year Rick Owens, and Accessory Designers of the Year Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid, and Ashley Graham were among the guests who made a splash on the red carpet. Next: June 8, 2020
Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA.com
3. Coterie

Twelve-thousand people attend each edition of Coterie, the women’s fashion trade show held semi-annually at the Jacob K. Javits Center. While the event has existed for more than 30 years, it continues to evolve with innovations that incorporate the latest technology and trends. Highlights from recent shows include an Instagram-centric live photoshoot incorporating products from the show floor, a tech-enabled store created in partnership with the Mall of America, and panel discussions on topics of vital impact to the industry, like non-traditional retail channels and working with influencers to drive sales. Next: September 22-24, 2020
Photo: Jenna Bascom
4. Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars Gala

Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars Gala recognizes outstanding design talent, which in 2019 included Rick Owens, Brandon Maxwell, Donna Karan, and Iman, among others. The 600-person guest list at this aptly named event at Cipriani Wall Street included celebrities like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West, Vera Wang, and Nina Garcia. Next: October 29, 2020
Photo: Owen Hoffmann/PMC
5. Parsons Benefit

New to the list
The annual Parsons Benefit, hosted by the New School, celebrates the transformational role that fashion, design, and the arts play in the world. The 1,000-person guest list includes students, alumni, tastemakers, and other industry leaders. Since it began in 1948, the event has honored visionaries, designers, and entrepreneurs like Pharrell Williams (2019), Solange Knowles (2018), Rihanna (2017), and Sarah Jessica Parker (2016). Last year’s event at Pier Sixty generated $3.6 million for the prestigious institution. This year, the festivities will move to Cipriani Wall Street. Next: May 18, 2020
The annual Parsons Benefit, hosted by the New School, celebrates the transformational role that fashion, design, and the arts play in the world. The 1,000-person guest list includes students, alumni, tastemakers, and other industry leaders. Since it began in 1948, the event has honored visionaries, designers, and entrepreneurs like Pharrell Williams (2019), Solange Knowles (2018), Rihanna (2017), and Sarah Jessica Parker (2016). Last year’s event at Pier Sixty generated $3.6 million for the prestigious institution. This year, the festivities will move to Cipriani Wall Street. Next: May 18, 2020
Photo: Kisha Bari