Discover New York Fashion Week, a must-see fashion event
Twice a year, New York transforms itself into the fashion capital of the world, hosting one of the industry’s most prestigious events: New York Fashion Week. For several days in February and September, Manhattan vibrates to the rhythm of catwalk shows, designer presentations and glamorous parties that attract fashion professionals, celebrities and enthusiasts from all over the world. If you plan to visit New York during this landmark period, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience the excitement of one of the world’s four great Fashion Weeks, alongside Paris, Milan and London.
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New York Fashion Week dates
New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year according to a well-established schedule. In February, the event presents the autumn-winter collections of the current year, while in September, the spring-summer creations of the following year are unveiled. For the February 2026 edition, the official dates are set for 11 to 16 February 2026. These few days are packed with intense programming, with dozens of fashion shows, presentations and events taking place from morning until evening.
The official New York Fashion Week calendar is managed by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and Fashion Calendar, who coordinate all the events to avoid overlap between the major fashion houses. Professionals and the general public can consult the detailed programme on the official NYFW.com website, where show times, participating designers and venues are announced.
The history of New York Fashion Week
The history of New York Fashion Week dates back to 1943, at the height of the Second World War. At the time, American buyers and journalists could no longer travel to Paris to discover French haute couture collections. Eleanor Lambert, press director of the New York Dress Institute, came up with the visionary idea of organising a “Press Week” to promote American designers and show that the United States could compete with the French fashion capital.
What began as a series of presentations in Manhattan hotel lounges has become, over the decades, one of the world’s most influential fashion events. In the 1990s, under the impetus of Fern Mallis, then Executive Director of the CFDA, the event was centralised in tents set up in Bryant Park, finally providing a unified and prestigious venue for the shows. In 2010, Fashion Week moved to Lincoln Center, then in 2018, it found its new headquarters at Spring Studios, in the Tribeca district at 50 Varick Street.
Today, New York Fashion Week is a not-to-be-missed event that attracts the biggest names in American and international fashion, from historic houses to young emerging talents. The event has also evolved to include digital presentations and hybrid experiences, making New York fashion accessible to a global audience.
Fashion Week’s iconic venues
Spring Studios, the heart of Fashion Week
Since 2018, Spring Studios has been the main hub for New York Fashion Week. Located at 50 Varick Street in trendy Tribeca, the 11,000-square-metre space houses eight different studios, an art gallery, a private club and one of Manhattan’s largest rooftops. The minimalist architecture, with its white walls and modular spaces, provides the perfect setting for showcasing designers’ creations. Spring Studios hosts fashion shows by some of the world’s leading fashion houses, as well as presentations by emerging designers.
Other prestigious events
Spring Studios may be the central venue, but New York Fashion Week takes place all over the city. Many shows are held in prestigious venues such as Gotham Hall, with its marble columns and neoclassical architecture, or more confidential spaces in Chelsea, Soho and Lower Manhattan. Some designers choose atypical venues such as art galleries, industrial warehouses or even open-air locations to create unique and memorable experiences.
Download the audio tour to discover New York on foot and on your own
New York Fashion Week is also the perfect opportunity to discover the city from every angle! Between two shows or after the presentations, why not explore Manhattan with a guided tour that takes you through some of the city’s most emblematic neighbourhoods? From Times Square to 5th Avenue, via Rockefeller Center and Chelsea, you’ll discover the soul of New York while soaking up the unique atmosphere of Fashion Week. The Navaway app lets you visit New York on your own, with entertaining audio guides that tell the story of each place.
Major designers and fashion houses
Every season, New York Fashion Week brings together a clever mix of historic houses, established brands and young emerging talents. Among the big names that regularly cause a stir at NYFW are Michael Kors, who traditionally opens the week with his elegant yet accessible collections, Coach, who has reinvented American luxury, Tory Burch and his preppy chic style, and Marc Jacobs, the enfant terrible of New York fashion.
International luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are also taking advantage of the event to present their new collections. Among the more avant-garde designers, names like Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra, Khaite and Area are pushing back the boundaries of creativity and defining the trends of tomorrow. New York Fashion Week is also a showcase for new talent, with designers like Elena Velez, Lii, Kallmeyer and Zankov bringing a breath of fresh air to the American fashion scene.
How to attend New York Fashion Week
Professional access
The majority of New York Fashion Week shows are reserved for industry professionals: buyers, journalists, stylists, influencers and special guests. Invitations are distributed by the fashion houses themselves or via press relations agencies. If you work in the fashion industry, you can contact the brands’ press offices directly or register on the CFDA’s accreditation lists.
Options for the general public
Even if you’re not a professional, there are several ways to experience Fashion Week. Some organisers offer VIP tickets that give access to a selection of shows, usually those by emerging designers. Agencies such as Runway 7 Fashion or The Bureau Fashion Week market packages that include access to shows, after-parties and sometimes even backstage. These tickets, usually announced in January for the February edition, sell out quickly and cost between 500 and several thousand dollars, depending on the access offered.
For those who don’t want to spend as much, it’s still possible to soak up the atmosphere of Fashion Week by visiting the catwalk venues. The Tribeca district around Spring Studios, in particular, is teeming with activity during the week. Here you can meet models, designers and fashion personalities, observe the extravagant looks of the participants and enjoy the unique effervescence that reigns on the streets of Manhattan.
What to do around New York Fashion Week
During Fashion Week, New York becomes even more vibrant than usual. The official programme is complemented by a host of satellite events, including pop-up stores for major brands, fashion exhibitions in art galleries, themed evenings in Manhattan’s trendy clubs, and showroom presentations open to the public. The SoHo and Chelsea districts in particular are home to several showrooms where you can discover the collections of independent designers.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to go shopping on 5th Avenue, browse the fashion boutiques of Madison Avenue or pick up vintage pieces in the second-hand stores of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Art lovers can also take advantage of their stay to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its famous collection of costumes, or the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), which regularly presents exhibitions dedicated to the history of fashion.
For a relaxing break between two fashion breaks, there’s nothing like a stroll along The High Line, the former railway line transformed into a suspended park that runs through Chelsea. Here you can enjoy a unique view of Manhattan while discovering contemporary art installations. And don’t forget to cross the legendary Brooklyn Bridge to admire the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn and soak up the artistic atmosphere of Dumbo.
The best areas to stay during Fashion Week
If you’re planning to attend New York Fashion Week, your choice of accommodation is crucial. The Tribeca district, where Spring Studios is located, offers immediate proximity to the heart of the event. Here you’ll find stylish boutique hotels, although prices can be high during this period. Chelsea is also an excellent choice, close to many catwalk venues and The High Line, with its artistic atmosphere and trendy restaurants.
Midtown Manhattan, around Times Square and 5th Avenue, puts you at the centre of the action, with easy access to public transport. It’s a practical choice if you also want to do some sightseeing between shows. SoHo appeals with its bohemian chic atmosphere and designer boutiques, while the Lower East Side offers more affordable options while remaining well connected to the rest of Manhattan. Remember to book your accommodation several months in advance, as hotels often sell out during Fashion Week.
Practical tips for enjoying Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week takes place in the middle of winter, usually in mid-February, a period when temperatures can be freezing with averages around 0°C. Make sure you bring warm, stylish clothes, because appearance counts for a lot in this world! Here’s a tip: layer your clothes to cope with the overheated interiors and icy exteriors. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot between the different catwalk venues.
In terms of transport, the New York underground remains the most efficient way to get around, although many participants will be opting for VTC services such as Uber or Lyft during this busy week. If your budget allows, some VIP packages even include chauffeur services. Don’t hesitate to use Navaway’s audio tours to discover Manhattan between fashion events and make the most of your time on site.
Finally, download the official NYFW apps and follow the hashtags #NYFW and #NewYorkFashionWeek on social networks to keep up to date with last-minute events, celebrity appearances and ephemeral pop-up stores. The atmosphere of Fashion Week is as much at the catwalk shows as it is in the streets, cafés and restaurants of Manhattan, where the entire fashion industry comes together.
In conclusion, New York Fashion Week is much more than just a series of catwalk shows: it’s a unique moment when the whole city vibrates to the rhythm of creativity, innovation and glamour. Whether you’re a fashion professional, a style enthusiast or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of this legendary event, New York in February promises to be an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget that between two fashion moments, the Big Apple is full of treasures to discover. Make the most of your stay to visit New York with our audio tours, which will show you the authentic soul of this fascinating city, from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the bohemian districts of Brooklyn.
Frequently asked questions
When does New York Fashion Week take place?
New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year: in February for the autumn-winter collections (from 11 to 16 February 2026) and in September for the spring-summer collections (generally from 11 to 16 September). These dates may vary slightly from year to year.
Where do the Fashion Week shows take place?
The main venue is Spring Studios at 50 Varick Street in Tribeca. However, many shows are also held in other prestigious Manhattan venues such as Gotham Hall, galleries in Chelsea, and spaces in SoHo and Lower Manhattan.
Is it possible to attend fashion shows without being a fashion professional?
Yes, although the majority of catwalk shows are reserved for professionals, there are VIP tickets available to the general public, offered by organisers such as Runway 7 Fashion or The Bureau Fashion Week. These packages include access to a selection of shows and cost between 500 and several thousand dollars. You need to book well in advance, as places are limited.
Which designers are presenting their collections at NYFW?
New York Fashion Week welcomes prestigious houses such as Michael Kors, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs, as well as established designers such as Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra. Many young emerging talents are also presenting their collections.
When is the best time to visit New York if you’re interested in fashion?
Fashion Week in February or September is ideal for fashion enthusiasts, but New York remains a fashion destination all year round. The spring months (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer pleasant weather for exploring the boutiques of 5th Avenue, SoHo and Chelsea, while avoiding the Fashion Week crowds.
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