Story Highlight
– New York Fashion Week showcases diverse fashion events and parties.
– Jennifer Shanker partners with Nordstrom for jewelry boutique launch.
– Jessica McCormack hosts star-studded party at The Frick Collection.
– Alexis Bittar’s presentation critiques beauty pageants and societal issues.
– Bernard James presents immersive jewelry experience in luxury apartment.
Full Story
As September arrives, marking the back-to-school season, New York Fashion Week takes centre stage in the fashion industry. This year, the event has evolved to include a variety of presentations, consumer activations, and celebratory gatherings, expanding its scope beyond traditional runway showcases. The typically anticipated Wednesday after Labor Day was replaced by a later start, allowing for several significant store openings and presentations in the fine jewelry sector, which has exhibited considerable resilience in luxury markets.
In a noteworthy collaboration, Jennifer Shanker, founder of Muse, has partnered with Nordstrom to enhance her retail presence in Manhattan. After launching her Muse x Muse boutique within her jewellery showroom last year, Shanker along with Nordstrom’s Fashion Director, Rickie De Sole, and philanthropist Carmen Busquets, hosted a lively event that drew fashion enthusiasts like Allison Williams and Chloe Malle. Attendees mingled, trying on Shanker’s curated selection of fine jewelry showcased in elegant pastel-velvet-lined display cases.
Jeweller Jessica McCormack also made headlines as she celebrated the spring opening of her Madison Avenue store with an exclusive party at The Frick Collection. Guests, including actress Zoe Kravitz, enjoyed cocktails amidst the museum’s elegant surroundings, while Kravitz reflected on her friendship with McCormack that blossomed during the pandemic in London, highlighting the artist’s generous hospitality in challenging times.
Alexis Bittar presented his Spring 2026 jewelry and accessories collection at the Abrons Arts Center, using the platform to explore critical social commentary. His presentation, reminiscent of a 1990s beauty pageant, focused on contemporary societal issues affecting the LGBTQ community, particularly trans women. The event included contestants, such as Vivian Jenna Wilson, who illustrated the ongoing struggle for rights amid an atmosphere of misogyny and objectification. “I have never been shy about merging social commentary with fashion,” Bittar explained. “This story lives between the past and present… confronting the urgent realities of today.”
Meanwhile, Presley Oldham introduced his inaugural fine jewelry collection at the newly refurbished W Hotel Union Square. By incorporating fine metals into his distinctive pearl pieces sourced during trips to Hong Kong and Tokyo, he showcased bold statement styles alongside classic sterling silver designs. Furthermore, Oldham is set to expand his brand with new glass designs, including decorative nesting dishes and a signature candle.
Another highlight of Fashion Week was Bernard James, a finalist for the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, who hosted his first presentation in a luxurious high-rise setting at One Domino Square. The event, titled “The Process of Living,” engaged attendees through various sensory experiences, from touching new jewellery pieces to enjoying an auditory display by DJs. The multi-storey presentation featured James’ Crushed Collection, inspired by an earlier design mishap and designed to evoke a sense of tactile exploration.
Guests navigated through elegant apartments that showcased James’ diverse collections against the stunning backdrop of the New York skyline. The unique venue offered a glimpse into an aspirational New York living experience while reinforcing James’ emerging status in the jewelry world.