Story Highlight
– New York Fashion Week embraces diverse events beyond runways.
– Fine jewelry brands host store openings and special presentations.
– Alexis Bittar’s collection highlights trans rights and beauty pageants.
– Presley Oldham debuts fine jewelry collection with unique designs.
– Bernard James showcases new collection at sky-high presentation.
Full Story
As New York Fashion Week commences, it marks a pivotal moment in the fashion calendar, coinciding with the back-to-school rush in September. This year’s event not only saw a multitude of designers showcasing their latest collections, but also featured a variety of presentations and celebratory activities, reflecting its evolving nature. Notably, the week started later than usual, skipping the traditional Wednesday slot following Labor Day.
The fine jewelry sector embraced the spotlight with several new store launches and exclusive presentations, showcasing its resilience within the luxury market. Jennifer Shanker of Muse showcased the impact of her wholesale experience in retail by collaborating with Nordstrom to elevate her offerings. While the boutique opened earlier in the summer, a lively Fashion Week soirée was hosted by Shanker, Nordstrom’s Fashion Director Rickie De Sole, and philanthropist Carmen Busquets. The event drew an eclectic crowd, including notables like Allison Williams, Wes Gordon, and Chloe Malle, all of whom indulged in the elegant jewelry display while reconnecting with industry peers.
Jessica McCormack, the renowned British jeweler, celebrated her Madison Avenue store’s spring launch with a lavish party at The Frick Collection. Guests enjoyed cocktails in the museum’s stunning atrium and participated in a spirited card game. McCormack’s friend Zoe Kravitz joined her as co-host, attracting other celebrities like Evan Moss Bachrach to the event. During a toast, Kravitz reminisced about their bond formed during the pandemic while in London, highlighting McCormack’s warmth during challenging times.
Alexis Bittar introduced his Spring 2026 collection with a provocative presentation at the Abrons Arts Center, aiming to critique contemporary societal issues through the lens of a 1990s beauty pageant. The event addressed the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, particularly trans women, and examined the inherent misogyny in beauty standards. Notable figures, including Vivian Jenna Wilson, participated as contestants, bearing names signifying states grappling with rights restrictions. Bittar remarked, “I have never been shy about merging social commentary with fashion,” emphasizing that his work seeks to confront the complexities and contradictions of societal norms.
Presley Oldham unveiled his debut fine jewelry collection at a vibrant event in the revamped W Hotel Union Square, focusing on innovation. His unique pearl designs, crafted from materials sourced in cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo, were showcased alongside classic sterling silver pieces. Additionally, he revealed plans to expand his product line with colorful glass items and collaborated with Mara Hoffman for a lookbook in upstate New York.
Bernard James made his Fashion Week debut with an immersive presentation entitled “The Process of Living,” held at the upscale One Domino Square. Prominent guests, including athletes and fashion insiders, experienced his latest collection through sensory interactions—touching the jewelry, enjoying musical performances, and tasting cocktails. The presentation featured James’ Crushed Collection, which offers a tactile engagement with pieces inspired by design accidents, and provided a striking perspective from its high-altitude venue overlooking the East River.
This year’s Fashion Week in New York not only showcased the latest in fashion but also underscored the creativity and resilience of individuals within the industry, setting a compelling backdrop for the future of fashion and design.