Story Highlight
– New York Fashion Week features diverse events, not just runway shows.
– Muse x Muse partners with Nordstrom for retail success.
– Alexis Bittar comments on societal issues with fashion presentation.
– Presley Oldham debuts first fine jewelry collection at W Hotel.
– Bernard James showcases collection in luxury Brooklyn waterfront apartments.
Full Story
As September arrives, so does New York Fashion Week, traditionally associated with the back-to-school season. This year’s edition has expanded beyond the catwalks, offering a vibrant mix of brand presentations, consumer activations, and festive gatherings. The timeline for the events shifted slightly, starting later than in previous years, avoiding the usual post-Labor Day Wednesday kickoff. Among the highlights this year, fine jewelry brands seized the moment with notable store launches and special showcases, reinforcing their role as a resilient segment within the luxury market.
Jennifer Shanker, founder of Muse, has demonstrated that experience in wholesale can translate into retail achievement. Following her launch of the Muse x Muse boutique—located within her jewelry showroom—she has collaborated with Nordstrom to present her curated selection in an uptown space. Although the store opened earlier in the summer, a fashionable gathering was hosted by Shanker, Nordstrom’s Fashion Director Rickie De Sole, and philanthropic entrepreneur Carmen Busquets during the fashion week festivities. The event attracted a notable crowd, including personalities such as Allison Williams and Chloe Malle, who explored elegantly designed pastel velvet displays while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Across the city, British jeweller Jessica McCormack hosted an elegant celebration for her recently opened Madison Avenue location. The event took place at The Frick Collection, featuring a star-studded guest list that included actress Zoe Kravitz. Attendees strolled through the museum’s atrium and library while enjoying cocktails and light-hearted games. Kravitz shared her fond memories of McCormack, reflecting on their time together in London during the pandemic, revealing the comfort and hospitality she provided during challenging days.
Jeweller Alexis Bittar introduced his Spring 2026 collection through a unique presentation at the Abrons Arts Center. Inspired by themes of beauty and societal challenges, particularly focusing on issues faced by the LGBTQ community, his showcase resembled a Nineties beauty pageant. Contestants, including Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk’s estranged daughter, highlighted the struggles against misogyny and the objectification surrounding beauty standards. “I have never been shy about merging social commentary with fashion,” Bittar shared, noting the collection’s blend of past and present narratives around gender rights.
Similarly, Presley Oldham unveiled his inaugural fine jewelry collection at a chic event in the newly refurbished W Hotel Union Square. This debut highlighted his innovative pearl designs paired with fine metals, showcasing an array of unique pieces inspired by his travels to Asia. Oldham’s collection includes not only stunning jewellery but also new glass products such as ring holders and color-rich candle designs, reflecting his creative expansion beyond traditional jewelry.
Fine jeweller Bernard James made his presentation debut at New York Fashion Week, inviting a select group of friends and industry peers to experience his latest work. Set in the upscale One Domino Square development, the event engaged multiple senses as attendees interacted with the collection in an immersive environment. The showcase, titled “The Process of Living,” allowed guests to explore James’ avant-garde creations against a backdrop of panoramic views of New York.
This year’s New York Fashion Week proved to be a multifaceted celebration of not just fashion, but also the powerful narratives and connections within the jewellery industry, echoing broader cultural themes while solidifying the resilience and creativity of its key players.