Twice a year New York City is over run by influencers, media, models, photographers, stylists and other fashion folk, collectively referred to as fashionistas. They descend on the city for New York Fashion Week, a time when every nook and cranny is filled with fashion shows, panels, and pop-ups all dedicated to the latest design trends.
While most of these events are exclusive, invite-only industry affairs, there are a number of experiences that are open to the public; giving everywhere the chance to live the life of their favorite social influencer. Check out the events below to revel your way through one of the most glamorous weeks of the year.
1. The Coach Originals Pop-Up
Over the past few years Coach has been focused on reasserting their status as an American heritage brand. Each year, they leverage NYFW as another opportunity to solidify that status in their customers’ closets.
From September 7th – 14th, Coach is hosting a concept store inside their Madison Avenue boutique. The pop-up, cleverly dubbed “The Coach Originals,” mines their archives for the designs behind some of their most iconic bags and reinvents them for today’s customer.
Inside, there’s also a display of vintage coach bags and, for the first time, the opportunity to rent a restored vintage bag from the brand. For the less historically inclined, Coach also has a customization station where guests can put their own personal spin on the iconic products and leave with a bag that’s every bit as unique as an original.
Learn a little more about the Coach Pop-Up on WWD.
2. Bergdorf Goodman Radar
BG RADAR curates up and coming designers from around the world. Think “The Birdcage” from Lord & Taylor’s or “The Lab” from Macy’s.
On Saturday, September 7th, celebrate NYFW by checking out special installations, meeting designers, and enjoying light bites all to the music of a live DJ. Also, don’t worry about missing the event, the designers’ fashions will be on display and ready to shop long after fashion week is over!
3. WWD Style Dimension
From Saturday the 7th to Sunday the 8th, WWD will bring together industry leaders for a variety of panel discussions about different topics relating to the current state of the fashion industry. This opportunity to learn from industry leaders is not to be missed. As always with Samsung, the event is free, but attendees are required to RSVP for entrance.
4. UNIQLO LifeWear Lounge
To celebrate their new LifeWear magazine, UNIQLO is setting up a LifeWear lounge at their 5th Avenue location from September 12 – 13th. Created to reflect the style of magazine, shoppers can learn more about the new products, get styling tips or simply relax in the lounge and soak it all in while checking out the first issue.
5. Saks Carousel
Perhaps the most delightful (and Instagramable) experience for this upcoming NYFW is the Saks Carousel in Rockefeller Center. To celebrate their 95th anniversary, Saks erected the amusement park inspired ride with a fashionable twist. In addition to the traditional horses you can ride along on a fountain of lipstick or a bottle of perfume. But be quick, this whimsical carousel is only available until 5pm on September 10th.
6. Blogger and the Brand
For those interested in learning more about the nuances of influencer marketing and social branding, Blogger and the Brand is a must-attend event. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with other influencers, brands, as well as general fashion and beauty enthusiasts. While the event is focused on networking, education is a huge aspect as well. This year’s panel will feature Evie Phillips of Creed Collective, Norah Murphy of Who What Wear and Rohma Siddiqui, local fashion influencer as the Style Host. Guests will leave with more information on the industry and a few new influencer connections! Influencers and fashion entrepreneurs are highly recommended to RSVP today.
7. Moxy’s Fashion Week Oasis
Fashion lovers who are worn out from running all over the city will appreciate a break at the Moxy Oasis in hip Bar Feroce. Guests can stop by the trendy hotel from 5 – 8pm on Thursday September 12th for hand massages and mini manicures and meditations before heading back into the fashion week fray. As with most public events, registration is required to attend. Interested parties can reserve their sport here.
8. Sustainable Fashion is Hilarious
Sustainable fashion enthusiasts will recognize Zero Waste Daniel for his fashion forward designs using up cycled fabrics. An outspoken advocate for reducing the footprint of fashion, Daniel’s work is equal parts timely and progressive. For this month’s fashion week, Daniel is partnering with the NYC Department of Sanitation to repurpose their old uniforms and transform them into new garments and accessories. The show and gallery opening will be Thursday September 12 at the Ace Hotel from 8-10 pm. Interested guests can learn more about the show and Daniel’s work as well as purchase tickets here.
Do you plan to attend one of these events? Have you already been to one we should know about? Are you organizing an event that’s free and open to the public? Share your story in the comments below!
Featured Image: Evensi
