Which Designers to Watch at NY Fashion Week, According to the Experts

Fashion month is finally upon us, and as always, New York Fashion Week will be kicking things off this Thursday, September 10. The Who What Wear team will be attending the shows and sharing our favourites over the next few weeks, but we thought we’d brush up on who to watch closely by asking a host of industry experts who they’re most excited to see. Below, everyone from Joanna Hillman to Joe Zee weighs in!

Scroll down to find out who the experts will be watching closely at NYFW.

“I'm looking forward to the Givenchy show that will be held in New York for the store opening here, and curious [if] Riccardo [will show anything] that’s inspired by New York. I’m also excited to see how [the recent uniting of] the Marc by Marc Jacobs brand with Marc Jacobs into one label might show itself on the runway.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Marc Jacobs.

Ji Oh, M Martin, Self-Portrait, Tanya Taylor, Gabriela Hearst, and Brock Collection. Flagpole Swim is also showing for the first time—it’s exciting to have swimwear brought to NYFW.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Gabriela Hearst.

"Sandy Liang, Rosetta Getty, Rosie Assoulin, and Isa Arfen."

Shop our favourite pieces from Rosetta Getty.

“I'm looking forward to Misha Nonoo's show on Instagram. I think it's such a clever idea—skips the show ritual and shows clothes worn by her type o' ladies, like Audrey Gelman and Linda Rodin.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Misha Nonoo.

Pyer Moss: He has been doing menswear for some time now, but is debuting womenswear accompanied by a video about racism. I like that he's unafraid to address politics in his work—he is probably best known for the ‘They Have Names’ T-shirt printed with the names of black men victimized by the police. I'm interested to see what he does with women's.

Area: I first met co-designer Beckett Fogg when she was at Parsons, and I kept emailing her asking, ‘When are you going to start a line?’ She finally did, so last season, I stopped by her Chinatown studio and wrote about her early-aughts-inspired rave designs with unusual textures. She and co-designer Piotrek are doing an official presentation at The Standard this time, so I'm excited to attend and see how they've grown.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Area.

Tome, Rosie Assoulin, Public School, Brock Collection, Sandy Liang and Ryan Roche.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Public School.

“I’m excited to see the brand-new DKNY with Public School at the helm.”

Shop our favourite pieces from DKNY.

“This year, I'll be spending the last few days of NYFW on a beach in Costa Rica to celebrate one of my best friends' 30th birthdays. Choosing friends over fashion wasn't a hard choice, but I am sad to miss a few of my favourite shows, especially the set at Marc JacobsLuckily I'll be in the city to see Altuzarra. Joseph makes beautiful clothing, and not only is it one of my favourite shows of [the fashion month], it’s easily one of my favourite brands. 

Of course I'm excited to see Rosie Assoulin—I loved the cutouts, cropped tops and the styling of resort; Cushnie Et Ochs (I'm a big fan and think their designs speak to the sex siren in me!); Wes Gordon and Brother Vellies. Also, a Bermudian designer will be taking part in Harlem's Fashion Row showcase—which promotes up and coming, multicultural designers—this year, so I'm looking forward to that event and, obviously, very proud.”

Shop our favourite pieces from Altuzarra.

"Givenchy, Public School, Proenza Schouler, and The Row."

Shop our favourite pieces from The Row.

What show are you most excited for at NYFW? Let us know in the comments!

Jessica Schiffer
Contributing Editor
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