Like clockwork, fashion month has descended, and with it comes a spectacle of exhilarating clothes and big pop culture moments. While every editor has an answer for their favorite fashion capital, New York has the distinction of being first in the roughly five-week-long global fashion-week tour. A little grittier than Paris and a little more experimental than Milan, New York stands out for its "anything goes" mentality. It's not unusual for a runway show to be staged in the middle of a park or on the actual streets themselves. But it's this pulsing energy that makes New York Fashion Week truly come alive.
To celebrate its arrival, we asked the people who know it best. From fashion editors to buyers, stylists, and writers, the fashion-week veterans interviewed here have attended hundreds of shows. They know the ins and outs—like what to pack for a busy day traversing from show to show and how to look extremely good doing it. For a complete view of what New York Fashion Week is really like, read how 11 seasoned attendees are preparing for the week as well as their insightful trend predictions for what's up next.
Rachel Besser, West Coast Contributor, Vogue
Number of fashion weeks attended:
New York Fashion Week in September 2013 was my first, and we've been going strong ever since.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
My looks are not planned! In the early years of my career, I meticulously planned outfits and always changed something—if not everything—before actually heading out the door.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
This year, I'll likely dust off my 2002 Olympic beret and lean back into my furry bucket hat while I patiently await the release of Emma Brewin's cowboy iteration.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
I wish this was a cuter answer, but I print out my show schedule complete with the addresses. It's a lesson learned one season after one dead phone and an external charger and no time to plug into a wall.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
Luar. I admire what Raul is building.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
I think head-to-toe denim will be even more ubiquitous than last season, and I am excited to see early aught trends begin to mutate into the ever-controversial late-2000s trends. Give me 2009!
Most memorable NYFW moment:
A friend was one of the artists commissioned to paint portraits for the S/S 14 Prada collection. He didn't tell me that my portrait was going to be on some of the clothes and handbags until I was watching the show live.
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Shibon Kennedy, Stylist & Creative Director
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Honestly, I'm not sure! I started attending consistently during my first fashion-editor role at Bloomberg and later when I was fashion editor-at-large at The Fader. I also definitely finagled my way into a few shows back in the day before I was even styling, so I've been to a lot.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I generally don't plan too much. I'm a Gemini, so I tend to go with what my mental space feels like each morning, as that affects what I'm stylistically vibing on for that day. There really is no rhyme or reason. I do, however, tend to lean into things I haven't worn a ton or my absolute tried-and-true favorites styled in new ways.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
My Commission studded belt that I practically sleep in, my A.W.A.K.E. Mode Asymmetric Skirt (asymmetry and tailoring are everything I love), and these Agolde Recycled Leather Pants. I have those pants in two colors as well as two different sizes—one pair to fit oversize and the other pair to fit tighter. Really, these are pieces that I've been living in a lot at the moment. They are just so good!
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
Sunglasses and ChapStick.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
Isn't choosing just one like picking a favorite child?! So I'll say Luar, Dion, Collina, Prisca, and Head of State.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
Things have been so super sleek on one end and then bold, oversize tailoring on the other. But with that said, I feel like things might move back to a bit of frivolity—a bit of light and airiness this season. These are strange times, and the world feels like it's falling apart in many ways, yet there is also a sense of optimism injected in there. Where those two worlds meet in the minds of the designers will no doubt create something quite interesting on the runways.
Most memorable NYFW moment:
The first time I saw Christopher John Rogers pirouette down the runway at his first runway show. It was so beautiful to see a young Black designer go from an intimate presentation in a small Canal Street art gallery to then graduate to a full-blown runway show that was packed to the rafters. The show was stunning, not to mention totally moving. Christopher is just such a light and love. It's been truly amazing to be part of that CJR joy fest and watch his bright star continue to rise.
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Willa Bennett, Editor in Chief, Highsnobiety
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Seems like a trick question—are you counting the few I snuck into when I was in college?!
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I'm a huge advocate for uniform dressing—I have a steady rotation of ties, blazers, and trousers that I'll rotate through the week. Fashion week doesn't change this about me! I actually don't plan outfits ahead of time. I use my outfits to express how I feel at any given moment in time, so when I wake up in the morning, I pick out my outfit in real time.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
Some ties I'm obsessed with right now: Ralph Lauren's Purple Label silk tie, Yuri Nosho's custom ties, and Her Children's recycled lambskin tie.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
Obviously, my ties!! But my headphones too. I actually try to walk to most of the shows and listen to music. I have all my best ideas between shows, and I love walking around New York.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
The classics: Collina Strada, Eckhaus Latta, Puppets and Puppets, and Thom Browne.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
Tailoring!
Most memorable NYFW moment:
I'll always remember Look 66 from Thom Browne's spring 2023 collection—mostly because it's still all over TikTok.
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Marjon Carlos, Writer & Podcast Host
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Off and on since 2005 when I got my start as a Zac Posen PR intern working backstage.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I have a few lewks planned. I like to create mood-board decks now to help keep me organized, and I always go to the cleaners to do adjustments or to get things cleaned in advance.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
I may debut my Christopher John Rogers Belted Felt Coat aka the "Karlie coat."
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
My phone, headphones, and a pair of sunglasses.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
Luar–so proud Raul is closing the season!
Most memorable NYFW moment:
I remember seeing Naomi Campbell walk the Heatherette show back, back in the day. It was such a Y2K moment, and it crystallized why I loved fashion so much.
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Arielle Siboni, RTW Fashion Director, Bloomingdale's
Number of fashion weeks attended:
This is going to be my sixth fashion week!
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I don't plan out my looks per se, but I have items that I know I am going to wear and build looks around them. So much can change within a week—the weather, my schedule, or my level of exhaustion—that I know the outfits will ultimately change if I plan them in advance.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
We just launched A.W.A.K.E. Mode at Bloomingdale's, and I am excited to wear a piece from the brand. The plaid trench is a favorite, but it's going to require lots of layers.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
My Byredo hand sanitizer and ChapStick. I always make sure it is in my bag as I go from show to show.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
It's hard to choose just one, but Khaite is always a favorite.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
Western and Americana influence! I expect to see a lot of denim, maxi skirts, suede, and corduroy across the shows and runways.
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Telsha Anderson, Founder, T.A.
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Seven.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I'm a "day of" outfit planner. It honestly depends on the day!
What piece are you most excited to wear?
An employee of mine gifted me the Telfar duffle mini purse, and I'm excited to wear her all season!
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
An external charger! There's nothing worst than a dead phone!
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
We just started carrying Luar, and I'm excited to see what they've come up with for this season!
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
Suiting! We're circling back to the "tailored woman."
Most memorable NYFW moment:
The most memorable thing about NYFW is being surrounded by like-minded individuals.
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Naomi Elizée, Editor, Vogue
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Ten if I'm counting correctly!
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I am a bit behind this season, but I feel I have planned half the amount of looks I "need" for both NYFW and LFW. I'm a Virgo, so I always plan my looks ahead! I love planning out looks in Google Slides so I can visualize each look before I put them together on a rack.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
I am so excited to pull out this jacket from Nanushka! I love the faux-shearling details and the fact that the jacket hits right at the waist. I also recently purchased these major boots from Toga, and I am ready to hit the streets in them! They easily elevate any outfit.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
A Tide To Go pen because I'm clumsy!
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
Too many to mention! My top three are Head of State, Elena Velez, and Puppets and Puppets.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
I think we will continue to see more aviator and flight jackets!
Most memorable NYFW moment:
Witnessing a dog have a front-row seat at a show!
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April Hennig, Chief Merchant, Moda Operandi
Number of fashion weeks attended:
I've been attending fashion weeks since 2005, so more than 30 seasons of shows!
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I haven't planned any looks for this season yet. Usually, for New York, I put outfits together at the last minute based on the weather and my mood that day. Before I pack for Europe, I'll put together an extensive PowerPoint of outfits to make sure I'm covered for everything that I'll need for both day and night. Even when I rewear pieces, I try to stay organized and not overpack, as it can be a massive amount of luggage for more than two weeks on the road.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
Khaite is one of my go-to brands for wardrobe staples. From the latest season, I love all the leather updates like the Valerie strapless zip-up dress and Davis embossed knee-high boots. I also love mixing in Peter Do for shirting or separates, and The Row's Sofia bag is the best bag for day to night.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
An extra Mophie charger since I'm always running out of battery and a very hydrating lip balm like Violette_FR's Bisou Balm.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
I continue to be so excited to see what Raf and Miuccia have in store for Prada.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
Twenty-twenty-three is poised to be a year of change, specifically with so many new creatives in place at the helm of the major houses. Twenty-twenty-two was clearly the year of going out and looking forward, so I'm expecting to see elevated everyday looks back on the runways in a big way as people start to embrace more understated looks via maxi hemlines and sleek tailoring.
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Geraldine Chung, Founder, LCD
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Thirty-nine.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I start planning outfits the week before.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
I finally bought myself a Luar Ana bag! I bought the pink croc-embossed version that's a Bergdorf Goodman exclusive.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
My Prada Monolith lace-up shoes—they go with absolutely everything and are an easy way to stay comfortable while elevating a look.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
The Collina Strada show is always exciting for a multitude of reasons. The crowd-watching is always super fun, and I'm always eager to see what new concepts Hillary will be presenting each season.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
I really want long skirts to make a comeback! We'll see if my wish comes true. And I think that baggy jeans are still going strong.
Most memorable NYFW moment:
Sept 2021 New York Fashion Week was the most energizing and fun fashion week I've ever experienced—it was kind of a perfect storm. Designers were gently beginning to explore runway shows again while many international industry folks were still not really traveling for the shows, so it felt like all the young New Yorkers who truly love fashion were getting the opportunity to participate in fashion week in a deeper way. Every show I went to was full of excitement and palpable energy.
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Kat Collings, Editor in Chief, Who What Wear
Number of fashion weeks attended:
My first one was in 2015, so [I have] quite a few under my belt.
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
I've attempted to piece some things together but am, on the whole, behind! I do usually plan outfits because I live in L.A., so I can't pack my entire closet with me. I'd probably plan outfits though even if I did live in the same city because it makes the whole week a bit more seamless.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
So far, I didn't buy anything new, but I have the tall version of Neous's knit booties, and I think they'll get a ton of action.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
A portable phone charger is an absolute must! I've been stuck before in Paris with a dead phone and no idea how to get home. Not exactly fun!
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
I'm so excited for Loewe. I got to attend for the first time last season, and it just cemented everything I already felt for Jonathan Anderson's creative genius.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
I expect we'll see a lot more maxi hemlines. I think this larger shift we've seen from midis is one we'll continue to see for quite a while.
Most memorable NYFW moment:
I remember in 2017 when Marc Jacobs had models walk right out of the venue onto the street, where the public could also view the show. I love when designers twist the typical runway format, and I thought it was a brilliant idea.
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Anny Choi, Stylist & Creative Brand Consultant
Number of fashion weeks attended:
Looking back on my Instagram, it looks like my very first fashion show was BCBGMaxAzria fall of 2014, so you do the math! This was when NYFW was held in tents at Lincoln Center. I had interned for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week the year before and worked as an usher at the BCBG show, so for me to be invited back as a seated guest, I was ecstatic—one of my favorite career highlights!
What's your personal sartorial approach to fashion week?
This is my first season back after a three-year hiatus, so I actually have not thought about what I'll be wearing at all! I have been living out of two suitcases for the last nine months, so I am working with a very limited closet, which I don't think is necessarily a bad thing. I'll stick to what I know, which is my go-to uniform paired with some comfortable shoes. When I traveled for NYFW, I definitely used to plan my outfits ahead of time—I would have two to three items that I would be excited about but would wake up each day and dress according to how I felt, what shows I had, and how much walking I had ahead of me.
What piece are you most excited to wear?
Call me basic, but I just bought a men's denim shirt from Banana Republic that I'm really excited about for a denim-on-denim moment. This Saks Potts two-in-one trench is also the perfect transitional coat I'll keep on rotation this fashion week, and I'll reach for my Ven Store knits for layering.
What's a fashion-week nonnegotiable?
A Mophie.
What show or presentation are you most excited about?
This is my first time attending shows as a bridal stylist, which means I'll be looking out for pieces for my real-life clients getting married this fall. I'm looking forward to seeing what Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, and Markarian have in store for fall. I'm also excited about some couture silhouettes at Bach Mai and Wiederhoeft for my more unconventional brides.
What's your trend prediction for the upcoming season?
From the iconic Chanel brides to Richard Quinn's modern variation on the finale bride to Erdem and Prabal Gurung's expansion into bridal and Christopher John Roger's recent bridal capsule that just launched on Net-a-Porter, I think we will see more and more unconventional bridalwear as well as ready-to-wear brands expanding into bridal. As for fall-specific trends, I think vests are having a moment along with interesting hosiery styling tricks—I would like to see some fun variations of these this season.
Most memorable NYFW moment:
Certain footwear choices, waiting for Cardi B, carpools, when Christina Aguilera showed up to the Area show, [and] being late to the Coach show, missing the whole thing, and then crying about it.
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