The city that never sleeps is about to buzz even louder. Fashion lovers, buyers, editors, and photographers are gearing up for another high-voltage season of runway shows, sidewalk statements, and unforgettable moments of sartorial storytelling. Now, with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) unveiling the preliminary schedule for New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, the countdown officially begins. Of course, it’s packed with headline names, rising stars, and a few curveballs that are sure to keep the industry on its toes.
According to the CFDA, the shows will run from September 11 to 16, with over 60 presentations slated to unfold across Manhattan. Beyond the catwalks, additional activations are expected both online and by appointment, expanding the reach of the week. The official kickoff comes courtesy of Michael Kors Collection, scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 11th, while the grand finale remains shrouded in mystery—a closing show marked “to be announced” at 8 p.m. on the 16th, ensuring that NYFW SS26 ends on a note of suspense.
New York Fashion Week SS26 Schedule: Returning Favorites Dominate the Calendar
New York Fashion Week SS26 heralds the return of celebrated designers who continue to shape the identity of American fashion with each new season. This year’s lineup includes heavy-hitters like Altuzarra, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, Sergio Hudson, Tory Burch, Todd Snyder, and Diotima—names already generating serious buzz.
Kicking off the excitement, Christian Siriano will unveil his Spring/Summer 2026 collection on September 11 at 3 p.m., followed by L’Enchanteur—fresh off its CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund win—at 4 p.m. Later that evening, Grace Ling, recipient of the 2024 CFDA/Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, will command attention with her 8 p.m. show.
As the week unfolds, September 13 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed days, featuring Altuzarra at 11 a.m., Prabal Gurung at 5 p.m., Todd Snyder at 6 p.m., and Khaite upping the ante at 7 p.m. Then, on September 15, expect back-to-back highlights as Tory Burch takes the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Luar at 8 p.m., both poised to deliver defining moments in the New York Fashion Week SS26 narrative.
Newcomers Make Their Debuts
In true NYFW spirit, fresh talent is stepping into the spotlight, ready to make waves. The Spring/Summer 2026 schedule proudly features newcomers like 6397, Amir Taghi, Maria McManus, SC103, Raúl Peñaranda, and Rùadh. They are all poised to leave their unique mark on the city’s fashion pulse this September.
Adding even more momentum, finalists from the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, including Ashlyn, Bach Mai, Don’t Let Disco, Gabe Gordon, Heirlome, Jamie Okuma, Bernard James, and Meruert Tolegen, will showcase their visions through a series of activations, infusing the week with fresh perspectives and boundary-pushing creativity.
New York Fashion Week SS26: Off-Schedule Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
Of course, not every headline-making moment takes place within the official calendar. Brandon Maxwell, beloved for his polished silhouettes and red carpet glamour, is set to kick off the festivities early with a special 10th anniversary show on September 9, two days ahead of the official NYFW start.
Meanwhile, in an unexpected twist, Carolina Herrera is taking its Spring/Summer 2026 presentation overseas. Under the creative direction of Wes Gordon, the iconic American house will unveil its latest collection on September 18 in Madrid, marking the brand’s third show outside the U.S. and signaling an increasingly global outlook.
Global Presence: Men’s Day and International Brands
New York Men’s Day returns on September 11, spotlighting a dynamic mix of emerging designers such as Archie, Clara Son, Peak Lapel, Bryan Jimenez, Max Esmail, and more. Together, they offer a fresh take on traditional tailoring and contemporary menswear, pushing boundaries while honoring craftsmanship.
At the same time, the official NYFW SS26 calendar continues to expand its global footprint. International labels including COS, Toteme, and Off-White are joining the lineup, underscoring the worldwide relevance of New York Fashion Week and its growing influence in shaping fashion’s next frontier.
A Few Notable Absences
While the schedule is brimming with talent, a few notable absences have not gone unnoticed. Peter Do and Helmut Lang, both of whom generated buzz at previous fashion weeks, are missing from the current lineup. Their absence raises questions about potential shifts behind the scenes or whether surprise, off-calendar presentations might still be in the works. Either way, the fashion world will be watching closely.
The CFDA’s Ongoing Commitment to Fashion Week’s Impact
Now in its seventh season, the CFDA NYFW Fund continues to serve as a vital bridge between American designers and the global fashion media. Having supported over 50 international editors to date, the initiative plays a key role in amplifying the voices of New York’s creative community on the world stage. This season, the CFDA renews its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and promoting fashion as both a cultural force and a thriving industry.
As Joseph Maglieri, CFDA’s Director of Fashion Week Initiatives, puts it: “The collections this September represent the resilience and dynamism of the city through a global lens. With great returns to the calendar, visiting brands from around the world, and a new guard of rising talent, New York Fashion Week continues to be a gateway for discovery, creativity, and storytelling.”
Get Ready for a Week of Fashion, Culture, and Creativity
With over 60 shows and events packed into just six days, the New York Fashion Week SS26 schedule is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and diverse in recent memory. From powerhouse names to bold newcomers, from the return of Men’s Day to the arrival of global labels, this season promises a whirlwind of fashion moments that capture the energy, creativity, and ever-evolving spirit of New York.
Featured image: @nyfw/Instagram
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