New York Fashion Week is set to return on Wednesday, largely taking place in front of a live audience.
After taking a digital-only approach over the past two seasons, the return of in-person shows marks the resumption of an almost normal schedule for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Hailed as the return of fashion weeks, New York launches the four-week biannual newspaper that runs through London and Milan before culminating in Paris.
As the first of four fashion weeks, it is seen as a sign of what to expect from others, making returning to audiences for the first time since February 2020 a significant move.
However, under the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, everyone present in person will need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against the virus.
To help celebrate the event, the week will end for the first time with the Met Gala, rescheduled from its normal slot in May.
A glittering and star-studded annual event, the gala is a celebration of all things fashion and, rightly so, this year’s theme is In America: A Fashion Lexicon.
Designed as a top-level name check for the best in American fashion, the event will be co-hosted by singer Billie Eilish, actor Timothee Chalamet, tennis player Naomi Osaka, and poet and activist Amanda Gorman.
In addition to the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week will see the return of some big names on the agenda.
Thom Browne, who has exhibited in Paris since 2017, is making a triumphant return, as is the Rodarte label. The week will also welcome new names to the circuit, including Peter Do, the minimalist American-Vietnamese collective already present at Net-a-Porter and Dover Street Market.
Other participating names include Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Batsheva, Naeem Khan, Coach and Chloe’s new Creative Director, Gabriela Hearst.
Marc Jacobs, who traditionally closed New York, presented his Spring / Summer 2022 collection in June, with the last spot now held by Tom Ford.
New York Fashion Week runs Wednesday through Sunday, September 8-12