From Jason Wu’s art-infused tailoring to Lii’s quiet minimalism, these SS26 honorary mentions at NYFW proved that lesser-known names still pack a powerful punch. Showcasing standout collections from 14th–16th September, this round-up highlights the rising stars redefining what it means to stun on the runway.

With fashion week fast approaching, I thought it was the perfect time to share how I got scouted. From applying on a whim to meeting with three of the industry’s top agencies, here’s how it all began.