NYFW AW/26 Cheat Sheet
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
NYFW February 2026: The Only Cheat Sheet You Need
New York Fashion Week is officially here, beginning today! Which means your feeds are about to explode, your IG will show nothing but runways for the next month, and you'll be overwhelmed thinking "What's worth watching?"
So consider this your calm, curated, no-stress NYFW guide - what to watch, when it’s on, and why it matters. Bookmark it, skim it, dip in and out. This is NYFW without the overwhelm.
The Vibe This Season
NYFW February 2026 feels like a mix of American heritage, downtown grit, and commercial polish.
There’s a clear split between:
Up-and-Comers
Debuting Designers
Must-See Shows (Usually big, established names)
You don’t need to watch it all - just the right shows.
Day-by-Day:
Wednesday 11 February
Proenza Schouler - 12 PM - Quietly one of the most influential American brands. Expect intelligent tailoring, modern femininity, and clothes editors actually want to wear.
Coach - 3 PM - Coach continues its Y2K-meets-Americana revival. This is one to watch for accessories, bags, and viral styling moments.
Collina Strada - 5 PM - Sustainability with a sense of humour. Expect eco-conscious fabrics, playful chaos, and politically charged messaging found in very trendy looks.
Tory Burch - 7 PM - Polished, powerful, and very wearable. Always a masterclass in elevated American sportswear.
Public School NY - 8 PM - Sharp, political, and culturally plugged-in. This is where NYFW gets its edge.
Thursday 12th February
Carolina Herrera - 10 AM - Old-school glamour done right. Expect colour, volume, and red-carpet-ready silhouettes.
Christian Siriano - 4 PM - Drama, inclusivity, and unapologetic glamour. Always delivers statement gowns and bold construction.
Michael Kors Collection - 6 PM - Peak American luxury. Clean lines, rich textures, and clothes that translate directly to real wardrobes.
Elena Velez - 8 PM - For something darker and more experimental - raw textures, conceptual silhouettes... creative overload.
Friday 13th February
Calvin Klein Collection - 12 PM - Minimalism royalty. This is essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of American understatement (although I was dissapointed last season)
PatBo - 1 PM - Craft, colour, and Latin American influence - a refreshing contrast to NY minimalism.
Fforme - 2 PM - Quiet luxury. Expect minimalist silhouettes, elevated fabric choices, and a very modern take on American elegance that feels understated but intentional.
7 For All Mankind - 3 PM - Denim everywhere. Expect a strong focus on fabrication and styling.
Ulla Johnson - 4 PM - Romantic, artisanal, and endlessly wearable. Expect handcrafted details, rich textures, and a bohemian femininity that always feels thoughtful and original.
Area - 6 PM - High-shine glamour with a conceptual edge. Expect bold silhouettes, and playful takes on modern luxury that feel made for fashion week headlines.
Sergio Hudson - 7 PM - Power dressing done beautifully. Clean tailoring, rich colour palettes, and serious presence.
Saturday 14 February
Altuzarra - 11 AM - Elegant, refined, and quietly sexy. A consistent NYFW highlight.
LII - 1 PM - Sharp, sensual minimalism with a downtown edge. Expect sleek tailoring, elevated evening-wear, and a confident, body-aware approach to modern luxury.
Anna Sui - 2 PM - Maximalist nostalgia at its finest. Prints, colour, and joy!
Khaite - 7 PM - Modern American luxury at its sharpest. Expect elevated wardrobe staples, precise tailoring, and that effortless "cool-girl" vibe that Khaite does better than almost anyone.
Sunday 15 February
Marina Moscone - 10AM - Modern minimalism with a romantic undertone. Expect fluid tailoring, soft draping, and a quiet elegance that feels intimate, refined, and very New York.
Diotima - 12PM - Craft-led luxury with deep cultural resonance. Known for intricate handwork and powerful storytelling, Diotima delivers emotionally rich fashion that feels both artisanal and contemporary.
Sandy Liang - 1 PM - Downtown cool meets playful femininity.
Cult Gaia - 2 PM - Sculptural silhouettes and accessories that will dominate on Instagram.
Bach Mai - 4 PM - High-drama couture energy with a modern edge. Expect sculptural silhouettes, rich fabrics, and an unapologetically glamorous approach.
Private Policy - 5 PM - Gender-fluid, experimental, and culturally sharp. Very Gen Z.
Kim Shui - 8 PM - Sensual, graphic, and deeply identity-driven. Always visually striking.
Monday 16 February
Raúl Peñaranda - 12 PM - Strong craftsmanship with a couture sensibility.
Dennis Basso - 1 PM - Classic New York elegance - think evening-wear and luxe fabrics.
J. Press - 2 PM - American heritage menswear with timeless appeal.
If you find yourself overwhelmed or you are running low on time, make these 5 your priority:
1. Proenza Schouler
2. Carolina Herrera
3. Tory Burch
4. Fforme
5. Khaite
That combo gives you heritage, modern minimalism, downtown cool, and commercial relevance.
Final Thoughts
NYFW usually isn't that brilliant but it does an amazing job at setting the tone for the weeks ahead. Laying down the groundwork for London, Milan, and Paris to follow.
Use this guide as your shortcut. You don’t need to see everything - just the shows that matter to you.
Over the next 6 days I will be noting down my favourite looks, shows, and WTF moments so stay tuned for my NYFW roundup.
With love,
Mimi x
Comments