What to Know Ahead of NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 February Schedule
NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 sets the tone for a season shaped by creative change and enduring American fashion. Here are the key moments and runway shows our editors are watching most closely.
New York Fashion Week is set to return for the Fall Winter 2026 season from February 11 to February 16, reaffirming the city’s role as the opening chapter of the global fashion calendar. With the official schedule now released by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the upcoming season signals a balance between industry legacy, creative change, and the continued rise of new voices shaping American fashion.
One of the most anticipated moments of the week will be the debut of Rachel Scott at Proenza Schouler, marking a significant creative evolution for the brand and setting the tone for the days ahead. The calendar also reflects a mix of official runway shows and high profile off calendar presentations, with designers such as Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren expected to host events just ahead of the formal start of the week. Their presence reinforces New York’s ability to command global attention even beyond the constraints of the official schedule.
Established fashion houses are making notable returns this season, including Carolina Herrera, Public School, and Derek Lam, all of whom continue to anchor New York Fashion Week with collections that bridge commercial relevance and creative identity. Meanwhile, denim label 7 For All Mankind is set to present under new creative direction, signaling a renewed focus on reinvention and contemporary appeal within the American market.
Fall 2026 is also a milestone season for several designers celebrating major anniversaries. Lafayette 148 New York marks three decades since its founding, while Khaite, Kim Shui, and Private Policy each commemorate ten years in the industry. These anniversaries highlight the endurance of brands that have grown alongside the shifting landscape of New York fashion, adapting to new consumer expectations while maintaining a distinct point of view.
Emerging talent continues to play a central role in shaping the week’s narrative. Designers gaining increased visibility through awards and industry recognition are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the runway, reinforcing New York Fashion Week’s reputation as a platform for innovation and inclusivity. This season also reflects a growing emphasis on menswear and heritage inspired dressing, with several labels revisiting classic American styles through a modern lens.
As the first major fashion week of the Fall Winter 2026 cycle, New York sets the pace for the season before the industry moves on to London, Milan, and Paris. Beyond individual collections, the schedule underscores a broader moment of transition for American fashion, where established names, emerging designers, and evolving creative leadership converge to define what comes next. For editors, buyers, and audiences alike, Fall 2026 promises a week shaped by both reflection and forward momentum.
From the full calendar, these are the runway shows our editors are most excited about and will be watching closely. On February 11, Proenza Schouler shows at 12 p.m., followed by Lafayette 148 New York from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. On February 13, Calvin Klein Collection returns to the runway at 12 p.m., followed by Fforme at 2 p.m. and Kallmeyer at 5 p.m. The edit concludes on February 14 with Altuzarra at 11 a.m. and Khaite at 7 p.m., rounding out a focused selection that reflects the collections most likely to define the Fall Winter 2026 season.