Story by Kari Jensen
The Lower East Side kicked off New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in high style recently with shows, pop-ups, after-parties, and more. This season (the Spring 2026 collections) featured top draws coming to the neighborhood, such as Alexander Wang and Off-White.
Alexander Wang hosted editors and celebrities to a fashion show and after-party at his new venue, the former Citizens Savings Bank at 58 Bowery on Sept. 12. (see The Lo-Down on that story here.) Models wore body-skimming furs, suiting, and sheers.
“… the matriarch spring 2026 collection. Power dressing for the women who lead, seduce, and dominate the world around them,” @alexanderwangny posted on Instagram.
Earlier, local venues on East Grand Street were having a busy day: Off-White creative director Ib Kamara showed his luxury streetwear collection on the roof of the New Design High School, while designer Alexis Bittar debuted a pageant-inspired presentation advocating for trans rights, at Abrons Arts Center on Grand Street. People Magazine reported (and @alexisbittar confirmed) that Elon Musk’s estranged daughter, Vivian Wilson, made her New York Fashion Week debut in the show at Abrons. It was also the 21-year-old model’s first-ever runway show.
Designers also showed works during two independent events, Art Hearts Fashion (at the Angel Orensanz Foundation) and Indigenous New York Fashion Week (at Grace Exhibition Space), which both ran Sept. 11-15.
At Art Hearts Fashion Sept. 13, Soid Studios New York designer Jose Gonzalez presented a coed collection with models in studded, cyber-cowboy inspired garments, and some in white full-face makeup like the rock band KISS.
“At Art Hearts, you never know what you’re going to see. It’s always something fresh. It’s always something fun,” said Tara Gaines, Art Hearts press director.
For her collection “Shade,” presented on Sept. 11 on a helipad on the East River, Collina Strada designer Hillary Taymour paired models – one dressed in pale tones and the other in a similar silhouette in black – and had the duos walk the runway together. The show also debuted the label’s first-ever jewelry collaboration, with the brand Awe Inspired.
Collina Strada x Awe Inspired hosted a pop-up shop at the Collina Strada flagship store on Canal Street Sept. 13. Guests sipped complimentary matcha drinks and were invited to browse and shop.
A few guests told me they had researched NYFW pop-ups and were seeking free swag, such as beverages, food, and/or gifts.
“This seemed like the best place to start,” said one woman, as she stood in line waiting to get into the J.Crew pop-up, which featured an immersive installation in a Beaux Arts-style building at 190 Bowery.
Once inside, guests received a commemorative “J.Crew 190” keychain, coffee, pastries, candy bags, plus postcards, bookmarks and stickers.
Guests were invited to explore themed, curated rooms, displayed with vintage J.Crew advertisements, fabrics swatches, and garments. They could shop for vintage garments in one room and have them custom-monogrammed on-site by New York Embroidery Studio.
The Lower East Side was definitely the “it” neighborhood to be in this season. Behind the scenes at fashion shows and everywhere on the LES streets, people showed off their personal styles.
