Fashion weeks are vibrant hubs where people are just as important as the clothes themselves. Beyond the designers and models, the audience members shape the cultural conversation, and the breakout personalities reflect current trends.
The recent New York Fashion Week saw Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk’s eldest daughter, emerge as a major talking point. She notably walked in shows for Prabal Gurung, Alexis Bittar, and Dauphinette, where she dramatically opened the collection with a scream.
Olivia Cheng, the designer behind Dauphinette, commented on the anticipated buzz around Vivian’s appearance. Ms. Wilson, who is transgender, has garnered significant attention for her public critiques of her estranged father, making her a figure people are keen to hear from.
Another individual who captured attention on the runway was Olandria Carthen, a fan favorite from “Love Island USA.” Her walk in the Sergio Hudson show was met with a rare round of applause.
Image 1: “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers at a Dior party. Caption: Ben Ahlers at a party for Dior’s newly redesigned New York flagship store. Credit: Rebecca Smeyne for The New York Times.
Image 2: Ellie the Elephant at the Off-White show. Caption: Ellie the Elephant at the Off-White show. Credit: via Off White.
Olandria Carthen, along with her co-star Nicolas Vansteenberghe, also attended the Off-White show, where they were joined by Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty’s renowned twerking mascot. Off-White proudly partners with the team on culture and style. Shana Stephenson, the Liberty’s chief brand officer, praised Ellie, stating she has “transcended sports” and truly immersed herself in New York’s fashion and style scene.
Another rising figure in New York’s cultural landscape, illustrator Rama Duwaji, wife of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, was spotted in the front row at Diotima.
While not yet widely recognized, Ms. Duwaji joined a host of other notable, if niche, personalities in the Fashion Week crowd. That group included actress Sara Paxton, who briefly reprised her mermaid role from the 2006 film “Aquamarine” at the Tyler McGillivary show, held on the Wavertree ship at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers was also present.
Mr. Ahlers, who gained “sex symbol” status after his show’s recent season, was seen at various events, from parties hosted by GQ, Dior, and Nylon, to the front rows of shows like Todd Snyder and Simkhai. Reflecting on Fashion Week, the Iowa native remarked, “I’m from Iowa, where there is no style.” He noted that attending these shows has helped him develop his “sense of style as an adult.”
Shop Talk
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The fashion world is buzzing with new footwear collaborations. Nike is launching a new shoe on October 9th, partnering with Air Afrique, the former Pan-African airline turned Parisian creative company. Additionally, Sperry teased a forthcoming line of boat shoes, featuring platform soles and grommets, a collaboration with Monse (known for designing flight suits for Blue Origin’s all-female crew). These are set for release next year.
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Acclaimed artist KAWS will lead Uniqlo’s new artistic residency program. This initiative will include in-store events and the development of new apparel products for the brand.
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Celebrity jeweler Alex Moss, known for his work with Drake and Jack Harlow, officially opened his flagship store on Mercer Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood on Monday. The store offers a range of accessories, including leather bags designed by Moss himself.
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A fresh trans-Atlantic collaboration focuses on handbags, bringing together Strathberry, an Edinburgh-based accessories brand, and Cinq à Sept, a New York women’s wear label. This week’s collection features clutches, hobo bags, and totes in luxurious suede, leather, and velvet, with prices beginning at $238.
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Thebe Magugu, the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH Prize, is now spearheading new retail and hospitality ventures at Cape Town’s luxurious Mount Nelson hotel. His role involves designing a new hotel suite and curating an on-site store that will showcase African fashion, literature, and décor. Both projects are slated to open this year.
Chatting With… The Costume Designer for a Hip-Hop Ballet
Image: LaQuan Smith, in a black suit jacket and turtleneck, against a black background.
LaQuan Smith is a true celebrator of life, and his Queens-born label for women embodies this spirit, creating designs for those who are “empowered” and “unapologetically sexy.”
“I always feel sort of inclined to design in a way where it gives people hope and it gives people optimism,” Mr. Smith shared, noting how his extravagant fashion week parties have boosted his brand’s profile. “It’s really about celebration — whether that’s a date night, an anniversary or a wedding or, you know, dancing or a book party.”
Smith will now bring his signature exuberance to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, designing costumes for a special one-night-only contemporary ballet. This performance, set to rapper Future’s album “DS2,” takes place on Friday. In an edited and condensed interview, Smith discussed his inspirations and his enduring fascination with ballet.
Your new ballet project follows another you did with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, back in 2013. What keeps drawing you to this world?
LAQUAN SMITH: As a designer, it’s rewarding to express my creativity through the mediums of theater, ballet, music, or film. These experiences invigorate me and inspire me to enrich my core collections and expand my product lines.
How did you merge the look of ballet with your own style codes?
SMITH: My goal was to blend classic ballet aesthetics with a fresh, modern sensibility. This involved incorporating my brand’s signature elements like plunging V-neck lines, bold cut-outs, catsuits, and bodysuits. I aimed to infuse these striking silhouettes with softer, more traditional elements such as tutu skirts and delicate chiffon fabrics.
You’ve said before that New York is your biggest muse. What keeps you so rooted here?
SMITH: New York is integral to my identity and my brand story. The city’s unique blend of grit and glamour—its ability to juxtapose strength with softness—has always been a profound source of inspiration for my collections. Designing in New York City feels like a true luxury, and I’m deeply committed to preserving its vibrant garment district.