If you noticed that the crowds in Lower Manhattan looked more chic than usual in recent weeks, it’s because several New York Fashion Week shows took place in the neighborhood between September 11 and 16. Designers made creative use of spaces like the One World Observatory and the tall ship “Wavertree” to display their spring/summer 2026 collections. Here are a few of our favorite looks from downtown NYFW shows.
Tyler McGillivary
Tyler McGillivary’s “Mermaiden” show showcased glamorous nautically inspired pieces like a conch shell handbag and fishnet gown with a shell bra. Appropriately, the show took place upon the historic tall ship “Wavertree” at 89 South St., which is part of the South Street Seaport Museum. The final look — a moss-green gown — was modeled by Sara Paxton, who played a mermaid in the film “Aquamarine.”
Check out the show on Instagram.
Willy Chavarria
Printemps, the French department store that opened earlier this year, is more like a museum than a traditional store. It’s filled with sculptural pieces, colorful artwork, plush furniture and even a room that’s filled floor-to-ceililng with red, orange and gold mosaics dating back to 1931. All of which is to say, Printemps, located at 1 Wall St. was a gorgeous setting for Willy Chavarria’s private pre-sale event during NYFW. The vibrant colors, structured pieces and sophisticated silhouettes matched the unique setting perfectly.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Cynthia Rowley
Cynthia Rowley’s whimsical SS26 collection featured plenty of mod prints and colorful garments against the backdrop of the newly renovated Wagner Park (20 Battery Pl.). Models strutted along the waterfront, with the Statue of Liberty in view and sailboats with custom-made branded sails bobbing in the water behind them. It was truly a perfect setting for the brand that’s both feminine and sporty.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Kim Shui
It’s hard to imagine a more dazzling place for a fashion show than One World Observatory, with its sweeping views, glittering city lights and gleaming white columns. At the Kim Shui show 120 stories above 117 West St., the designer showed off her latest designs, which were inspired by a 17th-century painting. Dramatic fringed dresses, semi-sheer garments, corsets and European-inspired trousers all made an appearance on the runway.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Maria McManus
Maria McManus’ SS26 collection leaned into feminine energy, with flowing dresses made by Bolivian artists, macrame garments and unique denim pieces. The collection is meant to highlight sustainable wares from talented craftspeople around the world and was showcased at the Michelin-starred downtown standout Crown Shy, located at 70 Pine St.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Collina Strada
The Brooklyn skyline provided the perfect backdrop for Collina Strada’s latest collection. The show for the sustainable New York–based label took place on an East Side helipad and showcased an edgy collection of snug tees, silky dresses and dramatic accessories. Each model in the show had a “shadow twin” wearing the same outfit in all black, which made for truly striking visuals.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Altuzarra
There’s no denying that the Woolworth Building is an iconic setting, with ornate sculptures and neo-Gothic touches. The landmark skyscraper at 40 Wall St. was the perfect place for Altuzarra to showcase its line of ultra-modern designs that are meant to make you take a second look. Upon first glance, you might think an item is a minimalist sweater or t-shirt, only to realize that it has a fun detail like a surrealist bird motif or a feathered cuff.
Check out the show on Instagram.
Alice + Olivia
Fashion goes…municipal? Alice + Olivia’s NYFW show took place at the Hall of Records, a Beaux-Arts building with marble staircases and stately columns. The brand took over the space at 31 Chambers St. for its “American Woman” collection, which featured everything from sportswear to floral gowns. Looks were divided into four themes: Lady Liberty, Guided Glamour, American Beauty and American Fashion.
Check out the show on Instagram.
main photo: Left: Collina Strada, photographed by GoRunway; Right: Tyler McGillivary, photographed by Kohl Murdock
