A still from Conner Ives's AW 2026 runway show.
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After a six-month break, the fashion world is back in motion for spring/summer 2027. As always, the womenswear circuit consists of runway shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris (brief pitstops in Copenhagen and Seoul already took place over the past month). This season, however, there’s been a change to the New York Fashion Week calendar. The seven-day week has been trimmed down to an ultimate low of five days, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the talent department. When it comes to emerging designers, New York is the fashion capital that keeps on giving.
From September 10 to 15, we’re expecting a fresh coterie of brands queuing the fashion week schedule with a bang, from London-based wunderkind Conner Ives, who’s kicking off his inaugural stateside homecoming, to Los-Angeles darling Ella Mae, ushering in her East Coast era. Joining them are indie names from this year’s CFDA Fashion Fund lineup. Celeb-favorite designers, including Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, Miss Clare Sullivan, and Andrew Curwen, are either making their official debut at, or making their highly-anticipated return to, fashion week. Mark your calendars — ahead, The FADER breaks down seven emerging designers we’re keeping an eye out for at New York Fashion Week for spring 2027.
Conner Ives is making a long-awaited return to his roots. The New York native returns from all the way across the pond for his debut show on the NYFW schedule on Sept. 12. The Central Saint Martins graduate has only ever presented in the British capital, making his New York homecoming all the more heartfelt. From upcycled American-infused sportswear to his signature kitschy embellishments, Ives’s clothing seems to embody the bustle and glamour of the Big Apple.
Andrew Curwen crafts Victorian-inspired silhouettes — think dramatically cinched corsets, and elaborate textures — that have found their way onto the likes of Charli xcx, Slayyyter, Doechii, and Lady Gaga. The Parsons graduate has an affinity for all things gothic, sultry, and romantic, much like Alexander McQueen and ’90s-era John Galliano. Curwen debuted at NYFW last year and he’s slated to continue the momentum with an equally must-watch presentation on Sept. 14.
Ella Mae is set to bring her Californian charms to New York. The rising L.A.-based designer works in the realm of “romantic utilitarianism:” inspired by her rural upbringing in Colorado, her pieces are feminine and down-to-earth. Mae, who honed her skills at the Rhode Island School of Design, adopts an “earth-first” approach. She focuses on sustainable practices, prioritizing small-batch production using deadstock and natural fibers, and utilizes dyes made from natural materials and food waste. Her NYFW debut runway show is scheduled for Sept. 13.
Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen is no stranger to New York’s fashion scene. The Parsons graduate and Eckhaus Latta alum debuted her eponymous label in 2023. Since then, the buzzy designer has captivated the hearts of fashionistas and celebrities (Lorde, SZA, and Rosalía, among others) alike with her secondhand sculptural and avant-garde pieces. Although this isn’t Anna Whalen’s first outing at NYFW, expect her runway show on Sept. 13 to expand on her historical-influenced, body-focused vision.
After opting for more casual presentations in previous years, 6397 is hosting its first runway show on Sept. 15. Founded by co-designers Stella Ishii and Lizzie Owens, the brand’s name refers to the alphanumeric equivalent of N-E-W-S on a telephone keypad. The duo began their journey in 2013 with a mission: to create a collection of elevated basics that are essential to every wardrobe. Since its inception, 6397 has made its mark among the IYKYK crowd with subversive takes on core staples like tees, pants, and skirts that defy algorithms and trends. Bonus – the brand’s debut runway show will be styled by Miyako Bellizzi, the Oscar-nominated costume designer of Marty Supreme.
You might recognize Miss Claire Sullivan’s work from paparazzi photos of Rosalía, PinkPantheress, Shygirl, and Addison Rae – or maybe even Rama Duwaji at the New York Knicks Championship Parade. After launching her brand in 2021, the independent couture designer’s work has become instantly identifiable thanks to her over-the-top, princess-inspired silhouettes. Sullivan is expected to present at NYFW in tandem with her brand’s fifth anniversary, which will also be celebrated with a shoppable cocktail party at Dover Street Market.
Persian-American designer Amir Taghi is bringing Texan flair and his Iranian heritage to New York. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and Parsons, Taghi is known for precise tailoring that doesn’t sacrifice his eccentricity — think vibrant prints and fluid draping that make a statement. The CFDA Fashion Fund finalist will present his spring 2027 collection as part of the official NYFW schedule on Sept. 11.
