Janet Mandell’s Vintage Runway Reset Stuns at NYFW SS26
New York, NY – September 10, 2025 – At New York Fashion Week, where designers chase the future, Janet Mandell reminded the industry that fashion’s past can be just as powerful. Her Spring/Summer 2026 runway show unfolded under candlelight, delivering a mood of intimacy and reverence as archival vintage walked alongside innovation.
Guests were transported into the bold glamour of the 1990s and early 2000s. Models appeared in rare pieces from Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior by John Galliano, Gucci by Tom Ford, and Gianni Versace—designs that defined an era of decadence and unapologetic sex appeal. The show instantly became one of NYFW’s most talked-about moments, with the audience buzzing about which looks they’d want to claim for their own red-carpet appearance.
“Fashion needs a reset and this is where Janet Mandell comes in to help elevate that process,” Mandell said. “Tonight’s runway was about honoring the past while showing the world what comes next for fashion, retail, and sustainability.”
Vintage Meets Tech
This wasn’t just a tribute to fashion history. Mandell used the runway as a launchpad to introduce her new technology platform, integrating a Distribution API, Bestow Consignment Model, and AI-driven SaaS solutions. The system empowers clients to consign their wardrobes, extend the life of couture garments through rental, and eventually sell to the right buyers—pushing sustainability to the forefront of luxury fashion.
With couture-level tailoring offered in her New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago showrooms, Mandell has created a hybrid model that feels as high-touch as the ateliers of Paris, while embracing the innovations needed to carry fashion forward.
The NYFW Moment
In a week dominated by fresh collections, Mandell’s decision to go archival felt both disruptive and refreshing. It positioned her among the most daring of NYFW’s voices, showing that honoring the past can be just as progressive as predicting the future.
The show was a star-studded affair, with Brooks Nader, Mary Holland Nader, Grace Ann Nader, and Sarah Jane Nader among the guests in attendance. As the models closed the candlelit runway, it was clear that Mandell had not only staged one of the week’s most visually captivating presentations but had also set the tone for a conversation about fashion’s future.
Beyond Clothing
Mandell’s brand has become synonymous with celebrity dressing—her archive has been worn by the Kardashians, Rachel Zoe, Mindy Kaling, Alix Earle, and Lisa Rinna—but her mission remains personal and precise: to create an A-class luxury experience where clients dress like they own it.
As NYFW SS26 continues, Janet Mandell’s show stands out as a rare reminder: sometimes the most groundbreaking move is to look back, honor the greats, and reimagine how their legacy can evolve in today’s fashion landscape.
Photo Credits :The riviereagency