NYMD Celebrates 25 showcases with Emerging Designers
NYMD Celebrates 25 Showcases with Emerging Menswear Talent
In celebration of its 25th showcase, New York Men’s Day (NYMD) presented eight emerging designers on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan, located at 770 11th Avenue in New York City.
The milestone event unfolded across two presentation windows 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM welcoming editors, buyers, stylists, and industry insiders for a day dedicated to the evolution of menswear.
For 25 showcases, NYMD has remained a consistent launchpad for rising talent, providing a platform that bridges emerging designers with influential retail and media voices. This season carried a tone of reflection and forward momentum honoring the designers who have passed through its doors while spotlighting the next generation shaping men’s contemporary fashion.
Industry Support and Strategic Partnerships
NYMD welcomed back its returning presenting sponsor, PROJECT by Informa. Recognized as a destination for what’s new, now, and next in men’s contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories, PROJECT connects domestic and international buyers with higher-end and relevant mid-market brands. This season included sneak peeks of looks from brands set to showcase at the upcoming PROJECT wholesale event in Las Vegas later this February, offering attendees early insight into the commercial direction of the market.
Returning host and partner Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan once again provided a sleek, polished backdrop for the day’s presentations. Rooted in a legacy that began in 1888 — making Mercedes-Benz the longest-standing luxury car brand in the United States — the Manhattan dealership employs over 230 team members dedicated to craftsmanship and hospitality. The modern showroom setting complemented the clean tailoring and innovative silhouettes shown throughout the day.
New sponsor Vogel NYC, America’s oldest custom shoemaker, also made its NYMD debut this season. The 145-year-old heritage brand unveiled its ICONS Collection — a refined lineup of nine timeless silhouettes expressed through Work, Weekend, and Wonder styles. Designed and handcrafted in New York, the collection signaled a significant step forward as Vogel expands from bespoke shoemaking into a broader modern American luxury offering.
Returning sponsors included luxury hair care brand Oribe Hair Care, which provided hair teams and product support; Augment, which supplied makeup teams and products; and Grimoire, offering skincare services for both models and guests.
Morning Presentations (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
The morning designers included:
• Avon Anglers (menswear)
• A.Potts (genderless)
• Chelsea Grays (menswear)
• Peak Lapel (menswear)
• PROJECT by Informa Las Vegas Preview
The collections ranged from structured tailoring to fluid, gender-expansive silhouettes. A.Potts continued to challenge traditional fashion binaries with thoughtful, inclusive design, while Peak Lapel and Chelsea Grays leaned into elevated menswear staples with sharp construction and refined details.
Afternoon Presentations (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
The afternoon lineup featured:
• Christopher Lowman (menswear)
• Monday Blues, Studio (menswear)
• PROJECT by Informa Las Vegas Preview
• Science Project Company (menswear)
• Wangda (menswear)
Each designer brought a distinct perspective from bold pattern work to experimental layering reinforcing NYMD’s role as a space where creative risk and individuality are not only welcomed but expected.
A Milestone Moment
Reaching 25 showcases is more than a numerical milestone. It represents years of consistent advocacy for emerging designers in an industry that often prioritizes established names. NYMD has become a trusted gateway for talent — a place where designers can introduce their work to buyers, press, and tastemakers in a focused, supportive environment.
What also stood out this season was the sense of community in the room. Beyond the garments, NYMD continues to foster collaboration — designers connecting with buyers, creatives exchanging ideas, and industry leaders investing in new voices. In an era where fashion moves quickly and attention spans are short, NYMD offers something more enduring: space to be seen thoughtfully, and to build momentum with intention.
As menswear continues to expand beyond rigid definitions and into more fluid, expressive territory, platforms like NYMD remain essential. The event not only highlights aesthetic innovation but also fosters real industry connections that translate into growth.
Twenty-five showcases in, New York Men’s Day continues to prove that investing in emerging talent is not just admirable — it is necessary. And if this season is any indication, the future of menswear is not only evolving — it is confidently defining itself.
Photo Credits : Luke Sewell via Lucas and Genivia (Peak lapel)
Lyss Lester ( Wangda)
Agentry pr (A.Pott)
Luke Dickey (Avon Anglers)