NYMD SS26: A New Era in Menswear
New York Men’s Day (NYMD) returned for ss26 on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Presented by PROJECT and COTERIE, the bi-annual menswear collective once again cemented its role as a launchpad for emerging talent while debuting an exciting new partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan.
A New Home in Hell’s Kitchen
This season marked a significant shift in location, as NYMD took over Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan’s newly renovated flagship dealership in Hell’s Kitchen. The state-of-the-art, 300,000-square-foot facility became the perfect canvas for designers to present their visions, while also inaugurating the dealership’s first bespoke Maybach and AMG Lounges in the United States.
“We look forward to kicking off New York Fashion Week with NYMD at our newly renovated Manhattan flagship,” said Manuel Terrones, CFO and Interim General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. “It’s a space designed to elevate experiences, and we are thrilled it can spotlight the artistry of this season’s designers.”
The Line-Up: Eight Designers, Two Sessions
As always, NYMD’s unique group format allowed editors, buyers, and industry insiders to move fluidly through the collections, spending time with designers in dedicated spaces that reflected each brand’s identity. The day was divided into two sessions, with four designers presenting in the morning and four in the late afternoon.
This season’s lineup blended returning talent with first-time participants:
• archie* (menswear)
• Bryan Jimenèz* (menswear)
• Clara Son (menswear)
• FIT MW25 Collective*
• Joseph McRae (genderless)
• Max Esmail (menswear)
• Oxblood Zebra* (menswear)
• Peak Lapel (unisex)
(*First-time showing at NYMD)
The mix of newcomers and established names reflected the event’s mission: to nurture fresh creativity while building continuity for brands finding their footing in the menswear and genderless space.
Industry Backing and Sponsorship
PROJECT and COTERIE returned as presenting sponsors, reinforcing their commitment to bridging menswear and womenswear markets while fostering discovery. “As the opening event for New York Fashion Week, PROJECT and COTERIE are committed to supporting NYMD and understand the importance of fostering emerging talent within the fashion community,” said Edwina Kulego, VP of Events for International, Menswear, and SOURCING at MAGIC.
Other sponsors added to the day’s experience: Oribe Hair Care provided styling products and teams, Grimoire offered grooming and skincare activations, and Augment supported designers with makeup artistry. Together, these partnerships highlighted NYMD’s collaborative ecosystem, ensuring designers had the resources to fully realize their visions.
A Platform for Discovery
Since its founding by Erin Hawker of Agentry PR in 2014, New York Men’s Day has become a cornerstone of the NYFW schedule, known for its accessibility and focus on new voices. “This September brings many firsts to New York Men’s Day,” Hawker shared. “We are thrilled to introduce four new and emerging brands — archie, Bryan Jimenèz, FIT MW25 Collective, and Oxblood Zebra — while welcoming back designers like Clara Son, Joseph McRae, Max Esmail, and Peak Lapel.”
Ushering in a New Era
From its new home in Hell’s Kitchen to its dynamic mix of talent, NYMD SS26 reaffirmed why the event remains vital to the menswear conversation. By creating space for designers to showcase bold ideas in an environment that celebrates both artistry and accessibility, NYMD continues to set the stage for the future of fashion — and this season, that future looks more exciting than ever.
photo credits : agentry PR