Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a partnership with “New York Fashion Week: The Shows” to encourage growth in the creative industry sector of New York. The State is partnering with IMG – the producer of New York Fashion Week’s central event, “NYFW: The Shows” – to provide complementary access to iconic show venues for New York Fashion Week this September season, including Moynihan Train Hall and Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park in Battery Park City.
“New York is the fashion capital of America, and this year’s New York Fashion Week sends a strong message that New York City is back,” Governor Hochul said. “The fashion and creative industries in New York are critical drivers of economic growth and tourism and they have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. We are proud to partner with the fashion industry to support the comeback of our small businesses and boost New York’s economy.”
Leslie Russo, President of IMG Fashion Events and Properties, said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for their continued partnership. Our state exemplifies leadership in the global recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is because of their guidance that we have been able to have a safe and successful return to work for the fashion industry. Through this unique partnership, we are proud to showcase iconic New York City locations as the backdrop to this season’s collections.”
Three New York-based fashion designers will host their shows at the historical State venues, honoring and celebrating New York’s recovery.
Today, Prabal Gurung hosted his collection debut at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park at 9 P.M. with Governor Kathy Hochul in attendance. Cynthia Rowley will host her upcoming collection debut at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park at 4 P.M. on Friday, September 10. Lastly, Victor Glemaud will host his collection debut at Moynihan Train Hall at 12 P.M. on Sunday, September 12.
New York Fashion Week celebrates New York and its surrounding creative industries as the capital of fashion, both on a domestic and global stage. The opportunity to debut new collections to buyer, media, industry and consumer audiences powers the continued success of fashion designers’ businesses in America’s fashion capital.
The fashion, retail and creative industries together represent a key economic engine for New York State that has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In New York City alone, before the pandemic the fashion industry employed 4.6 percent of the city’s workforce, generating approximately $11 billion in total wages.
The public and private sectors are working together to support small businesses impacted while restoring and creating new jobs for New Yorkers. New York small businesses that experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can still apply for funding through the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program.
In May 2021, IMG formed the IMG Fashion Alliance to create a cornerstone for NYFW’s revitalization and aid in the recovery of New York’s fashion and retail industries following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, IMG has provided support, funding, and resources for 11 of NYFW’s independent designers, including Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, Jason Wu, LaQuan Smith, Markarian, Monse, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Sergio Hudson and Telfar.
Proof of full-course COVID-19 vaccination, including via Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus or alternate verification methods, is required at all “NYFW: The Shows events.”