N4XT Experiences, which produced its first season of The Venue Collective as a partner in KFN last September, has a new name, NYFW Collections, and a slate of fully contracted venues across New York City.
In February, NYFW Collections will introduce a mix of designers to the platform. New additions include Area, and the returning participants are Kallmeyer, Sergio Hudson, Altuzarra, Fforme, Public School, Zankov, and Aknvas.
“NYFW Collections is the natural evolution of the work that began with our pilot season, focused on building infrastructure that supports designers beyond a single moment on the calendar,” said Imad Izemrane, cofounder and chief executive officer of N4XT Experiences. “The platform is designed to reduce barriers, provide consistent financial, operational and creative resources, and create continuity season after season. In doing so, it gives designers the space to grow their businesses and creative narratives, while positioning New York Fashion Week for long-term cultural relevance and structural sustainability.”
N4XT is doing one application season each May, and all participants then have option to participate for two seasons in September and February.
Building on their debut September 2025 season, N4XT will introduce a new slate of fully contracted venues across New York City, including the New York Public Library, as well as the new multidesigner venue at Storied (formerly Chelsea Factory), which expands capacity and technical capabilities for designers showing at that location.
The NYFW Collections will remain below 42nd Street, with a campus of activity between Hudson Yards and the Meatpacking District, creating a concentrated footprint in West Chelsea that is expected to improve access for editors, buyers and the general public during the citywide fashion week.
As reported, last May KFN outlined a strategic plan to reimagine New York Fashion Week that unfolds in multiple phases.
Along with a free/no-fee venue, KFN provides support that includes backstage technical floor plans for hair and makeup, dressing and model lineup, procurement of backstage rentals and equipment, first looks equipment, full backstage installation, street permitting (where required) and wireless show communications system. The end-to-end support is designed to allow designers to focus on creativity, rather than logistics or overhead expenses.
NYFW Collections will continue to offer multiple presentation formats, including runway, multidesigner venue, and showrooms, allowing each brand to showcase its collection in a way that aligns with its creative vision. This season, High Line Nine will continue to serve as the main showrooms activity hub with an expanded slate of programming and experiences, including by-appointment showroom presentations, retail pop-ups, and industry events.
“New York’s future as a global fashion powerhouse requires collective action that leverages all New
York’s unique assets, including its growing technology industry,” said Maria Gotsch, president & CEO of
the Partnership Fund for New York City. “N4XT Experiences’ goal to expand the reach and impact of New
York Fashion Week will help reinvigorate a defining cultural and economic contributor to New York City.”
A view of the NYFW Collections Showrooms.
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Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the Council of Fashion Designers, which is the official organizer of NYFW and owner of the Fashion Calendar, said, “As part of New York Fashion Week, N4XT’s second season shows how a more designer-first coordinated approach can make the week feel more connected when venues, scheduling and support all come together.”
“N4XT was a huge part of making last year’s show a success and bringing our vision to life,” said returning designer Sergio Hudson. “Their team was hands-on, thoughtful, and committed to our success. Going into our 10th anniversary this year, having that kind of support is invaluable and we’re excited to build on that momentum and create something special together this February.”
Beckett Fogg, founder of Area, said, “Area was built in conversation with New York – its contrasts, its confidence, its edge. Joining NYFW Collections give us the opportunity to show our work in a way that feels considered and true to how we want the brand to be experienced.”
N4XT Experiences will also introduce their master brand, .FW, with new logos and visuals that will be displayed across all venues and fashion programming.
The New York Fashion Week Collections logo.
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As reported, N4XT Experiences acquired LA Fashion Week in 2022, and specializes in creative direction, brand strategy and experiential programming at the intersection of fashion, beauty, gaming and culture.
This year, N4XT Experiences will also introduce two immersive fashion, music and art festivals, LAFWLive and NYFWLive, under the .FW master IP to celebrate American culture through the lens of fashion. LAFWLive expands upon LA Fashion Week, with its pilot season being July. The launch will be supported by NBA star Russell Westbrook, who serves as N4XT’s Inaugural Resident Curator, as reported. NYFWLive will be introduced in September, timed with NYFW, with additional details to be revealed.
