What New York Fashion Week Is Really Like, According to Our Favorite Insiders

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New York Fashion Week is in full effect. Over the next several days, many dozens of ridiculously talented designers will be showing their latest collections, be it Henry Zankov revealing his debut collection for Diane von Furstenberg, Sergio Hudson celebrating 10 years as a label, or Thom Browne closing out the week. There’s a lot to look forward to, and that includes watching it all unfold from the POV of our favorite industry insiders.

To the uninitiated, Fashion Week may seem like a fest of glamour for glamour’s sake, but each season in each city is an engine of culture and one of the economy’s largest industries. Yes, it’s fun to watch the hottest actors and musicians du jour sit front row, but seeing the days-long event through the eyes of industry insiders—including editors, buyers, stylists, writers, creators, and still more—is a whole other thing. 

Read on to hear directly from some of the underrated faces to follow during NYFW and see how they navigate one of the busiest times of the year. We spoke to those like nail artist Coca Michelle (who’s behind trendsetting manicures seen on runways like Off-White and Grace Ling), photographer Sophie Elgort, and more. Pro tip? Yes the runways are cool, but these fashion week vets emphasize the importance of getting inspired by showgoers all the same.

Coca Michelle, Los Angeles-based Celebrity and Runway Nail Artist

TQE: Describe what NYFW usually looks like for you. 

CM: NYFW looks different every time. In my earlier years and now, I’d travel to do clients' nails for shows they attend. I’ve led manicure direction for a few shows in the past, which probably were my most chaotic seasons. 

TQE: Where do you like to hang out during NYFW?

CM: My friend Angela put me on to Las’ Lap. It’s a nice chill moody vibe. Partying isn’t really my thing nowadays, but who knows. I might pop out this week. For me, a good time is who I’m with. We could be outside a venue, just vibing, and I’ll have a good time 

TQE: What are some of your proudest nail designs made for a NYFW runway?

CM: One of my favorite shows was Kim Shui Fall/Winter 2025. To be able to have a team of talented manicurists be so dedicated to the artistry and seeing out my vision and then [seeing] some of the designs trend from those grueling hours of work is always a special feeling.

TQE: What do you like to wear or keep with you to stay grounded?

CM: An oversized hoodie, even when it’s stupid hot outside, and earphones.

Rajni Jacques, Creative Fashion Director

TQE: Describe what NYFW usually looks like for you. 

RJ: Every season is very different, which I like. Sometimes I’m into what is about to happen, and sometimes I’m very specific on what I want to see or be a part of. I’m always excited to check out new designers. I love seeing how my faves are interpreting clothing and accessories for the new season. I also love running into people I have a relationship with, but barely see. I like a good dinner with friends or by myself, and a good, quick hang with a tasty drink when needed. I’m very in and out and keep things simple. Simple is my love language. 

TQE: Where are your favorite places to go during NYFW to catch your breath and escape the chaos?

RJ: Café Chelsea, the Corner Bar at 9 Orchard, and any coffee shop that’s quiet…. and no one you know is there. 

TQE: What's the most underrated thing to pay attention to during NYFW, whether it's a component of runway shows, street style, or something else?

RJ: I like looking at everyone from people’s reactions (people on the street not attending shows) to the writers, editors, and creators who are attending the show. As they walk into the venue, sometimes their eyes are wide, and their face has excitement, or it’s pure confusion. It’s fun to just be a witness… even if you are walking into it yourself. 

Sophie Elgort, NYC-based Photographer and Television Host 

TQE: Describe what NYFW usually looks like for you. 

SE: NYFW is always a juggling act between shoots, shows, events, and family life. This year, it quite literally starts with my kids’ first day of school: 8:15 a.m. drop-off on the 10th, followed by the Diane Von Furstenberg show (the first in 10 years and the first from Henry Zankov) at 9:30 a.m. I’m also promoting Season 2 of my PBS series, Portrait Mode with Sophie Elgort, so I have press for the show happening at the same time. 

One of my favorite parts of NYFW is that so many people I’ve worked with over the years are all in New York in the same rooms at once, so there are constant run-ins with friends and collaborators. I love the energy. Over the weekend, we’re getting out of town with the kids to take advantage of one of those last weekends that still feels like summer.

TQE: What do you like to wear or keep with you to stay grounded? What’s your philosophy around getting dressed during a packed NYFW day? 

SE: I’m usually all over the city during Fashion Week. I love platforms because I like the height, and I can still run around in them all day. My general philosophy is that whatever I’m wearing has to feel like me and has to be able to work for many different things [because] I’m often going from a shoot to a show to an event, often without time to change in between. 

My philosophy on documenting is that it’s not about what you use, it’s about what and when you choose to take the shot. I always have my phone with me for the spontaneous moments and, depending on the day, a little film camera, too. 

Ari Chambers, Women’s Sports Commentator, Analyst, and “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports Pod” Host

TQE: Describe what NYFW usually looks like for you. 

AC: New York Fashion Week has looked so different for me for the past decade. Some seasons, I'm a direct booking (like when I walked for Jovani). Some seasons, I'm attending and interviewing designers (like Veejay Floresca last season, who won Project Runway and did a custom outfit for me in five hours from sketch to execution). I love seeing street style. That's my favorite part: seeing how people show up to shows, whether it’s manic or chill. I also love a designer after party, but I'm an in-and-out kind of girl.

TQE: What’s your philosophy around getting dressed during a packed NYFW day?

AC: Comfort is my number one. I love having a bag that can hold all my trinkets, so an oversized bag is really good for me. When it’s February, obviously layer, layer, layer, layer, layer. One time when walking to a show in Chelsea when my chest literally froze, and I was trying to cry… but the tears froze my face, too. Even in September, I layer. It helps you kind of switch or alter your fits per show if that's your style. 

The real trick is getting a meet-up spot or a hotel or even a gym to keep your stuff, so you can easily go change and be fresh for each show. Each one is not only to see the designer line, but it's also a place for you to create and capture memories.

TQE: What do you have an eye out for re: women’s sports and any crossover moments you want more people talking about?

AC: Women’s sports have made tunnel fits their runway, and Coach is a big sponsor for the WNBA. They just had a show. They dressed me for the orange carpet at the WNBA draft as well as some of the draftees, who actually got to attend the show, so it’s always really fun to see the innovation and growth of Coach. I went to the Nike show [Wednesday] night and seeing how they incorporate street style in game day fits into game day fits for fans into the collection was interesting. I love that designers are seeing the value in sports fandom as well as athlete fashion when it comes to the fashion space

Some interview answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.