Emerging designers don’t generally get a lot of facetime during high-profile fashion events such as New York Fashion Week — especially those who focus primarily on menswear. That’s why Agentry PR created New York Men’s Day more than a decade ago, to shine a light on brands that might overwise be overlooked.
The 26th edition of New York Men’s Day presented by Project and Coterie by Informa brought eight designers to a newly renovated Mercedes Benz of Manhattan showroom in Hell’s Kitchen.
The brands offered a range of looks, some commercial, some not-so-much. Here, a quick overview of some of those who participated.
Avon Anglers
Designer Patrik Rzepski offered his take on iconic menswear pieces such as chinos, jeans, a hoodie in a Japanese rainwear fabric and lightweight merino sweaters in a wearable collection of New York-made menswear produced in small batches. Rzepski, who had his own women’s brand for eight years and also consulted with LVMH, emphasizes special materials and processes to distinguish his designs from the pack.
Ouila spring 2027
Humberto Cantu
Ouila
Thomas Alderink is searching for a life of leisure, and it showed in his debut collection, called “A Life Unhurried.” He envisioned four-hour lunches on the Amalfi coast while designing the line of shorts and pants with tie waists, swimwear, lightweight sweaters, button-down shirts, turtleneck sweaters, cropped jackets and flowy pants and tops. He even created a travel bag inspired by a vintage bowling ball bag, all of which combined to create a peaceful, easy feeling.
A look from Ethan Lewy.
Courtesy
Ethan Lewy
The New York-based Ethan Horing, who designs under the name Ethan Lewy, brought a fresh perspective to some of menswear’s traditional styles and fabrics. Titled “The Flying Point,” the spring collection began with seersucker, the quintessential preppy fabric, but was reimagined through new colors, proportions and details. Houndstooth, another men’s staple, got an update with squiggly embroidery, while tailored clothing was elevated with jewel-like buttons. “I’m into celebrating traditional motifs and bringing new life back to things we’re used to seeing,” he said.
A look from Science Project Company.
Courtesy
Science Project Company
Designer Heginz Janvier, born to Haitian immigrant parents raised in Elizabeth, N.J., created a collection he called “Reading the Room,” where he dressed models in pieces from his line that reflected their personalities. Among them were a printed nylon flannel plaid shirt, reinterpreted cargo pants and a tech suit with utility pockets on the bottom of the just-below-the-knee pants.
A piece from the Big Ocean x Andy Yu capsule.
Chia-Ta Tsai
Big Ocean x Andy Yu
Big Ocean is South Korea’s first deaf K-pop group and fashion artist Andy Yu created a capsule for the band designed to explore the intersection of fashion and music. Patchwork denim jackets, reimagined waistcoats, double-breasted overcoats and oversize trousers, many embellished with broken pieces of jewelry that Yu repurposed into design details, provided some glam that would undoubtedly pop on stage.
A look from Christopher Lowman’s spring collection.
Geremy Dubensky
Christopher Lowman
The designer channeled his love of motor sports into his spring collection, titled “Circuit de la Claw.” Racing uniforms, automotive graphics such as race numbers, patches and stripes were embellished on high-end racing suits, leather jackets, technical outerwear, shirts, oversize shorts and tailored jackets. The designer’s signature bird graphic also found its way into the line, decorating jeans and other pieces.
