NYMD CELEBRATES 25TH SHOWCASE WITH EIGHT EMERGING MENSWEAR DESIGNERS AT MERCEDES-BENZ OF MANHATTAN
In celebration of its 25th showcase, New York Mens Day (NYMD) presented eight emerging menswear designers on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. Held at the brand’s 770 11th Avenue flagship, the biannual platform once again positioned itself at the intersection of fashion, industry access, and New York’s evolving menswear narrative.
The presentations unfolded in two sessions—10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM ET—offering industry insiders a focused look at designers shaping what’s next in men’s fashion.
The morning lineup spotlighted both returning names and first-time participants.
Avon Anglers (menswear)*
A.Potts (genderless)
Chelsea Grays (menswear)
Peak Lapel (menswear)
PROJECT by Informa Las Vegas Preview (menswear)*
*Denotes first-time NYMD presenters.
From sharp tailoring to fluid, gender-expansive silhouettes, the morning session emphasized craftsmanship and individuality. A.Potts continued to blur traditional boundaries with its genderless approach, while first-time participant Avon Anglers brought a fresh perspective to contemporary menswear. PROJECT by Informa offered an early look at brands slated to show at its upcoming Las Vegas wholesale event later this month.
The afternoon session introduced additional emerging voices alongside preview presentations:
Christopher Lowman (menswear)*
Monday Blues, Studio (menswear)*
PROJECT by Informa Las Vegas Preview (menswear)*
Science Project Company (menswear)*
Wangda (menswear)*
This season marked a particularly strong showing of first-time participants, reinforcing NYMD’s role as a launchpad for designers entering the New York market. Labels such as Christopher Lowman and Science Project Company leaned into bold identity-driven aesthetics, while Wangda’s menswear explored cross-cultural references through structured silhouettes.
NYMD welcomed back its returning presenting sponsor, PROJECT by Informa. Representing what’s new, now, and next in men’s contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories, PROJECT connects domestic and international buyers with both higher-end brands and relevant mid-market labels. During NYMD, the platform presented sneak peeks from brands scheduled to showcase at its Las Vegas event this February.
Returning host and partner Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan provided the venue once again. Rooted in a legacy that began in 1888—making Mercedes-Benz the longest-standing luxury car brand in the United States—the dealership employs over 230 team members and continues to position itself as a cultural partner within New York’s fashion community.
New sponsor Vogel NYC, America’s oldest custom shoemaker, unveiled its ICONS Collection at NYMD. The considered lineup features nine timeless silhouettes, each interpreted in Work, Weekend, and Wonder styles. Designed and handcrafted in New York, the collection marks a significant expansion for the 145-year-old brand as it moves from bespoke heritage into a broader contemporary luxury offering.
Returning sponsors included luxury hair care brand Oribe Hair Care, providing backstage teams and products; Augment, supplying makeup teams; and Grimoire, offering skincare for both models and guests.
As NYMD marks its 25th showcase, the platform continues to carve out space for emerging designers navigating a competitive industry. In a fashion landscape increasingly shaped by wholesale markets, direct-to-consumer models, and global crossovers, NYMD’s format—intimate, industry-facing, and focused—remains a steady entry point for new talent defining the next chapter of American menswear.
