Venue Check: The Space That Defines Style

When it comes to selecting runway venues, this year’s NYFW brands brought fashion to the best locations. While the focus of NYFW will always be on designs, garments, and collections, venue selection also plays an important role in communicating a brand’s aesthetic and style. Beyond just the designs that are presented, the location, lighting, accessibility, and narrative aspects contribute to the success of a brand during these intense weeks.

So what exactly makes a venue stand out?

Take Ralph Lauren, for example—this timeless brand hosted their NYFW at the Clock Tower Building located in Tribeca—a historical building that was once home to the New York Insurance Company. The high ceilings, second-floor loft, and dramatic staircase enabled the models to work three-dimensionally, dramatically descending from the second floor of the building. The vintage furnishings at this venue elevated the collection as well, which added to the masculine silhouettes, lush fabrics, and sharp tailoring of Ralph Lauren’s new collection.

Similarly, the brand Cult Gaia chose to host their show at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn. This venue, like the Clock Tower, is a historic building that emulates the architecture of a church with high ceilings, big windows. Marble floors that mimic a mosaic from the Byzantine Era. The venue itself added yet another layer of drama, with hanging chandeliers and low lighting. Along with the dramatic and flowy clothing that Cult Gaia paraded, the iconic venue took fashion production to the next level.

Lastly, Khaite hosted their NYFW show at the Park Avenue Armory, which was a historic weapon stash for the U.S. Army National Guard. This venue was already transformed into an event space for theatre and performance, which gave Khaite the ability to incorporate LED lighting and projections behind the models. By enhancing the movement of the show, the venue gave the collection a cinematic feel by illuminating the backdrop with letters and shapes, adding dimension and rhythm.

Overall, venue selection impacts the way that fashion collections are portrayed by strategically enhancing a visual narrative, influencing photography, videography, and overall documentation as well. When brands are conceptualizing collections, they want to stay consistent with the concept, and stay true to the designer's vision. Ralph Lauren’s choice to show at a historical venue emulated the brand’s tradition and luxury, while Khaite’s choice to host at the Armory suggested edge and rebellion, reinforcing their aesthetics and design intent. Venue selection for NYFW can not be overlooked—the city’s cultural and local identity echoes its rich surroundings and advancements in technology, art, history, and fashion.

Did you wat h any of the shows of NYFW? If so, which one was your favorite? Leave a comment down below!